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I’ve gained more than just a few pounds these past few months thanks to traveling and working for long hours. That’s why I decided to give Jenny Craig and Nutrisystem a try. Jenny Craig’s focus on one-on-one counseling pushed me through days where I felt like I didn’t want to stick to my diet plan.
On the other hand, Nutrisystem was much more cost-effective considering a full day of prepared meals would only cost around $10 on average.
Unfortunately, I also found that while both services were effective and more convenient, I still preferred my SunBasket subscription.
Cost per Day
- Nutrisystem – around $10
- Jenny Craig – about $15
Average Weight Lost per Week
- Nutrisystem – 1 to 2 pounds
- Jenny Craig – 1 to 2 pounds
Shipping Cost
- Nutrisystem – under $20 for non-auto deliveries, and free for all 28-day programs
- Jenny Craig – under $30 with Saturday and Express options
Popular Meals
- Nutrisystem
- Fudge Graham Lunch Bar
- Tuna Salad
- Loaded Potato
- Cheese Tortellini
- White Cheddar Mac and Cheese
- Jenny Craig
- Kung Pao Beef
- Chicken Fettuccine
- Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich
- Loaded Baked Potato
- Chicken Pot Pie
Number of Meals per Day
- Nutrisystem – at least six small meals and snacks
- Jenny Craig – 3 meals, 2 snacks, and some small grocery items you will shop for on your own
Meal Plans
- Nutrisystem
- Uniquely Yours Ultimate
- Uniquely Yours
- Basic
- Custom Plan
- Partner Plan
- Men’s Plans
- Diabetic Plans
- Vegetarian Plans
- Jenny Craig
- Rapid Results – Complete Weight loss
- Simple Meal Plan
- Essential Meal Plan
Number of Items on the Menu
- Nutrisystem – over 160
- Jenny Craig – over 100
Coaching Access
- Nutrisystem – you have access to a diet consultant for plan and diet support
- Jenny Craig – you are appointed a personal consultant who works with you on a one-on-one basis
Average Cost per Month
- Nutrisystem – from around $260 to under $710
- Jenny Craig – under $400 to around $675
Review Summary: Jenny Craig, Nutrisystem utilize a very similar diet program that promises an average weight loss of 1 to 2 lbs each week. However, their selection of heavily processed food, while convenient, is not exactly healthy or sustainable. If you’re looking for a more healthy way to maintain a diet and weight loss goals, I suggest looking into SunBasket instead.
Meal Options Compared
Both Jenny Craig and Nutrisystem focus on making healthy, weight loss-centric food deliveries more convenient, accessible, and fuss-free.
You can expect to see a broad selection of pre-packaged and pre-portioned meals, snacks, and meal replacements that are geared towards facilitating weight loss.
Their meal options vary, but you’re generally getting mostly the same types of healthful meals, snacks, and shakes curated and created by professional chefs to meet weight loss expectations.
Nutrisystem
A typical day with the Nutrisystem diet feeds you 6 small meals and snacks each day.
This is intended to keep you satiated throughout the day, without ruining your weight loss efforts.
Their meals and snack choices are created by chefs and follow strict health standards for only around $35 per pound you lose.
- They have a variety of “flex meal” choices that offer more flexibility within your diet. These meal schedules give you the opportunity to shop for yourself and prepare your own meal for around 4 times each month.
- The Nutrisystem menu has over 160 meal and snack choices which means it will take a while until you get sick of the type of food you’re eating and don’t have to eat the same menu items over and over—unless you want to.
- Their meals utilize all-natural flavorings and sweeteners.
- Nutrisystem offers specific plans for men, diabetics, and vegetarians.
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Jenny Craig
The Jenny Craig system identifies with your individual needs. This is something I enjoy when choosing any diet program because it’s practical.
After all, the reason why most programs don’t work for a majority of people is that they’re usually touted as an all-in-one solution instead of tailored to a specific individual.
The Jenny Craig menu has over 100 menu items which are significantly less than Nutrisystem’s, but it’s still a good selection of recipes.
