01 09 10 Tweet Dietitians Eat Chocolate Too: Winning at a Losing Game: Great Tips You Can Take Home from NBC's "The Biggest Loser"

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Winning at a Losing Game: Great Tips You Can Take Home from NBC's "The Biggest Loser"






I am definitely not one for reality television, but one of my guilty pleasures would have to be NBC's "The Biggest Loser" (I can also add that I'm quite the fan of VH1's "Celebrity Fit Club", but I'll stop there). What is it about reality television that sucks us in, furthermore, what can I get from these TV weight loss shows?





Here are some key points from the show and the website that are really handy for anyone who's motivated/hitting an exercise plateau and wants to stay that way.

Put yourself before others when it comes to your health.

  • Often times, we're so busy taking care of family or staying late at work to make ourselves a priority. Schedule 30 minutes a day exclusively to yourself. Starting an exercise program is a step in the direction of self-awareness, where you can fully enjoy your time with others, when you fully appreciate yourself.

Develop a social network or "audience" of supporters to help you reach your goal.

  • Losing weight is more difficult when going at it alone or with people that may sabotage your efforts. It can be the friend that wants to go out for drinks a few nights a week, or the lovely co-worker who's constantly bringing home baked goodies to the office meetings. Find other alternatives that don't involve your trigger foods so you won't have to face temptation.

If you really feel clueless, joining a weight loss organization is a great way to stay motivated.

  • Not everyone has the luxury of being on a reality weight loss TV show, but studies show people are more likely to lose weight from diet and exercise when they join a group or organization with the same mission. The support from others going through the same situation gives itself an opportunity to bond and develop other weight loss strategies that will work for your lifestyle.

Make your goals measurable and realistic.

  • By saying "I want to be a size 0" or "I'm going to look like a body builder" are pretty unrealistic. However, by taking smaller steps such as "I'm going to lift 3 days a week" or "I want to be a size whatever by October" are reasonable.

Check out "The Biggest Loser" site for more information at: http://www.nbc.com/The_Biggest_Loser/