DIET COLUMN

Take a vacation day, set your DVR or drag your TV into the office. Whatever it takes, do not miss Oprah tomorrow, Oct. 30. Oprah has invited Biggest Loser contestants from several previous seasons to talk about life after the ranch, how they keep off the weight, find out who still struggles and get the dirt only Oprah can get!

You can catch a flashy preview of the Biggest Loser episode at Oprah.

We know Biggest Loser season 5 Ali Vincent will be on, as well as other season 5 contestants Curtis and Mallory and Roger Schultz. Trainers Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels will also sit-down for a little chat with Oprah.

One of the things that makes Jillian Michaels such a popular trainer on The Biggest Loser is that she really cares about her contestants and recognizes that weight gain/loss can be more complex than calories in-calories out. There are a lot of other factors that affect our bodies and metabolisms. It took Brittany Aberle nearly her entire time on the show to discover a hormone imbalance (PCOS) that was slowing down her weight loss.

Another important aspect that Jillian seems to get is the connection between physical health and mental health, possibly because her mother is a psychologist. Every season, as her contestants start to lose weight, Jillian recognizes and helps her contestants to address the emotional issues that are rising to the surface, revealed by the process. This season she’s worked closely with Coleen and Michelle. (more…)

Last season, we watched celebrated chef, Rocco DiSpirito, challenge the Season 5 contestants of The Biggest Loser to create a full meal (appetizer, entree and dessert included)  within a strict time limit.  The team who delivered the best combination of taste versus calories was declared the winner and was awarded a delicious meal prepared by Rocco himself and a special take-home surprise.

Here’s a clip from Rocco’s appearance last year when he helped Roger make a delicious and low-cal version of Pepper Steak.

Rocco will offer the same challenge during this season. If it’s anything like last season, I can’t wait to see what he dishes up and the healthy cooking tips he’ll offer.

Last season, as he made Pepper Steak with Roger, he encouraged the use of flavor enhancers like organic chicken broth, red wine, and fresh herbs in addition to thickeners like corn starch, all of which don’t add calories to the finished product. He also offered time-saving tips like using pressed or crushed garlic rather than whole cloves that you have to peel and dice yourself. His take-home message to all of the contestants and to the viewers was to take the time to cook for yourself, even if it’s just once a week. It’s healthier, more cost-effective and much more satisfying. Plus you’ll get to enjoy leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch.

Here is Rocco’s recipe for Pepper Steak. One serving has 385 calories.

Serves 4

3 ½ cups Free-Range Chicken Broth, low sodium
fresh ground pepper and NuSalt
1 cup short-grain brown rice
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
12 Anaheim peppers
Pam spray
4 5-ounce portions lean beef tenderloin
1 vidalia onion, slice thinly
5 cloves chopped garlic
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
½ cup Trader Joes Fat Free Salt-Free Marinara
½ cup Evaporated Fat Free Milk
½ cup chopped fines herbs (parsley, chives, tarragon and chervil)
pinch cayenne

1. Bring 2 cups chicken broth to a boil in a medium saucepot. Season with NuSalt and add rice. Cover, turn down heat to a very low simmer and cook for about 1 hour or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Fuff rice with fork and toss with olive oil. Keep warm.

2. Char Anaheim peppers over an open flame, turning to cook evenly, until skins are mostly burnt. Place peppers in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap for about 7 minutes to steam off skin. Remove as much charred skin as possible with a paper towel. Seed peppers and cut into rings about ½ inch thick.

3. Heat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Season steaks with pepper and NuSalt and spray pan with Pam. Saute until golden brown, about 4 minutes per side. Remove steaks from pan and keep warm.

4. Spray pan with Pam again and add onions. Saute until onions are starting to become tender, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for another minute. Deglaze with balsamic vinegar. Add 1 cup chicken stock to the pan and bring to a simmer. Mix remaining ½ cup chicken stock with cornstarch to make a slurry and whisk into pan. Stir in marinara and evaporated milk and bring to a simmer. Add peppers, cayenne and simmer until vegetables are tender. Return beef to the pan to reheat, for about 2 minutes. Stir in fines herbs. Serve with rice.

