NBC's The Biggest Loser is a formula of extremes. Extremely overweight contestants + extremely strict diets + extremely tough workouts = extreme weight loss. Although the means are somewhat controversial, the formula doesn't fail....until last week. If you missed the episode, the contestants spent the week at Camp Pendelton. They completed bootcamp with marine drill sergeants and probably experienced the most grueling week of their lives. The results were a little astounding to the audience but I wasn't surprised. The contestants experienced the worst weigh-ins in Biggest Loser history. Most either lost a mere pound or two and many gained...up to 4 pounds. What happened?Nutrition went out the window. The contestants ate rec hall food for the entire week. Many of them assumed the grueling all day activity level made up for their poor nutrition as they cleaned their entire plates of buffet style food. Obviously it did not. I liked this particular episode of the show because it emphasized the importance of nutrition tracking. A few days of not paying attention to the nutrients going into their bodies; regardless of their full day of grueling exercise, destroyed their weight loss goals.
Although we emphasis it over and over again, people continue to underestimate the importance of nutrition. Even the educated Biggest Loser contestants competing for $250,000, couldn't resist the temptation of filling up their plates up with unhealthy food as they went through the buffet line. The lesson: First, DO NOT even contemplate going to a buffet if your trying to lose weight. Second, proper nutrition and serving size is vital to weight loss. With all the resources available, there are really no excuses. Here are some of my favorite:
Weight Watchers - it requires accountability and uses a point system that is fairly easy to follow. Many research studies support the success of these small group weight loss programs.
Mypyramid.gov - This government sponsored site is no frills. It does not support any "diet" and doesn't get paid to advertise supplements and powders. It is simply no-nonsense nutrition tracking and advice that is reliable, healthy, and free.
Sparkpeople.com - Another free on line site that also offers the support of the on line community. On line tracking and charts can help you reach your nutrition and fitness goals.
