media room

Amy Smith, MD of Jenny Craig is excited to announce that Melanie Brown, the scariest, spiciest of them all, has been signed up as the new face of Jenny Craig Australia and NZ. Mel has 15 kilos to lose post-baby and is intent on getting to her target weight by early 2012.

Mel B says when she was pregnant she was eating for England and Australia. “I was eating literally morning noon and night, it didn’t matter what time, I was just eating. I was a house. I love my humps and bumps, but when a newspaper described my shape as the ‘bootylicious, curvylicious, post-baby body of Melanie, I knew I had to do something, I had to get the eating under control”.

“Jenny Craig is a no brainer for me. I don’t have to think about anything. I get a coach; she does the thinking and the planning. I just eat and go. It’s perfect. Jenny Craig has been around for 30 years. That depth of experience has to count for something” says Mel.

Amy Smith says Mel is representative of so many women in Australia and New Zealand who have some baby weight to lose but aren’t sure where to start. The Jenny Craig programme is absolutely brilliant for Mel and other busy mums as it takes the guesswork out of the picture. The best thing of all, is that Jenny provides a support system second-to-none with individual consultants and tailored eating plans.

“Mel told us she doesn’t like dieting at all. She loves eating healthy foods and she is thrilled with the healthy snack options and the amount of fruit and vegetables she gets to eat. Jenny Craig’s team of nutritionists and doctors have created a program especially for women like Mel who have recently given birth, that takes into consideration the nutrient levels needed for breastfeeding women”, says Ms Smith.

Jenny Craig is pleased to announce Dr. Andrew Rochford as its new medical ambassador.Dr. Andrew an emergency registrar, understands that the majority of people need health regimes that fit in with their busy lives.

“Dropping a few kilos isn't simply about looking good, it's about living a healthy lifestyle and Jenny Craig is keen to deliver that message”, said Dr Andrew.

Dr. Andrew joins the Jenny Craig team as they champion three new health related initiatives:

• Start Healthy, Stay Healthy initiative to help mums and mums to be lose weight in order to get pregnant, maintain a healthy pregnancy weight or get back in shape after having a baby. It's crucial that these women maintain good nutrition - but being overweight and obesity is now the most common pregnancy complication in many developed countries and weight issues can affect the health of both mums and babies.

• Adolescent Program - developing bodies also need good nutrition but with 20 - 25 per cent of Australian children and adolescents now classified as overweight with a quarter of this group being obese there are fears that youngsters are suffering both health and self confidence issues as a result. Diabetes prevention is a particular concern as during puberty, hormonal changes can add to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes is even more likely to be diagnosed at this time.

• Men's Health Program - addressing the denial men have around weight and prevention of weight-related illness.

Dr Andrew says he's delighted to be working with Jenny Craig, “The program has been designed and evolved by a global medical advisory board, consisting of the leading experts in their field delivering the latest expertise. All menus are planned by a team of qualified dietitians so users know it's nutritious and balanced.

People need something they can fit into their lives, that teaches them how to manage their weight. Jenny Craig's food/mind/body approach is the perfect way to get the skills and support you need so you can learn how to manage your weight for life."

Winning the roles and losing the kilos!

Since deciding to seek professional help to lose weight, Rebel Wilson has successfully lost 10 kilograms in 10 weeks on Jenny Craig.

Following years of countless failed diets, Rebel joined the world‟s leading weight loss program in June and couldn‟t be happier with the results.

“Thank god I called Jenny Craig and started on the program ‘cause it’s now been 10 weeks, and I’m 10 kilos down. And I’m feeling good about it.

I’m already noticing huge differences – I have more energy….it’s awesome. The rewards started earlier than I thought – I noticed a change in my body and mindset from the first week.” Said Rebel from Atlanta where she is currently filming.

Working with a Jenny Craig Consultant, Rebel is tackling the three lifestyle areas for effective weightloss – food, body and mind – to replace her old, unhealthy habits with a new constructive way of living.

Following her successfully part as Kristen Wiig‟s roommate in the hit comedy Bridesmaids, Rebel has been booking movies like wildfire, including;

• Playing the "bride‟ in Bachlorette. The movie will also star fellow Australian Isla Fisher, Kirsten Dunst, Lizzy Caplan, James Marsden and Adam Scott.

