Diet Claim: The Jenny Craig plan emphasizes that people who are trying to lose weight do better with a support system. This program provides support on two fronts: (1) Jenny Craig centers across the United States and four other countries, and (2) 24/7 telephone counseling. You can join at a center or through the Jenny Direct program. With such support, the program says that you can lose all the weight you want.
Diet Guidelines: Jenny Craig employs nutritionists, counselors and other professionals to help dieters with their weight loss journey. Dieters weigh in and receive counseling at the center or over the phone. They learn about portion sizes with Jenny Craig’s program of pre-packaged meals. You supplement these portion-controlled meals with low or non-fat dairy products, grains and fresh fruit and vegetables.
How long do I follow this diet?
Dieters use the Jenny Craig program until they lose the amount of weight that they desire or need to lose.
What can I eat?
With the pre-packaged Jenny Craig foods, you choose from a variety of frozen breakfasts, lunches, dinners and desserts. How many of these meals you eat is dependent upon the meal plan you choose. Besides that food, you are encouraged to add to the meals so that you are full after each meal. The add-ins include fruits, vegetables (the non-starchy variety), whole grains and dairy. The plan doesn’t prohibit any foods per se, but you are counseled on how much more you can eat if you eat a healthier alternative to chocolate cookies, cake or a fast food cheeseburger.
What are the benefits?
Support is a great way to stick with the plan. When you are feeling the pull of cravings, you can call for tips from your counselor to fight the craving. Using the Jenny Direct program, you can have food delivered to your home and not have to travel to a center. This is convenient for busy individuals.
How much weight can I lose?
How much weight you lose depends on how much you have to lose. Jenny Craig uses medical guidelines for a healthy weight loss of 1-2 pounds per week on average.
Does the plan stress exercise of any kind?
Jenny Craig believes that for the weight to come off and stay off, you need to get moving. There are no particular guidelines for exercise except to participate most days of the week. Start with 30 minutes of moderate exercise and build upon that.
What does the diet plan cost?
The cost of food with Jenny Craig can be expensive. They offer promotions on the cost of membership from time to time but mostly you pay full price for the food.
Diet Pros: Jenny Craig foods take the guesswork out of portion control. If you are having a hard time with lowering your food intake, this can help.
Diet Cons: Portion control is a problem for many people. With Jenny Craig you are provide with portion-controlled meals. After losing the weight, portion control becomes an issue when returning to regular food. This plan may also be pricey for some.
