As with any diet, the Jenny Craig diet will work as long as you stick with it, but I found it expensive, and not very tasty.

When you join the program, you are assigned a diet consultant who will work with you.

This can be done by going to one of their centers, where you are assigned a trained weight loss consultant to help you plan nutritionally balanced diet menus, or from home by speaking with the consultant over the phone.

After the first visit, you meet with the consultant once a week and she will advise you the food you need to buy according to the plan you were assigned.

The meals you purchase must be supplemented with salads, fruits, etc. that you prepare yourself.

Things I didn’t like:

• The food: I prefer cooking my own meals (they taste better)
• Having to meet with a “diet coach” weekly
• Expensive : Phase One of the program requires you to purchase a set number of meals which can cost up to $400.
• Difficult to maintain when you no longer want to buy their food.

Things I liked:

• As you can see, not much. This program is intended for those who can’t do it alone, and also for those who prefer prepared meals.

The one thing I found out is that there are cheaper options out there. eDiets has Jenny Craig alternative program where they advise you on foods you can buy at your local supermarket.

eDiets' program is more adaptable to your lifestyle, it is more economical thant Jenny Craig since you can shop for your food at your local grocery store. They also personalize the meal plans for you according to your preference.

As of this writing the fees are fairly reasonable (about $16 a month) and you can cancel after the first month without a penalty.

You will get a shopping list you can print and go shopping with as well as suggestions for workouts and excercises.