• Pitch Perfect, a musical rom-com set amongst competitive college Acapella groups.

• The animated feature Ice Age; Continental Drift.

EFFERVESCENT Aussie comic actress Rebel Wilson is taking Hollywood by storm, but her most life changing role yet is as Jenny Craig’s new celebrity ambassador.

Rebel is a brilliant character actress, delivering a scene-stealing performance in this year’s blockbuster Bridesmaids, but hopes losing 25kg in an inspirational partnership with Jenny Craig will help audiences see the real her.

With more upcoming major US film roles; Australia’s emerging movie star is set to revolutionize her life by signing on with Jenny Craig as her international profile rises.

Rebel hopes shedding kilos and adopting better lifestyle habits will result in being considered for a wider variety of roles, having greater confidence, and to inspire fellow Australian women.

Famous locally for Bogan Pride (SBS) which she created, wrote, produced and starred in as well as her standout appearances on Thank God You’re Here (Network Ten/Seven Network), Talkin’ Bout Your Generation (Network Ten), City Homicide (Seven Network) and a role in the Nicholas Cage movie Ghost Rider. The multi-talented writer, producer and performer will next be seen with Elizabeth Banks in the rom-com What To Expect When You’re Expecting, and opposite Oscar winner Reese Witherspoon in the action comedy This Means War.

Rebel won a starring part alongside her Bridesmaids co-star, Little Britain’s Matt Lucas, in the indie flick Small Apartments.

In typical madcap Rebel style, her weight-loss mottos are: “to not gorge on junk food, but to become gorgeous”, and “feed my dreams, not my stomach”.

With Jenny Craig’s one-on-one consulting, Rebel said she’s happy she won’t have to go it alone.

“On the career side, I’m kind of living this exciting life, and filming movies and TV shows, and kicking a lot of goals in that department, and I have so many good things going on. But the one thing that I feel is holding me back is my size and weight”.

Rebel’s goals with Jenny Craig are:

• LOSE 25kg
• BUY clothes from mainstream fashion stores
• To wear sleeveless outfits with confidence

“Jenny Craig is delighted to be working with Rebel Wilson – she is a gorgeous girl inside and out and is a star on the rise who wants our support to help her in areas of her life that need a little education and guidance. Jen’s a friend to many and we’re looking forward to the friendship and journey between Jenny Craig and Rebel Wilson - a journey that we hope will encourage and inspire so many other Australian women”, says Amy Smith, Managing Director of Jenny Craig Australia and New Zealand.

Rebel has a warning for her pals, ice cream and chocolate: “I am over it – no more hanging out guys... I am starting Jenny Craig. It’s not you, it’s me. I’m changing.”

- END -

After 20 weeks on the Jenny Craig program - the popular Australian Actor/Entertainer is set to reveal his “lost tyre” and his new shape - following his amazingly successful 20 kilogram weight loss.

• Lost 20 kilograms (equivalent of 2 car tyres)
• Shane is 41 years old – at 126 kilograms his biological age was 48 years old. 20 kilograms lighter, he is now 2 years younger than his real age!
• Off all health related medication (blood pressure & cholesterol)
• Happier, healthier and handsome!

“The thing that I enjoy most out of what’s happened to me since I’ve lost the 20 kilo is that my blood pressure and my cholesterol which were both high to the point that I was on medication (which the doctor prescribed to me for life) is now in check and I’m off all medication – which is fantastic, added Shane.

Pre Jenny Craig Shane mirrored that of many Australian men - a recent survey [2] revealed their weight concerns:

• Almost 8 in 10 Australian men surveyed are overweight
• Almost 100% of men are aware of the effects of excess weight
• Majority of men would like to lose 5 – 10 kilograms

“Shane is a prime example of the typical Aussie bloke – he knew he was carrying some extra kilograms, he knew the effect that was having on his health, and just needed some help in getting his weight in check. We’ve been able to assist Shane in his quest to lose weight, and we hope his story inspires many other Aussie blokes to start looking after themselves not only for their own interest but for their family’s too.” says Amy Smith, Managing Director of Jenny Craig Australia and New Zealand.

