During the month of January, New Years Resolutions tend to include weight loss. The weight loss industry feasts during this time and competition is fierce. This is a financially gainful market that results in competition that drives research to develop the best in weight loss tools. While some criticize paying for weight loss techniques, there is something to be said for having the most current advancements in weight loss and advisors at your side (or fingertips or ear) for a small fee. Two of the tried and true contenders are Weight Watchers and Jenny Craig. Both have launched new programs for 2011 and things are looking good for the consumer.
Weight Watchers
Weight Watchers is based on meetings and people coming together to share in the trials and tribulations associated with weight loss and management. The meetings start with confidential weigh-ins and helpful materials. A group leader starts off the meeting with their personal story and they go over tools and information that has been distributed to the members. There is plenty of time for sharing and commiserating and it often has the feeling of a support group. PointsPlus assigns a food a point value based on fat, carbohydrates, protein and fiber. The idea is that not all calories are equal and that the body processes foods differently based on the makeup of the food and needs of the body.
Weight Watchers also has their online network called Weight Watchers eTools. This is set up as an online community with avatars and message boards where members can chat with each others. Members can track their plan, weight, points, and activity and calculate points. There is a large amount of support and information on their web site.
Jenny Craig
Jenny Craig takes a slightly different approach to their program. There is a more personal feel to Jenny Craig due to the fact that members have a personalized plan, personal councilor and monitoring system worn to evaluate one’s metabolism. Weekly consultations with an advisor help a member to navigate their weight loss by planning menus. Meals and snacks are purchased through the company. The new program, Metabolic Max, adds an arm band to the mix. This arm band is warn like an iPod or heart rate monitor and measures calories consumed and expelled to accurately track progress and make sure the plan a member is following meets their needs accurately. The idea is to start the member out on the Jenny Craig meals to teach them about balanced meals and portion control and then work them into their own meal planning. A member has the option to go to their local center for their consultations and have their meals delivered there in 2- or 4-week increments, or they can speak with their councilor over the phone weekly and have meals delivered to their home in the same weekly increments. Jenny Craig also offers online tools but not as a plan manager, only as a resource.
Personal goals and personality should dictate which plan to choose (if at all). Weight Watchers allows for more personal freedom and choice with people around for guidance if that is what a member wants. Jenny Craig seems to be more interested in teaching skills with strict monitoring. It depends on what one feels they need to succeed. The new year is a fresh start for many, and maybe one of these plans is what you need to jump start a transformation.
Jennifer Worthington Lower - Jennifer is a freelance writer with an interest in various subjects but focuses on parenting, home/family life and natural living and ...
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