I've watched every episode of Biggest Loser this season. I typically catch up on my DVR'd shows on the weekend, as I relax after my enjoyable long weekend workouts. I know there are a lot of die-hard Biggest Loser fans out there but I don't mind waiting 4 days to see who is "not the next biggest loser".
My favorite show right now is Top Chef and in a close second, I'm really enjoying this new show called Chopped on the Food network and Chef Academy on Bravo. Come to think of it, I love every cooking show but nothing beats Top Chef.
As I watch Biggest Loser, I keep a very open mind. I think there is a lot more that I don't agree with during this season, compared to other seasons, and because of it I am really worried about the general public who watches the show. At the beginning of the season I wanted to blog about what I didn't like about each episode but as my notes exceeded two pages as I watched each show, I figured my blogs would take forever to read.
I try to not get too offended when I see TV personalities giving out nutrition and exercise information. As you know, I am not a registered dietitian but I am well on my way to getting those two letters behind my last name. I feel confident with my coaching abilities because of my extensive graduate education in Exercise Physiology. As far as nutrition, I have successfully completed the required dietetic courses for a dietetic verification statement to apply for accredited dietetic internships. I have been really involved with the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) for the past 4 years and I hold a certification in Sports Nutrition by the ISSN. This is a very difficult certification to obtain and you must have a formal education in exercise science in order to sit in for the certification exam. Just recently, as you know, I wanted to learn more about weight management so I decided to travel to Denver, CO. for the American Dietetic Association Adult Weight Management certification course which included a pass/fail pre-test (before you could attend the conference), followed by a pass/fail post-test after the conference. There's no need for me to brag about my certifications and education because there are many other people out there with way more credentials than I could ever afford. Yes-these credentials come with a hefty price. I am not jealous of others who have 5+ credentials behind their names but I am more inspired to continue to learn as much as I can in order to try to keep up with the most current research available to professionals. I really appreciate all of my blog readers for inspiring and motivating me to help others and to continue to pursue my dreams, goals and ambitions as I continue this long educational journey. I pray that I don't decide to pursue my PhD because I can only imagine my life as I dive into another 4 years of formal education.
The reason why I talk about these credentials is because it is very important for the people in your life, which you trust to help you reach your fitness and weight loss goals, have the right education to keep you motivated with realistic health and fitness suggestions. There are a lot of people out there who have exceptional speaking and writing skills but lack the formal education to allow them to be a "professional" in their field of choice. Then again, there are many people who have the credentials but are very strong-minded in their opinions and have an all-or-nothing approach to health and wellness. Often, confusing and misleading the consumer.
I think it is very important that we realize that the "professionals" we see on a weekly basis on the Biggest Loser are not trained in nutrition or fitness. Sure, one of the two trainers has two certifications in fitness but anyone can get a certification in personal training. Back a few years ago I had a few personal training certifications from AFAA and IFPA. I think I payed between $150-$300, attended a one day or three day course and then passed the exam. I thought my certification was appropriate because my under grad major was exercise science and I felt really qualified in my field once I was certified. But, it didn't land me on a talk show or TV program.
I think it is great that there are many dedicated professionals out there who want to learn more about personal training (or are currently fitness professionals and want an additional certification) but a certification is quite different from a formal education such as an undergraduate degree, masters degree, PhD or registered dietitian degree. But then again, it is never too late to obtain a formal education if you really want to learn more about your true passion.
If you go to the Biggest Loser main website, you can find out more about the Biggest Loser Staff.
There is a team of 8 people who help out with the Biggest Loser contestants.
There is a Registered Dietitian, two personal chefs, a certified athletic trainer, a clinical psychologist, two Medical Doctors and a physician. It looks like the Biggest Loser contestants are in great hands there on the Biggest Loser campus.
As for the rest of us, who just watch the show for inspiration and a few great exercise and nutrition tips, we have learned that we should eat Lara bars for snacks, use zipp lock bags, eat Subway, drink Brita water and chew Extra Sugar Free gum to curb cravings. Oh yeah, we have also learned that in order to lose weight we must be screamed at, pushed beyond our limits (unless you die you probably aren't pushing hard enough) and must overcome our inner demons which are causing us to fear the success of weight loss.
