How Does the Jenny Craig Diet Work

How Does the Jenny Craig Diet Work: the Basics

At its core, Jenny Craig is a reduced calorie, lowfat weight loss program , but it's actually more than that. In addition to dropping pounds, the program also strives to teach dieters to have a healthier relationship with food and exercise. Balance, portion control, and moderation are key components. According to the website, Jenny Craig uses a multi-faceted approach that addresses:

• Food
• Body
• Mind

Food

Jenny Craig focuses on a balanced approach to eating and does not eliminate any food group. Dieters on the plan eat lean protein, vegetables, whole grains, pasta, fruits, and even desserts. Plan members eat a combination of their own grocery food and the prepackaged Jenny Craig food, called Jenny's Cuisine. Jenny's Cuisine options include:

• Breakfast burrito
• Pancakes and sausage
• Muffins
• Hot cereal
• French toast
• Soup
• Stuffed baked potatoes
• Tortellini
• Turkey sandwich
• Pizza
• Enchiladas
• Tuna salad
• Chicken carbonara
• Chicken and beans
• Beef stroganoff
• Meat loaf
• Ravioli
• Lasagna
• Macaroni and cheese
• Chicken fajitas
• Fish and chips
• Triple chocolate cheesecake
• Chocolate mint bar
• Chocolate chip bites
• Cookies and cream cheesecake
• Cheese curls

In the beginning, dieters eat three Jenny's Cuisine meals and one Jenny's Cuisine snack each day, in addition to fresh fruit, vegetables, low fat dairy, and healthy fats from their own grocery store. As they progress through the program, they gradually increase the amount of their own food and decrease their reliance on Jenny's Cuisine.

Body

As everyone knows, dieting is only part of the weight loss equation. To effectively lose weight and, more importantly, keep it off, you have to get moving. “Get moving” doesn’t necessarily mean organized exercise, though. Every time you put your body in motion, you burn calories, and Jenny Craig realizes this. Working with the Cooper Institute, Jenny Craig worked out a fitness work that combines walking, strength training, and everyday “natural” movement. Examples of exercises encouraged on the Jenny Craig program include:

• Walking
• Shopping
• Vacuuming
• Yoga
• Washing dishes
• Aerobics
• Bicycling
• Dancing

Don’t worry, the program doesn’t expect you to be in top physical shape right off the bat and you won’t be asked to run marathons. Putting the theory of moderation into play again, the program teaches you to gradually increase your fitness level in the healthiest way possible.

Mind

If weight loss was all about controlling hunger, it would be easy. Unfortunately, other things come into play. For example, many people suffer from stress or emotional eating. Others eat out of boredom. Still others have trouble staying motivated over the long haul. Jenny Craig consultants meet with dieters each week, either in person or on the phone, and help them to overcome these obstacles. Consultants also help dieters set reasonable goals, a pivotal part of a weight loss program, and work towards those goals. In addition, consultants work with plan members to identify possible obstacles and find a workable plan for dealing with them. Other responsibilities of the consultants include:

• help dieters create a weekly menu
• offer tips for exercise and leading an active life
• offer suggestions for unexpected circumstances, such as eating out
• offer support and encouragement
• cheer you on as you celebrate success

Available Programs

Jenny Craig is a flexible program and offers several options. Dieters are free to use the traditional plan, which includes weekly weigh-ins and consultations in a Jenny Craig center. Those who do not live near a center or who simply prefer the privacy of dieting at home may use Jenny Direct. With Jenny Direct, food is ordered online and consultations are by phone. Specialized plans are available for men, seniors, teens, and spouses.

You no longer have to ask yourself, "How does the Jenny Craig Diet work?" Now you know exactly what it involves. If you decide the plan is right for you, visit the website for coupons and promotions.