A common problem with those trying to lose weight is keeping it off. As an active child who played softball, Vanessa Washington never had a problem with her weight until she turned 16. That's when she became less active, started traveling weekly for work and injured her knee. This began her seemingly endless "battle of the bulge." After trying many different ways to lose weight, she found Nutrisystem to be the best way to help her win her weight loss battle.

"The weight gain was so bad that I would run out of breath just drying off after a shower, not to mention climbing a flight of stairs. I was absolutely miserable. Sadly, I used my knee injury as the excuse for why I couldn't work out. I also used the excuse that I am constantly on the road, traveling to a different city each week for work and that made it doubly hard to make good choices. By 2011, I had packed on the weight and was at my heaviest recorded weight, 224 pounds and in a size 22 pushing my way to a 24."

Nutrisystem is a different kind of solution for those looking to lose weight and learn how to keep it off. With the benefits of one flex lunch and one flex dinner per week, delicious comfort foods, breakfast items, and even desserts, Nutrisystem provides customers with a plan that's easy to stick to, and has over 150 different meal options. Customers can even access Nutrisystem's network of inspiring counselors, dietitians and nutritionists for extra help to stay on track. It's a holistic health plan that is designed to help change your eating habits for the better.

After multiple other weight loss disappointments, Vanessa received a coupon in the mail for $5 off a 5-day box of Nutrisystem food at Wal-Mart. She ordered the box and started working with Nutrisystem counselors on November 1, 2013, when she was 196 pounds. Pleasantly surprised by the delicious food, Vanessa ordered more boxes. Within 6 months of using Nutrisystem, she not only started losing weight, but her cholesterol dropped by 40 points. It totally changed her mindset.

"Thanks to Nutrisystem, I have truly had a mindset makeover and view food differently than I ever have. I have realized that no junk food tastes as good as healthy feels. I don't use food as a way to deal with the everyday trials of life. I don't use food as a reward, either. Now when I reward myself, I choose an activity, or buy a new outfit. I used to dream of 'cheat days' and what I would indulge in. Nutrisystem satisfies all my cravings. I love Italian food and now I can have it whenever I want. I love sweets and I get dessert every night! I have learned you can eat what you want as long as [you] make healthy choices and eat in moderation. Even after a year, this program still fits in with my busy life. I'm still traveling for work and some weeks I'm gone 4-5 days. I travel by car, train and plane. I just pack my Nutrisystem ready to go meals, pick up a salad, or other veggies and fruit and I'm able to stick to the program with no problem."

Nutrisystem even inspired Vanessa to start running, and last summer, she completed her first 5K and 8K races. This summer, she's planning a cruise to Greece to celebrate her achievements. Nutrisystem is not just another quick fix for weight loss. Customers will lose 5 pounds in their first week, guaranteed, or their money back. After that, the possibilities are endless. Nutrisystem is about so much more than losing weight; it's about being confident, feeling good, and living a healthy lifestyle.

UPDATE: The awesome folks at Nutrisystem are extending a special offer to our readers. Follow this link to receive 40% off the one-time rate with new 4 week auto-delivery order!

*Real Success Story. Expect to lose 5 pounds your first week, for an average 1-2 pounds per week. Results vary based on starting weight and program adherence.

This content is sponsored by Nutrisystem.