Jenny Craig

Since its debut on the diet scene over 20 years ago, Jenny Craig has become a household diet name. Does it work? Is it right for you?

What is the Jenny Craig Diet?

This diet plan is a low calorie program. While the calorie allotment for each individual differs, daily intake ranges between 1,200 and 2,300 calories. The Jenny Craig plan does not eliminate food groups, such as the low-carbohydrate meals seen with the Atkins plan. In fact, balanced meals with proper proportions of lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, and unsaturated fats are strongly encouraged.

The Meals

A major component of this particular weight loss plan is the prepackaged foods. With selections for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks, the diet can work nearly effortlessly into a person’s life, with a few key factors to keep in mind. If you are shopping, cooking, and eating with others, such as family members, eating the prepackaged foods may pose problems. For example, if the family request is for your famous lasagna and you oblige, yet you are faced with a Jenny Craig prepackaged version, it may be difficult to enjoy YOUR meal as you should.

Of course, the prepackaged foods are not mandatory, though they are strongly suggested (this is a for-profit business, after all). With help from Jenny Craig counselors, you can create your own meals from grocery store food items.

The Pros

Here are the positives about the program:

Safe rate of weight loss at 1-2 pounds per week

• No calorie counting
• Allowed 1-2 alcohol drinks per week
• Caffeinated drinks acceptable
• Vegetarian options available
• Physical activity recommended for weight loss, but also key for good health
• Support via counselors and 24/7 web site
• Behavior and eating habits addressed and modified
• Healthy, balanced eating of food from all food groups
• No supplements of pills, shakes, etc. necessary

The behavioral support to eating is a key element offered as one of the program’s features. Issues ranging from stress-related eating to eating out to body perception are all addressed if needed. Also, healthy, positive affirmations, as well as tips for keeping motivated are available.

The Cons

If there are positives, there must be negatives. After all, no diet plan is perfect. Here are a few factors to keep in mind:

• Food can be costly, depending on your normal food bill
• May have difficulty eating out
• Counselors are not health professionals
• Eating without the portioned meals may be challenging
• The taste of food may not be to your liking

The long-term success of the Jenny Craig plan is questionable. If you are able to modify portions on your own and choose balanced meals most of the time to adequately satisfy your appetite, then the program may be right for you. However, due to its high dependence on the prepackaged meals, any weight you lose may find itself back.

Ways To Join

While the traditional approach of visiting a center in your community still exists, the program is also available entirely in your home. By visiting their web site, you can join, receive the initial assessment, and purchase food and other products. You can receive the support you need via your telephone contact. The interactive web site makes it easy to participate in JennyDirect and to obtain all the materials and support from a center location.

There are over 550 Jenny Craig centers throughout the United States and Canada. Counselors are available for one-on-one support, as well as monitoring your weight loss and moderating your plan if necessary.

The cost for membership varies, but an incentive to join is usually offered. For example, at this writing, you can lose 20 pounds for $20, plus the cost of food. For a one week supply of Jenny Craig meals it will cost you between $85 and $120.

Does It Work?

The answer to this timeless question is, as usual, yes and no. Check out the pros and cons again to see if these strongly affect your current lifestyle. Of course, weight loss is occurring on the plan or the program wouldn’t still be around. However, no matter what program you may follow, it is only through eating healthy and controlling portions that you will lose weight and keep it off for good.