- Their meals are crafted by professional chefs using premium ingredients.
- Their recipes are well-balanced and promote safe and healthy weight loss.
- They veer away from any artificial additives.
- Their menu consists of meals that cover healthy breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and dessert options.
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Nutrisystem vs Jenny Craig - My Experience Using Both Services
Both Nutrisystem and Jenny Craig offered good customer service. They were easy to reach, had multiple channels to reach them, and were always eager to assist in any concern I had.
However, one glaring difference between the two companies is the fact that Jenny Craig offered one-on-one counseling whereas Nutrisystem employed a universal approach for all of their subscribers.
Normally, I wouldn’t worry about having a dedicated coach assigned to help me through my meal plan.
But since these are weight loss-oriented programs, I appreciated the fact that I had a coach I could reach any time that would give me undivided attention and support regarding any queries or concerns I had.
As far as their meal plans and order process goes, Jenny Craig does get quite expensive. Especially since you’re required to pay a membership fee of under $100.
But other than that, I didn’t run into any issues with selecting my plan, meals, and placing an order.
Plans & Prices Compared
Nutrisystem is significantly cheaper compared to Jenny Craig. However, I like to attribute that to the fact that Jenny Craig gives you access to one-on-one counseling whereas Nutrisystem does not. On the other hand, Nutrisystem also has more flexible plans to choose from and a wider variety of menu items.
Each Nutrisystem plan is backed with a money-back guarantee. That means if you’re unsatisfied with your results, you can always request a refund. There are also more plan and diet choices when it comes to Nutrisystem.
You can choose from their regular plans, men’s plans, diabetic plans, or have a custom plan created just for you.
Partner Plan
- Cost: under $75 a week per person on average
- Free shipping
- Two-week plan for two people
Basic
- Cost: under $9 daily on average
- Free shipping
- Covers a total of four weeks
Uniquely Yours
- Cost: under $11 daily on average
- Free shipping
- Can be tailored to your metabolism
- Covers a total of four weeks
Uniquely Yours Ultimate
- Cost: under $13 on average
- Free shipping
- Can be tailored to your metabolism
- There are several frozen meal and snack options added to your menu
Vegetarian
- Cost: under $11 daily on average
- Free shipping
- There are separate options for men and women
- You can choose a chef-curated plan, or choose your own food
- Covers four weeks of meals
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The Jenny Craig plans and pricing is less-complex compared to Nutrisystem. You have three diet plans to choose from: essential, simple, and their Rapid Results program.
Each menu is custom-tailored to meet your preferences and body goals. Their plans are covered by a satisfaction guarantee and are plotted on a weekly basis.
Essential
- Cost: under $20 each day
- Free delivery
- Inclusions: 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 7 dinners
Simple
- Cost: under $13 each day
- Free delivery
- Inclusions: 7 breakfasts and 7 lunches
Rapid Results Complete Weight Loss
- Cost: under $23
- Free delivery
- Inclusions: 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners, and 7 snacks and desserts, personal coaching included
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Benefits of Both Weight Loss Plans
Both weight loss plans revolve heavily around helping you lose weight despite keeping up with a busy schedule. I’m not gonna lie, I gained more than just a few pounds over the last few months.
And the main reason why was that I was constantly ordering takeout from unhealthy food chains.
But I couldn’t help it. I was either too tired by the end of the day to cook my meal, or I didn’t have enough time to head to the market to buy fresh, healthy ingredients.
Both companies (like a Weight Watchers) make healthy food more accessible while promoting weight loss. And even if you weren’t specifically trying to fat loss, their selection of healthy, well-balanced meals are a good option for days where you feel like you’re not able to whip up something healthier for yourself.
Since most of their menu items are shelf-ready or can be frozen, you don’t have to worry or feel pressured to consume them immediately. This is ideal if you just want to maintain your weight and have a steady stream of readily available healthy foods.
Downsides of Both Weight Loss Plans
Despite the positives, it’s inevitable that there would be a few downsides to weight loss plans like these. For example, it’s not exactly financially sustainable.
