You know what, I just started Jenny Craig and I have to laugh when I read the reivews by the people who are hating on the program. Yes, the food is frozen and it comes out of a box, but they don't expect you to eat frozen food from the box for the rest of your life. The purpose of eating Jenny Craig provided food in the beginning is to help control portions. and YES, people DO need help controlling portions. It might be easy as taking out a measuring cup for some people, but for others, like myself, it's hard to know how many cups of what is enough, and what is a healthy amount for your body. Jenny Craig helps you with that. The food so far as been very good, and I am not planning on living off of JEnny Craig food for the rest of my life. This is helping me learn what one portion of chicken might look like, and is going to be an example of what a healthy lifestyle will be after I finish the program. So for those people who are reading this and are thinking that people who try Jenny Craig are just fat, lazy people, you have no idea what you are talking about. You have no right to judge people and say they are fat and lazy; just making the initial call to Jenny Craig means they really are trying to take care of themselves. The program is just meant to be a step towards a healthy lifestyle, and it does just that.

Hahaha. Guess what? Eating out of a BOX does NOT teach you jack about nutrition. Would you feed your kids out of boxes? I hope not. You need to actually LEARN nutrition and portion control. If you teach yourself portion control then you might actually have a chance at eating healthy for the rest of your life. I can't believe that people actually think its ok to eat what a frozen meal gives you and actually think it will change your life until the day you die. So you know what a boxed portion of food looks like? People need to stop being lazy and actual PARTICIPATE in their healthy lifestyle. You bitch about how you can't figure out protion sizes and you need someone to make your meals for you....yet all it takes is to scoop something up with a measuring cup or plunk something down on a scale. I like to actually KNOW what goes in my food. I want to be the one making the food and knowing what goes in it. Its ok occasionally to eat frozen prepared meals....but they should be there for quick dinners or lunches when you don't have to time to make a calorie restricted meal. NOT AS A LIFESTYLE.

hey their, well I would have to agree with the people that lost weight that if you don't lose weight on Jenny it is you not the program that doesn't work.
I mean really look at the menu, the kilojoules are counted for you, the food is checked for fat amounts, watch your exercise and drink plenty or water. Their is nor preparation no way you can mess it up. i have been on the program for 2weeks now, both weekends I messed up and had drinks with friends, I put on a kilo each time, I still weigh 2/2 kilos less than when I started so come on, give me a break and wise up to your own behaviours. The first time I did Jenny Craig it did not suit me, I was breastfeeding, had a new baby and as a rsult the woman who put me on it should not of because I did not have enough kilojoules for myself and baby. I too felt lightheaded and dizzy and weak. This was because of the crap consultant not because of the Jenny Craig menu. When I left they also gave me a refund as they realised they had messed up. I give it a 4. the only thing holding it back is the price and the cracked pepper, they seem to think we all love big chunks of pepper in our toasted sandwhiches :-)

Wow!  After reading some of these tales of woe, I had to laugh.  I have been on Jenny Craig 18 days and lost about 15 pounds.  To the person with the big appetite, hey that's a you problem, not a Jenny Craig problem.   Decrease your portions, and your appetite will decrease and, voila, you'll lose weight.  I also had a big appetite, which is the whole reason I need to lose 25 pounds.  Shocking, huh?   Gee, I found out I didn't need to eat half a chocolate cake before I went to bed.  I have not been overly hungry in the nearly three weeks I have been on the program, and I actually feel better exercising without my big, fat stomach getting in the way.  I can fit in my 34 jeans for the first time in three years.  I have enjoyed 90% of the meals, and the ones I don't like, I don't have to buy again.  As for customer service.  I don't need someone to give me a pep talk or give me life counseling.  You either want to lose weight or you don't.  Take control for yourself.  Take some responsibility for yourself.  If you do, you'll lose weight on this diet (my wife has been on it two weeks longer than me and lost about 18 pounds).  If you want to whine and complain, no diet will work, no matter how good it is.  I agree with annamarie, some people are negative about everything, and it's always somebody elses fault.  For me Jenny Craig works, and if you have a positive attitude about losing weight, it will probably work for you.

