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- Established: 1983
- Founder: Jenny and Sid Craig
- Headquarters: Carlsbad, California
- Stock Symbol: NESN
- Accessibility: Online, Centers
- Diet Type: Prepackaged Meals, Portion Control, Low-Calorie, Low-Fat
- Gender: Male and Female
- Celebrity Endorsements: Valerie Bertinelli, Jason Alexander, Sarah Rue, Carrie Fisher
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With more than 600 centers around the globe and thousands of female followers, Jenny Craig has established itself as a leader in the weight-loss industry since 1983.
The Jenny Craig approach is built on three tenets: food, body and mind. The food element focuses on healthy eating and portion control and also teaches you how to eat the foods you love in moderation, the body element focuses on exercise and overcoming barriers to being physically active. The mind element focuses on positive thinking and getting the support you need to reach your weight loss goals.
The program is most known for its pre-packaged and portion-controlled meals. But Jenny Craig sets itself apart from other meal-delivery diets because as you reach your goal weight, you work closely with Jenny Craig counselors to learn about portion control, healthy cooking and eating at home or while dining out.
With over 2,500 consultants, you have access to one-on-one support in person, online or over the phone to help you eat right, exercise, change habits and overcome obstacles that keep you from your goals.
After an in-depth interview with a Jenny Craig representative, you are given a personalized meal and fitness plan. The two basic programs are the In-Person Support and Jenny Direct programs. With the former, you attend weekly meetings, consultations and food pick-up at your local Jenny Craig center and the latter gives you the same support over the phone and delivers food to your door.
In addition, there are five Jenny Craig plans under the Standard program: Jenny Craig for Women, Jenny Craig for Men, Jenny Craig for Teens, Jenny Craig for Spouses and Jenny Craig for Seniors.
Famous Jenny Craig Spokeswomen include Kirstie Alley, Valerie Bertinelli, Phylicia Rashad, Queen Latifah, Nicole Sullivan and Sara Rue.
Other Jenny Craig plans include:
Jenny Craig at Home: A plan that allows you to complete the Jenny Craig plan from the privacy of your own home.
Jenny Direct: The Jenny Craig program delivered straight to your door.
Jenny Craig for Men: The Jenny Craig plan specifically designed to meet the nutritional needs of men who want to lose weight.
Jenny Craig Silver: The Jenny Craig plan for older adults who want to improve their health.
Jenny Craig YouTube Channel
Consumer Reports Jenny Craig vs. NutriSystem Taste Test
Flashmob Surprises Jenny Craig Celebrities
- Features a one-on-one relationship with counselor
- Menu includes a wide-variety of foods
- Program has a long history and is a trusted brand in weight loss programs
- Prepackaged foods offer convenience
- No food groups are off limits
- Named #2 in the Best Commercial Diets by US News, 2011
- May be a challenge to transition from the company's prepackaged meals to "real" food
- Low-calorie diet may be too strict
- Weekly in-person meetings can sometimes be inconvenient
- Financial responsibility of prepacked meals may not be a long-term healthy eating solution
A sampling of feedback and experiences shared by our community.
The food is great! Ediets is disgusting. Portions are small but your stomach does shrink so you don't really need more. Not all foods were wonderful but some I would eat even when not dieting. The food seems expensive but at the end of 6 weeks, I had actually saved money. I ate less, enjoyed my meals, and lost weight. - Katrina 1/9/11
I tried the program for a few weeks and was disappointed in the lack of support from the counselors. They didnt seem to have any "real" training. They said I could tell them things I dont like and they would make sure they werent included in the foods I bought (I hate raisins and mushrooms). They assured me nothing I bought had those 2 things in them, but lots actually did. They obviously didnt know their product. Way too expensive also. - Sandy 11/29/10
I've maintained my weight loss, fluctuating about 7 pounds, but still well below my goal weight for a year today! Great program, great food and awesome consultants. - Nina 7/12/10
Easiest diet I ever followed. Where I have always fallen off the wagon before is when I get stressed and am too busy to cook or just don't feel like it. With Jenny when I am stressed I just make a point of following the plan even better at those times. I don't do meals on my own, I just eat the Jenny food and know that way I am on track. - Carol Ann 1/17/10
I lost about 40 pounds on Jenny Craig and, with the exception of playing with 5 pounds here and there, have kept it off. I like that they first teach you portion control through their meals and then gradually reintroduce store-bought food into your diet. The one-on-one interaction with a counselor also helped keep me on track and did not allow me to hide in the back of a meeting. - A.C. 12/29/09
The program's success is in the Jenny Craig food, which offers convenience with portioned and calorie-controlled pre-packaged meals. The Jenny Craig plan has a daily caloric intake of 1,200-1,300 and contains 50% to 60% carbohydrate, 20% to 25% protein, and 20% to 25% fat.