About Jen4Men:
The Jenny Craig Jen4Men program is backed by a Medical Advisory Board and a team of accredited practicing dieticians and nutritionists – it is a personalised approach to healthy weight loss and long-term weight maintenance. The program is designed to be a personalised lifestyle change and stresses the importance of educating their members on the basics of nutrition and physical activity.

www.jen4men.com.au

-end-

[1] “All Women Talk” Survey – December 2010. n = 567(F) & 527(M)
[2] as above

1. Don’t snack while watching TV –When watching TV, we can get distracted and are less likely to be practising mindful eating, so it is very easy to overeat. Limit your snacks by portioning them into small bowls instead of eating out of the box or eat healthy snacks like carrot sticks or grapes. The new Jenny Craig at Home menus have your daily snacks all portioned out – from Lightly Salted Potato Crisps to Choc Chip Bites.
2. Don’t forget exercise. – Ensuring you exercise every day throughout winter will help to counter-balance any extra calories as well as make you feel more energetic. Get some fresh air and take short 15 minute walks on your coffee or lunch break to expend energy and stress. ‘Buddying up’ with a friend will help keep you motivated.
3. Sip tea not hot chocolate - hot drinks can help keep the chill out of winter, but some warm beverages are hidden with kilojoules. Milky, syrupy coffee shop drinks and hot chocolate with whipped cream can add lots of calories to your diet. Selecting tea or a herbal infusion is a better option.
4. Plan a warm holiday - If you know you'll need to sport a bikini on the beach in the dead of winter, then you'll be sure to stick to your exercise and healthy eating plan to ensure your body is in tip top shape.
5. Eat your veggies – regular intake of fruits and vegetables will help strengthen your immune system and keep you healthy throughout the winter months. Remember, you should try to eat two serves of fruit and five serves of veggies daily.

Winter menu choices are made easy with new delicious options from Jenny Craig at Home. If it’s winter weight loss and convenience you crave, Jenny Craig at Home is the best tool for long- term weight loss success. You’ll learn the principles of portion control and the elements of a healthy balanced diet via a weekly phone consultation with your very own Jenny Craig consultant as well as having your meals delivered to your home or office.

Tempt your taste buds with Jenny Craig’s hearty Bangers and Mash, comforting Chunky Tomato Soup and warming Mixed Berry Porridge – just a snapshot of what will be available with Jenny Craig at home this winter from May.

There are numerous benefits to being a healthy weight before and during pregnancy. Research indicates that obesity adversely affects the chances of conceiving a baby and carrying full term. Controlling weight through pregnancy is also particularly important to improving the health of an unborn child, as studies have established an association between obesity and infant birth defects such as spina bifida [1].

Maternal obesity increases pregnancy-related risks including heightened rates of miscarriage, gestational diabetes, and pregnancy induced hypertension.  Considering about one third of pregnant women in Australia are overweight or obese (with the figure nudging 50% of mothers in Queensland) [2], this is an issue that needs to be taken seriously.

And it’s not just women – obesity can lead to infertility in men, due to its negative impact on semen quality and erectile function – a problem no man wants to face.

The good news is that weight loss of as little as 5 - 10% can improve fertility and the health of both the parents and baby [3]. Weight loss can lead to improved menstrual cycles, improved ovulation and an improved likelihood of conception. Additionally, obese women using assisted reproduction programs have greater success if they undertake weight loss prior to using this technology.

>Karen Inge, Accredited Practicing Dietician and member of Jenny Craig’s Medical Advisory Board, has developed some information on achieving a healthy weight when trying for a baby. Karen has helped many women lose weight prior to pregnancy, and work towards their goal of conceiving, “when trying to conceive it’s important to have adequate levels of certain nutrients like folate, iodine and Vitamin D. You should eat the same foods recommended for any healthy diet, with special care for certain nutrients.”

>Karen also recommends the guidance of a weight loss program like Jenny Craig, which continues to help men and women reach and maintain their weight loss goals. Jenny Craig consultants understand the importance of a healthy diet and being a healthy weight in order to conceive and can advise the best course of action and menu selection.

