I sat down with Kansas City Chief’s Tony Gonzalez’s sports dietitian and co-author Mitzi Dulan, RD to get an idea about what the book has to offer people trying to lose weight. Mitzi explains how eating mostly whole plant foods and avoiding heavily processed foods can help you manage a healthy weight.

Listen now as we discuss some of the recipes in the book, like the coconut banana smoothie. YUM!

Through eating a diet low in animal protein and high in plant-based and unprocessed foods, Kansas City Chief’s Tight End Tony Gonzalez has gained more strength, stamina, and energy than ever before.

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Mitzi Dulan and Tony Gonzalez Offer Sound Eating Advice in The All-Pro Diet

Sherry started at the ranch weighing 218 pounds and boasted a sunny disposition that she maintained throughout the competition. If anything, it only got brighter with each pound she lost. She says her elimination wasn’t really as a surprise. Speaking to concerns about ageism on the ranch, Sherry said that she and fellow contestant and mom Cheryl George (the two have become great friends) had discussed the topic and knew the younger players would stick together.

Listen Now:

Nicknamed “Little Mama” by trainer Jillian Michaels and “Mama Sherry” by her fellow black team members, Sherry stepped into a motherly role for many of those younger players who would eventually vote her off the ranch. When Stephanie and Sam began “dating” in week three, she said she offered friendly advice to not forget the reasons she was at the ranch and said that Stephanie was appreciative.

But her number one charge was 27-year-old daughter Ashley. During week nine Ashley confessed that she was struggling with constant concern over her mother’s well being, a burden she took on after the passing of her father. Sherry said “As a mom I don’t want to hold her back,” and was surprised to see how responsible Ashley felt for her. She was confident that after she left Ashley would be able to thrive.

Sherry wasted no time in returning to her normal life at home. Within a day or two she was back to her full-time job, and quickly realized the pressure to fit in the workouts, food planning and work. “It really can be done if you make a strong effort to do it,” she said. And seeing that she was down to the 130s in her “Where Are They Now” segment, she’s clearly made the effort.

She continues to live at home like she did on the ranch. She wakes up at 4:30 a.m. for a 5:00 a.m. bootcamp, then returns home to get ready for work. After work she gets in another workout. And it’s clear in speaking with her that her diet and food intake continues to be a priority she isn’t slacking on any time soon. Sherry maintains the “clean eating” habits she learned on the ranch. She says this means looking at what she eats, staying on task, reading food labels and watching the ingredients closely.

“Don’t put anything in your mouth that you don’t know what is in it,” season seven’s Tara Costa told her. And it’s good advice she adheres to.

When she finds herself in a rare moment where she just has to have something “bad,” she has one bite and says that is satisfying. “I’ve worked too hard,” Sherry says, and she isn’t willing to throw it away on an entire candy bar or pizza.

If it weren’t living up to her own expectations, you might say that the winning legacy of being on the pink team was keeping her in line. Sherry said they were “excited and proud to be picked to be the pink team” for this season. Like many of her predecssors (Ali Vincent and Michelle Aguilar), Sherry says you’ll see her wearing pink every day.

As she’s quickly working her way back down to the size five dress she wore on her wedding day, Sherry says “I feel like I did in my 20s… that’s exciting!”

Due to technical issues we were unable to record today’s interview.

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Sherry Johnston’s Biggest Loser Elimination Interview

Rebecca: Cheryl, you’ve authored several wonderful books for Biggest Loser so far and I was personally a big fan of Biggest Loser Simple Swaps, what makes The Biggest Loser: 6 Weeks to a Healthier You different than other books?

Cheryl: There are many books on the market catering to dieting and weight loss. One of the distinctions of The Biggest Loser eating plan is that the quality of the calories is as important as the quantity. Our eating plan has evolved since we began 10 seasons ago, and I’m happy to say that it’s continually improved in terms of including less and less processed food choices.

You won’t find any artificial sweeteners in the Ranch kitchen these days – no fat-free whipped toppings, etc. It’s all about whole foods/whole grains, lots of lean protein and good fats. The recipes in the new book reflect that. The other distinction is that this book includes 6 weeks of menu plans. It’s easy to tell/teach people which foods to choose, but it’s not so easy to put it into practice, especially when you’re busy, as most of us are. We’ve made it easy for you by providing 6 complete weeks of menus and recipes to help you with meal planning as well as shopping.

Rebecca: Wow, Cheryl! It’s like having you for a personal chef for 6 weeks! I see a huge value in that. I agree that it is about the quality of the foods you eat most of the time. I’m sure readers will be excited to know that the book will emphasize high quality whole foods.

