Jenny Craig is one of the most well-known diet programs in the United States. Pre-packaged meals are provided to members, and clients supplement these meals with their own fresh foods. Over time, weight counselors teach clients how to create their own meals and dine out using portion control. This approach does not work for everyone; however, there are several other options on the market that have both some similarities and differences to the Jenny Craig program.
Weight Watchers
Weight Watchers is the most popular of the weight loss programs on the market, competing directly with Jenny Craig. While Jenny Craig offers packaged foods and personalized plans, Weight Watchers focuses on a points system that assigns a certain amount of points to every food. Each person is allowed to eat a specific amount of points per day based on their weight and height. Weight Watchers also has weekly meetings that include weigh-ins and personal stories from members. The cost of Weight Watchers depends on where you live, but it usually costs about $40 a month.
Nutrisystem
Nutrisystem has a similar approach to weight loss as Jenny Craig. The largest difference is that there are no centers to visit in person. Based on the glycemic index, Nutrisystem provides all meals through home delivery. A weight loss counselor contacts you by phone once you sign up, and online support is also available. Nutrisystem is portion controlled and focuses on low-fat, controlled carbohydrate and protein foods. The cost for a month in the program, which includes all foods, ranges from $240 to $325 depending on if you are a man or woman.
Medifast
Another weight loss program similar to Jenny Craig is Medifast. The Medifast website defines this as a "5&1 Plan," which consists of five Medifast meals and one "lean and green" meal everyday. You choose the Medifast meals from over 70 options, which include soups, shakes, eggs and puddings. One of the main meals of the day makes up the "lean and green" portion, and this should include five to seven oz. of a lean meat or a vegetarian substitute, and three servings of vegetables. You can track your progress online and connect with others on the diet plan. A seven-serving box of each meal costs $15.50, so the weekly cost for just the Medifast meals is $77.50 per week.
Slim Fast
Slim Fast is another portion control diet, but it uses shakes and bars as meal substitutes. The recommendation is that two meals per day be replaced with Slim Fast products, along with three 100 calorie snacks and one 500 calorie meal. The main difference between Slim Fast and Jenny Craig is that Slim Fast shakes and bars can be purchased at most food stores, and there is no weight counselor or online community to work with. Each bar or shake is about $2 each, which adds up to $28 per week if you purchase Slim Fast snacks.
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