The Biggest Loser - Best Lessons from Season 7

by Bev Sklar (Subscribe to Bev Sklar's posts)
May 21st 2009 12:00PM

Categories: Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness, Motivation

"The Biggest Loser Couples" Season 7 finale aired last week and 117-pound Helen took the $250,000 prize. Spending the cash is easy, now comes the hardest part -- maintenance. Past winners Michelle, Ali V. and Bernie have succeeded in keeping the pounds off, while Season 3's Erik is struggling. Newbie champ Helen is confident she'll never go back that 3X t-shirt. We wish her That's Fit good luck.

Whether you're trying to lose weight for the first time in ages, in maintenance mode or yo-yoing, here are the Top 10 Best Lessons from Season 7. Tape 'em to your fridge, bathroom mirror or car dash, consistently follow, then watch your energy skyrocket and your body transform.

Easy Does it the First Fit-Trimester. Remember when Laura's hip cracked Week 15? My physical therapist explained our endurance may improve quickly, but our bones take weeks to build up sufficiently to handle a lengthier run. Train gradually, train smart your first fit-trimester. Check out Couch Potato to 5K for initial pointers if you're thinking of running a 5K.
Buy a Binge Detector. Figure out your binge triggers to set your binge detector. Be aware of when you're craving food to solve an emotional problem, then take a walk or drink some water instead.
Popcorn and Kettlebells. Bob says a tub of hot air-popped popcorn has only 200 calories compared to the 850-900 calorie theater tub. Thanks Bob, my new hot air-popper is terrific. Jillian says kettleballs build muscle, shed fat and keep it fun. Make them your next fitness investment.

Write Every Day. This is the best trainer tip ever. Jillian says weight management is all about accuracy and balance. Keep track of calories consumed/burned. A daily food/exercise diary is essential.
Silence that Fitness Scapegoat. Sione no longer uses asthma as his fitness scapegoat. What are your scapegoats? Seek and destroy these excuses with fitness.
You Can Run that Race. First it was a half-marathon, then a full marathon. Season 7 contestants proved the seemingly impossible is possible. Please sign-up for that race of your dreams. Walk it or run it, who cares. You're setting goals and building stamina and confidence.
TRX the Fat Away. Is anyone else dying to install a TRX Suspension Trainer system at home?
Spice Up, Avoid Fried. Lucky Season 7 for us -- we could soak up all the spicy, sexy cooking tips from one Hot Aussie Chef and Chef Rocco. Dried mushrooms and spices add flavor instead of fried. Did you know ground chicken had so much fat?
Buy Jillian's Book. Managing your metabolism is critical, says Jillian. Please buy her book, "Master Your Metabolism." I read it, started combining my protein, carbs and fat more consistently and lost a few stubborn pounds.
It Didn't Happen Overnight. The 100+ Pounds Extra Club took time to join, so it'll take time and dedicated effort to gradually shed the weight. Acknowledge if your fat-food testimonial or eating habits are anything like Filipe or Sione, then establish new grounds rules to eat less and move more.

Finally, if there's one final message Season 7 delivered, You're Not Too Old or Fat to lose the weight. Season 7's biggest contestants ever lost record amounts of weight, and 64-year-old Jerry (pictured) swept the at-home $100,000 prize. You can depart your morbidly obese, obese or overweight lifestyle. Have a great summer and see you next season.

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Comments (3)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

FlaxChick 5-21-2009 @ 12:12PM

I am in 40's and recently lost over 80 pounds and after battling my weight for years, I know I will never be heavy again. I am not thin, but I am healthy, curvy and normal and am happy with how much I get to eat to maintain my size.

I stopped eating lots of processed foods and discovred the huge advantage of adding fiber to your diet. You feel fuller and more satisfied longer. I used to start my day with a muffin and a diet pepsi. All empry calories and loaded with fat. I now have a thick greek yogurt with 2 tablespoons of fitflax http://ww.fitflax.com and some berries and a cup of green tea. I have it on a nice plate, treat myself like a lady and I feel fabulous. Fitflax is a golden roasted flax and chia blend that is nutty, delicious and low carb and low cal. Since it is roasted it does not have to be ground and it is loaded with Omega 3's and antioxidants. So not only did I lose weight, but my skin is fabulous now too.

I also make the time to at least get in a brisk 20 minute walk every day.

alex 5-21-2009 @ 1:42PM

I have read that FitFlax causes some serious gas and diarrhea and really has nothing to do with weight loss

hilpa 5-21-2009 @ 1:33PM

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