In addition to being a healthy weight, Karen recommends the following;

• Most women need to take a folate supplement for at least two months before trying to become pregnant and for the first three months of pregnancy.
• Many women have low vitamin D levels and may require a vitamin D supplement.
• Additional intake of iodine can be recommended and this helps to support healthy brain development of the baby during pregnancy.
• Calcium requirements are not increased during pregnancy, but women need to be having 1,000mg of calcium per day.

Amy Smith, Managing Director for Jenny Craig Australia and New Zealand adds, “Jenny Craig is a convenient, successful weight loss program for women looking to reach a healthy weight prior to pregnancy. The program not only provides healthy food options, but comes with the unique benefit of a personal weight loss consultant, to help and guide every individual in reaching personal weight loss goals. You are five times more likely to loose weight with Jenny Craig than going it alone [4].”

Jenny Craig menus reflect current nutrition recommendations outlined in the Dietary Guidelines formulated by the National Health & Medical Research Council. Of course it is also important to always consult a doctor who may recommend formulated vitamin and mineral supplements to be taken in conjunction with Jenny Craig menus.

- ENDS -

[1] Nutrition & Dietetics 2010 67:197-201 – Obesity and female fecundity
[2] Nutrition & Dietetics 2010 67:197-201 – Obesity and female fecundity
[3] Clark AM, Thornley B, Tomlinson L, Galletly C, Norman RJ.Weight loss in obese infertile women results in improvement in reproductive outcome for all forms of fertility treatment. Hum Reprod 1998; 13: 1502–5.
[4] Ref: Obesity 2007; 15: 939-949 Rock CL et al.

Australian men are more likely to be overweight than their female partners, a recent study has shown. A shocking 63% of Australians men are classified as overweight or obese, compared to only 56% of women [1].

In an effort to combat this trend Jenny Craig ambassador, Shane Jacobson, will tomorrow launch the Mates in Every State program, and is calling for Aussie men to buddy up and join him on his quest to drop the kilos. The new initiative from Jenny Craig aims to build Australia’s biggest ever weight loss ‘support network’ for men, with Shane as the Mates in Every State leader and mentor.

Shane Jacobson will be hitting the road to visit his ‘mates’ across Australia encouraging them to lose the weight and live longer, healthier lives. After all, 47% of men who have tried to lose weight in the past agree, that the support of family and friends is critical to their success [2].

So how do the states stack up in the Australian males weight war?

• The Northern Territory records the most overweight males, with 70% of the male population considered overweight or obese; Tasmanian men and South Australian males rate a close second with the statistic hitting 68% for Tassie and 67% for SA.
• West Australian men are piling on the pounds more than the women with over 10% more men considered to be overweight or obese compared to WA women (64% vs. 53%).
• In Queensland the number of men considered to be overweight or obese, far outweigh the men considered to be in an acceptable weight range by more than 2:1.
• ACT, Victoria and New South Wales have the lowest rate of overweight men in the country...but it is still a whopping 57%, 62% and 61% respectively; showcasing the war on obesity hits all states heavily.

Shane has been losing weight with Jenny Craig since January and credits his success to the support of his Jenny Craig consultant Adele, family and friends.  He is looking forward to getting out on the road and inspiring men just like him.

“Everyone deserves to live a long and healthy life, so I encourage my mates across every Australian state to join me and commit to a healthy lifestyle. Camaraderie and mateship has helped Australians win wars all around the world. We are facing a different kind of war right here at home; to lose our gut and gain our life back. I’d like to give men an instant support system, and Mates In Every State aims to do just that,” said Shane. 

ENDS

[1] Source: Roy Morgan Dec 2010. P18+ n=49,530
[2] Source: Woman's Day and Jenny Craig Body & Weight survey

The Breakdown - How the states weigh in

 Tasmania

• 68% of men across Tasmania are classified as obese or overweight compared to only 56% of women.
• Only 27% of men in Tasmania are classified as being in an acceptable weight range.

Queensland

• 65% of men across Queensland are classified as obese or overweight compared to only 56% of women.
• In Queensland the number of men considered to be overweight or obese, far outweigh the men considered to be in an acceptable weight range by more than 2:1.

