Eathealthyisgood Diet Review
Jenny Craig is a diet regimen that helps people lose weight and keep it off by providing discipline and support.
The program provides low-calorie full meals as well as one-on-one coaching. The idea is to eliminate guessing what to consume, making weight loss straightforward.
This article examines the success of the Jenny Craig diet and offers starting point advice.
What is the Jenny Craig diet, and who is it for?
Sid and Jenny Craig launched Jenny Craig in 1983 to create an easy-to-follow weight control program (1).
The program is intended for those who want to lose weight with the help of a personal coach and the convenience of ready-to-eat meals and snacks.
Pros and cons at a glance
Pros
- The Max Up Weight Loss Program includes one-on-one coaching.
- The program offers easy preportioned ready-to-eat meals and snacks.
- High fructose corn syrup, trans fats, MSG, artificial colors, and sweeteners are not present in the meals.
- Programs include information on how to return to making your meals.
Cons
- The program is costly.
- Coaches are former members rather than qualified nutritionists.
- Some plans necessitate the purchase of extra meals and snacks
- The program is inappropriate for persons with unique dietary requirements or preferences.
How does Jenny Craig work?
The Jenny Craig program entails consuming prefabricated meals and working with a professional Jenny Craig coach to attain your weight loss objectives.
To begin, there are numerous steps to take.
Step 1: Sign up for a Jenny Craig plan
You may enroll in a Jenny Craig plan at a Jenny Craig location or online at the Jenny Craig website. You can select one of three plans during the procedure, which are explained in the table below.
| Simple Meal Plan | Essential Meal Plan | Max Up Weight Loss Plan | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $97.93 per week | $153.93 per week | $203 per week |
| What’s included | • 7 breakfasts • 7 lunches | • 7 breakfasts • 7 lunches • 7 dinners | • 7 breakfasts • 7 lunches • 7 dinners • Recharge Bars • 7 snacks and desserts • personal coaching |
Jenny Craig formerly charged a membership fee and demanded a more significant commitment. You’ll now pay weekly for your chosen plan, but you can cancel by calling customer care before finalizing your purchase.
Each plan includes a satisfaction guarantee, which allows disappointed customers to cancel and return any remaining food for a full refund. It should be noted that this warranty is only accessible to new clients.
Finally, remember that the above prices do not include taxes or delivery. Delivery charges begin at $29 per item, although delivery is free for the first week.
Step 2: Meet with your Jenny Craig coach
If you join the Max Up Weight Loss Plan, you will be allocated a personal Jenny Craig coach with whom you will meet at least once a week, either electronically or in person, at a Jenny Craig location near you.
The coach gives you a weight loss diet and exercise plan, analyzes your abilities, and helps you overcome obstacles along the road.
Step 3: Eat Jenny Craig’s meals and snacks.
Jenny Craig offers pre-portioned meals and snacks that may be picked up at a local Jenny Craig location or mailed to your house to help you lose weight.
The packaging is water-soluble, recyclable, and biodegradable.
There are over 100 options, all of which are under 300 calories and often frozen or shelf-stable.
According to the website, dietitians and food science professionals plan the meals. They’re also free of artificial sweeteners and colors, high fructose corn syrup, trans fats, and monosodium glutamate (MSG).
Depending on your plan, you may still be required to bring your meals and snacks.
The Simple Meal Plan, for example, is the most versatile choice, suited for those who desire the convenience of portion-controlled breakfasts and lunches but want to pick their supper and snacks.
The Max Up Weight Loss Plan includes all meals and snacks, including Jenny Craig Recharge Bars, but you may supplement with fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the day.
In addition, the Max Up Weight Loss Plan requires you to adhere to an intermittent fasting regimen, which requires you to fast for 14 hours each day and consume all of your meals and snacks within a 10-hour window.
Step 4: Transition to home-cooked meals
Once you’ve dropped half your weight, you’ll be able to cut back on Jenny Craig’s meals and start cooking a few days each week.
Your Jenny Craig coach will offer you recipes and portion size recommendations so that you may learn real-world tactics for weight loss and maintenance.
When you’ve reached your weight reduction target, you’ll enter the Jenny Craig Maintenance Program.
During the first month of the Maintenance Program, you’ll meet with a health coach every week and progressively phase out Jenny Craig foods.
