If you want to try or stick with the Jenny Craig weight loss system but sometimes encounter problems with on-time food delivery, you can comfortably substitute some grocery store items without getting off-track in your diet goals. You may also save money if you at least occasionally supplement the foods you buy directly from Jenny Craig with similar products purchased from your local supermarket.
Jenny Craig--Recommended Substitutes
Fruits, vegetables and non-fat dairy products can comfortably substitute for Jenny Craig prepared meals, according to the diet company's website. If you live in an area with a farmer's market, you can take advantage of in-season, locally grown produce. You can also shop sales at the grocery store for fresh fruits and vegetables or purchase frozen options. Non-fat yogurts, ice cream, and milk also offer low-calorie nutrition at a reasonable cost.
Prepared Meal Substitutes
If you have a busy schedule and still want the convenience of pre-packaged and calorie-controlled meals from the grocery store to replace Jenny Craig foods, consider offerings by Healthy Choice, Weight Watchers Smart Ones and Lean Cuisine, all of which average fewer than 300 calories per serving. "Epicurious" magazine recommends frozen entrees by Kashi, best known for its healthy cereals. Taste tests by magazine staffers gave high marks to Kashi's Lemongrass Coconut Chicken and Chicken Pasta Pomodoro.
Cost
Jenny Craig can average around $1910 for 13 weeks of membership and food, according to MoneyWatch.com. The Jenny Craig program takes the guesswork out of dieting by providing nutritionally balanced, calorie-controlled meals. But if the cost is more than you or your family can bear, you can substitute grocery store foods and still reach your weight-loss goals. Jenny Craig Online offers program plans that allow you to opt out of its food service.
Home-Cooked Solutions
If you live in a rural area, you may find it difficult to easily find and travel to a Jenny Craig location. If you join Jenny Craig but find it inconvenient to purchase its meals regularly, you can substitute grocery store foods without putting your weight-loss goals at risk. If you don't mind cooking, you can save more money by preparing your own meals. The Internet makes it easy to find recipes that provide full nutrition information -- calories, fat, protein and carbohydrates. Take advantage of grocery store sales and create your own meals that mirror those offered by Jenny Craig.
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