South Australia

• 67% of men across South Australia are classified as obese or overweight compared to only 59% of women.
• Only 30% of men in South Australia are classified as being in an acceptable weight range.

Western Australia

• 64% of men across Western Australia are classified as obese or overweight compared to only 53% of women.
• Only 33% of men in Western Australia are classified as being in an acceptable weight range.

New South Wales

• 61% of men across NSW are classified as obese or overweight compared to only 55% of women.
• Only 34% of men in NSW are classified as being in an acceptable weight range.

Victoria

• 62% of men across Victoria are classified as obese or overweight compared to only 56% of women.
• 33% of men in Victoria are classified as being in an acceptable weight range.

Australian Capital Territory

• 57% of men across ACT are classified as obese or overweight compared to only 55% of women.
• Only 39% of men in ACT are classified as being in an acceptable weight range.

Northern Territory

• 70% of men across the Northern Territory are classified as obese or overweight compared to only 67% of women.
• 27% of men in the Northern Territory are classified as being in an acceptable weight range.

Many of us have a rocky  relationship with food – at one moment you are in control and the next moment, you find yourself, five biscuits later, consumed with guilt and too many kilojoules. Learning how to respect food and understand why you are eating and what you are eating can help. 

Accredited practising dietician and member of the medical advisory board for Jenny Craig, Karen Inge, and Jenny Craig consultant Adele Gerali weigh in on five factors that help develop a healthy relationship.

When people go on a diet they often ban foods they love. Instead of polarizing foods, just eat smaller portions. For example, if your favourite foods are high in kilojoules and low in nutrients, make them ‘sometimes foods’ instead of ‘every day’ foods. Diets that are well balanced and don’t exclude food are easier to follow and most often achieve better results.

When you make the decision to change your eating habits, it’s important to embark on a plan that ultimately teaches you to respect food. Adele knows members have an easier time changing their eating habits when still allowed to eat the foods they love. “Our members can still have foods such as lasagne, pizza and even pavlova on the program, but we teach correct portion size,” said Adele.

Be a Mindful Eater

Many people use food as a comfort or a reward. If you learn to eat only when hungry and stop when satisfied, you will begin to understand when you are full and therefore will not overeat. Quite often, people feel guilty after consuming an entire bag of lollies or block of chocolate - you won’t have to beat yourself up emotionally if you learn to recognize when your hunger is satisfied.

Adele says recording food intake is an important and easy way to monitor what goes into your body and helps avoid overeating, “At weekly Jenny Craig consultations, we go over food journals and many members say seeing what they consumed in a day helped them eat correct portions and not indulge.”

Take time to think about what you are eating. Understand how it was produced and grown and learn the nutritional value. When served attractively on the plate, you will appreciate the nutritious meal in front of you and be sure to eat slowly, enjoying every taste, texture and flavour of the dish.

“Helping people understand how to manage weight by focusing on self-awareness, nutrition, activity and gradual behaviour change, without deprivation is the best way to ensure that they hit a goal weight, and more importantly, stay there,” Karen said.

So much of our interaction with people is based around eating. Don’t deny yourself these experiences because you may start to resent your diet; instead, adapt your eating style to your social life. “Dining out doesn’t mean you have to order only veggies or a salad. Jenny Craig’s ‘Dining Out Success Guide’ helps members choose meals while out. Make smart decisions while out; stop when you’re full, savor the food, enjoy the company and you can walk away from the table without feeling guilty,” concluded Karen.

By utilizing these tips, you will begin to develop a healthy and respectful relationship with food. Having a constructive and healthy relationship will help you reach your ideal body weight and maintain a healthy weight. Focus on food, body and mind and look at weight loss as a holistic lifestyle change.

- ENDS -

Weight-loss experts Jenny Craig is making its program philosophy even more accessible, with the launch of the Healthy Living for Families cook book and the help of Australian TV cook Paul Mercurio.

Combining lessons in life and food with over 100 delicious recipes, Jenny Craig’s Healthy Living for Families offers advice on food, body and mind – the mixture needed for a balanced lifestyle.

Celebrity cook, Paul Mercurio, believes the variety of recipes and cuisines featured in the book are suitable for all modern family environments.

“This is the kind of family-friendly book that motivates food lovers to explore the joy of cooking and eating as a family.

