Jenny Craig and Nutrisystem are diet programs for weight loss that promote a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. As you compare these two diets, consider their foods, support systems and customization to determine which may be best for you. If you need to lose weight, ask your doctor to help you develop a healthy weight loss plan.
Weight Loss
Both programs claim to help you lose weight at a moderate rate of 1 to 2 lbs. per week. They have special plans for individuals with diabetes, vegetarians and older adults. Jenny Craig also offers a program for teenagers aged 13 to 17 years old, and the adolescent plan is for a weight loss of 0.5 to 1 lb. per week. With Nutrisystem and Jenny Craig, you can create an online account for tracking your progress, planning your meals and participating in virtual communities.
Program Foods
Nutrisystem emphasizes a diet with low-glycemic carbohydrates, lean protein and healthy fats, and it delivers a Nutrisystem breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack or dessert for each day. Jenny Craig also includes a balanced selection to help you meet national guidelines. Both programs allow you to use pre-planned menus, or you can select individual meals and snacks from the list of choices. Nutrisystem states that it has more than 150 meals and snacks, and Jenny Craig claims more than 80 entrees and snacks.
Additional Foods
Both programs recognize the role of additional foods in helping you meet your nutrient requirements and learning how to choose healthy foods at the grocery store. You get specific recommendations with your meal plan once you sign up for a plan. Groceries that you need to purchase on Nutrisystem or Jenny Craig include vegetables, fruit, whole grains and beans. When you reach the halfway point on Jenny Craig, you gradually increase the number of days that you cook for yourself, starting from 1 day per week.
Counseling
When you are on Nutrisystem, you can work with a Nutrisystem counselor to help you develop a meal plan and make substitutions to suggested foods. Nutrisystem counselors are available for live online chats 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A Jenny Craig consultant works with you to develop your program, and you continue to have weekly consultations to learn the Jenny Craig curriculum for nutrition, physical activity and motivation. You also develop goals and assess your progress.
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