You can also get Rocco’s recipe for Mark’s Mint Chocolate Chip Frozen Yogurt right here.

Once again, Jillian Michaels produced not only the Biggest Loser, Ali Vincent, she also produced the at-home Biggest Loser, Bernie. Training partner Bob Harper has said she’s possibly the best trainer in the world. At a petite 5′2″ and 115 pounds, she says her training with Ali consisted of “Beatings, Beatings, Beatings.”

Watch the DietsInReview.com interview with Jillian to see her reaction to Ali’s win as the first female Biggest Loser and what she lost to Ali in their bet.

Jillian Michaels - Black Team Trainer from Diets in Review on Vimeo.

See Ali’s reaction to winning immediately following the Biggest Loser finale with the DietsInReview.com interview live from LA.

Ali Vincent - Winner of Season 5 Biggest Loser from Diets in Review on Vimeo.
She did it! Ali Vincent told everyone in week 4 during her elimination with mom, Bette-Sue, that she would be the Biggest Loser. At the time, she meant the at-home winner, not knowing of a twist that would invite all the eliminated players back to the ranch. She won that weigh-in, and all weigh-ins since, and earned a spot back at the Biggest Loser ranch.Ali had two goals when she started Biggest Loser- to wear sleeveless shirts and to become the first female Biggest Loser. With unprecedented determination and hard work, Ali can mark off both of these from her to-do list. When host Alison informed Ali that she only needed to lose 106 pounds to beat the weight-loss giant Roger, the crowd went nuts inside that studio. If you’ll remember, Ali’s last weigh-in at the ranch was 99 pounds- meaning she had to lose only six pounds in the three weeks at home. One look at her in that knock-out dress, and everyone in there knew she owned that weigh in. Trainer Bob Harper was heard saying that as soon as she walked out onto the stage, he knew she had won. She lost a total of 112 pounds.Ali’s win is not only a major life-changing accomplishment for herself, but for women everywhere. A girl did it. She beat some very big boys. She serves as an inspiration to women everywhere that nothing can stand in your way. Ali continually said last night “Believe It, Be It.” It’s a mantra I expect to hear flying out of the mouth of women.

Her trainer, Jillian Michaels, was over the moon with joy at Ali’s amazing win. She screamed “It’s a Girl!” And while there won’t be any cigars, she assured they would celebrate with carrots and champagne! Bette-Sue, Ali’s mother and Biggest Loser teammate, looked as proud as a mother could. With a beaming smile, she boasted “I made her!”

Congratulations Ali on such a tremendous accomplishment. Like you said last night, you might be the first female Biggest Loser, but thanks to you, there will be so many more.

We were thrilled to be there last night to see Bernie win the Biggest Loser at-home winner. Bernie was never one of the big guys in the house, but beat the odds by losing more weight than Curtis, Dan and final four contestant Mark. He lost 130 pounds to lose the highest percentage of weight in the house and he’ll be taking home $100,000.

Bernie Salazar - Biggest Loser at home winner from Diets in Review on Vimeo.

He told DietsInReview.com after his elimination that he planned to use that money to help his mom repair her badly damaged basement due to three floods in Indiana this past year. Last night, he kept to his word and assured that will be the first thing he does.We had the pleasure of meeting Bernie’s entire family and they are truly some of the kindest and funniest people. Bernie is blessed with an amazing family and they certainly have a lot to be proud of in him.

Best of luck to your Bernie, Biggest Loser at-home!

Today is the day we’ve waited four months for- the Biggest Loser finale. Live at 8pm EST tonight from LA, we will find out who America voted for and who will be the new Biggest Loser. Will we finally get a female Biggest Loser in Ali or Kelly? And, who went home and took on the challenge themselves to win the $100,000 at-home prize. These answers are just a few hours away.

As we’ve mentioned, I’m in LA covering the event. I’ll be sitting in the audience and then catching up with the winner and other contestants immediately after. You can tune in here to the DietsInReview.com Diet Column tomorrow for videos and full coverage. We’re actually staying at the hotel with Bernie’s family. We’ve met the aunts, uncles, brothers, mom and friends. They are all very nice and make it more understandable why Bernie is such a fantastic guy!

