In this program, long-term weight loss includes meal planning, exercise, stress reduction and individual support.
Jenny Craig started in 1983 by providing frozen meals to its clients as a means of food management. It has since branched out into cookbooks and programs that encourage clients to make food choices from readily available foods, as well as an at-home program for people who do not live close to an established center. Food is shipped to you by UPS, and consultations are conducted in person, online or by telephone. Personal weekly consultations for motivation and behavior change are a central part of the program.
Upside of the Jenny Craig Diet
- Frozen meals are convenient.
- Balanced and nutritious meals.
- Enough options for flexible and individualized plans.
- Weekly consultations provide ongoing support.
Downside of the Jenny Craig Diet
- Counselors are not highly trained health professionals.
- Menu planning system can be confusing for some.
- Commitment to the packaged foods is expensive.
- Prepackaged foods can be boring when that is all you eat.
- Resuming regular foods at smaller portions is a problem for some people.
Is the Jenny Craig Diet for You?
This chart can help you see how the Jenny Craig diet fits your goals and lifestyle concerns.
| Duration | Indefinite |
| Restaurants | Dining-out strategies are available with the plans |
| Alcohol | No |
| Caffeine | In moderation (one cup of coffee per day, for example) |
| Special Foods | Yes |
| Family Friendly | Not on the frozen-meal plan |
| Vegetarian Friendly | Yes |
Sample Jenny Craig Menu
The Jenny Craig diet is based on their frozen and prepared meals. Here is a typical menu:
Breakfast:
- Breakfast stuffed sandwich
- ½ grapefruit
- Glass of skim milk
Lunch:
- Spinach and cheese tortellini
- Salad
Dinner:
- Vegetable and chicken potstickers
- Broccoli
Snacks:
- ¼ cup low-fat cottage cheese
- Popcorn
- An apple
