The meal plans are based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which place an emphasis on fruits, whole grains, vegetables, poultry, lean meats, fish, beans, eggs, nuts and fat-free or low-fat dairy products. Calorie levels are between 1,200 to 1,300 a day. Jenny Craig offers a wide variety of food choices with more than 75 pre-packaged meals and snacks to choose from. For the program to work effectively, you must eat the Jenny Craig foods.

You can take advantage of the planned menus or design your own menus - the choice is simply your own.

Once you have reached your weight loss goal, the counselors will help you make the transition to prepare your own healthy meals. Maintenance is an important part of the program, as the folks at Jenny Craig want to make sure that you keep off the weight. If you prefer not to attend weekly meetings at the center, Jenny Direct is also a convenient option where meals are brought to your home. You have the opportunity to participate in one-on-one counseling sessions via telephone.