jillian-michaels-related stories
Natasha Henstridge, Probiotics and Marathons - Week in Review - June 1 to June 7
Natasha Henstridge says diet pills did her body in, but now she's clean, healthy and fit.Probiotics -- we know they're linked to a long list of healthy benefits, but can they also help fight belly fat? Jonny thinks so ... find out why.
Jillian Michaels doesn't argue that she's pushy, but when a contestant on "The Biggest Loser" accused her of pushing drugs, she got even tougher.
Craving a cool treat on a hot summer day? Find out exactly how many calories that frozen yogurt has.
Fat on the gut or fat on the butt -- which is more dangerous? Fitz has the skinny.
Looking for a fun or quirky way to perk up your exercise routine? Laura's got 'em, including scheduling a boudoir session and donating to a cause you hate when you slip up.
Nina Vardalos lost weight after a diabetes scare. Have you ever been inspired to fitness by a big wake-up call?
Grabbing that brass ring this summer and going for a marathon? Learn how to take care of your body and protect yourself from risks before and during the race.
If you're the kind of person who likes to pay attention to detail, check out the new book "Conquer the Fat-Loss Code." Sounds complicated, but some people like that sort of thing.
You've probably heard about that mythical "fat burning zone," right? Here's a reason not to worry about it anymore. Liz says exercise burns fat (period!) and that we all should be mixing up our high and low intensity workouts.
Jillian Gets Pushy and a Soap Star Slims Down - May 29 to June 4
If you're looking for fitness inspiration, why not look to the stars? Each week, we round up some of the best celebrity fitness stories for you. Many will motivate you to hit the gym and eat healthfully, while some ... well, some can be viewed more as cautionary tales. But no matter what, you're going to be entertained!
Jillian Gets Pushy and a Soap Star Slims Down
You know her as the tough-as-nails trainer from "The Biggest Loser," but does Jillian Michaels have a less-than-healthy method for helping her team drop pounds?
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How does this former lingerie model look so great and still eat whatever she wants? FitSugar has the scoop on how she sweats away the calories.
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Natasha Henstridge dieted down to a "killer" body for her career as an actress, but was it the right choice? She doesn't seem to think so -- you might learn a lesson from her mistakes!
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She tried every diet under the sun, but soap star Caitlin Van Zandt was never able to keep off the weight ... until now. She told Fitz all about her success.
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Hugh Hefner's ex-girlfriend, Kendra Wilkinson, is known for being slightly controversial, so it's no surprise that she's come out with a rather controversial line of workout equipment -- Sports Poles. Find out more at FitSugar (if you dare!).
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Jillian Michaels - Pushing Drugs or Just Pushy?
Fitness, Celebs & Entertainment
Jillian Michaels doesn't try to hide the fact that she's pushy -- as a trainer on "The Biggest Loser," she consistently pushes the contestants to their limits, and she certainly gets results. However, when a contestant accused her of pushing drugs, Michaels didn't hesitate for a moment before standing up for herself and the contestants on her team.Michaels told TV Guide Magazine that Filipe Fa accused her of giving the contestants on her team drugs -- an accusation that resulted in an internal drug investigation. If you watch the show, you likely saw the resulting fight between Michaels and Fa as well as Michaels' refusal to do a one-on-one workout session with Fa, but you didn't hear what started it.
In week eight, contestants on the show were forced to switch trainers, which Fa didn't want to do. Michaels' told TV Guide Magazine, "Filipe said, 'I think Jillian is giving people drugs.' We had an entire 'Kenneth Starr' investigation. Because the minute someone makes that claim, you have to. They didn't shut down production, but it took a week. I was so furious, so disgusted. I felt so betrayed."
Helen Phillips - Biggest Loser Winner Talks Maintenance, Cheat Foods and Her Weight
Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness, Celebs & Entertainment
"The Biggest Loser Couples" winner Helen Phillips is not only $250,000 richer, she's 140 pounds lighter. Pink Team's Helen surprised favored finalists Mike and Tara last week, weighing in at a wispy 117 pounds to easily take the title. That's Fit just had a chance to catch up with Helen as she rides her post-win high.That's Fit: Congratulations on winning Season 7. How does it feel?
