Kirstie Alley is out to kill two birds with one stone. Actually, it's more like four birds. The actress and tabloid magnet is launching her own A&E reality show, "Kirstie Alley's Big Life" while attempting to lose the weight she regained after her stint as a Jenny Craig spokesperson. She's also out to prove that reality TV can be entertaining without being catty and filled with dysfunction.
Oh, and she's launching her own weight loss line, Organic Liaison.
Both moves were carefully calculated together. Alley said she started working on the show as the line went into production, and ads for the diet plan will air during "Big Life." Alley, 59, has lost about 20 pounds so far, and with cameras following her around, it's clear she's doing it the hard way.
Alley works out about an hour a day with her trainer, J.R., and from the pool to the home gym, her sweat sessions are definitely featured on the show. But this is no "Biggest Loser." The first episode of "Kirstie Alley's Big Life," which premieres on A&E this Sunday at 10 p.m., centers around her children, True and Lillie, planning a surprise birthday party for their mother. The family, compared to other reality TV shows, without the fighting and bickering that usually make for hallmark reality programming.
But it's not all sugar and spice -- Alley certainly has a mouth on her. You might want to cover the kids' ears whenever she speaks, as she's likely to drop a curse word, or two or three.
Alley doesn't dwell on her weight issues in the show, but you can certainly tell that she's working on them. She turns away cake at her own birthday party and tacks salsa lessons onto her daily workouts. When That's Fit asked Alley about learning to love exercise again (she used to be an avid swimmer when she was younger), her face doesn't light up until she talks about dance lessons.
"I love Bollywood dancing," she told That's Fit. "I love anything dancing!" But she admits her love of dance isn't enough. She has also started hiking. She said her tall, strong frame is adept at exercise so she finds she needs to really push herself to see results. "I'm having to work at working harder," she explained.
On "Big Life," Alley can also be seen planning her weight loss program, which is touted as the first organic weight loss product. Organic Liaisons is honest about the fact that it is a diet, noting that any plan of eating is a diet. "I didn't want it to feel fraught with deprivation," she said of her diet.
The line includes organic weight loss supplements, including the cornerstone product, Rescue Me. This liquid supplement claims to help "curb appetite, reduce cravings, boost energy, support the metabolism of fat, and gently cleanse the body, taking the "toxic" out and putting the healthy in."
It is essentially a multi-vitamin with antioxidants and fiber, to help you feel full. Alley points out that a lot of people lose out on vitamins and minerals while they're dieting because they're eating too few calories. Ironically, since her plan calls for eating mostly whole, organic foods, this is probably one where the dieter would be getting enough essentials through foods.
There is also an optional cleanse product, a green tea extract and a product to help you sleep, since it has been shown the sleeping is key for hormone regulation and is thought to help with weight loss.
The supplements cost $89 for a one-year supply, and a membership also gets users access to a journal, calorie counter, recipes and a community to help you lose weight. Probably the coolest features are resources for organic restaurants and markets and something called a "chubby buddy." Essentially you get a partner to challenge you (and you challenge them) to push each other towards your goal weights.
Alley is insistent that she wants people to think about eating healthier, and not just losing weight. So for that, the plan offers a $139 per month weight loss program, which includes customized meal planning.
Alley is passionate about organics, and thinks other people should be too. "I decided I wanted what is best for me and will help people the most," she said. All the products are USDA-certified organic, and she is quick to fight any allegations that they are not. She points out that ingredients such as magnesium in the sleep product cannot be certified organic by the USDA, which is why they are not listed as organic.
As for the rumors it's a front for Scientology, Alley dismissed the accusation after a recent private screening of "Big Life," especially after the issue was recently raised on the "TODAY" show.
Click on the video below to Kirstie's reaction on "TODAY." Story continues below the video.
PRODUCTION PLAYER! DO NOT DELETE.
"No one asks 'what religion is Jenny Craig,'" she quipped. But she was also methodical in denying the claim. "That I would need to clarify or defend the intentions or affiliations of my LLC business corporation in the year 2010 is indicative of the intolerances that we as a country still need to overcome."
Alley went on to give the breakdown of everyone involved in the company, from the web team to her advisory board. Of some 25 people, four are Scientologists. "Organic Liaison LLC is not affiliated with the Church of Scientology or the world institute of Scientology," she said. She also went on to point out if she had wanted to make it a Scientology diet, she would have done just that.
Click here for more information on the possible link between Organic Liaison and Scientology.
