It is true it is boxed food, but you learn what a real portion should look like, not what we normally pile on our plates. JC meals are all mostly under 500 MG of sodium which is average for your daily intake. I did not find it more expensive than trying to eat on my own......the convenience is nice too. I like the accountability of weighing in each week. I have been maintaining for about a year but have started to struggle again and I am going back NOW - I saw the other review and thought I would add my review. Not one plan works for everyone or we would all be average weight wouldnt we?