“Families can now experience the thrills and spills in the kitchen, as well as the lifelong benefits of Jenny Craig, with a cook book that simultaneously educates and entertains,” said Paul.

With almost 60 per cent of the adult population and 25 per cent of children across the country currently overweight or obese [1], there is certainly room for new culinary skills in Australian kitchens.

Offering so much more than recipes, Healthy Living for Families is jam-packed with essential nutrient guidelines, tips on meal planning and food management, as well as handy quick-and-easy cooking hints for busy people.

“Jenny Craig is thrilled to take part of its integrated program to a wider audience with this cook book and instil the idea of healthy living into family homes,” said Amy Smith, Managing Director Jenny Craig Australian and New Zealand.

“From pumpkin quesadillas to chermoula beef with minted couscous, as well as pages of tasty sweets – this cook book is certainly not about going without.”

The author team includes practising dietitian mums – Karen Inge, Lara Polidori, and Danielle Bowman as well as Jennifer Argulles and Jenny Craig Food Technologists Karen Chea and Honi Cervi, sharing a collection of fresh family ideas for breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert.

Jenny Craig’s Healthy Living for Families cook book will be available at Target, Big W, Kmart, Dymocks, Myer and Borders stores nationwide from February 1, 2011.

- ENDS -

[1] Australian Bureau of Statistics, Cameron AJ, Welborn TA, Zimmet PZ, Dunstan DW, Owen N, Salmon J et al.  Overweight and obesity in Australia: the 1999-2000 Australian diabetes, obesity and lifestyle study (AusDiab). Medical Journal of Australia, 2003; 178: 427-432 and NSW Health 

Award winning actor and comedian, Shane Jacobson is officially confirmed as Jenny Craig’s newest Australian ambassador and is committed to losing 15kgs on the Jen4Men Program.

Shane is turning to Jenny Craig to get fit and healthy following a reality check from his doctor, and is determined to drop the kilos. “I am without a doubt going to lose 15 kilos. It’s in my best interest to get my weight down so I can live a longer, healthier life,” said Shane Jacobson.

Amy Smith, Managing Director of Jenny Craig Australia and New Zealand, says that Shane will be a great ambassador and the company is honoured to assist Shane in his mission to get fit. "We are thrilled to have Shane on board; he is a well respected Australian icon.” 

Shane has been performing throughout Australia and oversees since he was ten, entertaining millions with a variety of roles including those in Kenny, Charlie & Boots and Guys ‘N’ Dolls. “Whether he is making people laugh or entertaining on the big screen, Australians identify with Shane, and we hope the nation will support his quest to lose weight,” Amy said.

70% of men surveyed say they have tried to lose weight before, with one in six trying 10 or more times. In addition, over a third of Aussie men surveyed say they need to lose 5 – 10kgs and their partners agree [1]. Jacobson will be an inspiration for men wanting to lose weight.

“I hope I can encourage people to make healthy lifestyle changes. I have been putting this off for years but when I woke up and I struggled to do up my shoe laces - and after advice from my doctor - I realised that I needed to make a change.

There is a lot more I want to do in my life. No matter what the reason is to lose weight, it’s the right thing to do for a prolonged and healthy life,” said Shane.

Shane will appear in Jenny Craig promotions and advertisements during the partnership. Shane said he is excited to start the program and is looking forward to working with his Jenny Craig consultant, Adele, to apply her expert advice and knowledge to help him get healthy, lose weight and have more energy.

The Jenny Craig Jen4Men program, backed by a Medical Advisory Board and a team of accredited practicing dieticians and nutritionists, is a personalised approach to healthy weight loss and long-term weight maintenance.

“Just like Shane, each and every one of our clients has the support of an individual consultant that provides them with the skills and strategies needed for long-term, successful weight loss and wellbeing as well as long term weight management to help them maintain their weight,” added Amy. The program is designed to be a personalised lifestyle change and stresses the importance of educating their members on the basics of nutrition and physical activity. 

For more information on joining Jenny Craig, go to www.jen4men.com.au; SMS Shane to 1300 4 JENNY; or call 1300 4 JENNY. For more information on Shane Jacobson and a complete biography, go to www.shanejacobson.com.au. 