Dieters eat 6 times a day, which includes 3 meals and 3 snacks.
Meals are either picked up at Jenny Craig centers or delivered straight to your door. There are four different menu options with Jenny Craig. You can customize your own meals, order pre-planned meals, enjoy an all-vegetarian menu or select a menu specifically designed for adolescents.
Eating on the Jenny Craig program can be easy because most of your meal is provided for you. Jenny Craig foods are paired with your own grocery foods like fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, whole grains and heart-healthy fats. Low glycemic veggies can eaten in limitless portions. Although the meals are prepackaged, the makeup of the foods you eat will set you up for how you should eat to maintain a balanced diet.
Jenny Craig uses the Volumetrics® approach which encourages consuming low-calorie, nutrient dense foods high in water, fiber and protein to help dieters feel fuller longer.
A dining out guide is also included so that you can eat out without sabotaging your weight loss goals. No foods are off limits on the Jenny Craig program. You work with a counselor to learn how to safely incorporate your favorite foods into your healthy eating plan.
In 2015, Jenny Craig's packaging was redesigned to help members make more informed nutrition decisions and encourage members to get creative with their meals and make their own unique recipes.
On Jenny Craig you are given a personalized activity and motivational plan to get you moving more. When you meet with your consultant in the Jenny Craig office, they will help you personalize your fitness plan. This can also be done online for those that are doing the at-home delivery program. You will work to develop an approach to fitness that starts where you are now and builds on that. You will also be identifying personal barriers to your physical activity so that you can work to remove those and stay focused on the benefits of exercise.
Consultants work with members to achieve 10,000 steps a day through habit change and intentional exercise.
The Jenny Craig activity plan centers around three kinds of activities. The first are natural activities like house cleaning, shopping and gardening. Next are planned activities such as doing cardio at the gym or taking a yoga or aerobics class. Last are playful activities like taking a dance class or playing football with your kids.
Over time you gradually increase your activity through these three elements and you learn how to incorporate more movement into your day.
Your planned exercises will include a combination of cardio, resistance and stretching activities. The Jenny Craig program strongly recommends exercise while on the program so that you can have an established habit to maintain your weight loss after you’ve reached your goal weight. Some of the outlined planned exercise options as well as the playful options are listed below:
- Weightlifting
- Walking
- Yoga
- Kickboxing
- Aerobic Dance
- Dancing
- Bicycling
- Playing Basketball
- Playing Tag with the Kids
Common questions asked about the Jenny Craig program by our community. Click to see the full answer.
Is the Jenny Craig food frozen or freeze-dried? - Celia 6/18/11
With its focus on food, body and mind, Jenny Craig is a well-rounded weight loss program that offers the training and support you need to achieve your weight loss goals. Its varied programs and pre-packaged meals and snacks offers the convenience of healthy eating in combination with a personalized plan that fits your lifestyle.
While most pre-packaged meal weight loss programs don't provide you with any information on how to prepare and eat healthy meals on your own, Jenny Craig offers support that educates you on healthy cooking and eating.
See the Official Jenny Craig Web Site
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User Feedback
(Page 4 of 8, 141 total comments)Deb
I have been on Jenny Craig for 18 weeks. After the first month I hit a plateau which I still haven't been able to break. I stick to the plan and work out with a trainer two times a week and run 3 x a week averaging 12 miles a week. I am on 12 calories a day. I have to say the counselors are not very helpful when you reach a plateau. This is not the first time this has happened. After the birth of my 1st daughter I went on it to lose weight and found that when I reached a plateau no one helped so I switched to Atkins losing 40 lbs in 6 weeks and keeping it off until I was hospitalized last year with pancreatitis. I have put a call in to corporate to see if they have a plateau breaking menu like they used to when I was first on JC.