If you haven’t grabbed this week’s People Magazine (the issue with Beyonce’s surprise wedding on the cover), toward the back is a one-pager about Biggest Loser trainers Jillian Michaels and Kim Lyons. They each weigh-in at 115 pounds, with Jillian 5′2″ and BMI of 21; Kim 5′3″ with BMI of 20.4.

Don’t forget to check out the new review for the Biggest Loser Meal Plan! Now you can eat just like the contestants.

There is no doubt that Jillian Michaels is a force to be reckoned with inside the Biggest Loser house. Bob Harper describes her as one of the best trainers in the world, and the contestants who train with her would likely not argue.

As promised, here is the follow-up to the call I had with Jillian Michaels and the executive producer Mark Koops. I asked questions that you’ve either asked me directly or I’ve picked up from the reader forums. Everyone needs a voice- if I can be that for you with Jillian Michaels then I’m happy to do it.

A DietsInReview.com reader was curious about Jillian’s necklace and wanted to know what it says. Jillian responded that it is a St. Christopher’s medal, the one that she wears is the Chrome Hearts brand.

“My mother used to wear one from when she was 15 and my mom had given me one and I lost it. And I was so devastated that my best friend had bought me another one. And that’s the one that I now wear on the show,” said Jillian.

We all remember that little weigh-in scuffle between Jillian and host Alison. It appears as though that might not have been the case, but yet another case of reality TV editing.

Brandi: “Do you watch The Biggest Loser every week? Do you think that it’s been edited fairly and the audience is getting an accurate interpretation of what’s going on, on the ranch?”

Jillian: “I do actually watch the show for that very reason because I need to see how it’s been edited. So with that said, I think honestly for the most part, they are getting an accurate interpretation. There were a few things that I had some issues with this year with regard to me. You know, I would say things may appear - like when I got upset this season defending Brittany, there were other things going on which I - you know, I didn’t feel were portrayed clearly. But it is what it is and, you know, I’ve learned my lesson, too. When I’m upset, make sure that I don’t get upset on camera anymore. And with that said, I think for the most part this has been a more accurate season than any other. And I’m actually grateful for that.”

The other hot issue I asked Jillian and Mark Koops to address was the product placement during the episodes. We’ve seen the trainers and contestants pitching gum, plastic bags, popcorn, water bottles and instant oatmeal. These are all products that make sense to have in the show, but the obvious awkwardness seems to not only be ruffling viewers, but the contestants and trainers don’t make it look natural either.

Brandi: “One of the other questions that’s been brought up by a lot of the readers on [DietsInReview.com] is the product placement that takes place on this show. Everyone [feels it is] very cheesy and it’s very obviously placed. Is there any plan to tone that back in the future or to maybe do it a little differently?”

Jillian: “Mark? I’ll have to defer to my boss on this one because I cannot talk about this at all. I’ll get in trouble.”

Brandi: “Product placement is obviously paying the bills for the show, but it seems to be striking a strange chord with the audience.”

Mark: “I think, you know, it is sort of, no pun intended - part of the reality of where television is moving to in the 21st Century. The 30-second spot, you know, goes away and (DVR) penetrations, it’s a longer topic of conversation.

We’re approached by a number of companies wanting to, to get involved in the show. And I think we’re very selective in terms of who we take. We’ve been approached in the past by all the fast food companies, you know.

I think we do try and have a selective process about who we pick and about the message they’re trying to (sell).

Could at times it be done, you know, cleaner and better? I think there’s always room for improvement. At the same time, we make sure in the partners we pick who are also out there helping promote the show and promote a healthy and active lifestyle that, you know, we’re on the same message with them.

We’ve always said, it’s like we’re trying to give people advice, information on how they can continue to do this at home without the help of Jillian and Bob on a daily basis.

The takeaway information in the show — whether it be integrations or whether it be trainer tips, or doctor tips — you know, is all just part of trying to provide information to the viewer. And from that, they can make their own decision.”