ENDS

Using healthy advice from jenny Craig

It can be so hard to avoid weight gain over the festive season! To help you look and feel your best this summer, Jenny Craig consultant Natalie Russell shares some easy tips for successful weight management through December and into the New Year.

• When hosting a Christmas party, swap high kilojoule finger food for lighter alternatives such as rice paper rolls, fruit and raw vegetable strips with low fat yoghurt and vegetable dips.

• Not the party organiser? Offer to bring a nutritious party platter to provide a healthy alternative for party goers. You’ll take pressure off the host and your waistline!

• Alcohol is high in kilojoules and something difficult to avoid during the festive season. Limit your alcohol intake by drinking a glass of water between each beverage or mix up a wine spritzer by filling half your glass with wine and the remaining half with soda water.

• Be informed. If you cant say no to a drink, check out the table below for the best options.

Beverage Amount Kilojoules

TIS THE SEASON TO BE ACTIVE:

• Use Christmas shopping as an excuse to exercise. Walking around the mall for two hours will leave you with plenty of gift ideas and make you feel great too! Why not squeeze in an extra lap of the mall while you are there?

• Take time to enjoy the warm weather after your Christmas day meal, play a family game of cricket or rugby in the backyard, you’ll be burning off that Christmas pudding and bonding with your loved ones at the same time!

• Don’t let the hot weather be an excuse not to exercise. Cool off with a swim at the local beach or pool, make the most of the air conditioning at your gym or pop on a fan at home while you do a DVD workout programme.

• Be realistic about your weight loss goals around the festive season, plan around your schedule and make healthy eating and exercise a priority. Allow yourself at least 15 minutes each day for ‘you time’.

• At parties and social events, spend time talking to other guests and enjoying socialising rather than seeking comfort from food. Remember that you shouldn’t feel forced to try all food offered to you.

• There will be some challenging times during the holidays, but there will also be times when things go just as planned. Start each day with a positive affirmation, such as “Today I will celebrate all my successes”.

For further Jenny Craig tips and advice on weight management or to find your nearest Jenny Craig centre, visit www.jennycraig.co.nz or phone 0800 502 302.

Amy Smith, MD of Jenny Craig is excited to announce that Melanie Brown, the scariest, spiciest of them all, has been signed up as the new face of Jenny Craig Australia and NZ. Mel has 15 kilos to lose post-baby and is intent on getting to her target weight by early 2012.

Mel B says when she was pregnant she was eating for England and Australia. “I was eating literally morning noon and night, it didn’t matter what time, I was just eating. I was a house. I love my humps and bumps, but when a newspaper described my shape as the ‘bootylicious, curvylicious, post-baby body of Melanie, I knew I had to do something, I had to get the eating under control”.

“Jenny Craig is a no brainer for me. I don’t have to think about anything. I get a coach; she does the thinking and the planning. I just eat and go. It’s perfect. Jenny Craig has been around for 30 years. That depth of experience has to count for something” says Mel.

Amy Smith says Mel is representative of so many women in Australia and New Zealand who have some baby weight to lose but aren’t sure where to start. The Jenny Craig programme is absolutely brilliant for Mel and other busy mums as it takes the guesswork out of the picture. The best thing of all, is that Jenny provides a support system second-to-none with individual consultants and tailored eating plans.

“Mel told us she doesn’t like dieting at all. She loves eating healthy foods and she is thrilled with the healthy snack options and the amount of fruit and vegetables she gets to eat. Jenny Craig’s team of nutritionists and doctors have created a program especially for women like Mel who have recently given birth, that takes into consideration the nutrient levels needed for breastfeeding women”, says Ms Smith.

Jenny Craig is pleased to announce Dr. Andrew Rochford as its new medical ambassador.Dr. Andrew an emergency registrar, understands that the majority of people need health regimes that fit in with their busy lives.

“Dropping a few kilos isn't simply about looking good, it's about living a healthy lifestyle and Jenny Craig is keen to deliver that message”, said Dr Andrew.

