I'm on JC and yes, you buy their packaged food and supplement with fruits, veg, and dairy.
At halfway you start doing "meals on your own", and eventually you move to "days on your own." You basically use the exchange system to plan "meals on your own", similar to what people with diabetes do...you know, eat 1 carb, 2 protein, 1 fat...that sort of thing.
They also have a plan in conjunction with BodyMedia Fit to use the armband that's like a body bug.
I personally use the fit band and absolutely love it...but you can do JC without it just fine.
I have lost 70 lbs so far, with 60ish more to go.
It is a bit pricey to buy their food, but when I add up the money I was spending at the grocery store and eating out in all its forms, it's actually saved me money.
I did try weight watchers a few years ago, but didn't like the whole group thing. I don't do well in meetings like that, as I can't relate to other people very well and didn't want to listen to them (it's my personality, sorry
)...
But what I needed was a firm hand with portion control which was one of my biggest issues and why I chose JC over weight watchers.
I emotionally fought it, believe me - I was stunned that that was *all* I could eat - yet it was what a normal portion should look like!
But I'm glad I stuck with it even when I plateaued...I'm re-energized to reach my goal by the end of this year...
Do you have any specific questions about the program?