I recently heard from someone who was very interested in the Nutrisystem diet, but was concerned that they would not be able to prepare many of the foods because they did not have a microwave. In the following article, I’ll take a look at some of the preparation methods for some of the most popular breakfasts, lunches, and dinners on Nutrisystem to see if a microwave is really needed.

Breakfast and snacks: Of all the food options, breakfast and snacks are the least likely to need preparation. Cereals only require the addition of milk or fruit. The muffins, buns and bars are ready to eat. You can also eat the cinnamon roll fresh out of the box, although it is very good when it is hot. Pancakes require a bit of prep, but can be made with a skillet on the stove. Even the egg frittata is made by adding hot water.

Nutrisystem Lunch Preparation: Unlike breakfasts, many of these meals must be prepared and heated. Although there are some ready-to-eat bars, most items, such as soups, stir-fries, hot dogs, and pasta, will need to be heated. And while a microwave would make the job easier, you can also do it with hot water. This is probably easier to accomplish with a stovetop, but in a pinch, a hot plate would work.

For example, dishes like sausage and rice and cheese tortellini can be prepared by adding boiling water to the product, stirring, and simmering. The hot dog is quick and easy to heat up in the microwave, but you can also prepare it as your mother probably used to do, by cooking it in boiling water. And you can prepare soups and other foods for lunch in the same way. Yes, it will take a little longer, but it sure can be done and many people prepare it this way.

Dinner preparation: Some of the most popular dinner dishes can be prepared in a regular oven or toaster (such as pizza). Many pasta-type foods (such as lasagna, chicken and meatballs, and macaroni and cheese) can also be made with boiling water. You can even use this method with newer wraps like bar-b-que pork and buffalo chicken.

The bottom line here is that a microwave can make Nutrisystem preparation easier and faster, but it is not necessary. Most of the time, you can use the boiling water method that is achieved with a stove or hot plate. (I’ve even heard of people using water from a coffee maker or the hot setting of a water cooler.) Also, some of the food can be reheated in a toaster or toaster.