Jenny Craig and Nutrisystem are great portion-controlled meal plans that have helped millions lose weight over the years. Although both companies offer similar meal plans, many people wonder which is better and how they differ.
In this piece, I’ve described and compared both programs in detail and how they can help you. Here’s what you need to know:
America And Obesity
Obesity is one of the important challenges in America. According to research, America had a high prevalence rate for obesity in 2022, with Mexico in a close second position at 18.4%. Many diet companies have entered the market and offered diet plans to address this issue of expanding waistlines. However, two have withstood time and have delivered promising results. And these two are Nutrisystem and Jenny Craig.
What Is Jenny Craig?
The Jenny Craig weight loss program began its journey in Australia in 1983 and was launched in America in 1985. It’s a program for weight loss that ensures you get low-calorie, frozen, and portioned meals to your address. The larger your budget, the better and more personalized meals you can get within the program. You can get the customized or exclusive plan and personal coaching if you’re seriously interested in shedding weight. You can cancel your membership by email or phone whenever you want. So, there’s no pressure from the company to commit if you don’t want to.
Based on the information on the Jenny Craig website, you should be losing 2 pounds in a week. The best part is you can keep up with this program until you reach your goal weight or as long as you require. The company also offers another plan for weight maintenance after you’ve reached your fitness level.
Understanding Nutrisystem?
Nutrisystem is one of the best and most popular weight loss programs in the United States. It began in 1972 and offers deliveries of low-calorie and portion-controlled frozen meals and some snacks for four weeks.
This program also offers a 4-week subscription to various meal plans on the website. You get three meals and three snacks a day and access to a NuMi application that can provide your daily health tips, help you record your progress, send smart reminders, help track exercise, and other things.
You can cancel this program anytime you like by calling or sending Nutrisystem an email for cancellation.
Both of these programs are similar. They’re designed to help you lose weight through prepared and low-calorie meals. These snacks and meals are delivered to your door. And the more expensive and customized your plan, the better your meals and supporting features.
However, sometimes the meals aren’t exactly well-balanced. For example, you might get mac and cheese for dinner; however, you’ll need to run to the grocery store to add some vegetables to your meal.
That doesn’t mean there aren’t any key differences. Here’s what they both do differently:
Costs
Both of these programs have tiered pricing options, which are described below. However, Nutrisystem is more affordable if you compare both companies’ basic plans. The Nutrisystem one starts at $10.18 a day. And for 31 days, you’ll need to pay $315.58. In contrast, the simple meal plan at Jenny Craig starts at $13.99 or $14 per day, which can amount to 433.69 per month.
You also need to remember that Jenny Craig’s plan includes only 7 lunches and 7 breakfasts, so you’ll need to budget for additional groceries as well.
Meal Plan Options
Meal plans at Jenny Craig and Nutrisystem are different.
For Jenny Craig, you have three packages to choose from:
- Max Up Weight Loss Plan
- Essential Meal Plan
- Simple Meal Plan
Whereas, for Nutrisystem, you can get:
- Basic
- Uniquely Yours
- Uniquely Your Max+
You can get simple meals in the basic plan. It’s the most affordable within their range. They also offer tailored plans on their website in their Uniquely Yours section. These include:
Nutrisystem D: If you’re diabetic, this plan should be on your list. These meals are high in fiber and protein, free from artificial sweeteners and flavors, and with a focus on foods that’ll help keep your blood sugar levels in check.
Vegetarian Plan: This meal plan is not appropriate for vegans because it contains dairy. However, if you do eat dairy as a vegetarian, this will suit you well.
Men’s Plan: This plan includes most of the meal plans from Basic and Uniquely Yours but contains additional snacks per week.
Standard: If you don’t know where to begin, you can try the standard Nutrisystem plan for weight loss with the company’s most popular meals and snacks.
Partner Plan: If you and your partner are going on this diet plan, you can get this plan and get started on your fitness journey together.
Each plan includes a month’s worth of breakfasts, lunches, and dinners with three snacks every day. You can upgrade your plan to access premium meals with more protein and vegetables.
Individual Support During Your Weight Loss Journey
One of the most significant differences is personal support during your weight loss. According to research, you’re more likely to lose weight if you pair it with accountability and personalized coaching. It can motivate you to become committed to your diet regime and see it through to the end.
In the Max Up Weight Loss Plan, which is the most premium plan offered on their website, you get face-to-face coaching for your weight loss program each week. For some people, this feature can make a huge difference between another wasted diet program and a fitness journey with great results. The company has approximately 610 help centers globally to help their customers meet with their coaches in person or book an appointment over the phone.
Your coach can help you analyze the calorie deficit you’ll need to maintain with your diet according to your BMI, goal weight, age, height, and activity levels. However, it isn’t a requirement at Jenny Craig to have experience or coaching credentials if you want to be a coach. So, take their advice with a grain of salt unless you’re sure about their credentials. Their coaches usually attend training courses highlighting elementary behavior modification, exercise, and nutrition made by a dietician.
In contrast, Nutrisystem offers the NuMi application, which includes a journaling feature to log your exercise and food. They don’t have any brick-and-mortar centers, but you’ll be able to get in touch with Nutrisystem fitness counselors any time of the day or week.
Brand Reputation And Customer Reviews
Here’s what their customers think about these programs:
Jenny Craig
Jenny Craig, as a business, is not accredited by the BBB but has a BBB rating of A+. Also, many customers find the Jenny Craig program easy to follow and appreciate the individualized health coaching option. Many customers and I online found their packages, snack bars, and meals delicious. In contrast, many people didn’t like their food’s texture either.
The company has a great reputation among customers because of its products. However, they did have a lawsuit in 2019 where they were tried for sending unsolicited text messages to customers to lose weight, which was resolved.
Nutrisystem
The Nutrisystem is accredited by the BBB with a rating of A+. The Nutrisystem website doesn’t make a specific claim about losing a certain amount of weight in a given time frame. They focus on portion control unique to the individual and preparing the body to go into calorie-deficit eating mode.
There have been mixed reviews for Nutrisystem meals as well. Some claim the food to be overpriced and over-processed, especially since you need vegetables and fruits to create balanced meals.
Also, some customers had complained about incorrect delivery items, credit card changes, and difficulties canceling their subscriptions.
Final Overview
Both of these programs have their benefits and downsides. And people have had success losing weight under both of these programs. If you’re looking for something affordable, I recommend the Nutrisystem. However, Jenny Craig will be a better option if you need coaching during your weight loss journey.
As both programs provide fully-prepared and ready-to-eat snacks and frozen meals, they can save you time on meal prep over the weekends and help you catch up on your other errands.
If you’re looking for Nutrisystem and Jenny Craig meals, check out Nutrisystem Weight Loss Kit and Jenny Craig Max Up Week 2 Menu on Amazon today.
