The bottom line here is if you like Jillian on The Biggest Loser TV show, you're probably going to love this program. If you can't stand her on TV because she's just too much for you, it's probably going to interfere with your success on this plan. I really believe that she has a lot of great information on her online weight loss program - it really is fantastic - but you have to be able to accept her style. Understand that she's not actually in your face like she is on TV, but it's still her program. If you even remotely like her, this is a great option for you. You get a TON for your money, it's very interactive, she has put all the pieces of the puzzle together, and it's incredibly flexible and realistic depending on your lifestyle. There really is something for everyone on this program, and it's incredibly affordable. Unlike most weight loss programs, she also puts a very heavy emphasis on fitness as the main tool to changing your body. Two thumbs up here, but you have to be prepared for a fairly vigorous fitness plan.
Jillian's online program is somewhat customized for each user. She believes in the tried and true "calories in versus calories out" concept, which is refreshing to hear with so many other programs espousing unsubstantiated approaches to weight loss. She came up with an interesting "triple-threat" approach which essentially is Self, Science and Sweat. Here is what that means:
Selfis you changing your lifestyle behavior in order to lose weight, maintain that weight loss, and get yourself into shape physically and emotionally. Learn how to change your behaviors to finally reach your goals. Tools to help you:
- Get personal advice and inspiration from Jillian
- Check the message boards daily for motivation
- Meet online buddies to share your goals with and give and receive motivation
- Jillian's program - 7 Steps to Behavioral Modification
- Interactive Weight Tracker
Science is learning to eat right for your body and metabolism. Tools to help you:
- Meal Plans and Menus for your body type
- Customized info on your metabolic rate
- 100 delicious slimming recipes
- Special food guides to help you eat right
Sweat is the exercise component. Train your body for serious weight loss, and you know Jillian has plenty of options. If you want to maximize your results for weight loss and overall health & fitness, exercise needs to be a part of your plan. Jillian has created a ton of tools to help you with this part:
- 120 printable exercises you can do from home
- A fitness diary
- A complete muscle guide
- Cardio workouts that are fun
After answering a series of questions, your plan will be customized and you'll receive your meal plans daily. The plan will also allow you to view a week's worth of your meal plans and it will even generate a shopping list for you. The meal plans also give you options - if you don't like a meal you can change it. If you are going to eat out - you can do that to. There is a good amount of flexibility here, so it's a pretty realistic approach to weight loss.
Jillian has no foods that are completely off limit, which is a great thing. A statement on her site says:
"Banning certain foods from your eating plan will leave you feeling deprived. It's just a matter of being conscious and careful of how often and how much. It's fine to have a piece of cake every now and then, just not every day, and not the whole cake. It's math - burn more calories than you eat. It's that simple."
In case you're wondering if you have to eat a bunch of crazy stuff, here are some examples of meals from Jillian's meal plan:
- Breakfast: Hotcakes with Blackberries
- Lunch: Asian Chicken - Almond Salad with Orange
- Snack: Famous Red Team Puffs
- Dinner: Autumn Glazed Pork Chops with Green Beans, Asparagus, and a Glass of Milk
If that looks realistic for you, this is going to be a fantastic plan. If you don't like that stuff, you're also in luck, because you can always change your meals. Recipes are included, so you don't have to worry about how to make your food. Red team puffs are a treat from the Biggest Loser.
If you know anything about Jillian, she is certainly a big proponent of using exercise to lose weight. I personally believe that the amount they do on The Biggest Loser is unrealistic for most people trying to lose a lot of weight, but you are in a lot more control on her online program that you would be if you were actually on TV with her. Still, she puts heavy emphasis on exercise to lose weight, and the diet is almost secondary. For some people, that's fantastic. If you can't stand exercising multiple times a week, you're not going to like this plan. On Jillian's web site, you'll create a fitness profile that will automatically create a customized fitness plan customized for you. You can then view it daily or weekly, whichever works best for you. The exercise component of her online plan is very good, which is no surprise considering the source. She gives you plenty of options, and you shouldn't be scared off by the intensity she demands of her TV clients. It's not like that online.
The Jillian Michaels Diet online plan is $4.00 weekly - billed every 13 weeks for a total of $52.00 for each cycle. You can also look at it as about $16 per month. For all that you get, including daily support, I think this is an incredible deal. She could probably charge a lot more, but I get the feeling she doesn't need the money any more (good for her!).
- You get all the weight loss tools you need which include calorie counter, weight tracker, fitness planner, Ask Jillian personally and more!
- All meal plans and menus - you can also generate a shopping list
- Extremely affordable
- Free diet profile and fitness profile
- Online community, weight loss buddies, motivation, inspiration, etc. This is where a lot of plans fall way short. This is one of the only programs that does a decent job with psychological/support issues. It's obvious that Jillian understands the complexities of weight loss, and these tools are very helpful.
- Fitness is a huge focus - so you won't only lose weight but you'll keep it off and get healthy
- If you don't like Jillian's style, you're probably not going to like this. She's pretty hard core on TV, but the online version is much more toned down because she's not actually in your face. I think anyone can benefit from this online program, but take heed if you can't stand her for some reason.
- It's all online. If you prefer sitting int he park reading or listing to audio versions in your car, this isn't for you.
- Ongoing, monthly billing.
Two thumbs up for this one. Jillian Michels Diet Online in an all-inclusive program. Her "triple-threat" approach covers everything you'll need to lose the weight and keep it off, achieve physical fitness, and give you the motivation to make a real and lasting healthy lifestyle change. For only $4 a week, I don't think you'll find a better deal. I think this is a particularly good program if you already have some weight loss information or if you're combining it with another program such as my Weight Loss in Reality or The Diet Solution. The combination works well because Jillian's program will keep you motivated, on-track and give you a solid exercise program to stick to. I definitely recommend giving this one a try, especially if you enjoy exercising.
