Frequently asked questions

Dr Andrew Rochford talks about issues facing mens health and what we can do to support each other to maintain a healthy weight.

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I work outdoors and occasionally have a few beers to relax. Can I have a beer on the Jen4Men Program? (Jason, QLD): The Jenny Craig/Jen4Men menus have been designed to include all foods in moderation, however alcohol provides significant kilojoules, so you will need to consider reducing your intake during weight loss. Clients rarely feel deprived while following our menus because we ensure you get the kilojoules and nutrients your body needs. We include sweet and savoury options, and even some of the foods that you thought you couldn’t eat while losing weight
I have really knocked my body around with sport and when it comes to exercising now I get worried about what am I going to break now. I have been a member of the local gym but they want me to perform like a 20 year old. Is there a programme for broken down old sports jocks like me? (Colin, NZ): Exercise can be a challenge when you have any physical impediment, particularly with the multitude of injuries you have described! The most practical form of exercise for you will be in water, as the buoyancy will take the weight your knees, ankles, and your back. Getting active is essential for your general health as well as your weight. Learning how to eat the right amount of food for your activity level is also an important skill, and this is certainly an area in which the Jenny Craig Program can help you. The three key components of the Jenny Craig Program, which are critical for successful weight management, are developing a healthy relationship with food, building an active lifestyle and taking a balanced approach to living. We’ll encourage you to set goals to incorporate physical activity into your lifestyle focusing on activities you enjoy, while keeping in mind your own physical limitations. Jenny Craig considers your health to be the number one priority. Simply call your nearest centre to make an appointment with one of our Consultants. You’ll be asked to complete a Health Sheet detailing your medical conditions and medications. We’ll follow Guidelines set by Doctors on our Medical Advisory Board and the Weight Management Code of Practice to ensure your health and suitability for our program is thoroughly assessed.
Do you have a gluten free menu? (John, QLD): At this stage, Jenny Craig does not offer a gluten free menu. For people who require a gluten free menu, we recommend they seek tailored weight management advice from an Accredited Practising Dietitian. Dietitians work in private practice, local community health centres, and local hospitals.
What food should I eat if I am a shift worker? (Adam, ACT): As a shift worker, it's common to feel uncertain about whether you're eating the right amount of food and whether you're eating it at the right times. The best approach is to first consider what you would normally eat over a 24-hour period when you are awake during the day and sleeping at night. If your typical waking day would consist of 3 meals and 2-3 snacks for instance, then take these meals and snacks and place them at times to suit your shift work, aiming to eat the same amount of food in the 24-hour time frame.
I have battled with my weight for years now and I have recently started smoking again, in the hope that it would slow down my excessive eating habits, it hasn't. I am just wondering if there were any suggestions you may have, should I smoke more? I also have an obsession with pastry's which I don't think is doing me any favours (i do love pies). Anyway I was just wondering if you could help me. (David, VIC): If you have taken up smoking in order to manage your weight, I really would encourage you to quit, and focus on dietary and lifestyle changes for weight management, as this will be a much healthier approach. Speak to your Doctor or Pharmacist for assistance with giving up smoking if you find that you need it. Successful weight management relies on three key factors - these are food, physical activity, and having a balanced approach to life. At Jenny Craig, the program incorporates a kilojoule controlled healthy eating plan including ready to eat meals, regular physical activity and behaviour modification techniques with the support of private weekly consultations with a trained consultant. The Jenny Craig menus have been designed to include all foods in moderation. Clients rarely feel deprived while following our menus because we ensure you get the kilojoules and nutrients your body needs. We include sweet and savoury options, and even some of the foods that you thought you couldn't eat while losing weight! Jenny Craig meals and snacks are specially formulated and are incorporated into the nutritionally balanced menus that are low in fat and sodium and moderate in carbohydrate. The menus and program are designed to educate clients about portion control and how to establish sensible eating habits. Each day there are three meals and three snacks, including pre-prepared Jenny Craig cuisine together with additional fruit, vegetable, lean meats, wholegrains and dairy foods. The Jenny Craig program promotes healthy and balanced eating together with realistic and safe weight loss. The program has been designed to result in a maximum weekly weight loss of no more than 1 kilogram or 1 per cent of current body weight. Rapid weight loss is discouraged. Clients are assigned a kilojoule level based on gender, age, height, weight, activity level, and any special needs they may have.
Do you cater for vegetarians? (David, NZ): We offer a vegetarian menu, however the vegetarian dishes may contain animal derived ingredients such as amylase, rennet, gelatin, dairy, eggs and other enzymes that may come from an animal source.
What should I eat and how much exercise to lose belly fat more quickly? (Peter, ACT): Unfortunately it isn’t possible to ‘spot reduce’ weight from a specific area of your body. A combination of cardio and resistance activities will be the best approach to improved fitness, overall weight loss and improved muscle tone. Cardio activities such as riding a bike, running and brisk walking will help to burn overall body fat. Resistance activities such as yoga, abdominal crunches or lifting weights can tone and improve the appearance of individual muscles. Successful weight management relies on three key factors – these are developing a healthy relationship with food, building an active lifestyle and taking a balanced approach to living.