If you’re planning on relying on their services for an extended time, keep in mind that you’ll be spending nothing short of $200 a month for portion-controlled food.
Another thing you need to consider is that you might not be able to sustain your body goals after you leave the programs.
Yes, it’s very likely that you’ll lose weight while sticking to your diet plan. But what happens after? What happens when you’ve met your goals and want to start being independent with your health?
The problem with programs like these is they cultivate reliance. Once you end your subscription, you might find yourself floundering for ideas on how to plan your meals, maintain your healthy diet, and keep the pounds from coming back.
And finally, you’ll have better luck with these programs if you don’t have any specific food allergies. Neither companies offer support for vegan, gluten-free, or other diet-specific lifestyles other than vegetarian and diabetic.
Packaging
Neither Jenny Craig nor Nutrisystem take the time to reevaluate their packaging practices to reflect a more eco-friendly approach.
Although this is slightly understandable given most of their menu items are ready to heat or require freezing, subscribing to their meal services makes it nearly impossible to reduce your carbon footprint.
Given that their meals come in cardboard boxes, both companies utilize a fair amount of plastic wrap that significantly outweighs the positive effects of cardboard packaging on the environment.
If you’re trying to reduce your negative impact on the ecosystem, you’ll, unfortunately, have a difficult time doing so with both of these companies.
Nutrition Facts & Taste
While both companies try to encourage you to live a healthier lifestyle by shopping for fresh vegetables and fruits, their meals are heavily processed foods. Despite this though, they maintain that they use all-natural flavorings and sweeteners.
Because of the way both weight loss plans operate on ready to heat and shelf-stocked food, it’s expected to see more processed foods. But it’s not exactly a healthy way of maintaining your diet.
Other than that, both companies rarely venture out into more complex cuisines with their food. So you’re likely to see very familiar Western dishes like macaroni and cheese.
While I can’t explicitly say their food was particularly delicious, they were good enough that I didn’t have a difficult time eating them.
Number of Recipes (variety)
Both companies have a generous number of recipes to choose from. This is ideal since you don’t want to be stuck eating the same food items each time you get a delivery from them. But also because you’re able to play up different flavors and meals whenever you want to.
While both companies rely heavily on more traditional food that every American would be familiar with, they also offer a variety of shakes, bars, and desserts.
Nutrisystem’s menu adds up to over 160 food choices. On the other hand, Jenny Craig’s still-growing menu has over 100 items on it.
Do Doctors Recommend Nutrisystem?
Millions of people use Nutrisystem to lose weight. It’s a meal-replacement diet that is quite popular and it can be the answer to your weight loss problems. A healthy diet and exercise are the keys to losing weight, but they are definitely not enough. Nutrition can have a tremendous impact on weight loss and you should always make sure you are getting all of the essential vitamins and minerals that you need to have a healthy body and a healthy heart. One way to slim down is to skip the pasta and bread in your diet and replace them with vegetables and other lean protein sources. In fact, a recent study showed that people who substituted vegetables for meat lost more weight, kept it off longer, and found it easier to lose more weight, than those who stuck to their original eating plan. Try taking a drink with every meal. This will reduce the number of calories you consume and will keep you full longer. When you drink with every meal, your body burns fatter. You can choose water, club soda, or fruit juice. Fruit juice should be consumed only sparingly since it has been shown to increase your appetite. Cheat days are a great way to get motivated for a healthier lifestyle. It is okay to have a day here and there where you are going to indulge in foods that you normally don’t. In fact, sometimes it is good to make this a regular routine because it helps you stay on track with your weight loss goals.What is the Most Successful Weight Loss Program?
