Motivation on the Go

Even though Jillian Michaels is no longer part of the Biggest Loser, she still a great motivator for fitness and weight loss.

I found that she has podcasts in itunes. I plan to subscribe and give some of them a listen.  A podcast is a great way to pass the time and get motivation while stuck in the commute to or from work.

Check out the Jillian Michaels Show on itunes. I'll have some feedback next week after listening to a few episodes. Let me know what you think.

Show Recap from Tuesday

Challenge Disappointment 


I really don't like the temptation challenges and wish the show would get rid of them. I understand that food temptations will be constant when the contestants leave the Ranch. However, I don't agree with rewarding bad choices. Eating over 1000 calories in doughnuts is just wrong, cmon John!

The pool challenge was boring to me. I fast forwarded through most of it.

The Trainers 

I like Bob. He is consistently successful, and he is quirky. I have more questions now on Anna's training ability. I mentioned in my last show post that it was too soon to tell if she was good. Two losses by her team adds more doubts. I continue to like Dolvett both on a personal level and as a trainer.

The Teams 

John's doughnut adventure and his game-playing are putting him in a bad light. Is this real or theater for the show?

Elimination 

No surprise that Johnny went home with the weight gain. He didn't seem to be fully in with the workouts this week. My wife thinks he looks like Burgermeister MeisterBurger from Santa Claus is Coming to Town.

Eating well 12 months of the year

Healthy eating is a challenge is the busy life most of us lead. However, it is a necessity for everyone for optimum health. For those of us with weight to lose, it is absolutely essential. Even the most active people will not lose weight if calories and food content are not healthy and balanced.






 Healthy cooking can be a challenge on many levels such as

• Poor support from family
• Lack of time for cooking
• Tight finances 
• Lack of recipes

One of the greatest resources for me has been the Cooking Light magazine. The magazine not only has abundant recipes but also has many health articles including work-out programs.

Cooking Light launched the 12 healthy habits program this year. This month's healthy habit is eating more fish. Fish is a great source of protein and most fish are very light on calories.

Please check out the program and check out my favorite fish recipe for the month, Sauteed Tilapia with Honey Scallion Dressing.  

The scoop on water and weight loss

Britta, a Biggest Loser sponsor, has launched their Britta Challenge. Having used Britta products in the past, I like this company and am glad to see their partnership with Biggest Loser.


 People who sign up for the Britta Challenge are encouraged to Feel the Difference by drinking 8-10 glasses of water per day for four weeks. The goals are weight loss and feeling better. Taking the challenge also gets you motivational tips and a chance to win a trip to the Fitness Ridge Biggest Loser Resort.

 Drinking extra water for weight loss has been a long-standing tip. The heath benefits of water, pure water have been promoted for a long time. But, what are the real, proven facts about water and health?

 The water content in our bodies is responsible for roughly 50% of our body weight. Water has many important functions in the body including:

• Maintaining blood volume and circulation 
• Filtration of wastes in the kidney and liver
• Maintaining moisture in the skin 

 Water comes from a variety of sources in our diet including both liquids and foods. Checking science gives a guide on daily water needs. The national academy of science recommends the following daily goals

Adult men - up to fifteen 8 oz glasses of water per day
Adult women - up to eleven 8 oz glasses of water per day

 Daily water requirements vary based on how active you are and how hot it is in the environment. Women have a need for even more water during pregnancy and lactation. Lastly, certain medications such as diuretics cause excess loss of water from the body.

Controversy remains whether water helps with weight loss. The only recent scientific data comes from a 2004 German research study in fourteen healthy research subjects. Research participants had their metabolic rates measured after drinking 17 oz of water. Metabolic rate increased by 30% in the first hour after drinking the water.

 More scientific research will be needed to understand water's role in body metabolism and prove if extra water is capable of super-charging metabolism. In the meantime, if you are seeking weight loss, drinking will help you stay hydrated and keep a sense of fullness.

Hydration from water itself is the best way for daily water consumption. Other fluid sources of water such as diet drinks or milk are fine as well but have potential negatives of artificial sweetners or extra calories. As in all things, too much of a good thing can be bad. Drinking massive amounts of water dilutes the blood and lowers body sodium levels to a dangerous level leading to hyponatremia. Be smart and use water as a tool in your diet.

NBC Biggest Loser Season 12 Premier - First Impressions

Opening Challenge 

The mile race in the desert was a great way to open the season. I like the physical challenges in the show best. The ending when Anna and the other contestants cheered on the seniors team seemed very genuine and touching.  It was also encouraging to see the middle team win the challenge - watch out youngsters!

The Teams 

Everyone seems real and likable on first look. I like Boston John on the senior team. He seems like a down to earth, real person.  I lived in Nashville for several years, and I feel a special connection for the folks that live in that area, Vinny and Antone.

Dolvett and Vinny seem to be a great fit. His "schooling" from Dolvett was a great scene.

I think Vinny will be able to go far if he can stick around. He also seems like a fun guy.

Antone on the middle team is a former NFL lineman gone soft. I saw a lot of fire and water from him. He's got the fire of an athlete. Bob Harper got the water from him by beating him to a pulp with his workouts. The dude was on the ground crying and sweating most of the first episode!

The New Trainers


Anna

I was bummed out by Jillian Michael's departure last season. I felt very skeptical about Anna's inclusion in the show as Jillian's replacement, but I was pleasantly surprised on Tuesday night. Anna seemed very genuine and competent. She seems like a good fit for the senior team. However, her team did lose the weigh in. I think it's too soon to judge if that loss is a reflection on her as a trainer.

Dolvett 

I like this guy! He projects confidence. He is a motivator, and he's got that tough edge like Jillian. On first look, I hope he stays around for more seasons.

First Elimination 


The first couple of eliminated players don't have much impact for me. I feel little connection for them. I wish Debbie well. Her scenes on the show did show her struggling; so, maybe it wasn't so bad for her to leave.

The Marathon 

I am so glad the show added a marathon for everyone at the end. I really think the show is more real when there are real challenges - physical and mental - rather than the game play. A marathon is a motivator for everyone. Automatic inclusion in finale for the winner - how great is that?

Taking first steps

Making a change in your life for better health is a challenge for almost anyone. It is hard to set goals, and it is hard to keep on track for goals. Here are a few tips to get started. 




1. Set your goals


Whether your goals are loss of weight, change in habits, or greater exercise endurance, you must have something definite 
as your target. 


Consider the tool of using a journal to record your goals and add specific plans for accomplishing those goals 
Track your progress by reviewing your journal regularly. 




2. Start with small steps 



Please realistic regarding what you are able and willing to do. If you have been a couch potato for a while, start slow with exercise. 
10-15 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week is an achievable goal for almost anyone. 
Small diet changes like adding more fruits or vegetables into the daily diet and less high sugar foods is
also a realistic goal. 


3. Get motivation from others


Tell a friends or friends about your plan. Ask for accountability and encouragement. Exercise with 
a friend or group will also help you keep your focus for life changes.