The Jenny Craig diet program is built around a food-body-mind approach to weight loss; dieters are encouraged to develop a healthy relationship with food, an active lifestyle and a balanced approach to living. Jenny Craig sells its own food, called Jenny Cuisine, in individual servings to help teach dieters about good nutrition and portion sizes. Once dieters are halfway to their predetermined goal weight, they begin transitioning off Jenny Cuisine. Jenny Craig also emphasizes activity; dieters must exercise for 30 minutes at a time at least five days a week. Dieters meet weekly with a Jenny Craig personal consultant who helps keep the client on track.

Diet Fundamentals:

• Eat five times a day — three meals and two snacks
• Keep a food journal
• Eat smaller portion sizes
• Prepare meals and snacks ahead of time
• Don't deprive yourself; eat in moderation
• Eat more fruits and vegetables
• Exercise for 30 minutes at a time at least five days a week
• Meet weekly with a personal weight-loss consultant
• Monthly membership fee of $20 - $55, plus the cost of food

Sample menu:

Breakfast
• Complete Start cereal with a cup of yogurt, a cup of strawberries and some sliced almonds

Lunch
• Hawaiian chicken with a mango-flavored applesauce

Dinner
• Beef tips with portobello mushrooms and a side of brown rice

Dessert
• Cookie cheesecake

Pros and Cons:

The Pros
• Balanced diet
• Easy to follow
• Good menu variety

The Cons
• High in refined carbohydrates
• Some portion sizes are too small (calorie count is too low, leading to hunger and loss of lean body mass)
• Program costs can add up
• Dieters must buy and prepare their own fruits and vegetables