10/17/2011

Week 2 Jenny Craig Review [$100 Visa Gift Card Give Away]


One week over (and just over 5 lbs down).

I headed back in on Monday and after some chatting about how the week went and if I liked the food it was time to get down to business.  For your second visit you not only get to get on the scale, but they let you take your own measurements and then you get to take your before images.


This week we talked a lot about the thought process behind losing weight.  Turns out my issue with all or nothing dieting is what they call a diet extremist.  So I need to focus on getting over the fact that I won't be perfect and celebrating the successes that I do have.  Progress, not perfection in their motto.

We talked about the food.  The first week is a lot of their freezer meals and it was all good.  You are allowed to have as many non starchy vegetables as you like, so it is easy to dress them up.  Add some broccoli to the pasta and zucchini to the soup.  I really like veggies, but I was shocked at how many they actually have you eat.  I think I averaged 4 to 5 cups of required veggies a day, not counting the free snacks.  I had a complete light bulb moment.  I didn't want to eat two cups of the same veggie at dinner, so I started making a few different veggies, which gave my kids more veggie options.  I used to make only one because fighting over one type of vegetable seemed like enough, but I can actually get them to eat more vegetables overall if they have a choice.

The best part of the prepackaged food is probably seeing an actual portion size.  I can't remember the last time anything I bought at a restaurant was actually a single portion.

Most of the appointment was spent making a plan of action for the next week.  You lay out your schedule and what bumps you might have in the road (a party you will attend with a lot of great food, dinner out, a holiday) and they help you make a plan to successfully meet all of those bumps.  And it isn't just ways to avoid eating.  They actually will give you advice on how to choose what to eat at a party and they have a great guide for eating out too.  It covers everything from restaurants to the mall food court.  My favorite piece of advice for a party was checking out all of the options first, then picking out what you want to eat the most and enjoying it, then eating a lot of veggies and fruits to keep from eating everything on the table.

So those are the tips that stuck out so far.  I would love to hear what tips you have for eating healthy and making good food choices.  Leave me a comment letting me know the tip that works for you and you will be entered to win a $100 Visa Gift Card

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry  methods:  
a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post  b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment  on this post c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on  this post d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.  an alternate form of entry. 
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be  selected.  The Official Rules are available HERE.
         This contest will run from 10/17/2011 – 11/6/2011 

You can check out more at Jenny Craig, on their Facebook page , and on Twitter . And find out more ways to win over on the Prizes and Promotions section at BlogHer.

*** I was given the opportunity in September to try out Jenny Craig for four weeks, including food, free of charge.  This is the second post in a series of three that walk you through my experience.  The average Jenny Craig client is expected to lose 1-2 pounds per week, which is a healthy and normal rate to lose weight, so follow along and see how I do with the program.  There will be a fun giveaway included in each post as well.***


***This promotion has ended and a winner has been selected***

100 comments:

  1. When packing for lunch, I am careful about what I put in and more importantly what I don't put in my "lunch box". then most important, I do not allow myself to go to any places that have any temptations.

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  2. I've been on this journey for a while now. My best advice:

    I love running/walking with my friends. We can have just as much fun chatting on the trail as out to lunch.

    Candy,cupcakes,etc are for kids.

    "Made to Crave" awesome book!

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  3. When I feel like snacking, I go through the following process:
    1- Think, "Am I really hungry, or just bored?" 2- If the answer is hungry, I drink some water (if the answer's bored, I find something to do!). 3- If I'm still hungry, eat some fruit or veggies. 4- If, after all that, I'm still feeling hungry, I'll have some whole grain crackers or yoghurt or something that's more substantial, but still healthy.

    Thanks for the giveaway & congrats on your first 5 pounds!!

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  4. I always try to have fresh fruits and veggies on hand for when I get the munchies. Sometimes it's hard to keep those fresh foods since there's just my husband and I so when the fresh fruits are almost too ripe I like to dehydrate them so we don't waste them and still have a healthy snack. Also during these fall and winter months we love soups, stews and chillis. Most times I use canned beans I always rinse then before adding them to the dish. Wash off all that extra sodium. Every little bit helps I think, hoping one day it won't be so hard to make the right food choices.
    heather_dice37(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  5. When I think of giving up a certain thing I love or crave, I make sure to have something to fill that space. Otherwise it's easy to talk yourself into eating it anyway. Like right now when I'm trying to give up soda, instead of a coke I have a vitamin water. Its almost as good and it has less calories, no carbonation and has vitamins & natural energy.
    Em@ athriftyfind.blogspot.com

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  6. Another thing that helps is if I sit down and make lb/reward goals. I used to always reward myself with food. I had a great week so I can have that chocolate ice cream. Instead I write down weights and rewards other than food. Usually things wouldnt always do for myself but wanted to. Like if I lose 5 lbs I'll get my eyebrows done, 10 lbs I'll get a pedicure, 15 I'll have a girls night out to the movies, 10 lbs a massage, 25 lbs and so on. I usually make them small goals like 5 lbs so I am mor elikely to keep myself going for that next reward. My biggest goal right now is 75 lbs and I'll be going on a big trip! One where I can wear a swimsuit being 75lbs lighter. I think that sounds good for next summer, what do you think?! By the way I know this is not your usual type of blogging but I appreciate it, because I'm just starting to get serious like you are. You encourage me without even knowing you. I already love you because of your blog, but now I do because of your heart, and personal struggle. So many can identify with it, and it makes you more real. :) Em @ athriftyfind.blogspot.com

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  7. 5lbs in one week! Wow, that is awesome! You go girl!

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  8. Good for you...continued success!

    I like their motto (progress, not perfection). When any of us try to be perfect we will be disappointed. I like the mind set that we celebrate our victories!

    Great job!

    Nancy

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  9. I found that using a food journal helps me the most. That way I see how much I've eaten and can figure out if I can have an extra snack here and there. I love snacking on fruit and light yogurt.

    mami2jcn at gmail dot com

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  10. Portions portions portions. I try to eat healthy foods, but I'm eating way too much of it. After I started measuring out my food, I realized how much I was actually eating.

    navybaby1113 (at) gmail (dot) com

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  11. I used to do really good on a "diet" and then about 2 weeks in, I'd cheat and figure "that's it, I've blown it". I would actually set myself up to fail that way. Now, I realize it's not a diet but a change in the way I look at food. I keep a box of "diet" snacks on hand and allow myself one when I feel the need to indulge. I also learned the hard way on holidays; I ate oatmeal and drank a full glass of water about 1/2 hour before we went to my mother's to eat so I wasn't ravenous and tempted to gorge.

    shel704 at aol dot com

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  12. Tweeted:
    http://twitter.com/#!/auntiethesis/status/126094103766237184

    shel704 at aol dot com

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  13. My tip: always put snacks in a small dish before eating, and put the box back in the cupboard. It helps to prevent you from accidently eating way too much from the box.

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  14. eating healthy? keep the junk out of the house! skeime (at) gmail

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  15. Planning our meals every week helps...so I can grocery shop every Sunday...then we're not tempted to get unhealthy take-out on a weeknight!!

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  16. I've been using a food journal to "chart" my progress which I find quite beneficial.
    lyndadawinda1074 at yahoo dot com

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  17. I tweeted - http://twitter.com/#!/Lyndadawinda/status/126158679903969280
    lyndadawinda1074 at yahoo dot com

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  18. Yay, you! I loved all of your tips and my best advice is have a friend to exercise with. If my dear friend, Elizabeth, wasn't waiting for me at her house every morning, I would never exercise on my own. :)

    ~Jenifer

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  19. Good job! 5 pounds gone!
    The thing the helps me the most is a food journal. I use fitday.com.

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  20. I would have to say, I just don't keep it in the house. If it is there, I will somehow come up with a reason to eat it. Also, I "treat" myself too much. Thinking, "I deserve it" and all of the little "treats" add up. But I am finding I need to plan bigger "treats", a pair of shoes or sweater, going to the movies, pedicure, etc. instead.

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  21. Please do not consider me as I live overseas.

    But I had to comment just to say:

    YOU GO, GIRL!

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  22. My best tip is to grab something like fruit or carrot sticks when the desire to munch hits.
    chainmail (at) iwon(dot) com

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  23. I tweeted about this
    https://twitter.com/#!/The_Sunshyn/status/126532256008388608
    chainmail (at) iwon(dot) com

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  24. Great job so far girl! I'm right there with ya. My tip is to make a list of the foods you consume, that way you're less likely to "cheat" when you actually see and can read each thing you put in your mouth. I also utilize Wii Fit as well for workouts at home.

    shevilkenevil1 at aol dot com

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  25. Tweet:
    http://twitter.com/#!/roomofmyown/status/126758300825038849

    shevilkenevil1 at aol dot com

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  26. Among all different methods I'm using, small portion works the best for me.

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  27. http://twitter.com/#!/tcarolinep/status/126864695578722304

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  28. I try to eat lighter lunches.... Notice I said try. Also try not to eat too many sweets. chefl@swbell.net

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  29. My best advise is to have water with lemon in it with you at all times. A lot of times when I think I am hungry it means that I am really thirsty.
    msgb245 at gmail dot com

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  30. I drink lots of water daily. At night I eat fruit instead of the bad stuff like potato chips, ice cream, brownies etc... I've also cut back on my food portions. I no longer eat till I'm stuffed.
    tweety800265(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  31. Tweet
    http://twitter.com/#!/disneyfan40/status/127121585298604032
    tweety800265(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  32. whenever i feel like snacking i start crocheting or I listen to music to take my mind off of it. I primarly snack when I bored so it works for me. congrats on the weight loss!

    pokergrl8 at gmail.com

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  33. https://twitter.com/#!/aes529/status/127153812686385152

    pokergrl8 at gmail.com

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  34. I try not to eat late at night - if I must eat then I make it something really low cal - fruit or carrot sticks or fat free yogurt - or even one of those diet ice cream bars :)
    adrianecoros(at)gmail(dot)com

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  35. Once a day I start my lunch or dinner with a salad. I get my veggies and it fills me up so I don't eat too much of the other stuff
    bingomamanorma(at)gmail(dot)com

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  36. my tip is to add veggies to everything
    sherricrawford70/at/yahoo/dot/com

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  37. I try to eat light dinners before bead.

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  38. I try to ask myself is something is really worth the calories. I'm often amazed how many of some not-so-tasty cookies or something I will eat a party just because they are there!

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  39. What works for me is to plan my meal ahead of time and to keep a log of what I am putting into my mouth.
    helenkeeler@comcast.net

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  40. My tip is water, water, water. I am not hungry...just thirsty.

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  41. My tip is to substitute smashed beans for half the meat in a recipe. Believe me you will not be able to tell the difference in things like spaghetti sauce, tacos, ground beef-based casseroles, etc. You still have a satisfying taste of meat, but the smashed beans add huge amounts of fiber and drastically cut calories without affecting the "mouth-feel" of the dish.

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  42. i try to have a salad at every meal.


    lyndsey dot hauck at gmail dot com

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  43. I think my most helpful tip to eat healthy is to stock up on healthy snacks and food. When there's no junk food to choose from, you're already on a great start.

    amy [at] utry [dot] it

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  44. It's imperative to drink plenty of water, really makes a difference.

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  45. You need to make sure you get fruit and/or veggies at every meal possible.

    ruthaw_1974@yahoo.com

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  46. tweeted:
    http://twitter.com/#!/ruthhill74/status/128704504278417408

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  47. I use moderation. If I don't allow myself something "bad" on occassion I usually fall off the diet wagon worse!

    Thanks,

    selinda_mccumbers at yahoo.com

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  48. Switch to beverages that have no calories. Drink a glass of water before meals because you will feel full so you eat less.
    traymona(at)aol.com

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  49. I cannot count points or calories. I just have to focus on healthy food and nothing else.

    gmissycat at yahoo dot com

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  50. Tweeted here too

    http://www.bedifferentactnormal.com/2011/10/week-2-jenny-craig-review-100-visa-gift.html

    gmissycat at yahoo dot com

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  51. I eat lots of veggies and i don't drink soda
    merleandtina@yahoo.com

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  52. http://twitter.com/#!/HappyTina0115/status/129376508941836288
    merleandtina@yahoo.com

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  53. For the most part I eat relatively healthy (well-balanced at least) but my big challenge is portion control. I try to serve a "real" portion size and immediately pack up the rest as leftovers so I'm not tempted to go back for seconds.

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  54. I chew my food longer, so I don't gobble everything up in sight, I also only ever get water ,or water with a bit of lemon at restaurants and carry water with me eveerrrywhere :)

    abitnerdygirl at gmail dot com

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  55. a food journal helps, but if you're lazy like me (lol), then you keep fresh fruits or healthy snacks within easy reach (i.e. graham cracker, yogurt) so you won't reach for the bad stuff

    m8usi@yahoo.com

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  56. tweeted:
    http://twitter.com/#!/cappytweet/status/130362540491411456

    m8usi@yahoo.com

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  57. I try to follow an 80/20 rule regarding eating and working out. If I eat well and work out 80% of the time, then I give myself 20% worth of slack. Lets me splurge once in a while but still stay on track. Good luck!

    anna [dot] posekany [at] hotmail [dot] com

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  58. I try not to eat after 7:00pm. I try to tell myself that I will be going to sleep soon anyway, so I don't really need it.
    nuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net

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  59. tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/KerryBishop/status/130422288809078784
    nuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net

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  60. My best tip is to look at it as a "life style" change and not a diet.

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  61. https://twitter.com/#!/cjwallace43/status/130693121481781248

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  62. stay as low down on the food chain as possible- eat meats sparingly

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  63. http://twitter.com/#!/rsmc1/status/131934534185914369

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  64. I try to keep the foods that will tempt me like chocolate or ice cream out of the house so I won't be tempted

    s2s2 at comcast dot net

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  65. http://twitter.com/#!/susan1215/status/132259895675338752

    s2s2 at comcast dot net

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  66. I always have snacks like cut up fruit and veggies so I make good choices.