Helen: It feels incredible. I feel like I'm unstoppable. It's amazing how empowered you feel once you start realizing what you're capable of doing. I've been invited to run the NYC marathon. I'm really excited to do it. Fear will no longer hold me back from anything.
That's Fit: How did Tara and Mike handle the loss?
Helen: I do believe they probably took it kind of hard. I really don't think they saw me comin'. I really believe that they thought it was between the two of them. I don't know, because I haven't talked to either one of them, but I love them dearly and hope they're doing well.
Click the gallery below to see Helen's transformation. Story continues below gallery.
Helen Phillips - "Biggest Loser" Winner
THE BIGGEST LOSER -- Pictured: (l-r) Contestants, Helen Phillips, Shanon Thomas --
Posted: 12/22/08
Mitchell Haaseth, NBC
THE BIGGEST LOSER -- Episode 701 -- Pictured: (l-r) Shanon, Helen --
Posted: 01/07/09
Jack Zeman, NBC
THE BIGGEST LOSER -- Episode 705 -- Pictured: (l-r) Shanon, Helen --
Posted: 02/02/09
Trae Patton, NBC
Airdate: Tuesday, January 6 on NBC (8-10 p.m. ET) -- THE BIGGEST LOSER -- Episode 701 -- Pictured: (l-r) Helen, Shanon --
Posted: 01/07/09
Trae Patton, NBC
THE BIGGEST LOSER -- Episode 718 -- Pictured: Helen --
Posted: 05/13/09
Trae Patton, NBC
Airdate: Tuesday, March 10 on NBC (8-10 p.m. ET) -- THE BIGGEST LOSER -- "Weigh In Eliminator" Episode 710 -- Pictured: Helen --
Trae Patton, NBC
Airdate: Tuesday, March 24 on NBC (8-10 p.m. ET) -- THE BIGGEST LOSER -- "Day 1 - New Teams" Episode 712 -- Pictured: (l-r) Kristin, Helen, Aubrey --
Posted: 03/26/09
Trae Patton, NBC
Airdate: Tuesday, May 12 on NBC (8-11 p.m. ET) -- THE BIGGEST LOSER -- "Live Finale" Episode 719 -- Pictured: Biggest Loser Season 7 Winner Helen --
Chris Haston, NBC
Airdate: Tuesday, May 12 on NBC (8-11 p.m. ET) -- THE BIGGEST LOSER -- "Live Finale" Episode 719 -- Pictured: Final Contestant Helen Phillips
Chris Haston, NBC
Biggest Loser Winner Helen Phillips at the end of the contest. Updated 05/13/09.
Trae Patton, NBC
A Little Hunger is OK
Jacki recently shared a new study that links U.S. obesity to one primary cause -- eating too much. Makes sense to me. I've recently dropped a few pounds, and I didn't do it by moving more -- I'm eating less and reaching for more wholesome foods (love your new book, Jillian Michaels). And that means learning to be OK with a little gnawing hunger. If America is to slim down to the body sizes of the 1970s, we're going to need to accept a bit of hunger. These moments do not require an emergency 9-1-1 call for more carbs. In fact, by sticking with my right caloric level, which upon entering my 40s is definitely under 2,000 calories most days, I've taken off a few pounds. I always eat plenty of fruit, but consistently eating lean protein and more vegetables has helped keep my hunger manageable and those M&M craves away.
Forty-year-old successful dieter Jane Doyle would agree. Currently featured over at USA Today, she went from 223 pounds to 161 by eating 1,700 to 1,900 calories a day and being OK with occasionally going to bed hungry or waking up hungry. She also joined Weight Watchers and a gym to rid herself of nasty eating habits triggered by two pregnancies. Be OK with some hunger, it's not an alarm bell for calories. Sit with it, drink a glass of water and wait for the next meal. Or at the very least, eat something green and leafy.
Can you hang with your hunger?
Jillian Michaels, Birth Control Pills and Athleta - Week in Review - April 27 to May 3
Are you loading up on anti-nutrients? You might be slowing down your metabolism. Jillian Michaels has the fix in her new book: "Master Your Metabolism."Liposuction's invasive, not to mention expensive. So what if you could have lipo in a bottle? It's not quite the same thing, but Kristen thinks it comes close. Want a smooth bottom this summer? Click on over!
