Jenny Craig or Seattle Suttons

Hi A.,
I tried Jenny Craig for two weeks a few months ago. While some of the foods did taste pretty good, I was more concerned about the ingredients on a lot of them. The ingredient list was a mile long and also included some not so good things.. hydrogenated oils and so forth. And it was really expensive too. They would charge like $2- $3 for a little container of cereal that you could easily pour from a cereal box and get the WHOLE box for that price. The whole thing focuses on portion control. I did not care for the 2 consultants I had also in Crystal lake. They basically threw me on a scale very clinical like and then asked me what food I wanted and then gave me the food. They didn't sit and talk and show support as I would have liked and was led to believe that I would get that sort of support. I really needed a cheerleader of sorts.. atleast a friendly smile and some encouraging words. I have to say.. it was terrible. I'm a very friendly and outgoing person and was sorely disappointed with the feel and tone of the center.

And the website where you were supposed to be able to log onto was constantly not working. I would not recommend Jenny Craig at all.

Hi,

I used Seattle Sutton for about a month. I lost 10 pounds and have kept it off for 8 months. It is too expensive to use as a continuing source of food, but was a good jump start for me. The food is fresh (you pick up twice a week). Their website discusses the ingredients, etc. It is not loaded with salt, etc. With a new baby it may be convenient for you to have the prepared meals for a time. However, as the others have mentioned, good quality food and regular exercise are your best friends. If you plan to breastfeed, make sure to plan for some extra calories for baby. Good luck!

Neither--

I had to lose 30 pounds according to my doctor because my blood pressure was too high for my comfort level.

I did lose it and I never dieted. (I really don't believe in diets anyway) What I did was find the right foods to eat. portion control. remember not to eat late in the evening past 7pm and exercise.
I lost it all and have kept it off for more than 3 years now.

dieting is not the answer. Buying prepared foods isn't either. I think it's a big waste of money. the key is changing your eating habits.

Good luck

My hubby was on Seattle Suttons a couple of different times and is starting again at the beginning of next month. He usually buys food for two weeks and then has a week where he just finishes stuff up. (He does protein bars & shakes as well so won't eat breakfast or lunch here & there.) He liked the food and that it is portioned out for him. I also know several doctors on this diet with success... I have eaten the fish meals for him and they are pretty good!!

If you'd like to try to change your lifestyle, lose weight and be healthier without having to pay for food or membership fees, check out sparkpeople.com. I've been doing it for a month now. I've lost an inch off my waist and 2 off my hips so far. And it's free! They have tons of great tools and a built in support system for a healthier lifestyle.

Hi A., The real secret to getting in shape is to combine exercise and nutrition. They are inseparable. I would stay away from companies that provide food, because it is generally full of unhealthy ingredients like partially hydrogenated oils and preservatives. Learning how to cook and plan healthy meals for the rest of your life, along with strength training and cardio, is how you will be able to stay off diets forever.

If you live in the Hoffman Estates area, Multiform Fitness has a Total Weight Loss Solution that includes 12 weeks of gym membership and 12 weeks of Weight Loss 1-on-1 nutrition program. Our nutrition program is workbook based, includes a food journal, meetings with a personal trainer, group meetings and email support. Our gym is high tech circuit training designed by a personal trainer. We use fitness tracking computers to monitor your progress and vary your workout routines. It's a dynamic duo!

If you live elsewhere, be sure to check out the local gyms. Good luck!

Hi A.,

I used to work at Jenny Craig (don't know a thing about SS). The food is very good-though it is very expensive. You can do it on your own though-without programs (unless you need the counselor cheerleader) The key to losing weight is eating 5-6 small meals throughout the day. That way you continually recharge your metabolism without overindulging and avoiding feeling hungry. A 'meal' between the traditional breakfast-lunch-dinner could be an apple and a glass of milk OR a banana and a slice of toast, just enough to satisfy hunger. I missed the food when I left JC-but readjusted with my own food (I lost about 8 lbs not really even trying but just having the small meals throughout the day. Once you get your body used to it-your body starts telling you when it's time to eat. Good luck! Also, lots of water!!! And some form of activity-even if it's 3 20 minute walks a week with your child or a neighbor.