Our reviewers evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.

Nutrisystem vs Home Chef

Saturday, March 25th

2023 Diabetes Diet Reviews

Nutrisystem Review 4.5 Star Rating

Nutrisystem

4.5 Star Rating
  • Starting costs range from $9.99 to $14.46 per day
  • Ready-made meals for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks
  • Easiest way to get a diabetes-friendly diet right away
  • No tracking required
  • 3 diabetes-focused plans to choose from
  • Plans come in 4-week increments
  • All plans include 7-days-a-week support and counseling from trained weight loss coaches, registered dietitians, and certified diabetes educators
  • Free NuMi app with fun challenges, prizes, and interactive community groups
  • Free shipping
  • Money-back guarantee on new 4-week plans

Nutrisystem is a meal delivery service that provides pre-packaged, portion-controlled meals for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks with a balanced mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Nutrisystem D is a convenient diabetes diet for those who have difficulty cooking or don't have time for meal preparation. Nutrisystem earns our highest rating for being the easiest diabetes diet to implement right away, so choose this service if you'd rather not think about what's for dinner (or breakfast, lunch, and snacks).

Home Chef Review 3.5 Star Rating

Home Chef

3.5 Star Rating
  • Meals start at $7.99/serving
  • $9.99 shipping fee per delivery
  • Convenient meal kits with step-by-step prep instructions
  • Can choose meals with 2, 4, or 6 servings
  • Can order anywhere from 2-6 meals per week
  • Affordable per-serving pricing
  • Good for portion control
  • Won't cover all of your daily meals
  • Isn't specifically a diabetes diet, just includes "carb-conscious" options

Home Chef is a great meal kit service, offering up to six servings per meal and easy step-by-step preparation instructions. You can preview all of the weekly recipes for up to a month in advance - no sign-up required - and many come with easy substitution options if desired. But, there's nothing here that is specifically diabetes diet-oriented: you can choose "carb-conscious" recipes, but it's up to you to do the homework and see if the macros fit the approach you're trying to take. And, it's still on you to figure out what you're eating for the other two meals of the day.

Which Diabetes Diet is the Best?

Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. Monitoring and balancing blood sugar levels is crucial for diabetes management and can be achieved through a combination of lifestyle changes, including diet.

Diabetes diets are diets that are designed to help manage blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. There are different types of diabetes, including Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes, and the specific dietary recommendations may vary depending on the type of diabetes and individual needs.

The Best Diabetes Diets Compare Diabetes Diets Compare Diabetes Diet Reviews What are the best Diabetes Diets Best Diabetes Diet Reviews

Diabetes Diet FAQ

A diabetes-friendly diet is one that helps to manage blood sugar levels, while also providing essential nutrients and energy. This typically involves eating a balanced diet of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. There are services that provide ready-made meals suitable for diabetics, while others focus on giving you the tools (like recipes and trackers) to help you cook appropriate meals for yourself.
The recommended food groups for people with diabetes include: vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. A diet high in fiber and low in added sugars is also recommended.
The glycemic index is a measure of how quickly the carbohydrates in a food raise blood sugar levels. Foods with a high glycemic index can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar, while foods with a low glycemic index are absorbed more slowly and provide a slower, more sustained release of energy.
Ideal portion size for people with diabetes will depend on many factors, including age, weight, and physical activity levels. A registered dietitian can help determine the best portion sizes for an individual's needs.
People with diabetes can still consume sugar and sweets, but it is important to do so in moderation. It is also recommended to choose healthier sweets options, such as fresh fruit, to reduce added sugars in the diet.
Carbohydrates are an important source of energy, but people with diabetes need to be mindful of the types and amounts of carbohydrates they consume. High-fiber, whole-grain carbohydrates are recommended over refined or processed carbohydrates.
A low-carb diet can help manage diabetes by reducing the amount of carbohydrates in the diet, which can help control blood sugar levels. However, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian before making any drastic changes to the diet. Low-carb can often mean high-fat, and that's not ideal if you also have high cholesterol or are at risk for heart disease.
It is not necessary to avoid all fat in a diabetes diet. Healthy fats, such as those found in nuts, seeds, avocado, and olive oil, can help provide energy and promote heart health. However, it is important to limit unhealthy fats, such as those found in fried foods and processed snacks.
Compare the Best Reviews

Continued from above...

Overall, a diabetes diet focuses on controlling carbohydrates, which are the main nutrient that affects blood sugar levels. Carbohydrates are found in foods like bread, pasta, rice, fruits, and starchy vegetables. By controlling the amount and type of carbohydrates consumed, people with diabetes can help regulate their blood sugar levels.

There are several popular diets that can be effective for managing blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Some give you a plan to follow, with recipes and shopping lists, and you do all of the work yourself. Others give you ready-made meal kits with diabetes-friendly macros, and your only job is to cook, eat, and enjoy. The key to success is finding a diet that works for you and that you can stick to over time.

It's important to note that while many different diets may be effective for managing blood sugar levels, you should work with a healthcare professional to make sure any diabetes diet you choose will address your specific needs. Whichever one you choose, it should help you maintain a balanced and varied diet to ensure that you're getting all the nutrients your body requires.

When you start looking at your options for a diabetes-friendly diet or meal plan, it gets overwhelming pretty fast. Take a deep breath, and keep these factors in mind to help you sort through all of the possibilities:

  • Health status. If you have any underlying health conditions, such as high blood pressure or heart disease, it's important to work with your healthcare provider to determine what type of diet is best for you. He or she may have a particular recommendation - or even one to avoid.
  • Food preferences. Consider your personal food preferences and choose a diet that incorporates foods you enjoy and can stick to in the long-term.
  • Lifestyle. Your lifestyle and schedule will play a role in determining the best diabetes diet for you. If you lead a busy life and don't have much time for meal preparation, a diet that emphasizes convenience may be more suitable for you.
  • Support system. Consider if you will have support in your efforts to stick to your chosen diet. Having friends or family members who are also trying to manage their diabetes can provide a valuable support system. If you don't have that kind of support network in your day-to-day life, a diabetes diet that comes with an online community could be the right path to take.
  • Budget. If you choose a diabetes diet with already-made meals, you'll likely spend more than if you shopped for the ingredients and prepared the food yourself. Your ideal diet will be one that fits every aspect of your lifestyle, and your budget is one area to keep in mind.

Managing diabetes can feel daunting, but finding the right approach can make it easier. To help you choose one that will work for you, Top Consumer Reviews has evaluated and ranked some of today's most popular diabetes diets. You've got this!

The Best Reviews of Diabetes Diets