I've just completed week 9 of the Jenny Craig program. Remember my initial post on the topic in May? Well, I'm 63 days in and 12 pounds lighter.
I was on the fence about sharing my weight loss journey here, since it's a pretty personal topic. But after discussing with my sis, I've decided to talk. Because there are TONS of mama's out there (and non-mama's) who are sick of the stubborn weight. Because I'm a food-lover who doesn't starve herself or live inside the gym and I feel like if I can do it, so can you. And because when I initially researched this program on the Internet, all I found were negative reviews. So here's the "skinny", according to me:
I'm a Weight Watchers girl. Have been on their program many times, and have had success many times. The pros are that it's inexpensive, it's regular food, it's easy to track just about any food from any restaurant, and it teaches portion size. Essentially, it's a lifestyle rather than a diet. It's wonderful. Only thing is, it's always been a slow process for me. I'd lose half a pound or so after the initial weeks, and continue on that road until I got fed up with the seemingly minute ROI and go back to my old ways.
I was VERY reluctant to put any stock in Jenny Craig. I mean, read the reviews, they're pretty awful. But I needed to try because I just couldn't stand myself anymore. After 9 weeks and 12lbs, here are my middle-of-the-program observations:
Cons:
- The consultants are NOT nutritionists nor are they graduates of the program. But the center manager lost over 100lbs on Jenny, so I have found a go-to person. And I do like my consultant, but my needs are not much. Another person who has less of a knowledge about food might need someone more experienced
- It's not cheap. Food costs about $75 - $90 per week. And that's on top of regular grocery shopping for the family. But when I take into account all the eating out I'm NOT doing, all the ice cream I'm NOT buying, it's at least a wash. Besides, I feel so good now, I'm not sure I can place a value on it.
- The food is still boxed. And I love to cook. And I'm definitely growing weary of heating my meals in the microwave while the rest of the family is eating normal stuff. But - the food is yummy and once I learned how to best prepare it and pair it with something else, like a homemade veggie, it's totally fine.
- There are only so many food options, and after 9 weeks, I wouldn't mind a change. But I keep telling myself that this isn't forever.
- The maintenance program doesn't seem as clear cut as Weight Watchers, nor does it account for many regular, everyday foods. My plan as of now, is to use the Weight Watchers Points system once I've lost the weight. I think it's what will work for me.
Pros:
- The food is delicious. I really like many of the entrees. The mac 'n cheese, the turkey with gravy, and the chicken burgers are delish, to name a few. The s'mores bar, cheesecake and cheese curls hit the spot too. I often swap foods (equal or close nutritional value) and replace with Weight Watchers desserts or use my own homemade salad dressing.
- I've really become creative with veggies! I find low-cal recipes and add them to my entrees.
- The food is easy to prepare and there's no last-minute food emergencies because no matter how hungry I am, there's always a yummy "real-food" meal waiting for me.
As I mentioned in my initial post, was I really felt was lacking were tips, tricks and secrets to Jenny Craig. So I've compiled my own list, please feel free to add to it:
- Eat 6 times per day. Eat your 3 meals, then have a protein bar (I like Pria or Special K bars), fruits and/or veggies, and your dessert. Don't get too hungry.
- Make a low-cal dressing (or buy the Kraft single-serve salad dressing pouches), and eat it over your favorite veggies. I eat cukes every day!
- Bring single-serving salad dressings everywhere! If you're stuck and need to eat out, order a salad with chicken and use the dressing you brought. I do this all the time.
- Be creative. On nights when my family is bar-b-q'ing (my weakness), I choose a chicken burger and have my husband grill it so I don't feel deprived. If they're eating pasta, I eat pasta too. And I always transfer my food out of the plastic tray and onto a plate. This lets me look at the portion so I can visualize it when I eat out and makes me feel more human.
The bottom line is this: this program works. I eat the food, go to the gym 3 or 4 times per week, use my feet when I can, and make relatively wise choices when I must. Frozen yogurt over ice cream. Kiddie portion over a small. Salad topped with steak instead of a steak entree which comes with sides and more food. Skip your dessert if you've "picked" more than usual that day. If you use your head, it works. And those reviewers who say it doesn't? I'm betting they "supplemented" a bit more than they should have or "forgot" about that chocolate bar they "shared" with their kid. If you need a jump start, this is a good option.