So there you have it - straight from the mouths of those who’ve been there. It looks as though the rumors were true that the night of that argument with Alison, there was a lot more going on with the production team that we couldn’t see at home. If Jillian looks a little standoffish in those product placements, it’s because she’s not a big fan either. Honestly though, I never thought about splitting up servings into individual bags or how wasteful all of those water bottles really are. We can learn something new in each episode.

Love him or hate him, Mark Kruger has been a stand-out contestant this season. He describes his time on campus as his “first half” and “second half,” and anyone who followed the Biggest Loser season closely knows that two very different Marks played the game. He’s comfortable with the America voting twist- going so far as to say “If America wants [Ali] to pull it off they need to vote for me!”. Read below to hear straight from Mark how he feels about the twist, all that crying and nearly handing the victory to Roger.

Listen to the Audio here or read the transcript below
powered by ODEO
This time next week you’ll know if you were chosen as America’s favorite.
I hope so, I hope I’m chosen as America’s Sweetheart. I don’t know that I started out that way with my experience on Biggest Loser, but hopefully it will end up that way.You definitely went home and came back a different Mark Kruger.
There was a 180 degree different Mark Kruger who came back to campus. The guy who left campus was jaded, caught up in the game, not focused on what he should have been focused on. Which is my health, I need to concentrate on getting healthy, getting in physically better condition. Instead, I was wrapped up in the game. When I left, they closed the door to the airplane, I knew I was on my way home. I realized what I lost and that I took this experience for granted. I didn’t get everything out of it that I should have. When I was given the opportunity to get back on- I told myself “I’m going to make the most of this opportunity, I’m not going to take it for granted and focus on what I should be focused on. That’s where the difference in the attitude came in.Part of your growth was the emotional growth. I spoke with executive producer Mark Koops last week and he said that you’ve cried more than any other man in the history of television.
I think Mark is right. I went from being this yelling, screaming hard case, to a soft bunch of mush. I’m not apologizing. It’s been an emotional experience for me. The last time I cried before this was seven years ago when my daughter was born. I’ve got seven years of emotion just wrapped up inside of me.As I started to shed weight and realize more, who I am came out. And it was not controllable. I said you know what- I’m just going to let it come out. I don’t care what anybody says about it. Real strength is admitting when I’m weak. I said in one of the episodes - “real strength is being able to admit when you’re weak as opposed to saying I’m always strong and just internalizing everything.” I believe I’m a stronger, better man for that now.How do you feel about the America votes twist- leaving it in the hands of America?
I would have been the third finalist had everything gone the way it has in past seasons. Ali and Kelly were very vocal about voting Roger out. I would have been the last finalist.I’m the last guy who can complain about twists and turns in this reality TV show. Without the twists and turns I don’t get back on. I don’t have the opportunity to be in this position. I’m not upset about it all. It is what it is- I have to deal with it. It worked to my advantage one time- so I can’t say it was OK then but it’s not OK now. That’s just not right. Hopefully I’ll be a little more popular than Roger will be and win the online vote.It’s come down now a popularity contest. Hopefully people have forgot about the beginning of the game with me and just concentrated more on the changes I made in my second half, when I got back on. You’re not going to hear me complain about twist and turns.

What do you think about Ali being the first female Biggest Loser- do you think she can she pull it off?
I absolutely think she can pull it off.

Even if means beating you?
Even if it means beating me. If there’s anybody I have to lose to on this show, I want it to be Ali. Ali and I have a pretty special bond. I have a lot of respect for her, she’s got the same competitive fire and spirit that I have inside of me. We’re like-minded individuals and that’s why we got along so well and why we bonded the way we did. If she is the one that wins I’ll be the first one up on stage- barring Bette-Sue doesn’t knock me down- to give her a big hug and celebrate with her. She’s a fantastic individual, she’s done an amazing job and she deserves everything that she gets, especially if she wins.

There was a lot of talk early in the season as the blue team formed and the Pride on 3 brotherhood- you guys were setting Roger up for the win. Do you feel that is what was happening and are you glad to see it turn around now?
I definitely feel that is what was happening and I didn’t really open my eyes to it until Roger and I had that argument and he was yelling at me to be more vocal and competitive like I used to be. I kind of realized what was going on. We were almost just about handing him the victory. Does this make me a little happy? Yeah it does. To a certain extent- I’m not going to lie to you there. If it had come down to Jay, Roger and I in the finals I don’t think we would have been able to beat him. I think Ali will have a very hard time beating him as well.

