Both Jenny Craig and Nutrisystem programs claim participant weight losses of about 1 to 2 lbs. per week while emphasizing a balanced, nutritious diet. Each day, you eat a prepared breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack or dessert, along with some fresh foods that you purchase for yourself. Most of the prepared foods must be ordered and delivered to your home. However, the programs operate differently, so investigate each to choose the one that is best for you.
Program Basics
Jenny Craig and Nutrisystem offer programs for men, women, individuals with diabetes and older adults, but you can also choose Jenny Craig if you are a teenager with your doctor's support. You work individually with a Jenny Craig counselor either from your home, via telephone, or in-person, at a Jenny Craig clinic. If you have questions about Nutrisystem, you can get support from a weight loss counselor if you telephone the company or use its online chat system.
Curriculum
Jenny Craig has a formal curriculum, while Nutrisystem does not. During your weekly sessions, you learn the Jenny Craig curriculum for food, body and mind to learn about healthy eating, the importance of physical activity and how to stay motivated to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Your weekly session may include a quiz to make sure that you are learning the materials. Nutrisystem has some educational materials, such as a restaurant dining guide, but not a formal curriculum as part of its program.
Transition and Maintenance
As you approach your goal weight, Jenny Craig gradually decreases the number of days per week that you eat Jenny Craig foods. The goal of the program is to eventually prepare you for maintaining your goal weight, after you leave the program, by eating nutritious foods that you prepare yourself. Nutrisystem does not have a program to transition you off of Nutrisystem. When you reach your goal weight on Nutrisystem, your options are to stop using Nutrisystem, or to start using Nutrisystem Balance, which still provides three meals and a snack each day, but is for weight maintenance, not loss.
Other Components
On Nutrisystem, you only pay for the cost of your food. Jenny Craig is a more comprehensive weight loss program, but you need to pay for the amount of weight you lose as well as for your diet food. Anyone can sign up for a free account at Nutrisystem's website, and you can participate in community forums, track your weight loss and order your food from your account. The extra cost to join Jenny Craig covers the cost of your weekly session with your Jenny Craig counselor.
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