Can you eat unlimited vegetables on Nutrisystem? The Guide to Non-Starchy Veggies

November 4, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Nutrisystem, non-starchy vegetables are unlimited on their weight-loss plans, providing a low-calorie, high-fiber way to curb hunger. This allowance is a key part of the diet, which addresses one of the most common questions people have when starting the program: can you eat unlimited vegetables on Nutrisystem?

Quick Summary

On the Nutrisystem program, non-starchy vegetables are unlimited and highly encouraged to increase satiety without adding excessive calories. However, starchy vegetables are limited and counted as SmartCarbs, which are portion-controlled. Understanding this key distinction is essential for successfully following the plan.

Key Points

Not All Veggies Are Unlimited: Only non-starchy vegetables are unlimited on the Nutrisystem plan; starchy vegetables are counted as SmartCarbs and must be portion-controlled.
Fill Up on Fiber: Non-starchy vegetables are low in calories and high in fiber, making them an excellent tool for controlling hunger and feeling full throughout the day.
Meet Your Minimum: Nutrisystem recommends consuming at least four servings of non-starchy vegetables daily to ensure you get essential nutrients.
Boost Your Meals and Snacks: Unlimited veggies can be added to Nutrisystem entrees, incorporated into Flex meals, or enjoyed as healthy, satisfying snacks.
Flavor Creatively: Use unlimited 'Free Foods' like spices, herbs, and low-sodium broth to add flavor to your vegetables without adding extra calories.

The Green Light on Non-Starchy Vegetables

The Nutrisystem program is designed around a simple yet effective principle: balancing portion-controlled, pre-packaged meals with fresh, healthy grocery additions. A cornerstone of this strategy is the unlimited consumption of non-starchy vegetables. These nutrient-dense, low-calorie powerhouses are meant to fill you up, fight cravings, and provide essential vitamins and minerals without derailing your weight loss progress. Nutrisystem encourages participants to eat at least four servings of these vegetables daily but allows for as many as you like whenever hunger strikes.

Examples of Unlimited Non-Starchy Vegetables:

Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, lettuce, romaine, cabbage
Cruciferous: Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts
Vines & Seeds: Cucumbers, bell peppers, tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant
Roots: Beets, carrots, turnips
Other: Asparagus, onions, mushrooms, celery, green beans

The Starchy vs. Non-Starchy Distinction

Not all vegetables are created equal in the eyes of the Nutrisystem plan. The distinction between starchy and non-starchy varieties is critical. Starchy vegetables are higher in carbohydrates and calories, which is why Nutrisystem classifies them as 'SmartCarbs'. Unlike their unlimited non-starchy counterparts, SmartCarbs must be consumed in specific, portion-controlled amounts.

This system ensures that your intake of carbohydrates remains within the recommended range for weight loss, preventing blood sugar spikes and encouraging a feeling of fullness for longer.

Starchy vs. Non-Starchy Vegetables Comparison


Feature	Non-Starchy Vegetables	Starchy Vegetables (SmartCarbs)
Unlimited?	Yes, you can eat as much as you like.	No, they are portion-controlled.
Classification	Classified under the 'Vegetables' category.	Classified under the 'SmartCarbs' category.
Calorie Density	Low in calories.	Higher in calories and carbohydrates.
Fiber Content	High in fiber, promotes satiety.	Good source of fiber, but must be moderated.
Examples	Broccoli, spinach, cucumbers, bell peppers, tomatoes.	Potatoes, corn, peas, yams, winter squash.
Preparation	Can be eaten raw, cooked without added fat, or as low-sodium juice.	Best prepared simply to control calories and fat.

How to Incorporate Unlimited Veggies into Your Plan

Maximizing your vegetable intake is a key strategy for success on Nutrisystem. Here are some practical tips:

Boost Your Meals: Add a side salad or steamed vegetables to your Nutrisystem entrees to increase volume and satisfaction without extra calories.
Utilize Flex Meals: When preparing your Flex meals, which are non-Nutrisystem meals you create, build them around a generous portion of non-starchy veggies. For example, a Flex dinner might be grilled chicken breast (PowerFuel) with a large serving of roasted broccoli and bell peppers.
Snack Smart: Instead of reaching for a high-calorie snack, grab a handful of baby carrots, cucumber slices, or celery sticks. These crunchy, satisfying options are unlimited.
Cook Creative Soups: Make large batches of veggie-loaded soups or stews using low-sodium broth and unlimited non-starchy vegetables. This is a great way to have a filling, compliant meal ready to go.
Use Free Foods: Flavor your unlimited veggies with unlimited 'Free Foods' like herbs, spices, garlic, onion powder, and hot sauce. Just be mindful of high-sodium options and avoid caloric additions.

Beyond the Plate: The Benefits of a High-Fiber Diet

Integrating a high volume of fiber-rich, non-starchy vegetables into your diet offers benefits that extend beyond simply feeling full. Fiber plays a crucial role in digestive health, helping to regulate bowel movements and support a healthy gut microbiome. Furthermore, studies have shown that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can improve skin complexion, leading to a healthier and more attractive appearance. The abundance of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in these veggies also supports overall health and well-being during your weight loss journey.

Conclusion

So, can you eat unlimited vegetables on Nutrisystem? The answer is yes, but only the non-starchy varieties. By understanding the distinction between non-starchy and starchy vegetables (SmartCarbs) and utilizing the former to your advantage, you can effectively manage hunger, boost your nutrient intake, and stay on track with your weight loss goals. The program's design leverages the satiating power of low-calorie, high-fiber produce, giving you a powerful tool to fill your plate and feel satisfied. For more guidance and delicious recipes, be sure to use the official Nutrisystem resources found on The Leaf Nutrisystem blog.

Frequently Asked Questions

On Nutrisystem, all non-starchy vegetables are unlimited. Examples include leafy greens (spinach, kale), broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, bell peppers, cucumbers, and tomatoes.

Non-starchy vegetables are low in calories and carbohydrates, while starchy vegetables, like potatoes, corn, and peas, are higher in carbs and calories. On Nutrisystem, starchy vegetables are categorized as portion-controlled 'SmartCarbs'.

Nutrisystem recommends eating at least four servings of non-starchy vegetables per day. However, since they are unlimited, you can enjoy more if you are still hungry.

Yes, you can have canned or frozen non-starchy vegetables. For canned options, choose low-sodium versions. For frozen, make sure they are not packaged with rich, fatty sauces that would change their calorie count.

It is best to use unlimited 'Free Foods' to flavor your vegetables, such as herbs, spices, or hot sauce, to avoid adding calories. Calorie-dense dressings are not unlimited and should be used sparingly or avoided.

Some low-sodium vegetable juices can count as a vegetable serving. However, vegetable juices mixed with fruit do not count. Check the Nutrisystem Grocery Guide for specific brands and serving sizes.

Unlimited non-starchy vegetables are high in fiber and low in calories, which helps promote satiety and prevents you from overeating. This strategy allows you to feel full and satisfied while consuming fewer calories overall.