Tonight you are going to see dramatic results. Biggest Loser will not disappoint us, that's for sure. However, it is important that we all realize that the Biggest Losers have a team of qualified personnel to jump start a dramatic weight loss program. After 12 weeks on the ranch and 60 days at home, the contestants are now competing for $250,000. Sounds like a good incentive to be 100% committed to a lifestyle of healthy eating and disciplined exercise.
As I was reading the bio's of the Biggest Loser team, I started to think about the life of an Olympic triathlete (or any Olympic athlete for that matter). There is typically a chef to prepare healthy meals and registered dietitian to ensure that the meals meet the athlete's daily needs. There is a psychologist to help overcome fears or negative thoughts. There is a coach to provide workouts. A trainer or massage therapist to prevent or heal injuries and perhaps several other teams members to keep each other motivated and inspired.
In my mind, the Biggest Loser Contestants are trained athletes competing for the big day....aka, the big weigh in. If the hard work pays off, the purse prize is worth every sweat, tear and obstacle. But for the many people sitting on the couch as they watch the show tonight, typically eating (hopefully healthy foods, but I've heard from many people that pizza and biggest loser go quite well together), it is important that you realize that the Biggest Loser Contestants have created a lifestyle, supported by trained professionals, which supports their quest to be the next Biggest Loser winner.
As you watch the finale tonight, remember that your weight loss and/or fitness goals need to be realistic. Depending on your lifestyle, your support system, your personal goals, your income, your job responsibilities you have the rest of your life to lose weight. However, let it start today. Although there are lots of books out there, from fitness experts who want you to eat this and not eat this, in order to reach your goal weight in 6 weeks, listen to the qualified experts and stick to a plan that works for your lifestyle. If you have an unrealistic exercise routine, or a strict diet regime, which is going to help you achieve your "goal" weight, ask yourself if your unrealistic weight and fitness goals will allow you to truely enjoy life and your eating and exercise routine. Remind yourself that you are not competing for $250,000 and likely, you can't afford a team of 10 qualified professionals to help you reach your weight loss and fitness goals. However, you CAN start to enjoy life by learning to love nutritious food. You CAN stick to a realistic exercise routine so long as you don't set your expectations too high and start slow. You CAN lose weight to help you get to a healthy weight so long as you make healthy changes which are long-lasting. And most of all, you CAN keep reading my blog because I hope to help you learn to love the value of food and exercise and all of the wonderful things that a healthy and balanced lifestyle can bring into your life.
Registered Dietitian.....M.S. in Exercise Physiology...Vegetarian...Writer...Speaker...5x Ironman finisher.....2011-2012 Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year...Doggy-mommy...Wife to an amazing Czech cyclist turned triathlete...2x Ironman World Championship finisher...USAT level-1 coach...Oakley women, Brooks Running ID, 110% Play Harder and Hammer Nutrition Brand Ambassador.
14 comments:
i lost all respect for that show when they drove a contestant the last 4 miles of a marathon because he wasn't going to finish in time for the $$$ shot.
Amen. I love this show and we watch it every week. Its good TV, but the "inspring millons on people" is BS - more like "misleading millions of people". The way these contestants lose weight is not healthy or realistic and many of them do not keep the weight off because of that. How about a show that had regular people, in their every day lives, make healthy choices become habit and lose weight gradually while they develop a lifestyle they can maintain forever.....
but who would watch that?!
well said.
I used to love the show, but kinda stopped watching it for the most part when they started with the super blatant product plugs.
I've definitely felt inspired by the show before, although I agree that it is super unrealistic for a "regular" person to be able to work out up to 6 hours a day most days of the week.
I have a big problem with the method of training these people undergo. I appreciate the effort level but really does a person NEEEED to puke to be effective? The staff is underserving these people by not incorporating previous activity level into the exercise routine. I get approximately 3-6 patients every 6 months or so from personal trainers who are over working or using faulty exercise prescription. Thanks for the post marn, it is always a pleasure.
Thank you everyone for your feedback. Great points and I totally agree.
Judi-didn't know about the $ shot but thanks for sharing.
Tracy - I agree, it is all about the long haul and how to make small changes that will make a big difference.
Julia - yes, the plugs get annoying at times, especially when we are told to chew gum to curb a craving before a workout. the workouts are unrealistic, even for the contestants, because without the access to a 24-hour gym and 24-hours of trainers, one can't expect to maintain that level of exercise, let alone properly fuel for those workouts.