During this period, your coach will assist you in learning how to plan your meals, interpret food labels, and navigate restaurant menus.
By the second month, you’ll be moving on to monthly check-ins with your maintenance coach and eating your meals, but you may always include a few Jenny Craig meals for convenience.
Can Jenny Craig help you lose weight?
The Jenny Craig diet is intended to assist people in losing weight by lowering calorie consumption through portion-controlled meals and snacks.
Most entrées are between 200 and 300 calories, while snacks and desserts are between 150 and 200.
Depending on your gender, age, exercise level, and weight loss objectives, a typical Jenny Craig plan gives 1,200-2,300 calories daily.
Although exercise is not essential, 30 minutes of physical activity five days per week is advised to optimize your outcomes. Your coach will work with you to set a reasonable workout goal.
According to the Jenny Craig website, the average program participant loses 1-2 pounds (0.45-0.9 kg). Research findings also support these assertions.
In one research, for example, a group of inactive, overweight women followed the Jenny Craig diet for 12 weeks and dropped an average of 11.7 pounds (5.34 kg) apiece (2).
After a year, Jenny Craig helped patients lose around 5% more weight than Weight Watchers, Nutrisystem, or SlimFast, according to second research (3, 4).
Intermittent fasting
The Jenny Craig Max Up Weight Loss Plan, which employs an intermittent fasting technique, is a relatively new addition to the program.
Intermittent fasting is a method of eating in which you limit your meal intake to a set period.
Several intermittent fasting regimens call for a 16-hour fast, while others advocate for a complete 24-hour fast once or twice weekly.
Jenny Craig suggests a 14-hour fast followed by a 10-hour interval for eating. You can eat a Jenny Craig Recharge Bar before formally breaking the fast with breakfast after the eating window.
Fasting has been linked to various health advantages, including improved insulin sensitivity, lower blood pressure, and aided hunger regulation (5).
While it has grown in favor of a weight management approach, its efficacy may be due, at least in part, to the fact that people eat fewer calories during the day when their eating window is narrower.
However, preliminary evidence shows intermittent fasting may be an effective weight loss strategy, while additional long-term study is required (6, 7, 8).
Are Jenny Craig Recharge Bars effective for weight loss?
Jenny Craig Recharge Bars are intended to be taken near the conclusion of the fasting period, before breakfast.
Recharge Bars are available in two flavors: Fudge Nut and Nut & Honey, and they contain no artificial sweeteners, tastes, or colors.
The website says that the bars can assist improve fat burning and expedite weight reduction without breaking your fast. However, no existing proof backs up these claims.
Furthermore, the Recharge Bars would be regarded as a fast-breaking snack on most intermittent fasting protocols due to their high calorie and carb content, which includes almonds, almond butter, honey, and chocolate.
Other benefits of Jenny Craig
The Jenny Craig diet has numerous advantages, making it a popular weight loss diet.
Easy to follow
Following the plan is simple because Jenny Craig supplies prepackaged entrées and snacks in the early stages.
Just reheat an entrée and add your favorite fruits, veggies, or low-fat dairy products to finish the meal. Snacks are quick to prepare and do not need preparation.
This makes eating quick and easy and removes much of the planning required for traditional diets.
Furthermore, with three plan alternatives available, you may select the one that best matches your weight reduction objectives and lifestyle.
It helps teach portion sizes and balance.
Jenny Craig entrées are minimal in calories, fat, and portion size.
These prepared dishes help individuals understand portion proportions to recreate them at home or when eating out.
Including fruits and vegetables in meals enables individuals to consume more products and learn how to construct a balanced plate.
Provides social support
Individualized assistance from Jenny Craig coaches is one of the most beneficial aspects of the program.
According to research, having social support from family, friends, or health coaches increases a person’s chances of losing weight and keeping it off (9, 10).
It may help improve blood sugar management.
The Jenny Craig diet may help with blood sugar control and weight reduction.
Compared to alternative counseling approaches, one research revealed that following the Jenny Craig program resulted in better blood sugar management and reduced triglyceride levels (11, 12).
Potential downsides of Jenny Craig
While the Jenny Craig diet may benefit certain people, it also has drawbacks.
