Weight loss involves lifestyle changes that can sometimes be difficult, and Jenny Craig is a weight loss program that focuses on changing eating habits for the long term. Programs like Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers and NutriSystem have many similarities--they all emphasize lifestyle changes--but also differences in how they work, specifically whether or not they involve purchasing foods and on-site consultations or meetings. The Biggest Loser and MyPyramid provide two other options. Knowing the differences among these systems can help you decide which may be best for you.
Jenny Craig
Jenny Craig is about lifestyle changes to help you lose and keep weight off. The program addresses three key areas--food, body and mind. As you begin the program you meet with a consultant, who provides a personalized plan, offers nutrition and fitness advice and discusses your goals with you. You purchase meals and snacks for delivery or pickup to help with portion and calorie control. More than 80 meal choices are available, and you may customize your meal plan. On the program, you eat both Jenny Craig foods and food you purchase and prepare on your own. An online component includes recipes, weight trackers, menu planners and more.
Weight Watchers
Weight Watchers also focuses on changing the way you live so you can keep weight off successfully. Weight Watchers promotes a lenient eating program without any regimented schedule or specific plan and instead uses a point system. Dieters eat what they like, with the goal of not exceeding the daily point value, and focus on sound nutrition and learning how to stay full and satisfied. Weight Watchers teaches the principles of healthy weight loss. Members do not have to purchase food from Weight Watchers. In weekly group meetings led by people who have lost weight with Weight Watchers, they share their experiences, support one another and exchange ideas and recipes. A step-by-step online program is available that offers full access to the point system, community support, recipes, fitness guidance and more.
NutriSystem
NutriSystem does not involve a structured plan. You select a 28-day meal plan that works for you, purchasing food from NutriSystem. The menu includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert from NutriSystem, which you supplement with six servings of fruits and vegetables from the grocery store. All meals are portioned and calorie controlled so you do not have to worry about counting calories, carbohydrates or points. You learn portion control and eat often throughout the day to prevent cravings. Female dieters consume an average of 1,200 calories per day, males an average of 1,500 calories. With your online account, you can order meals, obtain online support and write in your food and exercise diary. NutriSystem does not have an off-line component.
The Biggest Loser Club
Derived from the popular television program, Biggest Loser is an online subscription system that advocates a diet plan and exercise. Centered on lean proteins, vegetables, fruits and grains, the diet includes three meals per day plus snacks. Daily cardiovascular and strength training exercise is strongly recommended. The program includes help with proper form and implementation of exercises.
MyPyramid
MyPyramid from the U.S. Department of Agriculture guides individuals on daily healthy eating. It is not a plan but offers a "do-it-yourself" approach to eating and weight loss. The free website is a tool you can use to structure your own program. It allows you to look up a food, learn healthy eating tips, learn about food groups, plan a healthy menu, analyze your own diet and even obtain a personalized plan. You can also listen to podcasts and ask questions. Fitness is also a component of MyPyramid.
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