Can forgiving old hurts really help you lose weight? Laura thinks so. Negative thoughts cause stress, which can lead to unhealthy habits. If you've been holding on to a grudge, Laura will show you how to let go and lose.
Here's a reason to drink up that green tea: It might stimulate the brown fat in your body. Unlike white fat, which is really just nasty stuff, brown fat is like a furnace that burns calories. So drink up!
Common diet advice holds that if you can't eat a whole food, choose a product with less than five ingredients. Not so, though, when it comes to potato chips and ice cream. Junk food is still junk food whether it's all natural or not.
Birth control pills might mess with your ability to get buff. Studies find the hormones might prevent building muscle mass in women, but don't skip that contraception just yet, especially if you're taking the Pill for good reason.
Start your spring workout wardrobe today by shopping at the Gap, the new owner of the fitness wear line Athleta. Might make a great Mother's Day present (hint, hint).
Free and convenient, office gyms are a great perk. But exercising with co-workers can feel a little weird at first. Fitz has tips for newcomers so they can take advantage of working out at work.
She's 23 years old and runs 17 miles a day so she can reach her goal of running all the way across the U.S. Meet Katie Visco, wondergirl.
Fifty years of research can't be wrong! The Mediterranean diet comes out on top -- again -- as a heart healthy diet. Not sure how to eat Mediterranean style? Read some of our other posts on the topic.
The Biggest Loser - Final Four Go Solo
Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness, Celebs & Entertainment
Week 17 over at "The Biggest Loser Couples" determined the Final Four, and the May 12 finale is only one weigh-in away. Hopefully you've mastered a few healthier eating habits and built cardio and strength over the last four-plus months watching Season Seven.
This week's episode was sappy "Rocky" reminiscing and skimpy on practical diet and fitness. But you can't deny how amazing everyone looks. Read on for Dr. Huizenga's incredible test results on their insides, Jillian's treadmill agony and the Fab Five's hello to the Final Four.
This week's episode was sappy "Rocky" reminiscing and skimpy on practical diet and fitness. But you can't deny how amazing everyone looks. Read on for Dr. Huizenga's incredible test results on their insides, Jillian's treadmill agony and the Fab Five's hello to the Final Four.
Simple Ingredients - Don't Be Fooled
Frito-Lay and Haagen-Dazs are steaming ahead, marketing three-ingredient potato chips and five-ingredient ice creams. Are these snacks any healthier without additives and preservatives or is this simply trendy Big Food foolery? DailySpark weighs in, and I couldn't agree more. Don't be fooled. Potatoes sliced thin, fried in oil and tossed with salt are junk food. While I'm glad they're not also sprinkled with BHA or BHT -- one of nine Food Additives to Avoid, cited by Forbes -- they're still packed with fat. Frito-Lay's subtle tagline sends the message "Happiness is Simple," but the simplest source of a healthy diet lies in fresh fruits, vegetables and lean proteins, not a bag of chips.
Haagen Dazs' new Five ice cream touts only five ingredients -- milk, cream, sugar, eggs and one all-natural flavor. Swirl those together and a mere half cup has 220 calories and 12 grams of fat. Seven of those fat grams are icky saturated fats, too. I've been on a personal quest lately to ditch chemicals whenever possible and stick to wholesome foods. Nutritionists are rallying around this new definition of a healthy food, and former Diet Coke and fat-free-everything addict Jillian Michaels says in her new book, "Master Your Metabolism," that it'll save your biochemistry and keep you thin. But if I have to score a handful of chips or a bowl of ice cream, oxymoronic wholesome junk food is on the top of my list.
Master Your Metabolism - Jillian Michaels' New Book
Celebs & Entertainment, Reviews & Products
To keep her gorgeous physique, "The Biggest Loser" trainer Jillian Michaels used to work out eight hours a week, eat only 1,200 calories a day and felt tired all the time. She was also addicted to Diet Coke and into fat-free foods. After a poor report card from her endocrinologist, Michaels started paying attention to metabolism -- your hormones -- to keep her biochemistry in balance. Mastering her metabolism delivered big: Now she eats about 2,000 cals a day, works out strenuously two to three hours a week and has written a new book, "Master Your Metabolism." I recently reviewed the book and found the hormonal connection to weight loss a worthy, fascinating read. Here are a few highlights:
- Metabolic Hormones -- Jillian explains your metabolism is more like a chemistry lab, not a furnace. The trick is having the right balance of hormones in your system to properly burn fat and build muscle, not the opposite. She painstakingly covers 12 key metabolic hormones in a way the average Joe can understand. I finally know what ghrelin is and how to pronounce it (it's a hunger hormone and pronounced like 'grill-en').