I think a lot of people who are fans of the show watch and get inspired, but sometimes may feel like they won’t be as successful as contestants. How does this book help fans on the show with their weight loss journey?

Cheryl: You’re right, people sometimes hope for dramatic results as seen on the show. Though this IS a reality show, it’s NOT realistic to expect similar results at home. The contestants are sequestered away from their families, friends, jobs, school, etc. Their FULL TIME job is losing weight. They have the luxury of time, personal trainers, fabulous food, a registered dietitian, and our occasional guest chef, Curtis Stone, helps provide cooking instruction (as do I when I’m at Ranch for my assessments). This book reminds readers that a slower, more gradual weight loss is perfectly fine and not to expect the same results as what they see on the show.

Rebecca: That’s a good point. Viewers can get the book with the confidence that the meal plans are similar to the show and realistic for healthy weight loss, but they should not feel obligated to focus on nutrition and exercise full time. Slow and steady progress will still get them to their goal.

Is there something special about 6 Weeks to a Healthier You? Why not four or eight weeks?

Cheryl: Most books that provide menu plans may give you a week, 2 weeks, 10 days or a month! Six weeks is really an added dose not only of more menus to help you find your groove to stick with it, but each week also provides additional health tips and info. Overall, 6 Weeks to a Healthier You focuses on nutrient-dense high quality foods – but we also share the health benefits that these ingredients confer to make your choices and the recipes, even more seductive

Rebecca: Ohhhh…. seductive! I like that. I don’t know why people sometimes think eating healthy is boring! I also like that you give the education in weekly “bits” so they don’t have to take on too much, too fast.

As a successful chef and Biggest Loser nutritionist, what words of wisdom do you have for anyone who is struggling with healthy lifestyle changes?

Cheryl: Most people have fallen into an unhealthy rut over time, not overnight. Don’t place high expectations on yourself to reach your goals overnight either. Start with small approachable steps and build week by week. There’s less chance you’ll get overwhelmed and more chance that you’ll see slow, steady results making this plan seductive
and easy to stick with.

Rebecca: Excellent advice! Thanks for taking the time to chat with me and best wishes with this book and The Biggest Loser!

Win the book!

Do you guys have the book yet? Comments? Leave a comment below and one person will be drawn to receive a copy of The Biggest Loser: 6 Weeks to a Healthier You on March 31.

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Cheryl Forberg Discusses “The Biggest Loser: 6 Weeks to a Healthier You”

In comes Elisa Zied, a New York-based dietitian and author of the resource book “Nutrition At Your Fingertips.” I call it a nutrition “survival guide.” You don’t need to read this book cover to cover (but you could if you wanted). It is designed to be used like a dictionary. Want to know about artificial sweeteners? Look it up and get the latest facts. Confused over food labels? Look that up. Same with topics such as glycemic index, food allergies, and healthy weight loss.

Listen to our interview then read on to win the book.

Win a copy of Nutrition At Your Fingertips. Leave a comment below to be eligible, either a nutrition question you’re not sure about or share your favorite “myth” that you were able to bust with reliable information. Winner will be selected 3/31/10.

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Elisa Zied’s Nutrition at Your Fingertips Offers Credible Nutrition Information

Before I get to “the goods,” I want to explain why seeking advice from a dietitian is one of the best things you can do for your health. Dietitians are the health professionals that can help you make sensible changes to your eating habits. They can help you understand any medical-related nutritional changes you may need to make (from allergies to diabetes or a thyroid condition). Dietitians can help you finish your first 5K or Ironman competition and help you fuel for optimal performance. Dietitians can even help you shop and prepare healthy meals.

RDs complete a minimum of four years of study in food and nutrition, and many have advanced degrees all the way to PhDs and some are MDs and professional chefs as well. After college, RDs must compete for coveted internships that last about a year. Then, it’s a board exam. Basically, it’s a lot of work. I should know! I’m a career changer from the IT field… leaving a cushy desk job to become a food and nutrition expert was the hardest (and best) thing I have ever done. I love my job. The best way to find an RD is to look one up in your area. You can visit www.eatright.org.

Now, here are some of the best features and content on DietsInReview.com that comes from the food and nutrition experts – the registered dietitians!

Cheryl Forberg, RD, chef, and dietitian for The Biggest Loser

Simple Swaps Diet Review

Simple Swaps Book Review

David Grotto, RD and author of 101 Optimal Life Foods

David Grotto interview – Look for more great interviews the rest of this month on DietsInReview.com.

Tammy Lakatos Shames, RD, CDN, CFT and Lyssie Lakatos, RD, CDN, CFT (a.k.a. The Nutrition Twins®)

Guest blog on salt and weight

The Secret to Skinny Book Review

Marlene Koch, RD

Red velvet cupcakes recipe (diabetic friendly and delicious!) Check out all the recipes listed in our database!

