Over the years I have written about my weight loss battles and how I have tried just about every diet and weight loss plan under the sun. I have even taken thing to the extreme including starvation, binging & purging, weight loss pills, laxative and even weight loss surgery. It’s got to the point where I have become complacent and pretty much given up any hope of shedding the excess weight. I lose, I gain, I lose, I gain again… it’s just a vicious roller coaster that I can’t get off.
At my highest weight I was 364 pounds.
A couple of weeks ago I was asked if I wanted to try out Jenny Craig for a month. Out of all the programs I have tried over the course of my lifetime, Jenny Craig is one program I haven’t tried yet. I said “yes” to the opportunity. I figured it was worth a shot. I know that all I need is an “ah-ha” moment for everything to fall into place and perhaps this will be my last attempt at losing weight because this time around it will work for me.
I know once I start losing weight and I can visibly see a difference and feel a difference that it will give me the motivation that I need to continue on. I’m hoping that Jenny Craig can do that for me.
I stopped by our local Jenny Craig this afternoon and met with my counselor, Francine. Francine went over the program with me, explained the weekly menu and how the program works. She also took some measurements and weighed me. Thankfully I was not as heavy as I thought I was. I thought I was in the 280+ range. I was 261.2 (I’ll omit the .2 – we’ll leave it at 261). She also took my picture. I hate getting my picture taken, but I know it’s for a good reason.
Francine asked me what my goal weight was. I told her 175. I know that is a lot for my height, but there is no way I’ll ever be 130 pounds. I doubt I could even be 150. I was 178 prior to being pregnant with my oldest child who is now 16. I was happy at that weight (178). I felt good and looked good (in my opinion). It was also nice to wear clothing that didn’t have a whole bunch of X’s in it (XXXL). I was able to fit into size L. That was nice.
Jenny Craig has different plans. Based on my personal “needs” my plan provides me with 1,500 calories per week. I am also using Jenny Craig foods 7 days a week, in addition to other foods like salad, yogurt, veggies and a few others. I’m actually surprised that I’m allowed 1,500 calories. I was thinking I was going to have to stick to around 1,200. Those extra 300 calories are a pleasant surprise.
Francine went over what the week’s menu would be. After we were done we headed up front in the office area. While I waited at the desk Francine did some “shopping” in the backroom and picked up my week’s foods.
I was given two tote bags. One had the non-perishable foods in it and the other had foods in it that needed to be kept frozen. The bags are awesome. They are HUGE and re-usable. You can bring them back each week to pick up your foods. The frozen food bag can keep food cold for up to 2 hours (so I was told).
As Francine was putting the food in the bags I couldn’t help but notice things like Fish & Chips, Mac & Cheese, Chocolate Cakes (plural!), Swedish Meatballs, Cranberry Almond Cereal and Triple Chocolate Cheesecake. Mmm… I hadn’t had lunch at that point and I was practically drooling when I was looking at the boxes of food.
After I left Jenny Craig I stopped by the store to pick up some yogurt, salad (lettuce, cucumbers, carrots…) and a few other things.
I decided that I would start Jenny Craig tomorrow. I had contemplated started today with lunch, but I figured I would get a fresh start tomorrow. I also have a lot of information (hand outs, booklets…) that I received that I’d like to look over too so I can familiarize myself with everything.
So… tomorrow I start Jenny Craig. Wish me luck! 🙂 I’ll post again next week and let you all know how I am doing. I’ll include pictures of the foods too.
For more information about Jenny Craig, or to find a location near you, visit www.JennyCraig.com. You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter.
Have you ever tried Jenny Craig? What did you think about the foods? What did you think of the program overall? Feel free to comment and let me know.
Kimberly
*I am receiving the program and foods free to review for a month. There is no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.
Robin Wilson says
M’dear I wish you all the luck in the world. I hate having my pic taken all the time, but esp when I am overweight. But, when I was in the doctor’s office today, I happened to see my pic in my folder when she had it open. I was amazed at how different I look now that I have love 15 pounds! I know that JC is well known for their program so you are in good hands. We are in your corner. Keep us posted…curious to know how the food tastes and what exactly your meal plan is for a day.
Sarah L says
I haven’t tried Jenny Craig or any other system. I applaud you for trying. Good luck and remember to take it just one day at a time. (and drink lots of water)
Sandy VanHoey says
Oh gosh…Best of luck to you! I know it isn’t an easy thing to do and I can’t seem to lose 5 lbs. since I tend to be so weak and give in to my temptations. Keep us posted. You’ll get lots of support and many people will be wanting to see how you’re doing with this. You can do it!
Jaime Brown says
Congrats, and good luck:) my mom went on Jenny Craig and lost about 60 pounds. She said it was great, but the only thing that kept her from keeping going was that it was expensive, but she did like the food and and the program. You will do great:)
Brutus Duffy says
Hope to hear more on how this works for you. I may give it a go myself.
mitch says
I started last Monday!
Anne says
I think it takes a lot of courage to commit to a program like Jenny Craig, especially when you’re doing it publicly as you are. I hope you see some positive results in your first month, to encourage you to stick with it and continue until you reach your goal, or at least are satisfied that you tried. Good luck!