At the end of the day Alley seems sincere about her love of organics and wanting to share that with the world, as well as her intentions to lose the weight. Her goal on the show? "To let the camera shoot me from all angles!"
Kirstie Alley isn't the only celebrity who tried to lose weight on Jenny Craig. Click on the gallery below to see which stars succeeded on the diet plan, which gained back what they lost.
The two-time Emmy-award winning actress claimed to have lost 75 pounds using the Jenny Craig program. A spokeswoman for the diet program for three years, the infamous yo-yo dieter made it down to a svelte size 8 and even stripped down to a bikini and a sarong to show off her success on "Oprah" in 2006.
Stephen Shugerman, Getty Images - Lester Cohen, WireImage
The two-time Emmy-award winning actress claimed to have lost 75 pounds using the Jenny Craig program. A spokeswoman for the diet program for three years, the infamous yo-yo dieter made it down to a svelte size 8 and even stripped down to a bikini and a sarong to show off her success on "Oprah" in 2006.
Recent photos, like the one seen here, indicate that Alley has gained back every single pound lost on Jenny Craig, plus an additional 10 to 20 pounds! Making her, well, not the best example of how successful the Jenny Craig program works! The Golden Globe winner has also been reluctant to exercise consistently, which is part of her ongoing weight problem. Perhaps in retaliation, Alley has launched her own "phitness site" where she Tweets about her ongoing battles with flab, and wants to inspire other obese people by "giving phitness a phacelift." She said, "I'm going to lose 80 pounds. I'm going to be in a bikini again!"
The once-chubby actress was 50 pounds heavier during her tumultuous divorce from rocker Eddie Van Halen back in 2005. On December 5, 2005, the self-proclaimed emotional eater filed for divorce, and chose to make her life healthier in many different ways. While her present companion and soul mate Tom Vitale went on the record saying he'd love Valerie no matter what she weighed, the Italian-American, pasta-loving actress gladly signed on as a Jenny Craig spokesperson in 2008 to transform her life -- forever. In one year, the 49-year-old actress lost 50 pounds on the Jenny Craig program.
Today, the much-publicized weight winner is not only slim -- she's confident, gorgeous and super-fit! "Exercise has become a huge priority for me since I've lost the weight. I ran a half-marathon this year and I plan to run a full marathon in the spring. Training with Christopher -- the coach who got me in bikini shape and is also leading my exercise DVD -- has been grueling. He makes me run over 20 miles a week!" she proudly blogged.
The Grammy Award-winning singer signed on to Jenny Craig in 2007 and after a rough start, she shed 25 pounds. The plus-size actress also famously went under the knife for breast-reduction surgery to feel more comfortable in her own skin. "It took me about a year and half to really do it [get the surgery]. I didn't want to get it. But I had lost 25 pounds and my breasts didn't go anywhere!" Recently, Queen Latifah, 38, said, "I joined Jenny Craig again to learn how to make healthier choices. With their help, I've also lowered my cholesterol by 20 points."
Slow and steady weight loss wins the race! The Cover Girl role model is sticking to the Jenny Craig program for at least another year to see if she can drop an additional 20 pounds. She's also maintaining her fitness sessions (cardio and hardcore weights) with her longtime celebrity coach, Jeannette Jenkins. "We are proud of Queen Latifah's achievements and are excited to continue the relationship," said Scott Parker, VP of marketing for Jenny Craig. "Queen Latifah embodies the healthy lifestyle principles and character that Jenny Craig stands for and we look forward to another great year," Parker said recently.
Best known as matriarch Claire Huxtable on the long-running "The Cosby Show," Rashad decided to do something about her weight after getting winded while walking up stairs. The busy thespian signed on as a Jenny Craig spokesperson last summer hoping to drop 30 pounds. After losing her first 15 pounds last year, Rashad said, "The greatest change I am noticing is my increased energy level and ability to breathe more freely. The greatest change for those around me have noticed is my overall lightness of being."
After sticking to a 1,200-calorie-a-day diet for the better part of a year, Phylicia Rashad has lost 35 pounds. "For me, the wish to lose had nothing to do with appearance, especially with the roles I have been playing. It had to do with the way I felt and the way I was feeling inside." Filling the shoes of past spokeswomen Kirstie Alley and Valerie Bertinelli, the 61-year-old said that exercise is a vital component to her mind-body transformation. "I mix it up. I still ride a recumbent bike, I do some weight training, and regular Floor Barre exercises whenever I can. I also walk frequently. Jenny Craig is a lifestyle change, not a diet."