- Endocrine Disruptors -- Get ready to be scared straight on how yo-yo dieting, processed foods, environmental toxins and our sleep-deprived, stressful lifestyles influence our metabolisms toward the Land of Fat. I knew about the yo-yo, sleep/stress part, but I've thought less about how processed foods and environmental toxins impact my hormones -- my metabolism.
- Remove --Learn the first step of The Master Plan -- get rid of these six Antinutrients and eight Less-Than-Stellar-Foods that trigger your fat-storing hormones. Bye-bye diet soda.
- Restore -- Step 2 is to reach for the Master 10 Power Nutrients, including winners such as legumes, alliums (e.g., onions, leaks, chives), the right meats and soluble fiber. Jillian stresses that if your food doesn't come from a mother or grown from the earth, don't eat it.
- Rebalance -- Step 3 explains when to time your eating, how much to eat and what foods you should combine for effortless weight loss. Yes, you have to eat breakfast, eat every four hours, don't overeat and reach for the right combo of fat/carbs/protein.
Has anyone else read this book, yet?
Jillian Michaels - DVD Review
Like most in the fitness industry, I'm pretty familiar with Jillian Michaels. I know she's tough and no-nonsense, and she gets results. What I wasn't sure about was how well that would translate to a DVD, but I had a chance to find out when I got a copy of two of her workouts --"Jillian Michaels: Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism" and "No More Trouble Zones."
I mean, think about it. On "The Biggest Loser," she pushes obese, out-of-shape people to the puking point, but she's there and able to read their responses. On a video, obviously, she can't, so I was very curious to see whether she would still be tough as nails.As it turned out, the videos provide a good workout, but they weren't ruthless. It wasn't quite like I imagine a workout with Jillian in person would be. And, "Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism" didn't require any equipment, while "No More Trouble Zones" required only light weights -- that's always a plus to me.
Lose Your Gut (Biggest Loser Trainers' Tips) - This Week on AOL Health
Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness, Nutrition & Supplements
Just because our stomachs might be the number one body part that drives us crazy when trying to lose weight, doesn't mean we're crazy about doing crunches or other tummy-flattening exercises at the gym (even Jillian Michaels admits it). Enter "Biggest Loser" trainers Bob Harper and Michaels with their top gut-busting tips, which call for small changes like adding mustard to your favorite sandwiches and fueling up with more bean-based dishes. Read the rest of their slim-stomach tips here.
Workout DVDs - Find Your New Favorite
DVDs are a great choice for fitness. They're convenient; no need to worry about gym hours -- your living room is always open. They're motivating; when you become familiar with a routine and an instructor, you'll really perfect the workout and that's inspiring. They're economical; in these penny-pinching days, low-cost workouts are more important than ever. But DVD workouts do have one caveat -- after you've done them for a while, they can start to feel a bit stale.If you have a favorite workout DVD that you've really grown to love, odds are there's a similar workout that you'll enjoy just as much. The new addition to your DVD collection will inject some variety in your workout, which will keep you interested and coming back for more. Here are some alternate suggestions for five popular workout videos:
- Do you love Jillian Michaels "30-Day Shred?" Then try "Workout: One-on-One Training with Jackie." Jackie Warner, of Bravo's "Work Out," has a different style than Jillian Michaels, but the two share a no-nonsense approach. Jackie breaks the workout into three sections -- upper body, lower body and core/abs. Power through and do all three sections at once or do them one at a time. It's a great workout either way.
- Do you swear by Leslie Sansone's "Walk Away the Pounds" series? Try Kathy Smith's "Matrix Method - Power Walk for Weight Loss." Like Leslie Sansone, Kathy Smith has an indoor walking routine. This workout, however, uses interval training with walking segments and Cardio-Core segments.