One of the things which people must understand is that weight loss is not about losing weight rapidly. The definition of losing weight rapidly is making your body feel hungry and then stuffing yourself with food to regain your energy level. This in turn only confuses the body and makes it stay hungry for the next meal. On the other hand, losing weight slowly but steadily means when your body is feeling satiated and satisfied after eating healthy and healthy food. This helps the body in shedding the excess kilos which is the reason why such a technique is referred to as a healthy weight loss. Does the question arise why someone would want to lose weight slowly and not rapidly? Well, the truth is that a slow and steady approach is the best approach to achieve your target and it can be a very long-lasting process as compared to a rapid weight loss. A dietician will tell you that there are two types of weight loss; progressive weight loss and non-pharmacological weight loss.Can You Lose 20 Pounds in a Month on Nutrisystem?
I know some people claim that they can eat on Nutrisystem and lose weight at the same time, so I decided to put the diet to the test. I decided to join the Nutrisystem D500 Plan. I was really excited to get started and see how I could lose weight in just 30 days. But I didn’t really have the motivation to lose weight…until I joined this amazing business. I will share the exciting details of my month of freedom with you, right here. If you can learn from your mistakes, and then share your success story, we can inspire and help others get fit and healthy. How Does the Nutrisystem D500 Plan Work? The Nutrisystem D500 Plan includes four flexible meal plan options for both women and men. Each plan is made up of a variety.Jenny Craig vs Weight Watchers
Jenny Craig and Weight Watchers are two well-known weight loss programs that offer different approaches to help individuals achieve their weight loss goals. Although they share some similarities, there are distinct differences between the two.
Jenny Craig provides participants with pre-packaged meals that are carefully portioned to support weight loss while ensuring proper nutrition. The program includes personalized support from a consultant who assists individuals in creating a customized meal plan and offers guidance throughout their weight loss journey. It also encourages physical activity and incorporates behavior modification techniques to promote sustainable lifestyle changes.
On the other hand, Weight Watchers, now known as WW, utilizes a points-based system called SmartPoints. Foods are assigned specific points based on their nutritional content, with higher points assigned to foods that are higher in calories, sugar, and unhealthy fats. Participants are given a daily points target, allowing flexibility in food choices while promoting a balanced diet. Weight Watchers emphasizes the importance of group support through meetings, online communities, and coaching.
Scientific research has examined both programs to some extent. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association compared various commercial weight loss programs, including Jenny Craig and Weight Watchers. The study found that individuals following these programs achieved greater weight loss compared to those receiving standard care. However, it’s worth noting that long-term studies assessing the sustainability and effectiveness of these programs are limited.
Ultimately, the choice between Jenny Craig and Weight Watchers depends on personal preferences, lifestyle, and individual needs. Jenny Craig’s structured approach with pre-packaged meals and one-on-one support may be appealing to some, while others may prefer the flexibility in food choices and the group support provided by Weight Watchers. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before starting any weight loss program to ensure it aligns with your specific goals and health requirements.
Jenny Craig vs Optavia
These programs have distinct features and methods that set them apart from each other.
Jenny Craig focuses on providing pre-packaged meals that are portion-controlled and designed to promote weight loss while ensuring proper nutrition. Participants receive personalized support from consultants who assist them in creating customized meal plans and offer guidance throughout their weight loss process. The program also emphasizes the importance of physical activity and incorporates behavior modification techniques.
Optavia, on the other hand, utilizes a meal replacement approach with its Fuelings. These Fuelings are pre-packaged meals and snacks that are low in calories and carbohydrates, while providing a balance of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. Optavia also incorporates a system of support through its network of Health Coaches who guide individuals through their weight loss journey and provide ongoing motivation and education.
When it comes to scientific evidence, both programs have limited research studies supporting their effectiveness. It is important to note that individual results may vary, and long-term studies assessing the sustainability and overall health impact of these programs are still lacking.
Ultimately, the choice between Jenny Craig and Optavia depends on personal preferences, lifestyle, and individual needs. Jenny Craig offers a structured approach with pre-packaged meals and personalized support, while Optavia focuses on meal replacements and the guidance of Health Coaches. Consulting with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian is advisable before embarking on any weight loss program to ensure it aligns with your specific goals and health considerations.
What is the Highest Rated Weight Loss Program?
