Jillian Michaels

Do you believe in "cheat" days?
NO. I believe in incorporating cheat foods into your calorie allowance every day. They should be about 1/5 of your intake. So if you are eating 1500 cals a day, make 300 of it whatever you want.

Jillian Michaels

Do you ever fall off the fitness wagon?
Of course. My work schedule does this to me. I just get so tired and run down that going to the gym feels like torture. When this happens I get meticulous with my diet to mitigate the damage of not exercising. I then try to reign in my schedule, re-prioritize and schedule my workouts like appointments so I don't miss them.

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What was the defining moment in your personal fight to shed the pounds you wanted to lose years ago? Is there one thing or things that finally made you succeed?
It has been a long process that is ongoing even now. Life is a series of epiphanies that mold our existence should we choose to act on them. Some pivotal moments would be getting into martial arts as a kid. Sitting with a registered dietitian at 24 and realizing that fad diets are fallacies. Having my hormones checked at 30 and discovering the true nature of metabolism and how to manipulate it. These are just a few of many.

Does your weight ever fluctuate, like, during the holidays?
Yes, about 8lbs. I go through periods where my priorities shift. Sometimes my rest and relaxation are more important then my ego.

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Even in your DVDs, you're pretty no-nonsense -- is it just your style, or do you believe a softer approach gives people an excuse to go easy?
I believe that people function in a comfort zone that is far below their true capabilities. I push so that when people learn how strong they are physically it transcends into every facet of their lives.

Do you really scream and holler at the contestants the way it shows it on TV?
Yep, but never without a reason. I don't do anything without purpose. There is a much greater meaning behind every action I take on the show. Sometimes you might only see half the conversation because it makes better TV, but there is balance and method to my madness.

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How long and how often do you work out on your own?
About an hour two times a week and then trainers two times a week.

What's your absolute favorite way to work out, and why?
Mixed martial arts because it gets out my aggression, shreds my body up and keeps the workout fun.

If you're not on camera, what do you wear to work out?
Baggy sweats and an old t shirt.

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What's your biggest personal fitness challenge?
Running! Ughhh, I hate running!

What's your proudest personal fitness accomplishment -- not in terms of training, but in terms of what you've done?
Getting my blackbelt.

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What's the deal with the contestants on your Biggest Loser team puking so much? Is there a reason you work them out to the puking point?
They puke because they are toxic. They have tons of lactic acid and that crap gets dumped into their bloodstream during first week or so of training. It always passes.

What's your response to critics who say the weight loss is unsustainable since the contestants are clearly living in a weight loss dream world while they're at the ranch?
The proof is in the pudding. Our contestants have a 65 percent success rate. The national statistic for people who lose weight and keep it off is 5 percent. I give the contestants the knowledge to eat right and exercise effectively. But I also focus on self esteem building exercises with my contestants so they are motivated to keep the weight off.

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Are you aware of the huge number of female bloggers who are completely devoted to your 30 Day Shred (and are writing about it constantly)? Do you have anything to say to them?
I am actually not aware of it at all. That is really cool! I am so flattered. I think that when you do something with pure intentions and true passion the universe conspires on your behalf. I am so blessed. Truly ... the luckiest girl alive.

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What's your favorite "go-to" meal or snack? How about biggest weakness?
I have been off meat and dairy recently except for fish so, baked corn chips and organic hummus. Heaven. Biggest weakness ... coffee, wine, tequila, chocolate. Not necessarily in that order.

If you had one week to get ready for an event, and you wanted to look your best, what would you do?
I would focus on diet. Cut alcohol, processed carbs, refined sugars and salt. Drink a minimum of 80 oz. of water a day.

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Do you have anything new coming up that you can tell us about?
Yes! My new exercise DVDs came out February 3. They are called "Total Body Makeover" and "No More Trouble Zones." My new book comes out in April! I'm so stoked about that! It's my first diet book and it's called "Master Your Metabolism."

JillianMichaels.com