posted Jun 25th, 2009 4:30 pmfaddoulski
+Currently on JC - it's the easiest diet I've ever been on. Downfall is getting tired of eating pre-packaged foods - oh, and did I mention the cost? Upside is this is a no-brianer diet - everything is planned out for you.
posted Jun 21st, 2009 10:06 pmKris
I decided to go on Jenny after being on EVERY Diet known to man. Including, Nurti System, Medi Fast, Atkins, and 10,000 others. I had a hard time justifying the price but then i thought about how much I spend seriously on drive thru, eating out and groceries i buy and end up not using. It may be cheaper to buy a lean cuisine but I don't have the whole plan and program mapped out for me either. The meals are a little pricey but I am justifying it by knowing my health is worth it! Also you have the convienace of not having to prepare everything and figure it all out. I know over time they teach you all this but right now i feel to out of control with my eating habits to have to worry about every little thing going into my mouth. Weight Watchers is a great plan but all i did was think about food because I was constantly calculating points. I need something to get me going. Once I am losing and seeing and feeling better then i can take the next step and start preparing my own more. I think everything is relevent. We can talk ourselves out of it by price but what price is our health really to us? How much do we throw away ? Honestly, i might be spending less now that there are no drive thru's, dinners out, ect. Hope this helps :) Goodluck to all!!!!!
posted May 28th, 2009 11:16 amCMB
QUESTION>>> I have recently quit the Atkins diet and of course gained. I have no desire to go back to it. Will all the carbs in Jenny meals, will it work for me???
posted May 1st, 2009 10:33 pmandrea
-Extremelly expensive. I tried this diet over 2 months. I lost 13 pound. Instead of doing this program you could use smart choice tv dinner and save some money. I DON'T RECOMENT THIS DIET TO ANYONE. EXPENSIVE..NO RESULTS....
posted Apr 29th, 2009 5:47 pmKyle Bargar
Rachael join the sex diet then.
posted Apr 27th, 2009 1:40 pm3Maltese
+Anonymous,
posted Apr 14th, 2009 10:49 pmTry eating more calories on one day and fewer on the next. For example, take one meal from Tuesday and add it to Monday. Substitute veggies (like cucumbers) for the meal that you switched out. In other words, switch your meals so you are eating 1,500 calories one day and 900 calories the next. Also, change your excercise. You have to shake up your eating and exercise routine to break plateaus. Drink lots of green tea. Some of these things have helped to break a plateau.
Hang it there. Have you checked your hormones or thyroid?
vadiva30
+It is slow, but that's because I had a couple of 'slip ups' but once you are fully on the program you can lose the weight.
posted Apr 6th, 2009 11:16 ammarcy
+I just joined Jenny last week and only lost .6 of a pound. I followed it pretty well. I didn't feel as though I was losing until the morning I was going to weigh in. I tried on a skort that has been snug and it fit very well. The councelors were baffled with my weight results but incouraged me to not get discouraged. I'm not. I love the food. With eating so much and staying at 1200 calories, I'm surprised I didn't gain. I will continue with Jenny until I lose my 30-40 pounds I want to lose.
posted Apr 5th, 2009 3:13 amLisa
+It's my first week so far it's great, the food is great and it's easier to concentrate on my exercise goals when I don't have to worry about what I'm going to eat etc...
posted Mar 28th, 2009 5:25 amI wish I did it sooner, than wasting time doing Weight Watchers which really didn't have the support that is required for successful weight loss.. in my opinion.
