Jenny Craig
What It Is
Jenny Craig isn't a Janie-come-lately to the diet field.
The program began in 1983 in Australia but started U.S.
operations in 1985.
The Jenny Craig method is a three-level plan to help
people lose weight and keep it off.
At the first level, the program teaches clients how to
eat the foods they want -- in small, frequent portions.
At the second level, the program teaches clients how to
increase their energy levels via simple activity.
At the third level, the program teaches clients how to
build more balance into their lives in order to maintain
weight loss and healthy diet.
The program offers several levels of support. Perhaps the
most impressive of these is its 24/7 telephone line,
allowing clients to get information and support when they
need it. The program also offers online support, including
peer-support discussion groups. A wide variety of written
materials are also for sale.
There actually are two Jenny Craig programs. One is built
around physical Jenny Craig centers. The company counts 648
centers in the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Puerto
Rico, and Guam. For those who find it hard to get to a
center, Jenny Direct offers the same program by telephone
and mail.
Advising Jenny Craig is a medical advisory board with
certified professionals in medicine, psychology, and
nutrition.
What You Can Eat
The keystone to the Jenny Craig
program is its prepackaged meals. For the most part, these
are frozen breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and even desserts.
Nutritionally, they're based on the USDA food pyramid and
contain 60% carbohydrate, 20% percent protein, and 20%
percent fat.
Clients supplement these meals with fresh fruits and
vegetables, whole grains, and reduced-fat dairy products.
While these meals are what come to mind when most people
think of Jenny Craig, they are not the be-all and end-all of
the program. In fact, says Lisa Waltman, call center manager
for Jenny Direct, the goal is eventually to wean clients
from the prepared meals.
"For a certain period of time we support people with this
prepackaged menu that serves as a model of healthy eating,"
Waltman tells WebMD. "Ultimately the counselors work with
the clients to teach them how to cook at home and to eat
out."
No food is taboo. The focus is on moderation, a balanced
diet, and getting enough exercise. But built into the
program are occasional splurges that allow dieters to
indulge themselves a little.
"There is nothing you cannot have," Waltman says. "We
educate what foods are high in fat and calories and should
be used in moderation vs. foods that can be eaten more
freely like nonstarchy vegetables such as salad. And we
teach about other foods, that of course you need to take in
moderation when trying to lose weight and beyond. If you
want cake, we want you to understand what you are doing if
you have a piece -- not to deny you what you want."
That being said, the Jenny Craig method is calorie based.
The menus a client develops with his or her counselor are
based on an individual's weight, height, and goals.
How It Works
A person wishing to begin Jenny Craig
can visit a Jenny Craig center or call Jenny Craig Direct.
Checking the company's web site is a good place to start, as
one often can find special offers. There are several levels
of membership. The gold level, at about $200 plus food,
offers the basic weight-loss component of the program along
with weekly consultations. The platinum level, at about $400
plus food, adds a weight-maintenance component, gives
various discounts and rebates, and offers unlimited comeback
privileges.
The idea is not to keep individuals in the program
forever, but to move them successfully through the program
so that they spread the word.
The program has three elements. First is food. The idea
here is to teach clients how to eat sensible portions, how
to plan and prepare healthy menus, and how to avoid pitfalls
when eating at restaurants or when having the occasional
splurge.
The second element is body.
"To lose weight and have lasting impact, the key
indicator is being physically active," Waltman says. "We
help clients determine where they are now. Are they totally
inactive - do they just walk from car to office - or are
they someone who is really on their way, exercising a few
times a week? We help them get up to a place that will
provide not only weight loss but also long-term maintenance.
We look at barriers like being really busy, or not wanting
to take away from family time. We work on strategies to
develop physically active lifestyles."
The third element is mind.
"Being positive and surrounding yourself with support and
affirmations really helps," Waltman says. "The difference
between the client who makes it and the client who doesn't
is motivation mindset. We help people keep in touch with
their goals and provide support every inch of the way. And
we allow them to get support from other clients. We talk
about nurturing yourself -- not necessarily with food."
Diet & Weight Management RSS