Jenny Craig Review
We review the Jenny Craig weight loss program in detail, outlining the pros, cons and costs, as well as must-know facts
Updated 11 March 2020
Jenny Craig is a world-renowned weight-loss system that has been around for about 40 years, with a large following throughout New Zealand and 15+ branches all over the country. With celebrities endorsing the program on TV and Jenny Craig claiming that its members lose an average of half a kilo per week, there is a lot of appeal for anyone looking to lose weight. However, the $194 per week food cost and ongoing membership fees make Jenny Craig an expensive option for losing weight even with the unique features and benefits factored in.
To explain what's involved and the cost, in this guide we outline:
Disclaimer: This review does not consider weight loss results as these will vary per individual.
To explain what's involved and the cost, in this guide we outline:
- Must-Know Facts - How Jenny Craig Works, The Jenny Craig Plans and How Much Jenny Craig Costs
- The Pros, Cons and Bottom Line
- Jenny Craig Frequently Asked Questions
Disclaimer: This review does not consider weight loss results as these will vary per individual.
Jenny Craig Must-Know Facts
Jenny Craig promotes itself as a one-stop diet solution, and if you keep to the plan, it will be. We outline the program options, membership fees and food cost in detail to explain Jenny Craig clearly.
|
Understand ​How Jenny Craig WorksJenny Craig is one of the more structured weight loss programs. However, you must buy Jenny Craig prepackaged food in order to participate. Unlike Weight Watchers or other diet programs, Jenny Craig is an 'all-in-one' program covering food, coaching and support. Each Jenny Craig plan has a membership fee, ranging from $0 to $99, but it's the cost of the food that's the most significant.
Each plan includes:
|
|
Understand the ​Jenny Craig PlansJenny Craig has two plans:
Trial Plan (promoted as the 'Free 8 Week Membership')
Standard Plan
Jenny Craig also has a ‘VIP plan,’ but they’ll only discuss the cost if you call and talk to a representative. This plan is best for those that need long-term support and know they won’t be able to maintain their weight loss without regular consultant meetings. More pricing and plan details are outlined here. |
|
Understand ​How Much Jenny Craig CostsThe reality is that Jenny Craig may seem cheap, but losing weight takes time so it can be a significant cost to any family's budget.
Calculating The Weekly Cost of Jenny Craig
Adding up the Monthly Cost of Jenny Craig
Understanding the Long-Term Cost of Jenny Craig
Total costs: Based on the above, it would be reasonable to budget around $5,000 for a six-month program, including extra items and fresh food and vegetables. it is a significant expense, and may not be affordable. More pricing details are outlined here. |
Jenny Craig - Pros & Cons
Jenny Craig isn't for everyone, but it does have several benefits. We explain the best and worst aspects, and sum it up below.
Jenny Craig Pros
- It’s easy to follow. With prepared meals, there’s little for you to do as long as you follow the weekly menu. You’ll know what you are eating for breakfast, lunch, dinner and your snacks.
- The servings are pre-portioned. It’s easy to stay on track and not overeat as long as you only eat the provided food.
- You have access to a personal consultant, many of which have been through the Jenny Craig program. It’s nice to have someone on your side, helping you make decisions and stay on track.
- The Jenny Craig plan does provide well-balanced meals if you follow the plan.
- Your consultant can provide you with guidance to eat out or have meals with family or friends.
Jenny Craig Cons
- Most of the food is frozen - While Jenny Craig says the fruits and vegetables are frozen at peak ripeness, and everything is fresh, it’s just not the same as eating truly fresh food.
- The cost of the food adds up - Since the food is meant for one person, you still have to shop for the rest of your family.
- It’s not an easy plan for vegans, or those following a gluten-free or diet - Most of their foods contain dairy and many foods contain gluten or have cross-contamination. Jenny Craig doesn’t allow those with Celiac disease to join the program.
- You’re encouraged to supplement the Jenny Craig diet with fresh fruits and vegetables as well as supplements, which further adds to the cost of the plan.
- Additional additives - Since the meals are ‘processed,’ you may consume more sodium or unhealthy ingredients than you’d consume if you prepared the meals yourself.
Bottom Line - The Cost of the Jenny Craig Convenience
- If you’re on a quest to lose weight, Jenny Craig does provide the guidance that makes it easy. By providing the food (for an extra cost), you have a better chance of sticking to the diet. However, that convenience comes at a hefty cost. For example - let’s take a family of four (2 adults and 2 school-aged children); the Jenny Craig meal only feeds one person:
- If one family member is following Jenny Craig, it's an additional $194 a week in addition to the grocery costs for three people in the family. With the average family of four spending around $290 per week (per Otago University research), adding in the cost of Jenny Craig can really hurt a budget.
- Even if you can reduce the costs because one family member is eating the Jenny Craig meals, you’re still looking at $400 - $480 per week in groceries. We don't believe that's affordable for most New Zealand families.
- Overall, it’s definitely a costly program, even though the $0 membership seems enticing. Depending on how much weight you have to lose and how dedicated you are, there may be much cheaper ways to lose weight.
- Keep in mind that to start and for at least half of your program, you’ll need to buy the Jenny Craig foods, which cost $194 a week, just for the basics. Expect to supplement your meals with your own fresh fruits and veggies unless you enjoy eating only frozen foods.
Jenny Craig Frequently Asked Questions
While our guide attempts to explain Jenny Craig in detail, we have answered some recurring questions.
Is Jenny Craig only for women?
No, Jenny Craig has programs specifically for women, men, new mums, diabetics and vegetarians of any gender.
How long do you need to stay on Jenny Craig?
Jenny Craig offers an 8-week and 6-month program, but how long you stay on depends on your desired weight loss and progress. The program is designed for you to lose ½ - 1 kilogram per week, but breastfeeding women will lose less.
Can you purchase a membership online?
Jenny Craig only allows the purchase of the trial membership online right now. If you want the standard membership or want to discuss the VIP membership, they require you to call and talk to a representative. The VIP membership does include a maintenance plan, which may help you keep the weight off, but at a continued cost.
Does it cost to have food delivered to you?
If you don’t live local to a Jenny Craig centre, you may have the food delivered to you, but it increases the cost.
Does Jenny Craig include all of the food you need?
No, Jenny Craig provides you with 3 meals and 1 snack for the first half of the program. During that time, though, you’ll still need to add your own fresh fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and sometimes even lean meats.
At the halfway point in the program, you’ll then be weaned off the Jenny Craig meals and supplied with Jenny Craig recipes so that you can create your own foods and not rely on the Jenny Craig prepared foods. If you want to keep going on the Jenny Craig maintenance plan, you’ll need to purchase the VIP membership.
At the halfway point in the program, you’ll then be weaned off the Jenny Craig meals and supplied with Jenny Craig recipes so that you can create your own foods and not rely on the Jenny Craig prepared foods. If you want to keep going on the Jenny Craig maintenance plan, you’ll need to purchase the VIP membership.
Where is Jenny Craig located?
Jenny Craig has branches in Whangerei, Auckland (Albany, Te Atatu, Takapuna, Newmarket, Pakuranga, Manakau), Pukekohe, Hamilton, Tauranga, Papamoa, Rotorua, New Plymouth, Napier, Palmerston North, Lower Hutt, Wellington, Nelson, Rangiora, Christchurch and Dunedin.
For more details, see the locations page.
For more details, see the locations page.
Related Guides:
