
September 15, 2004
Meal Planning, Food and Diet
Question from Morro Bay, California, USA:
What is your opinion of the Jenny Craig diet program? Would you recommend it for an “on the go” person who has little time to pre-plan and measure foods? I have non-diabetic friends that have had great success on the program!
Answer:
A “diet, ” which usually involves a short term commitment to a calorie restriction, is not as effective as a “meal plan” for people with diabetes. Diets are usually short-lived with temporary results, and sometimes more weight comes on after going off the diet. I would rather suggest that you schedule an appointment with a registered dietitian who specializes in diabetes meal planning. Meal planning is individualized nowadays in order to fit into a person’s usual routine and work in the person’s food likes and dislikes (without compromising blood sugar control). Please ask your physician for a referral to this nutrition expert, if needed.
JMS