The Jenny Craig Diet was created by Jenny Craig.  The Jenny Craig plan has been around for years, and seems to be at the forefront of successful weight loss stories.

In 1983, Jenny Craig began providing frozen meals to clients as a means of diet control. The company has since branched out into cookbooks and programs that encourage clients to make food choices from readily available foods, as well as an at-home program for people who do not live close to an established center.

The plan is well balanced, offers one-on-one counseling, portion-controlled Jenny's Cuisine food items, and other options that make it a system for weight management.

Food is shipped by UPS, and personal consultations are conducted over the telephone. Personal weekly consultations for motivation and behavior change are a central part of the program. The diet is based on a food exchange program of menu-planning.

The Food

Clients are educated about nutrition, taught how to plan meals, and given strategies for eating in restaurants and occasionally "splurging" on junk food.

Participation in the program involves eating Jenny Craig food, meeting with a counselor once a week, and exercising.

Clients are taught how to plan nutritious, varied meals that incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and nonfat dairy products. To help clients meet long-term weight loss goals, the program focuses on learning healthy eating habits, while enjoying all foods in moderation.