Ron-Thank you for your feedback. I totally agree with you that even personal trainers and coaches overwork athletes because they think that if they don't give a client a "hard" workout than the client will feel like the workout was a waste. I am sure you give them your p.o.v. when they see you and I hope they appreciate your insight :)
Thanks again everyone!
A few more certifications and you can be their trainer, doctor, therapist, nutritionist, AND chef! LOL - think of all the money you'd save them.
I met a guy at a wine event at Folio Winemaker's Studio in Sonoma County. He was a chef doing the food for the event. He did with amazing dish with duck sausage, orzo, olive oil, lemon and green onions. That was all that was in it. On his chef uniform it said US Olympic Team, Park City. I asked him about his experience as a chef for the Olympic team. It was fascinating. Picabo Street is gluten intolerant so they made her rice bread at that altitude, which I guess was quite an adventure.
For me, its not so much how its done, but that it CAN be done. Let's face it, for most of the over weight and sedentary population out there, the only thing standing between them and health/fitness is their mind.
Thanks so much for a great article on the Biggest Loser. You have provided a very realistic picture and I wish that the people that really need this information will read your article!
Marni this is an excellent response to what I have been feeling. I am only a "semi street" educated athlete and you have said exactly what I couldn't put into words. I say "semi/street" educated because I dont have any degrees that would educate me on a healthy lifestyle but as a good athlete I have done my fair share of reading and seeking advice from those who are properly educated to make sure I am doing the best for my body.
I have spoke to countless local athletes and we all love the show. We realize that it is very unrealistic to achieve those goals and that the methods are honestly not the "best practices" that we know the true professional would use for solid results. Believe me most of us were down right pissed with the Marathon in under 2 months of training.
I can say the value in the show is getting people to think that weight loss might be possible for them. I do think there is a powerful positive conntection that some viewers make with particular contenstants when they see them struggle and break down. It does show that weight loss is not all fun and games and that you do have to work for it. To me it helps the public realize that there are daily choices that you must make and that it is not as simple as "eat this meal in this box" and you will lose every pound!
As more and more people get motivated through shows like the Biggest Loser, they are seeking advice from the professionals or from those resources they can find online. I can not tell you how many people have contacted me through my blog or facebook to tell me that I have been a motivation to them and that they have kick started their new weight loss/ fitness routine. Just like I do to those that inspire and motivate me. I think as long as the true professional and us daily athletes tend to keep those around us grounded, we can make a big impact to those that need help!
Keep on with the excellent work.
Btw I am ADDICTED to top chef, chopped, and (sadly just ended) the next iron chef!
Good post. And didnt Jared just gain all his subway weight back? Perhaps the payments stopped...Likely you have seen it but take a look at the recent Bicycling magazine Marni. It takes you thru a true lifestyle change for a 500# man that resisted surgery and was told he would die. He started riding his bike. Not working out 5 hours a day with crazy people screaming at him:)
What great thoughts everyone!! Wes, I couldn't agree more with your thought that it "can be done". I think that is why I like to watch it because I really like to see the results when people get kicked off. Last night was amazing but it takes a lot of hard work to maintain the weight when that much weight is lost. I doubt that the contestants will be able to maintain their current weight but I hope that they have adopted healthy habits and can keep a healthy BMI for the rest of their lives (give or take 5-10 lbs).
Thank you everyone for your thoughts!!
Gogreen-Thanks for sharing. After an obese person sees a physician/MD, I think a successful weight loss program involves slow changes and walking. No need to try to run a mile on the first day! And yes, biking and swimming (non weight bearing, low-intensity activities) are great for the every-day person to get moving. Any activity that is fun, is a great activity worth sticking to!
Stefanie-I appreciate your input and your point of view. I'm sure you have motivated many people!
Erica-I wish I could have all those titles behind my name!
Doctorval-I'd LOVE to cook for olympians but for now, I'll just try to perfect my recipe makeovers :)
I managed to stumble upon your blog from another one then another one, blah blah.
I also have a Master's in Exercise Physiology. My husband and I were just talking about this show re: success rates. If you recently saw the "where are they now" edition, many of the old winners have put on some of the weight. It just goes to show how difficult it is when you don't have such a support crew. We (my hubby and I) were talking about the "at home" crew and how I would wager their success rates are much higher because they have to learn how to live with more reasonable lifestyle changes.
It doesn't change the fact that I watch it every season. :)
Post a Comment