i agree with some of the reviews here... that JENNY CRAIG SUCKS. i am currently enrolled in a jenny direct program and i just want to confirm some of the complaints here. the jenny craig staff are just friendly to you the first time, but if they see that you are decided to stick with them, they tend to neglect you. the consultants don't call anymore when you've decided that you would not renew your membership (for whatever reason you may have). they don't deliver your food during the time that you have instructed them to (NO MATTER HOW MANY TIMES). they are inconsistent as to when their frozen foods are still good from the package. some say as long as they don't smell funky. others say not more than 24 hours. actually, i think they don't really know. BEWARE: their foods are not good after 24 hours of being shipped - unless you want to have an upset stomach (CAUSE I DID! and i blame myself for believing in that stupid customer representative who convinced me. AND JENNY CRAIG DID NOTHING ABOUT THAT!) and if ever you will be having problems with the food delivery, they will just tell you that FEDEX people are lazy - and they'll tell you that they can't do anything about it. and even if you leave a message on their customer representative voicemail, they really don't return your call... NOT UNLESS YOU ARE INTERESTED TO JOIN THEIR PROGRAM. their diet might have worked for me, but the stress they've caused--- both in my pockets and personally -- I REGRET STICKING WITH JENNY CRAIG. PLEASE DON'T MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE AS I DID...

annemarie78: I happened to stumble across this review while doing some research. I do not need to lose weight. However, I am compelled to respond to your post. The Secret is not about berating others into the positive. It is about "being positive" in your thoughts, attitude and WORDS. Perhaps letting the people on the post know how to be positive by simply being positive in your review---you can certainly critic things you do not like in a way that feels positive or subjective versus using others in a negative way to make a point----yes? This would have been a good way to demonstrate The Secret. Much love and good luck!

To all of the people with negative comments about Jenny Craig: The exact reason you did not lose weight or thought it didnt work is because you are a NEGATIVE thinker. It's very apparent you are the type of confrontational people that are never satisfied. Complaining in restaurants, relationship issues, arguing with co-workers. You know it's true. You will carry this energy with you for the rest of your life and good things won't start happening to you until you start thinking positive. To the people who knew it was expensive and pursued it anyway, were looking for a weight loss program that would help them feel better. Feeling better about yourself, contributes to a positive attitude, which leads to all good things. Watch or rent the documentary, "The Secret". Explains everything. You will never be happy if you dont think positive. Jenny Craig works, c'mon. It is scientifically proven that when you reduce calories, you lose weight. Let's all get serious. Good luck to the people still headed towards a more positive lifestyle.

I have been on Jenny Craig for almost four months now and I have lost 60 pounds. It works. The food is good. You have more energy. Your wallet will lose some weight too but it's worth it. I have NEVER lost sixty pounds after years of dieting. The results you see (super fast) keep you motivated and make you want to succeed. I actually like exercising now. I may sound like Kirstie but Jenny changed my life. I recommend it to everyone. To those who say it doesn't work, perhaps you should be honest with yourself and realize that you cheated. You probably didn't exercise and that is a must. Weight loss is never easy but Jenny makes it a lot simpler than going it alone.

I have been on Jenny for a while and during that time, I have lost a lot..you wouldn't believe it if I told you - I just love hangin' out in my robe eating broth!
R.Reed

I love Jenny!It has been two weeks and I have lost six pounds! It teaches you how to eat that's all.It can give you the motivation to keep going or a boost in the right direction! Try it-it's not bad.I signed on for six weeks for 36.00 plus the cost of food.Now I know what I can eat,so I have started supplementing all snacks and breakfasts which reduce my cost of food tremendously!They will work with you and they will do all they can to help you stay financially on the plan.Two weeks and both weekends I ate on my own terms,but still kept in mind food portions and caloric intake and I still lost.So you can still maintain even after you get off the program!I recomend Jenny!I'll leave another review in a few weeks to let you'll know my progress! Respectfully, San Antonio,TX

