Feel like you’re stuck in a weight loss plateau? Take heart — there might be something missing from your routine. While eating a healthy, well-balanced diet is essential for weight loss, exercise is a great way to support your efforts and develop an overall healthy lifestyle.¹

So how much exercise do you need to ideally fit in? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise (plus two or more days of muscle-strengthening activities) to really reap the health benefits.² So that could be 30 minutes, five days a week of brisk walking, riding your bike, or taking a swim, along with two days of using hand weights or your body weight for strength training workouts.

Whatever your preferred style of fitness may be, discover the surprising ways exercise can improve your health — from helping you lose weight, to allowing your heart to function at its best.

Lately, there’s been a lot of talk about ways to boost your immune system. But how does your immune system work and what exactly does it do? The immune system’s main goal is to protect your body from infection and disease. It’s not just limited to one part of the body: It’s actually a network of cells, tissues and organs that work together to fight off substances, germs and other cell changes that could make you sick.¹

We sat down with Dr. Pamela Peeke, MD, MPH, FACP, FACSM and chair of Jenny Craig’s Science Advisory Board to learn how the immune system works, what could weaken it, and how to give it a boost.

Between battling its usual archenemies — like the germs that cause the common cold and free radicals that constantly barrage your cells — your body’s immune system gets a real workout. Keeping your immune system in fighting shape and ready for action is key to staying well. As your body’s first line of defense, the immune system can benefit from healthy foods that provide essential nutrients, antioxidants and vitamins that support optimal immune system health.

But what can you do to help keep your immune system in top condition? According to Dr. Pamela Peeke, MD, MPH, FACP, FACSM, chair of Jenny Craig’s Science Advisory Board, one of the essential elements of a strong immune system is a healthy diet.

“Whole foods filled with high-quality carbs, fats and proteins are key,” she says, adding that foods rich in immunity-boosting vitamins are particularly beneficial.

With everything going on lately surrounding COVID-19, you might be wondering if there are certain factors that make you more susceptible to getting really sick from the virus. It turns out, new research published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates there are. Read on as Dr. Pamela Peeke, MD, MPH, FACP, FACSM, lifestyle medicine expert and chair of Jenny Craig’s Science Advisory Board, shares important risk factor data as well as practical advice you can use to stay healthy.

Heads up: BBQ jackfruit might be the easiest recipe you try this week! A little savory and a little sweet, this BBQ jackfruit recipe makes a delicious topping for a hearty baked potato. Jackfruit “pulled pork” has a tender, meaty texture that pairs perfectly with your favorite barbecue sauce. Amp up the flavor with a dash of spices, and serve it over a Jenny Craig Loaded Baked Potato for a complete meal! 

If you're following the Jenny Craig program, check with your consultant before making any swaps or changes to your plan to ensure you stay on track!

If you’re staying at home lately, it doesn’t mean you have to give up your healthy exercise routine. While nutrition is key to reaching your weight loss goals, keeping active is a great way to support your efforts and to stay motivated. So, you’ll want to get moving, even if you aren’t able to go to the gym. And here’s some good news: There are plenty of toning and tightening exercises you can do, right in your living room.

So if you’re inside and still want to break a sweat, try these five at-home workouts you can do to help you lose weight. They’ll keep you on track, plus you’ll get a rush of feel-good endorphins.¹ Let’s get started! 

Remember to always consult your physician before starting a new exercise routine.