JB
+I was on the program for about a month a few years ago and lost weight. However, I couldn't stick with it because I was a starving student and could not afford to eat 3 full meals and 3 snacks a day. I started the program again two weeks ago and have already lost 7 lbs. Here is the reality of it: JC is a great program for people who need to lose a substantial amount of weight (at a normal pace) and have hectic/busy schedules. It is also a great program for people who have a tendency to overeat and/or eat a lot of unhealthy (high-fat/calorie/sugar) food. While other programs (i.e. Weight Watchers) also work and are less expensive to follow, this program saves you the time and, therefore, stress of counting calories, measuring food portions and grocery shopping. The plan does NOT require you to engage in any specific type of daily physical activity. However, as with any diet, daily exercise will help maximize and expedite your weight loss. For those of you that are curious about the food - I think the taste and quality of the JC meals are equivalent to Lean Cuisine meals. Actually, many of the JC meals taste better. With regard to the snacks/desserts, I love them. Basically, all the JC meals/snacks are normal low fat/calorie foods, so making the transition to eating normal (non-JC) food should not be that difficult if you commit to making low fat meal choices and keeping track of your calorie intake. Let's face it, everyone knows that dieting and maintaining weight requires SELF-DISCIPLINE and WILL POWER, which are personal traits that you either have or don't have. Therefore, don't forget that self-discipline and will power play a huge role in determining whether you will be one of those persons that succeeds in keeping the weight off after completing ANY structured diet program. Also, it is important to not forget that WEIGHT LOSS is a short-term process and WEIGHT MANAGEMENT is a life-time commitment. Accordingly, weight loss programs like JC, Weight Watchers, Lindora, and Nutri System are that can only help you lose weight in the short-term and guide you towards successful weight loss maintenance. The rest is up to YOU. The bottom line is that if you lack self-discipline and will power, you should probably work on developing those first before setting any long-term weight loss/management goals. Otherwise, the chances of ANY weight loss program working for you (in the long-term) are slim. If you have the self-discipline and will power, you may want to give JC a shot. To start the program it normally costs $300-$400 for a year membership (for 1st year only) and yearly renewals ar $99 or less (***Note: JC always offers new member specials and reduced membership fees). The cost of food averages $100 a week, but includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks/desserts for 7 days. It does not include some fruits and vegetables you have to buy to supplement your meals.
posted Mar 21st, 2009 11:14 amHopes this helps:) Good Luck!
Stephanie Moore
+I like most of the lunches and dinners. I tried only two of the breakfasts and did not like them. I eat my own oatmeal.
posted Mar 15th, 2009 10:24 pmshaena88
i'm not on jenny craig, but i did want to join. i called them and as soon as they told me the price is $120 a week i hung up right in their face. only a rich person will pay that. its ridiculous to charge someone so much money just to lose weight. i have to lose 50 lbs, and im sure thats gonna take more than a few weeks.so i turned to quick weight loss center. they're still expensive but alot cheaper than jenny, nutrisystem, and defintley a personal trainer
posted Mar 5th, 2009 11:56 pmjosh
+i love pie!!!!
posted Feb 20th, 2009 1:56 pmTrish
Dear Anne Bartee,
posted Feb 19th, 2009 12:54 pmI am addressing this email to you and other people negative of those attempting to make changes to improve their lives.
I have spent my life taking care of everyone - every family member, every friend, anybody that I felt genuinely needed help. Unfortunately, I didn't do this for myself for many years.
In the last few years, I have managed to hold down a challenging job, coninue my University education and support my family and friends - more than most people would, I am certain of that. And this is only the beginning.
I wish I had more time to focus on myself, but I don't.
For your information, I have always worked out three times a week, but I didn't lose any weight. Then, a car accident and a bad infection that lasted a year and a half, put me out of commission - for a month. After that, I crawled my aching body out of bed (from the accident), took any drugs I needed to to control a cough that would bother anyone around me, etc. But I managed to get to work and still run those errands for 'the entire world' and eventually even started taking courses again.
At this point, I gained a lot of weight - food was comforting and I was depressed.
Eventually, my cough went away (it took almost a year for me to breath weill again), my bones healed (never the same, though), and I decided to join Jenny Craig from the Weight I lost. Before joining I tried Weight Watchers and other diets myself for a few months, but I had so much to get done and was just starting to feel like my old self.
The ladies at JC were so kind, and understanding and knocked it into me that if I don't take care of myself, no one would, but more than that - others I was helping out would suffer along with me.
I was always motivated by my consultant, food became a non-issue because I didn't have to think about it anymore, I simply grabbed it and went. There was always somewhere I could find a microwave to use.
Slowly I started incorporating my own foods and I was never discouraged to do this. I still buy JC sometimes when it gets busy for me.
I went from 265 to 130 in 1.5 years. I think any reasonable diet that doesn't cause malnourishment is worth a shot and different diets will work for different people. JC worked for me. I would never discourage someone from trying it.
Also, I just want to say that I hope you find something fulfulling in your iife that will help you with your anger.