YOU KNOW I READ ALL THE REVIEWS AND I AM CURRENTLY STUGGLING TO LOOSE WEIGHT AND I FEEL LIKE WHO EVER WANTS TO LOOSE WEIGHT INCLUDING MYSELF HAS DIFFERNT MOTIVATIONS NO ONE SHOULD SAY THIS PLAN DOES NOT WORK BECAUSE IT CLEARLY HAS FOR SOME PEOPLE. THOSE OF YOU THAT FEEL LIKE THEY WERE GETTING NOT ENOUGH FOOD WELL OVIOUSLY YOU WERE USE TO EATING WHAT EVER AND THEN YOU WERE PUT ON A PORTION DIET I KNOW THIS DIET WORKS I HAVE SEEN PEOPLE LOOSE OVER 150 POUNDS ON IT. AND IF YOUR WOUNDERING WHY I HAVEN'T JOINED I WILL .. AS SOON AS I HAVE THE MONEY TO DO SO.

I did not receive counseling calls as promised--they either did not call, or they called at the wrong time. It was very expensive and did not deliver on the days scheduled. I lost work time waiting for food arrival. I tried to get a refund since they did not give promised services, but was unable to get my money back. Buyer beware! Once they have your yearly subscription, they do not care about customer service. I would never recommend Jenny Craig to anyone.

I have been on Jenny Craig since 1/3/06 and have lost 134 pounds. The food is amazingly delicious. There is something for every taste - sweets, salty, cakes, cookies... I have 30 more pounds to lose and am hopeful that will happen between March and July of 2007 (closer to March than July). My mom joined the program in a different state. She can do practically no exercise due to an injured ankle and arthritis. She has lost over 30 pounds so far. You can try any diet in the world and fail due to the program or fail due to yourself. You can talk smack about any program out there but I've got news. You won't find an easier or more delicious program than Jenny Craig. You won't! If you work the program, it works! Bottom line. Is it expensive? Hell yes. Is it worth every penny? Absolutely!

I'm on Jenny Craig now and I gotta tell you it's the best program out there. I should have called Jenny A LONG TIME AGO. The food is mostly frozen and it's amazing that I actually get excited about my meals! The food costs about $14 a day to start for 3 meals and a dessert but I could have EASILY spent that on a steak dinner in the recent past. Then you will get discounts up to 35% off for more weeks you stay on the program. The staff at the center was very up beat and professional. They weighed me and took my "before" pictures. I meet once a week for 20 minutes with my personal counselor. Im very impressed with the whole program and I've only found 2 meals, yes 2 whole meals, that I didn't like the taste of. Jenny Craig has over 80 items to choose from.

I tried Nutrisystem for 16 weeks in the past and most of their food is just nasty. It's mostly dehydrated and shelf stable foods that end up tasting really fake and worse than cardboard. Jenny Craig's food really has me excited... I rate each dish from 1-10 as I eat it and I haven't rated anything below a 7 yet.

I went to a Weight Watchers meeting the same day that I joined Jenny Craig. The host started singing a silly song and handing out stickers like we were in kindergarden. Not my speed at all. Then I drove to Jenny Craig and signed up immediately. I haven't regretted it one single minute and so far I've lost 23 pounds.

Regarding the people below who gave JC bad reviews and/or didn't loose weight... those people seem to be looking for that elusive magic pill. If they can't do Jenny Craig then they just don't really want to lose weight. Jenny Craig is a piece of cake.... real chocolate cake with frosting for dessert! Don't waste another day... give Jenny a try :)

It isn't brain surgery, and it isn't cheap, but it DOES work. Let's face it, ANY diet will work if you stick to it, so then we must determine: What will keep me ON a diet? For me, the answer was "To not be hungry and for the food to taste good and satisfy me". Jenny Craig did that for me and I'm losing! It tastes FABULOUS (much, much better than the Lean Cuisines, WW, etc frozen foods you find at the grocery store....those are FOUL). Your first bite of the French Toast with Berries will convince you of that!

