One of my favorite television shows is “The Biggest Loser”. I find it very motivating when I see how hard the contestants push themselves every week. If they can do those workouts with Jillian, I have no reason to skip a 30 minute session with my bike!
Many people I know are trying to be their own “biggest loser” and this show inspires their efforts. While using the concept for motivation is great, I tell my friends that they shouldn’t attempt to re-create the show’s methods. Instead, modify some of their ideas into realistic plans that will fit into your day-to-day life.
Here’s a few examples for you:
Exercise. On the first day of the Biggest Loser challenge, contestants who have not been exercising regularly are asked to do something like a 1-mile race. While they have doctors on hand to help in case something goes awry, the average person does not have a physician near them when exercising.
If you have not been exercising at all, the best idea would be to start small. Choose a low-intensity form of exercise to begin with and start with short increments of time. After a few weeks, when about ten minutes of walking gets to be too easy, add five minutes. Continue gradually increasing your time until you are able to exercise for 30-60 minutes continuously.
Diet. The contestants are put on a strict diet in order to lose enough weight each week to beat their competition. If you are like me and do not have a personal doctor or nutritionist to carefully monitor day-to-day progress, an idea could be to cut out a few calories each day. Less cream in your coffee, one less soda at work or half a slice of pie.
Weight loss will be slower than what is seen on the show but this approach may be easier to stick in the long-term. While it may seem more motivating, a loss of 10 pounds in a week is a bit unrealistic. Rapid weight loss can lead to dehydration, fatigue and irritability. Additionally, that rapid weight loss is more likely to come from muscle which will make it more difficult for you to keep weight off in the long run. If you are trying to lose weight, set a goal of 1- 2 pounds a week.
Motivation. For the chance of winning $250,000 contestants put their bodies through the ringer. I can’t say I blame them either – that’s a lot of money! However, the majority of us will not have the opportunity to win that much for losing or maintaining our weight. So what could motivate you? Maybe the desire to fit into your favorite pair of jeans? To go on a walk without getting winded? Whatever your motivation, write it down and remind yourself daily, so when you don’t feel like going for a jog or that second cookie is calling your name you don’t forget why you’re doing this.
So next time you watch a television show just remember that what works for them may not be the best thing for you. Try to create healthy habits that you can stick with long-term.
Do you watch the Biggest Loser or a similar weight loss show? What do you take away from it?