The Biggest Loser: Best Lessons from Season 8

Guess what lesson "The Biggest Loser" Season 8 producers learned early on this season? Reality TV weight loss and cursing don't mix. After raw language had many fans turned off and tuning out, Jillian's stream of f-bombs abruptly stopped. Whether you watch this show while dripping on the treadmill or smirking with a bowl of ice cream in your lap, millions consistently tune in for their weekly dose of Biggest Loser. No one can deny this one-of-a-kind reality TV hit continues to inspire many to drop major pounds.

When it comes to safe dieting, exercise and motivation, let's take a look at a few of the best lessons learned from Season 8.

Do Not Repeat This. Chronically inactive, morbidly obese contestants have no business running a beach mile for immunity on day one. A helicopter had to rush Tracey to the hospital after near-death heat stroke. Dr. Huizenga has assured fans the show learned a lesson.

Keep B&J Together. Fifty-nine percent of That's Fit readers love Bob and Jillian training contestants together, versus competitively as in seasons past. Keep this new twist, it's cutthroat enough at the ranch and every contestant should experience both trainer styles.

No Restaurant Freebies. Bob and Jillian took the crew out for Mexican and one of the first lessons -- just say no to the chips and salsa. Amazingly, 38 percent of That's Fit readers already skip the restaurant freebies and 13 percent are willing to try. Makes sense considering a full order of chips and salsa at On the Border has 500 calories. And how many of us request a refill before the appetizer arrives?
Wall Push-Ups First. Not ready to knock off a dozen real-deal push-ups, yet? Bob says ease in with wall push-ups first.

Eat With Support. Remember Shay's dismay when her husband ordered the Killer Steak Tacos and a cider when they went out to dinner? If your loved one is trying to lose weight, do whatever you can to support them. Keep junk out of the house, order compassionately when eating out. Work out together.

Skip Canned Broth. It's high in sodium. Aussie chef Curtis Stone says boil up your own veggie broth at home.

Salad Up! Make more salads. Try tossing this White House Salad served over at President Obama's, then sow your own greens this spring.

Salaries and Cereal. Suze Orman reminded us obesity costs big bucks. Like $7,000 less in annual salary, a potential $20,000 tab for gastric bypass and significantly less savings for retirement. Has rich and bold Suze got your attention, yet? Then try Jillian's trick -- make sure you're pouring milk over a multi-grain cereal, not a bowl of sugar. Little steps combined over time yield serious results. Season 5 champ Ali Vincent continues to make the right choices each and every day.

There's Always the Resort at Fitness Ridge. Weight loss in your own entrenched lifestyle can be challenging. Remember Max, youngest brother/son of Mike and Ron Morelli from Season 7? He's down 105 pounds after a summer at The Biggest Loser Resort at Fitness Ridge.

Bypass Isn't the Only Choice. At the finale, Dr. Huizenga challenged experts critical of Biggest Loser-style weight loss. He reported Shay, the heaviest contestant ever, has tacked on 13 more years to her life, and Daniel has added 23 mores years to his. "It was a medical emergency to get both of you to lose weight. All the experts say you only have one choice -- bypass surgery," said Huizenga. "They say people your size can't exercise. They say our exercise-centered approach isn't going to work. But what they didn't tell you is when people your size have bypass surgery, you have up to a one in 10 chance of dying within the first year." Now that fact alone has to raise eyebrows.

Possibly the most powerful lesson this season was Abby Rike's physical and emotional transformation. From the depths of despair after losing her children and husband in a 2006 car accident, her flame for living flickers again . If Abby Rike can find the strength and motivation to lose major weight after a tragedy of that magnitude, anyone can try, try, and try again.

Tune in January 5 for the Season 9 premiere. Looks like Danny Cahill's 239-pound record weight loss is officially in jeopardy -- a 500-pound contestant has arrived. Does a contestant weighing 526 pounds have you concerned? In the meantime, if you're trying to lose weight a good personal trainer can make all the difference. Eat healthy over New Year's, then we'll see you next week.