I've lost 11.5 lbs in four weeks and feel that this is a diet I can not only STICK TO, but one that is teaching me about portion control. My counselor is great and REALLY talks to me about WHY I eat.

So for me, this program is worth the price. It isn't a cost, but an INVESTMENT in ME.

Absolutely Rediculous! I was so lethargic, dizzy, with a headache, that I couldn't possibly exercise like I am supposed to. If you are a person with a big appetite, these foods will not sasiate and you will be miserable.

Okay it does work but at what cost...I feel sick all the time, tired, headachey and know it is the food because I felt this way last time I was on JC. But it is the only way I can even lose a measly five pounds I know there must be less expensive and healthier ways (I feel very unhealthy right now) but I don't know where to find it.

Jenny Craig is like Time Share, bate and switch. Draw in people in need of self help to get healthy and they CON you into a long EXPENSIVE USELESS CONTRACT. They pushed paper after paper to sign in front of this elderly lady and she left with a $533 charge and less than 1 week of food. NON REFUNDABLE - CANNOT CANCEL CONTRACT If they were a honest business they would allow you to cancel. The same food in WALMART is a grand total of $14 for a week. Ask your lawyer and your doctor. Both will tell you. STAY AWAY FROM JENNY CRAIG

I have been doing Jenny Craig since January. I have been overweight and dieting on and off for two decades. I'm a very finicky eater, if something doesn't taste right - I'm NOT eating it!! I've tried every food that Jenny Craig offers now and it is all 100% DELICIOUS!! Each item has "Jenny's Cuisine" on the label, that's not a mistake - it IS cuisine!! I joined Curves in mid-December and have been going 5 times each week and then started Jenny Craig in the beginning of January. I've lost 32 pounds so far. My counsellor is an angel, a cheerleader, the total package! I look forward to my weekly meetings like going to a pep rally! Yes, it is expensive and that is part of why I continue with the program, after two decades, it's time to put my $ where my mouth is and really get this done!

I just completed my first week on the JC diet and felt the need to place a post becuase of some of the ones that I read. I know a lot about nutrition and have dieted since I was in my early teens. Never fat but always a good 20 p[ounds more then I should be. I have tried WW and other diets where you get to make your own foods but my portions were always out of whack. In response to that one person yes I do need someone to show me what to eat. Portion control is what my problem with weight boils down too and seeing that JC portion on the plate is teaching me how to monitor my foods. Yes it is expensive but after all of the money that I have allready sunk into diet programs over the past 15 years I think that it will be worth it. My councillor calls me during the week to check in and make sure that I am doing okay and knowing that she will do that keeps me on track. Itis not for everyone but that does not mean that people should knock it.

Im fat and it dont work

I love the program. The food tastes great and you can also use their recipes to make your own food. My counselor is great. She helps me to figure out how to deal with different situations and is very encouraging. If you get a counselor that isn't working for you, you can request a different one. Mine has been doing this for 15 years and she is SUPER!!! It's helped me to learn portion control - even when I'm out at a restaurant.

I want to share my experience about joining the Jenny Craig diet. After eating the food from Jenny Craig diet for three days, I became very sick. I was feeling weak and didn't have the energy to move while I was at work. It really scared me becasue I really never felt like this before. When I asked for the money back because of what I was feeling, they told me that I couldn't get the refund after signing the contract. I lost so much money, however, when I went back to my normal way of eating, I didn't feel sick and felt like I had more energy. I really don't recommend you to join the Jenny Craig diet. I don't know what they put in the food but it really did make me sick. Currenty, I am just eating meals three times a day and do my work out at the gym. My weight came off and stayed off.

it sucks dont use it you gain the pounds back after! also its really expensive and the comercials make u feel like your 500 pounds! DONT USE IT!!!!

it sucks dont use it you gain the pounds back after! also its really expensive and the comercials make u feel like your 500 pounds! DONT USE IT!!!!

