This post was sponsored by Jenny Craig as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central, and all opinions expressed are my own.
Summer is officially over but that doesn’t mean that we have to stop eating delicious summer fruits and vegetables and produce. The other day I was thinking what better way to enjoy September than to have some delicious watermelon. Then wondered if anyone has ever tried to put watermelon into a salad. Not a fruit salad but a salad salad. You know cucumbers, some greens, and whatever else comes to mind. Something fresh and tingly that appealed to all of my taste buds. Luckily for me I found a Jenny Craig recipe card during the new #JennyCraigFood Live tasting event that had the perfect recipe. Check out the recipe below and tell me what you think.
The live tasting event took place at the Institute of Culinary Education in Manhattan. It showcase the new Jenny Craig fall foods and Fresh & Free Additions.
If you’re unfamiliar with Jenny Craig – it is a membership based weight loss program that provides support and structure to help members lose weight and learn how to keep it off while eating 6 times a day (3 entrees with 3 snacks), where every member of the Jenny Craig program is paired with a dedicated personal consultant. The members eat nutritionally-balanced frozen meals, like breakfast, lunch, dinner and desserts that can be purchased at Jenny Craig meeting centers or can be delivered home.
What is Fresh and Free?
This is the best part. Jenny Craig consultants teach members how to combine delicious Jenny Craig Meals and Snacks with Fresh & Free Additions that are rich in water and fiber to help keep members feeling fuller longer, with fewer calories. Members can still eat their favorite foods – there is no need to eliminate any food groups. And there is NO counting, tracking, or worrying (which is truly refreshing)! By Fresh & Free Additions they truly mean to eat fruits and veggies or combine together in delicious salads. Practically eat your Jenny Craig Frozen lunch and dinner. Prepare juicy salad ahead of time and enjoy your salad or veggies with no limits. Practically they don’t count towards the food you eat. The fuller and more satisfied you feel, the less likely you overindulge later.
Fresh & Free Additions Demo
At the event there was a registered dietitian and nutritionist, Lisa Talamini. She discussed the new Fresh & Free Additions followed by a demo. We watched how quick and easy it was to prepare additions. After watching the demo, I had the opportunity to get my hands on with few other fellow bloggers and influencers. In small groups, we prepared our own Fresh & Free Additions.
Free & Fresh additions are fun to prepare, just slice, dice fresh produce and it even looks more delicious if you spiralize your veggies.
This is one of the reasons I fell in love with the look of Watermelon Cucumber Arugula Salad at the event and luckily there was a recipe card on the table. Once I got home I decided to give it a try
It was easy to prepare, only taking me about 10 minutes of prep time. After preparing the salad I offered some up to my husband. His first response was, “Watermelon in a salad, that’s not right.” Well needless to say after his first bite I could tell he was smitten. His tune changed immediately to, “Wow, this is great! It’s like a flavor explosion going off in my mouth.” I guess once again I proved him wrong. It was not the first time and wont be the last I’m sure.
Ingredients:
1 cup cubed watermelon
1 1/2 cup spiralized English cucumber
1/4 cup spiralized red onion
2 cups arugula
1tbsp lemon zest
1 tbsp thinly sliced fresh basil
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tsps lemon juice
1/4 tsp. salt
Preparation
Spiralize cucumber and red onion, zest lemon skin. Combine in a large bowl. Toss well to coat with dressing and transfer to plate. Sprinkle salad evenly with basil and lemon zest.
(*Recipe adapted from Cooking Light)
New Fall Menu Items!
After getting my hands on the Watermelon salad, we had the chance to try the new Fall menu options. The eight new Jenny Craig menu items include:
- Butternut Squash Ravioli
- Chicken Street Tacos
- Fiesta Chicken & Rice
- Garden Vegetable Frittata
- Szechuan Shrimp
- Chicken Wrap with BBQ Sauce
- Hearty Beef & Potatoes
- Romano Pasta with Chicken
What Jenny Craig Food tastes like?
I have never tried Jenny Craig before. But know few people who tried it and had a success. but some said it worked but they were starving all day so I was very curious. I tried the new Jenny Craig menu food at the event. I loaded my plate with what you see below. It looks a lot but I actually had a nicely control portion – I had 1 chicken street taco, 1 ravioli. The red pepper was stuffed with Fiesta Chicken & Rice. And I had few on Jenny Craig’s approved – Ravishing Raspberry Bellini. My favorite was butternut squash ravioli and I thought that stuffed peppers with fiesta chicken and rice were very delicious.
Jenny Craig at Home
I also had an opportunity to try 2 full days of Jenny Craig at home. I was sent 10 Jenny Craig frozen meals right to my home. Yes, they can ship frozen food to your home and you will receive it frozen. It is shipped on dry ice and if no one is home to accept the package, it can be kept cold on your porch for 1 full days without spoiling the food.
I must say that each entree was nutritionally balanced and very satisfying. But with the touch of my Fresh and Free additions (like my watermelon cucumber arugula salad, for example) I feel fuller longer, with fewer calories.
Learn more!
Visit the Jenny Craig Website to learn more about their program, new fall menu and Fresh & Free Additions!
Have you tried the Jenny Craig Program? What are your thoughts on Fresh and Free additions? Let me know if you give a Watermelon Cucumber salad a try and what do you think?
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My sister and i just signed up with Jenny Craig. We’re excited .. Fresh and Free additions sounds even better
This is amazing! Good luck