Dr. Andrew joins the Jenny Craig team as they champion three new health related initiatives:

• Start Healthy, Stay Healthy initiative to help mums and mums to be lose weight in order to get pregnant, maintain a healthy pregnancy weight or get back in shape after having a baby. It's crucial that these women maintain good nutrition - but being overweight and obesity is now the most common pregnancy complication in many developed countries and weight issues can affect the health of both mums and babies.

• Adolescent Program - developing bodies also need good nutrition but with 20 - 25 per cent of Australian children and adolescents now classified as overweight with a quarter of this group being obese there are fears that youngsters are suffering both health and self confidence issues as a result. Diabetes prevention is a particular concern as during puberty, hormonal changes can add to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes is even more likely to be diagnosed at this time.

• Men's Health Program - addressing the denial men have around weight and prevention of weight-related illness.

Dr Andrew says he's delighted to be working with Jenny Craig, “The program has been designed and evolved by a global medical advisory board, consisting of the leading experts in their field delivering the latest expertise. All menus are planned by a team of qualified dietitians so users know it's nutritious and balanced.

People need something they can fit into their lives, that teaches them how to manage their weight. Jenny Craig's food/mind/body approach is the perfect way to get the skills and support you need so you can learn how to manage your weight for life."

EFFERVESCENT Aussie comic actress Rebel Wilson is taking Hollywood by storm, but her most life changing role yet is as Jenny Craig’s new celebrity ambassador.

Rebel is a brilliant character actress, delivering a scene-stealing performance in this year’s blockbuster Bridesmaids, but hopes losing 25kg in an inspirational partnership with Jenny Craig will help audiences see the real her.

With more upcoming major US film roles; Australia’s emerging movie star is set to revolutionize her life by signing on with Jenny Craig as her international profile rises.

Rebel hopes shedding kilos and adopting better lifestyle habits will result in being considered for a wider variety of roles, having greater confidence, and to inspire fellow Australian women.

Famous locally for Bogan Pride (SBS) which she created, wrote, produced and starred in as well as her standout appearances on Thank God You’re Here (Network Ten/Seven Network), Talkin’ Bout Your Generation (Network Ten), City Homicide (Seven Network) and a role in the Nicholas Cage movie Ghost Rider. The multi-talented writer, producer and performer will next be seen with Elizabeth Banks in the rom-com What To Expect When You’re Expecting, and opposite Oscar winner Reese Witherspoon in the action comedy This Means War.

Rebel won a starring part alongside her Bridesmaids co-star, Little Britain’s Matt Lucas, in the indie flick Small Apartments.

In typical madcap Rebel style, her weight-loss mottos are: “to not gorge on junk food, but to become gorgeous”, and “feed my dreams, not my stomach”.

With Jenny Craig’s one-on-one consulting, Rebel said she’s happy she won’t have to go it alone.

“On the career side, I’m kind of living this exciting life, and filming movies and TV shows, and kicking a lot of goals in that department, and I have so many good things going on. But the one thing that I feel is holding me back is my size and weight”.

Rebel’s goals with Jenny Craig are:

• LOSE 25kg
• BUY clothes from mainstream fashion stores
• To wear sleeveless outfits with confidence

“Jenny Craig is delighted to be working with Rebel Wilson – she is a gorgeous girl inside and out and is a star on the rise who wants our support to help her in areas of her life that need a little education and guidance. Jen’s a friend to many and we’re looking forward to the friendship and journey between Jenny Craig and Rebel Wilson - a journey that we hope will encourage and inspire so many other Australian women”, says Amy Smith, Managing Director of Jenny Craig Australia and New Zealand.

Rebel has a warning for her pals, ice cream and chocolate: “I am over it – no more hanging out guys... I am starting Jenny Craig. It’s not you, it’s me. I’m changing.”

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“As a company with a strong network of clients in Christchurch, we want to be part of the wider effort to rebuild and grow business in the area.”

According to the New Zealand Ministry of Health, one in three Kiwi adults are overweight and one in four are obese, meaning more people need to incorporate healthy eating and exercise into their lifestyles.

The Jenny Craig programme offers a personalised approach to effective weight loss management through providing the skills, strategies and support to develop positive lifestyle changes.

Buck’s focus has also paid off in the style department, with the father sizing up a new, more fashionable wardrobe.