- Does "The Firm: The 500 Calorie Workout" really get you moving? Like most of "The Firm" workout DVDs, "The 500 Calorie Workout" is high energy and effective. If you like that style, you'll also like Amy Bento's "Hi/Lo Extreme." Bento's workout is the same length (64 minutes) as "The 500 Calorie Workout" and employs some serious cardio.
- Does "10 Days to a Better Body" give you great results? Who wouldn't like a better body in 10 days? Fans of this popular DVD set love the fast-paced one-minute intervals. If you're a fan of intervals, you'll also like Patrick Goudeau's "Hard Work Conditioning." The workout alternates periods of cardio with intense strength training.
- Do you love Kelly Coffey's "30 Minutes to Fitness Bootcamp?" Kelly Coffey's two-workout bootcamp is no light and fluffy routine. Many of the moves are intense and high impact. If you love that bootcamp style, check out "Crunch: Boot Camp Training." It's a short 30-minute workout, but it's definitely a challenge.
What is your favorite workout DVD? Why would you recommend it for other That's Fit readers?
Jillian Michaels, Thinner Thighs and More - Week in Review - January 9 to January 15
Diet & Weight Loss, Celebs & Entertainment
If you missed our daily postings this past week, we invite you to take some time to catch up on our prior week's news and gear up for a new week of healthy living information and inspiration.Sheryl Crow looked gorgeous and fit on the red carpet at the Grammy Awards. How does she do it? Kristen's got the scoop.
"This Is Why You're Fat" is the Fatty Foods Hall of Shame ... some of this stuff doesn't even look edible, while some of it, well, YUM. What's your vice food?
Interval training is a good way to get an intense workout in a short period of time. But does it help you lose weight? Ashley's got the latest, as does Jonny.
Jillian Michaels -- Find out why she doesn't believe in cheat days, her least favorite workout and why contestants on "The Biggest Loser" have a 65 percent success rate (compared to five percent nationwide).
Three weeks to thinner thighs? Sign me up!
Ever wonder how Anne Hathaway stays so svelte? Get her secrets ... straight from her trainer.
So your arms need a little toning, you aren't alone. Let Fitz teach you the right way to work your triceps so you don't waste your time.
Ben & Jerry are so sweet, they make you believe that they want to be your friend. But don't get sucked in by the pithy names on those little pints of ice cream ... they're loaded with calories -- lie around 920 of them.
If you're looking for Michelle Obama, check the gym. She's probably there burning off her Valentine's gift -- a luscious, chocolate-covered brownie cake.
Take a hike! No, really, take one. It's good for you, and lots of fun too. Bev's got a neat trick to plan your next outing into the wilderness.
Have a great week, everyone!
Drink Smart - Low-Cal Cocktails That Won't Ruin Your Diet
Diet & Weight Loss, Nutrition & Supplements
When it comes to weight loss, alcohol is usually a no-no. Learn how to drink smart with these tips.
Incline to 40 Percent on the NordicTrack Incline Trainer
Fitness, Celebs & Entertainment, Reviews & Products
I've been shopping for an at-home cardio machine. After this reality check about how often I'll actually use it -- twice a week tops -- a used machine is best. But if I could buy new, I'd take a close look at the new NordicTrack Incline Trainer. Here's why: I haven't been able to jog since last June, my ruptured achilles healed well, but a slight gait imbalance has triggered pelvic floor problems when I regularly run. They say one key to healthy aging is an optimistic willingness to ever-accommodate, and it's true. Not being able to run is no big deal, I can still rock climb, hike, ski and summit mountains -- my primary loves. But when I'm not in the Great Outdoors, I've turned to incline intervals on a treadmill. Pop that treadmill up to a 10-15 percent incline at a 3.5 mph walking clip and my heart rate soars. No pounding running required.
That's Fit readers' favorite Biggest Loser trainer, Jillian Michaels, swears by incline training. She cites one study which showed walking two miles per hour at a 40 percent incline burns fives times the calories than walking on flat ground. The NordicTrack Incline Trainer offers single percentage and larger five percent incline adjustments, and features iFit Workout Cards which automatically adjust the speed/incline across 24 workouts per card while broadcasting Jillian Michaels' motivational voice throughout. Oh, I really, really want Jillian pushing me along at home on a zero impact incline workout. Introductory price -- $1,599. Check out NordicTrack in the gallery below.