Expensive
Even though the monthly membership price has been reduced, going to Jenny Craig every week is not inexpensive.
It costs at least approximately $100 every week, plus taxes and delivery. Furthermore, the plan suggests that people buy extra fruits, vegetables, and dairy products to supplement their meals and snacks.
Jenny Craig meals can be handy, but the price tag may be prohibitive for some.
In fact, according to one research, Jenny Craig is too expensive to be cost-effective when the average weight loss is compared to the program’s cost (13).
It doesn’t work for all special diets.
Because the Jenny Craig diet’s entrées and snacks are packed, persons on special diets have fewer alternatives.
Jenny Craig meal items, for example, are not labeled kosher or halal, and there are no vegan lunch or dinner selections. Gluten-free foods are available, although they are not prominently marked.
Nonetheless, each item’s nutritional information, ingredients, and allergies are available on the company’s website, allowing you to select items that meet your dietary needs and tastes.
Jenny Craig’s foods are highly processed.
The majority of Jenny Craig’s prepackaged meals are highly processed.
They are heavy in chemicals, processed sugars, and oils that may harm your intestinal health (14, 15, 16).
If you dislike consuming premade or frozen items, the Jenny Craig plan might not be for you.
It may not be easy to transition away from Jenny Craig foods.
While prepackaged meals make it easier to stick to a diet in the short term, they do not teach the skills required to lose weight on your own.
Jenny Craig participants must learn how to make nutritious meals to continue and sustain their weight reduction.
While Jenny Craig’s coaches can aid this shift, some people may still struggle.
Jenny Craig coaches are not healthcare professionals.
While Jenny Craig’s coaches are an essential element of the diet program, they are not qualified dietitians or medical specialists and cannot provide diet guidance for medical issues.
Many are former Jenny Craig participants who opted to become coaches.
Before beginning a new diet, those with complicated health issues should consult a licensed dietician or other health practitioners.
Foods to eat on the Jenny Craig diet
You may choose over 100 prepared items while on the Jenny Craig program.
There are a variety of breakfasts, lunches, dinners, snacks, desserts, shakes, and bars available, so you won’t get tired of eating the same things.
In addition to Jenny Craig’s entrées and snacks, you’re urged to add fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products to your meals and have one extra snack of your choosing, depending on your plan.
Once you’ve met your weight reduction objectives, you’ll gradually wean yourself off Jenny Craig foods and learn to prepare your own nutritional, low-calorie meals.
Foods to avoid on the Jenny Craig diet
Jenny Craig participants may eat whatever they want as long as it goes within their daily calorie allowance — even alcohol is permitted in moderation.
When members start preparing their meals, portion management is stressed, and low fat and low calorie items are recommended. It is not advisable to dine out frequently.
Sample menu
The following is an example of 3 days on the Jenny Craig Max Up Weight Loss Plan.
Day 1
- Rise and Shine: Recharge Station
- Jenny Craig Blueberry Pancakes and Sausage with 1 cup (28 grams) of fresh strawberries and 8 ounces (237 mL) of nonfat milk for breakfast.
- Jenny Craig Sweet & Salty Peanut Butter Bar as a snack
- Jenny Craig Tuna Dill Salad Kit with 2 cups (72 grams) lettuce and 1 cup (122 grams) carrots for lunch
- 1 cup (151 grams) of grapes as a snack
- Jenny Craig Cheese Ravioli with 1 cup (180 grams) of roasted asparagus for dinner
- Jenny Craig Lemon Cookies as a snack
Day 2
- Rise and Shine: Recharge Station
- Jenny Craig Turkey Bacon and Egg White Sandwich with one apple and 8 ounces (237 mL) nonfat milk for breakfast
- Jenny Craig Vanilla Cream Shake as a snack
- Jenny Craig for lunch 2 cups (113 grams) garden salad and two tablespoons (30 grams) low fat dressing with ham and Swiss baguette
- Snack: Jenny Craig Cheese Curls with half a cup (52 grams) of sliced cucumber
- Jenny Craig Bourbon Steak with 1 cup (180 grams) sautéed spinach for dinner
- 1 cup (177 grams) of fresh cantaloupe as a snack
Day 3
- Rise and Shine: Recharge Station
- Jenny Craig Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal with one orange and 8 ounces (237 mL) of nonfat milk for breakfast
- Snack: Jenny Craig Cocoa and Nut Bar
- Jenny Craig Turkey Burger with spinach salad and two teaspoons (30 grams) reduced fat dressing for lunch.