The pursuit of an effective weight loss program is a quest that has captivated countless individuals striving to achieve their ideal body weight and improve their overall health. However, it’s important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of the highest-rated weight loss program, as individual needs and preferences play a crucial role in determining success. Nonetheless, I can highlight some well-regarded and scientifically supported weight loss programs that have gained recognition in the realm of health and fitness.
The Mediterranean Diet: Often praised for its heart-healthy benefits, the Mediterranean diet emphasizes whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats such as olive oil. Numerous studies have linked this diet to weight loss and reduced risk of chronic diseases.
Intermittent Fasting: This eating pattern alternates between periods of fasting and eating. Scientific research has shown that intermittent fasting can lead to weight loss by reducing calorie intake and improving metabolic health.
Low-Carbohydrate Diets: Low-carb diets like the ketogenic diet and Atkins diet restrict carbohydrate intake and encourage the consumption of protein and healthy fats. These diets have shown promise in promoting weight loss and managing blood sugar levels.
Weight Watchers (WW): WW is a commercial weight loss program that assigns point values to foods, helping individuals make healthier choices while still enjoying a variety of foods. It has been endorsed by clinical trials for its effectiveness.
The DASH Diet: The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet focuses on reducing sodium intake while promoting a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products. It has been associated with weight loss and lower blood pressure.
Behavioral Weight Loss Programs: These programs combine dietary and exercise guidelines with behavioral strategies to promote sustainable weight loss. They often include support groups and counseling to address emotional and psychological aspects of weight management.
Plant-Based Diets: Plant-based diets, such as vegetarian and vegan diets, center on whole plant foods and exclude or limit animal products. Research has shown that adopting a plant-based diet can lead to weight loss and improved health outcomes.
Bariatric Surgery: In cases of severe obesity, bariatric surgery may be recommended. Procedures like gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy can lead to significant and sustained weight loss, but they involve surgical risks and long-term lifestyle changes.
It’s important to recognize that the highest-rated weight loss program for one person may not be the best choice for another. Successful weight loss is a complex interplay of diet, physical activity, genetics, and individual preferences. Consulting with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian can help tailor a weight loss plan that is both effective and safe based on individual needs and goals. Additionally, long-term success often depends on sustainable lifestyle changes rather than short-term fixes, reinforcing the importance of a holistic and personalized approach to weight management.
Frequently Asked Questions
A study published in 2015 determined that dieters on the Jenny Craig program lost more weight compared to Nutrisystem. This can be attributed to the personalized coaching that Jenny Craig employs which encourages you to stay on track and focus on losing weight.
Yes, the Nutrisystem Five Day Everyday Weight Loss Kit is available in Walmart stores both online and in selected areas. There are also a few other choices in Walmart stores like the Nutrisystem Cinnamon Streusel Muffins and Nutrisystem Double Chocolate Muffins.
Nutrisystem has an A La Carte menu that allows you to purchase individual meals without subscribing to their meal plans. This is ideal if you only want to try specific food items from the program and don’t want to commit to their plans.
WebMD recorded nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and fatigue as a possible side-effect when on a Jenny Craig diet.
Although this may not happen for everyone, and reports are few and far between, it’s important to consult your physician prior to starting any diet program.
Final Thoughts. Is Jenny Craig Better than Nutrisystem? Which Works Better?
Both Jenny Craig and Nutrisystem operate on a similar weight loss program with very few differences.
Nutrisystem should be something you look into if you’re looking for the cheapest option that still promises results.
On the other hand, Jenny Craig would be ideal if you want to have access to a personalized coach that will help you focus on your goals.
Keep in mind though, that Jenny Craig is more expensive compared to Nutrisystem and can cost you a minimum of $300 each month.
While both meal delivery services were effective and had a good variety of meal options, I found that SunBasket is something you should consider if you don’t want to rely heavily on processed foods.
SunBasket’s versatile plans allow you to choose healthy, fresh ingredients you can prepare yourself or ready to heat meals that are minimally processed.
Sun Basket
- Fresh ingredients
- The wide range of recipe options
- A lot of meal plans