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  67. In 1 year, I lost 100 lbs. Ridubg and Bicycle and my heart health is doing great, take no meds is a wonderful feeling Richard Carpenter

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  68. My biggest tip is to eat a vegetarian diet that is rich in organic whole grains, fruits, and veggies and not much refined anything. Avoid artifical sweeteners and ingredients like food colorings. Avoid preservatives and chemical additives.
    Angie
    14earth at gmail dot com

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  69. I tweeted here:
    http://twitter.com/#!/FotoMacro/status/132496433592025088
    Angie
    14earth at gmail dot com

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  70. My best tip is eating low fat, drinking green tea and do more than normal such as walking a little bit further, taking the stairs instead of the elevator.
    Lisa

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  71. When I go grocery shopping I stick to a healthy list (fresh fruit &vegetables, fish, nuts, etc), and I allow myself a few healthy snacks and one or two not-so-healthy snacks. That way I don't feel like I'm depriving myself of anything.

    4teamrochester(at)gmail(dot)com

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  72. I like the idea of progress not perfection.
    wolf102.cynthia@aol.com

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  73. Eat plenty of fiber. It keeps you full throughout the day.
    moy7759@yahoo.com

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  74. i eat 5 small meals a day and keep the junk food out of the house
    pukeycat@yahoo.com

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  75. I love to eat fruits and vegetables.
    MCantu1019 at aol dot com

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  76. I try to keep my portions small and lots of veggies.

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  77. I tweeted.
    https://twitter.com/#!/Karli1238/status/132712706854756352

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  78. I would like to try this , since I have turned 40 the weight is just so hard to get off.

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  79. JoAnn Brightman11/5/11, 12:33 PM

    Portion control has always been my biggest problem

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  80. JoAnn Brightman11/5/11, 12:37 PM

    Tweeted:
    twitter.com/#!/AnnJopb/status/132873739980382208

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  81. I like to go to parties with a full stomach so I eat before the party at home and won't eat as much there seaburd at comcast.net

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  82. My nutritionist gave me a good tip to shop the perimeter of the grocery store and avoid all the heavily processed foods. I also won't bring in foods I shouldn't eat (sweets, etc.) - can't eat them if they're not in the house!

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  83. Drink plenty of water - most people are borderline dehydrated.

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  84. tweet: http://twitter.com/#!/cmouse01/status/133011905865453568

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  85. For me, I stopped buying sodas and bought more juices and walk more
    tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

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  86. tweet
    https://twitter.com/#!/ChelleB36/status/133053726712791041
    tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

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  87. Dancing makes you lose weight a LOT faster than just working out in the gym, & it's a lot funner too =)

    kytah00@yahoo.com

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  88. 2nd entry tweet @ http://twitter.com/#!/kytah00/status/133105791786954752

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  89. I am definitely a stress eater! dang it! So, I try not to have anything bad in the house!!!! Thanks for a chance to win though! kmassmanATgmailDOTcom

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  90. One tip that works for me is portion control. If we go to a reseraunt, I always like to get a to-go box right away and put half of my food in it. It helps with over eating and helps with my daily caloric count.

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  91. I tweeted here: http://twitter.com/#!/smiling_mama/status/133201466071597057

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  92. eating low calorie snacks help me sweepmorey at gmail dot com

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  93. tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/mommysdizzy/status/133213129541824512

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  94. LYNDA LIGGIO11/6/11, 1:28 PM

    Drink lots of water, cottage cheese and tomatoes my fave

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  95. Way to go I have lost 125 lbs myself. Best advice is plan your meals for the week. Cook your meals skip the frozen ones. Use real beans instead of cans etc. Eat/ buy local and organic. Make your own flavored waters. In your pitcher of water add 2 handfulls of frozen fruits. Or single cups add a few frozen berries. Frozen grapes make for a refreshing snack. The thing Ive learned is if you crave it allow it, but in a bit size or I find that I will over indulge and that craving will truly take over my good senses. Good luck on your journey.

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  96. I would like to win this one!

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  97. Debra Hinson Sauvageau11/6/11, 4:14 PM

    I think the prepackaged food would really be a BLESSING - no quessing or counting or measuring..it has to make it so much easier..ahh..maybe one day I can try it..
    wmmeatlady@hotmail.com

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  98. I suggest keeping only healthy and minimally processed food at home. For example, if you want oatmeal cookies, you're most likely to consume them if you already have a box in the cupboard. If you have to go to the trouble of making them from scratch, you may just decide to have a piece of fruit instead.

    runningmatey at hotmail dot com

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