The Queen of Soul has been in the throes of body weight battles nearly as long as she's been famous. Franklin was actually "highly insulted" after joining Jenny Craig as a spokesperson two years ago. The 69-year-old singer briefly dropped 25 pounds on a 1,750 calorie-a-day diet. After quitting the program months later, she complained that she was "always starving." At that time Franklin stated, "I lost 23 or 24 pounds to begin with, but it's kind of a strain ... it's a strain because you're eating the Jenny Craig-type meals, which are very good. But you can only eat them for so long before you want some barbecue ribs or some pig's feet. Once you get off that Jenny Craig and start eating what you've been eating, it's all over."
It's no secret she's had serious struggles with body weight. But she's been known to power walk and do some serious time on the treadmill when she's not touring. Alas, the Queen of Respect has some serious weight loss work to do these days – some claim she's topped the 300-pound mark. The one thing Franklin won't do, however, is head under the knife for gastric bypass surgery. "I would never, ever do that. I know many women who [had gastric bypass surgery] who are having a bad time now, unfortunately. It's nothing I would ever consider," she said.
Thank you who cares if she has to lose weight so do millions of other people. There are so many hungry children in the US and the news focuses on this crap hey Kristie give your food to the hungry and your $$$$ as well instead of to that Scientology bogus crap!
I like and admire Kirstie Alley and have in fact joined Organic Liaison. It seems to be a good program!
But I have said time and time again that I think one of the main reasons that her previous reality show didn't work is that she cusses like a sailor!
I know that Kirstie needs to be herself, but most audience members who this show targets DON'T want to hear the F word (and worse!) all the time. I'm sorry, but Kirstie definitely needs to know that she will reach FAR more women (and men) by letting others hear HER - NOT the foul language!
(And I'm no puritan! I work in aviation and she STILL swears more than most men I know.) Clean it up Kirstie and good luck.
I think Kristy has to realize she is 59. no 18,29 or in her teens. She is in that time of her life where it gets harder and harder. What bothers me is everytime she gains the weight back, we the public have to go through it with her. I think her problem is not her weight, but a self image problem, that if she doesn't like the normal press then why keep putting it in our faces. She needs help with who mind set, she should love herself for who she is, and not how she looks. She is still the same person. She needs help with her way of thinking, so young girls overweight in this country won't feel like an outcast and should love themselves no matter what!
She only lost weight once and gained it back one time. Give her a break! I like seeing that Kirstie is back. She is so down to earth and has a weight struggle like so many others.
Good girl, Kirsty. Most of those who attack Scientology are bigoted ignorant Bible whacking Jesus-cult fanatics who have never read a word of the work of L.Ron Hubbard. I am not a member of the Church, but I recommend the reading (don't waste time on his pulp sci-fi tho)to anyone interested in the science of mind, and the roots of religion.
Apparently you haven't read the true life story of Hubbard. 'Bare Face Messiah' will tell you the story of his crazy, lie filled life. The man was truly insane, who, in his own words craved money and power and thought forming a 'religion' was the way to get it. And, oh yeah, how he was taking one million dollars A WEEK out of the church while in hiding from the law.
couldnt agree more, why are people so interested in seeing a overeating spoiled rich girl once again try and lose weight, and with all the resources and facilities available to her including a personal trainer why would she fail? poor stupid woman she thinks and is right that people will pay to see that ,
Alley is lying about the Scientology connection. The address for Organic Liasons is the same as that of CPA Saul Lipson, who is a Scientologist and handles some of their transactions. There is also ZERO scientific research about this plan and whether it is safe or not. NONE. Also on the Board for Organic Liason are Michelle Seward and Thomas Lovejoy, both of whom are far up the food chain at Scientology. The OL plan is thinly based on what Scientologists call the "purification rundown", which also has no scientific backing, Alley has also been on the program for a few months, so how cann she say it works? Also, Organic Liason contains supplements and vitamins that can be purchased at any health foor store for less than this program. It's a fraud. It's a rip off. Alley is a liar. If she and others believe so vehemently in Scientology, why don't they just own up to what it it? Add coward to this list as well. Buy into this scam at your own risk.
I think Chrisi Alley, is doing a injustice to all the people out there really trying to lose weight and, a live a healthy lifestyle. She has found she can profit off, of loseing weight. I will not waste my time, and energy watching her.