Regards.
Kat
+I've been on Jenny a week and so far I love it. I've already lost 6 pounds, the food is good, and I'm not incredibly hungry. To the person who said you have to walk 5 miles a day...not sure where you're getting this. The reason the program didn't work for you is probably that you were taking in more calories than you were expending. While exercise is a great for your heart and health (and helps with the calorie deficit) it isn't required to lose weight. I went from needing 2,300 (or more) calories to maintain my weight, down to about 1500 a day on Jenny. Simple math, I cut the calories, I will lose weight (and I have). I love that I get to meet with a personal counselor, it keeps me on track. To those of you considering trying it, I say it is worth the money and I can't wait to reach goal!
posted Jan 28th, 2009 12:54 amYvette
+As I was reading the comments, I noticed a lot of people were saying very nasty things. I have been on the plan 3 weeks and so far have lost 18.6 lbs. I am VERY overweight and I need the accountability. Sitting down and making your own plan of "x" calories is easier said than done. You first have to shrink your stomach to be able to do something like that on your own! Yes, it is a lot of money but you have to prioritize! What is more important to you! Getting your nails/hair done or getting the chance to make a better life for yourself and or your family. I am a single mom of 2 kids ages 4 and 14. I would kill to be able to bathe my son instead of having my daughter do it for me since I can not bend over to do it. I would love to be able to tie my own shoes. I don't care if I spend $100 a week to do it, I WILL DO IT! I have gotten away with only spending $50 a week too....the smart ones breakfast sandwiches are very close to the content of Jenny's so I incorporate those type of things in my plan. Especially when they go on sale for buy 1 get 1 free....time to stock the freezer lol......I too have torn meniscus in both my knees and no one told me I have to walk 5 miles a day....that is BS! I will do what I can but no one is making me do anything I don't want to do. By the way, the food doesn't taste like cardboard either. Some of the foods, yes, I find to be gross but the ones I don't like, I have found others do. Each person tastes things differently! My favorite Jenny food hands down is the Turkey and the Fish and Chips....to die for!
posted Jan 18th, 2009 12:53 amJenndust
+After each baby, I return to Jenny Craig. I went from 140 lbs. to 200 lbs., and I always lost around 6 pounds a week. I was eating a lot, but the weight just came off since I had so much to lose. After several weeks, I went off JC and did a modified diet based on the JC model. I am 100% sold on the program. I felt great on it, and I think it's great for people who struggle to put food combinations and add calories. I would do it longer if I had the money.
posted Jan 14th, 2009 11:23 pmMonica in San Antonio
+I've been on Jenny Craig since 9/13/08 and have lost 35 lbs. so far (it's 1/3/09). I've got 28 more to go. I love my consultant, Cinnamon. I've been on the program before but this is the 1st time of stuck with it since I had my baby...uuuh 6 years ago. It worked for me in the past during my pre-baby years too. Sticking with the menu is not a problem for me. Keeping motivated to work out, having a great counselor, and getting on a menu that fits your budget is all it takes to succeed like I have. These 3 things are very important. I have never been pressured to purchase anthing I don't want. If you ever find you're not compatible with your consultant, just ask for another. You ARE the customer, remember. I enjoy the program. If it's not for you, don't bash it like I've read in some reviews. Just do something different that works for you! Good Luck!
posted Jan 3rd, 2009 10:09 pmMary
+Jenny Craig is one of the only weight loss programs that IS actually proven to work. Published results from prestigious medical journals like Obesity�??s April 2007 report (http://www.jennycraig.com/assets/documents/corporate/RandomizedTrial_1yr.pdf) or this article by the Cooper Institute (http://www.jennycraig.com/assets/documents/corporate/IJOFinleyRetrospectivesArticle.pdf) go a lot further than ad hoc skeptics throwing stones. If that still isn�??t enough for you, go to www.jennycraig.com/successstories and read for yourself. Real people, celebrities, you name it�??Jenny Craig gets proven results with its nutritionally sound program and support from a consultant. There�??s also plenty of online support at the Jenny Craig forums, as well as on other diet forums in the external blogosphere. Jenny Craig encourages lifestyle changes, rather than a diet, that its users can live with for greater health.
posted Nov 12th, 2008 5:29 pm