Yes, it is expensive. Let's get that out of the way right away. I've been on every diet known to man since I was about 16. I lost and gained it back. I have to say that I really like Jenny Craig. The food tastes great. It's convenient and I've learned to focus on portion sizes and supplementing with healthy foods such as yogurt, salads, vegetables, etc. I event eat out on Jenny Craig. Each week my counselor asks me what challenges I have and we talk about them. If I have events coming up, she gives me ideas on how to handle them. I think the counselor has a great deal to do with this. If you get a counselor who is investing in helping you, I believe you will do better. I'm a lifer. I've lost 28 pounds in ten weeks. If I can do this, anyone can. A friend of mine who is on Jenny Craig started doing the Jenny Craig food one week and regular food another week. It helps with the cost. I feel so much better and I don't feel like I'm going to a cattle call like I did when I went to Weight Watchers. This is for me. It's not for everyone, but that's why there's so many different options out there. One will work for us all. Good luck!

jenny craig is really expensive this is true, does it work? yes it does. i did atkins for 8 months lost 45lbs almost at my goal weight, but i wasent losing after awhile but i cant complain much cuz i wasent gaining either. however i knew i wanted to transition into real food eventualy so i tried jenny craig recently ive lost 10 more lbs and the food tastes so damn good! and i have lots more energy at the gym then i ever did with atkins. ive had to budget a lot i pick the foods i want by price. LOOSING WEIGHT IS NEVER FUN OR CHEAP! specialy if you have more then 50lbs to lose but the feeling you get when you step on that scale and your weight is the lowest its been since well maybe since you were a kid, its priceless!

the only thing i lost at Jenny Craig was $29.95...

I just joined and to answer a below comment, yes I need someone to help me determine what to eat. I know what is nutional, but if I could control the portions I wouldn't need a diet. If you haven't struggle with overweight and many diets don't throw stones. I also after a short time know what a portion looks like and if I CHOOSE to go back to eating the portions I was eating then indeed I will gain the weight back. It may be expensive but I know I spent at least the same each week on food, clothes to make me feel better, diet books, diet vitamins, etc.

Jenny Craigs food is more expensive, because it tastes that much better than anything you can find in the grocery store. The structure and support that the consultants offer in outstanding. I have lost over 100lbs on Jenny Craig, and have kept it off. I tried numerous diets before JC and had no results even compareable. If you are serious about losing weigh, and have the money to spend on it, IT IS worth it. It has changed my life.

I am very sorry that I joined Jenny Craig. I joined because an acquaintance and I were discussing losing weight and she recommended Jenny Craig ( she also works for them as a receptionist). At the time they were offering a $49 joining fee. Food not included. The consultant glazed over the $49 special and spent more time promoting the more expensive Platinum plan at $199. You get $99 of that back if you reach and maintain your goal weight, give or take 5 lbs either way after 1 year. They also push their supplements for an additional fee. It also cost $100 for food for the week. I spend $100 a week to feed 3 of us. When I went to the supermarket, I found Jenny Craig is no different from Smart Ones, Lean Cuisine, or Healthy Choice and those brands are CONSIDERABLY LESS EXPENSIVE. I did lose 4 lbs the first week- mostly water- because of the calorie restriction- 1500 calories the 1st week, 1200 thereafter. We argued when I went for the 1st weigh in when I told her I would no longer purchase Jenny Craig food. I dug my heels in. She has not argued with me since. I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS DIET. It is a rich man's diet. I also have LEARNED NOTHING about nutrition, absolutely nothing !!!!!! You have an appointment for 5-10 minutes- they weigh you and then want to get straight to the food that they want you to purchase. Make your next appointment and goodbye. I did gain back a couple of pounds when I stopped the Jenny Craig food, but I have lost them and more because I am watching portion control,eating healthy food and excercising. I still go for my weigh in there because I intend to reach my goal and get my $99 back. PLEASE STAY AWAY FROM THIS DIET.

I hope everyone that is in the Jenny Craig program knows it is a waist of time and money. Do you really need some one to tell you how to eat right and make the food for you. It's common sense that if you eat healthy and work out you will lose weight and get in shape. You just need some will power.