Still hitting the gym as often as possible?
Every single morning. I run 6 miles every morning then back in the gym in the afternoon for a little light resistance training so i can keep my muscles nice and toned up for when i get on that stage Tuesday night.

If Mark won over your heart- vote for him now at NBC and then get the inside scoop on the vote from Jillian Michaels and Bob Harper.

Thank you, Mark, for visiting with us today. We wish you luck at the finale!

Biggest Loser wrapped its final on-campus episode last night with a dramatic twist, and a first for Biggest Loser. America will vote for the third finalist. This was news that Roger Schultz and Mark Kruger weren’t expecting when they fell below the yellow line. I spoke with Roger this afternoon to hear his thoughts on the voting twist. He’s hopeful America will side with him- and says he could use the winnings now that he’s without a job. Roger was really fun to speak with. For a moment, it feels as though that deep Southern accent could be contagious! This lovable family man is enjoying this new life and anxious, just as we are, for next week’s finale.

Listen to the Audio here or read the transcript below.

powered by ODEO

How do you feel about the America Votes twist?
I think it’s great. Being a fan of the show and seeing this- I think it’s great to get them involved. Especially because I was going to go home.You’re 100% certain you would have gone home?
Oh heck yeah! Are you kidding me? I knew I was going home. That’s why I turned and congratulated Mark- I said “Mark, Congratulations- you made the finals.” I knew the whole time I was on the show if I ever dropped below that yellow line I was headed to the house. That was what I was expecting.

If you didn’t walk away knowing you were going to the finale last night, you did walk away with a brand new Biggest Loser house record. You lost 144 pounds on the ranch. That’s a person Roger!
Yes it is. My wife only ways 129. I was teasing someone and said I lost my wife. They said “Oh no! What happened?” I said “Figuratively speaking, I lost my wife.”How do you feel?
I feel great, I feel wonderful. Still getting used to it because I still think like a fat person. You evaluate a room, look to see if you’re gonna break a chair or where you can sit. Or when I go shopping I still have a hard time- I just get the XXL shirt and go “Oh crap, this isn’t going to fit.” I have to get a large. I’m a 34 in jeans- I was a 54.

Seeing last night the videos and cardboard cut-out from 15 weeks ago, it was hard to believe. Almost like seeing someone in makeup.
I had a fat suit on I thought. It’s so weird. You go through the process. We had one little mirror in our bathroom, but you don’t get to see the whole… Everyone is going along losing weight and you just don’t grasp it. I’ve talked to people right in their face, and they not even know who I am and they’re friends.

How are you doing in the kitchen now that you’re home. You didn’t hesitate to let everyone know you’re not a cook. Have you picked some things up in the kitchen?
I cook for my wife all the time now that I’m a house husband. It’s really simple and amazing how quick and easy it is to cook healthy foods fast. It’s so corny and I’m not trying to do a product placement- but Ziploc bags are the greatest things ever. I cut vegetables and put servings in each of these ZIploc bags. Even when I do my chips and things like that- I put exactly one serving in a little snack pack and just have them- so I know what I’m eating and I’m not guessing and don’t keep reaching in the bag.

You said a second ago that you’re a house husband- what’s the story there?
Well, I got back from the show when it wrapped. About a week later my job fired me. America they fired me! I really need the money! I could use it.

Being on Biggest Loser, what are you taking away as your favorite memory and taking away as your least memorable moment?
I guess the, obviously the most memorable would be losing the most weight on campus, the 144 pounds. And the relationship I have with Bob. The friendship we developed I think is pretty strong. Outside of training- just the friendship. He stated it and I feel the same way- I’m the brother he never had. I think my relationship with Bob is something I cherish. Can’t really say anything bad about it- it was all good.

You’re still working out at home getting ready for Tuesday?
Yes I am!

Roger, DietsInReview thanks you for taking the time to visit with us today. Good luck next week!

Lend your support to Roger by voting now at NBC, and get the behind-the-scenes scoop about the vote from Bob and Jillian.