- Snack: 1 cup (149 grams) cherry tomatoes and 1 cup (24 grams) mild string cheese
- Jenny Craig Chicken Marsala with 1 cup (180 grams) of steamed zucchini for dinner
- Jenny Craig Chocolate Lava Cake as a snack
Shopping list
You’ll order the majority of your meals from Jenny Craig, but you may also add things like the following — known as “Fresh and Free Additions” — to your feeds and snacks:
Fruits
- berries
- citrus fruit
- apples
- melons
- pineapple
- bananas
- cherries
Non-starchy vegetables
- leafy greens
- broccoli
- asparagus
- zucchini
- cucumber
- tomatoes
- peppers
These fruits and vegetables can also be purchased canned or frozen.
Reduced fat dairy
- light string cheese
- nonfat Greek yogurt
- reduced fat, low fat, or nonfat milk
Calorie-free beverages
- sparkling water
- coffee
- tea
Customer reviews and brand reputation
Jenny Craig has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) but is not recognized by the BBB. BBB certification is based on BBB’s criteria for trustworthiness and honesty.
A few notable lawsuits have been filed against the firm.
According to a 2013 lawsuit, the Jenny Craig diet caused gallstones in certain people. These assertions, however, have not been substantiated (17).
The corporation was sued in 2019 for sending unsolicited text messages promoting its services (18).
Jenny Craig’s reviews are mainly good, with delighted clients praising the plan’s easiness and convenience. Others considered the assistance of a personal coach to be an essential element of the program.
On the other hand, several prior participants say the program is excessively costly, while others object to the concentration on highly processed packaged meals.
Should you try Jenny Craig?
Jenny Craig has been proven to assist people in losing weight and maintaining it long-term.
However, it may not be the ideal option for everyone.
For example, Jenny Craig is inappropriate if you have dietary restrictions or severe allergies, as the meals do not accommodate particular diets.
Furthermore, suppose you prefer cooking and eating freshly prepared food. In that case, you might look into a program like WW (formerly Weight Watchers) or a meal planning service like PlateJoy, which provides tailored recipe recommendations based on your health objectives.
While not inexpensive, numerous meal delivery businesses provide thoroughly cooked meals or meal kits and may help you lose weight.
Jenny Craig, on the other hand, may be worth considering if you prefer not to cook and are seeking a diet that is simple to follow and gives an added layer of social support.
Finally, Jenny Craig is pretty pricey, especially when shipping and any additional dietary items, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, are included.
If your money is limited, you may want to pick a more cost-effective plan, such as WW.
Indeed, one research that analyzed numerous nonsurgical weight loss treatments discovered that Weight Watchers was the most cost-effective alternative (13).
Frequently asked questions
Is the Jenny Craig diet safe?
The Jenny Craig diet is considered safe for most people, while some meals and snacks may be incompatible with those with severe dietary allergies or limitations.
It’s worth mentioning that the corporation was embroiled in a lawsuit in 2013 alleging that the program produced gallstones and other adverse effects in some people (18).
However, the possibly impacted people utilized Jenny Craig between 1987 and 1990, and the accusations were never formally substantiated.
How long can someone safely be on the Jenny Craig diet?
There is no set time limit for how long someone should adhere to the Jenny Craig diet.
According to the website, individuals will transfer to the maintenance plan once they attain their weight reduction target, which they can maintain for as long as necessary.
How long will it take to notice weight loss with the Jenny Craig diet?
According to the company’s website, the average Jenny Craig member loses 1-2 pounds (0.45-0.9 kg) each week. Several investigations also corroborate this estimate (2, 3, 4).
The bottom line
Jenny Craig is a well-known diet program that provides prepared, portion-controlled meals and one-on-one assistance.
The regimen may sometimes help you shed 1-2 pounds (0.45-0.9 kg) per week and improve blood sugar management.
However, some people may find the program overly expensive, while others may object to depending mainly on prepackaged and highly processed meals.
While Jenny Craig may be successful in weight loss, there are less expensive and more long-term alternatives to consider.
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