Elizabeth Ward, RD

Dieting words of wisdom video

Seema Karnik, RD

Eating for Two video

Rebecca Scritchfield, RD

Here’s the link to my blogger archive for DietsInReview.com

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Get the Nutrition Facts from Dietitians on DietsInReview.com

“I don’t think I’ll have any problem [maintaining at home]” says Cheryl, following her elimination in week eight. She says she knew it was going to be her week to go home, due to the alliances and relationships existing on the black team. But she was OK with it then and she’s OK with it now.

Listen now as Cheryl tells us how she manages in the real world, and how she seeks “enjoyment classes” at the gym.

Cheryl says she lives at home just like she did at the ranch – focused on clean eating and burning more calories than she consumes. And while she can’t spend eight hours a day in the gym like she did on the show, she still manages a three-hour workout each day. She enjoys a variety of classes at her gym, and does a fitness bootcamp.

Another exciting part of her new lifestyle is her wardrobe. Following her elimination we saw her face the emotional task of cleaning out all of her old clothes (donating them to a local church). “It was a big thing for me,” she says. “The thought of going back to that? I never want to look like that again.”

Cheryl says she’s already changed sizes three times since being home, so she’s not doing a lot of shopping these days. When she does, it’s at discount stores because she knows she won’t remain this size. However, she does have big shopping spree plans in store for herself, “When I’ve finally come to my maintenance weight I’ll do a lot of shopping.” Cheryl says she’s never been to a Macy’s so she’d like to go there.

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Cheryl George’s Biggest Loser Elimination Interview

Dan Evans, season 5 contestant, tells us that the maintenance is the hardest part, and that two years after his season’s finale, he still has to “work hard to maintain.” That’s why he, joined by former teammate and mom Jackie Evans, have decided to spend a week at the Biggest Loser Resort. Set in the southwestern, picturesque town of Ivins, Utah, the resort offers a fitness getaway unlike any other and allows guests to focus on their health for a week at a time or more.

“It’s so awesome to me that there’s a place where people can go… and it’s as close to the experience as you can possibly get,” says Jackie about the Biggest Loser Resort. Saying that she and Dan were fortunate to be only two of 20 applicants selected for her season, out of 250,000, she’s glad that there’s an accessible place where others can reap all the benefits. Without the cameras!

Listen now as Jackie and Dan tell us about their week at the Biggest Loser Resort, including what a day is like, what surprises them and what they like.

Shortly after leaving the Biggest Loser spotlight, Dan launched his country music career with his debut album “Goin’ All Out.” That means he spends a lot of time on the road, performing gigs and touring on the bus. Jackie, also his manager, says that while it’s not an excuse, it does make it difficult for them to eat right and exercise. “Pound by pound, bite by bite, you can slip back to where you were,” says Jackie.

That’s why the mother-son duo steered the bus toward Ivins. Dan says they’re evil and just like to have their butts kicked, but confesses that getting back into a Biggest Loser-style household is exactly what they needed to get their minds back on track, remember what a real workout is and re-learn what an actual portion size looks like.

A day at the resort is jam-packed. The schedule even surprised Jackie. She says the gym opens at 6 a.m. and trainers are available. Breakfast is served at 7 a.m. Today they followed breakfast with a two-hour “challenging” hike in the mountains, then had the option to hit the pool or circuit training. “It was honestly the best pool workout since Jillian Michaels kicked my butt on the ranch,” says Dan. Next came lunch and then a class, for instance how to count calories or understanding emotional eating. Then they took on three hours of working out, which included a toning class and an interval class. And finally, dinner, which was vegetarian lasagna and chocolate-covered strawberries.

As opposed to the ranch where contestants prepare their own meals, Jackie said the food experience was much better at the Biggest Loser Resort because the meals are served.

Dan appreciates the openness of the Biggest Loser Resort because he says it’s a place for people who need to get started, and it’s also a place where you can come back and refresh even if your journey is already on its way.

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Dan and Jackie Evans Visit the Biggest Loser Resort

I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to ask Ziporah a few questions about healthy habits to instill in our children. Read below for her answers, and check out the amazing smoothie recipes she’s shared with us – Banilla Shake, Blueberry-Orange Whirl, and my favorite, Very Berry Smoothie.  All are less than 175 calories and will help your kids achieve the recommended servings of fruit every day.

What do parents need to know about the basic nutrition needs of children? (i.e. RDA fruits/vegetables)

All children require a full range of essential nutrients, especially protein, iron, calcium, and vitamin A. In terms of recommended amounts of grains, fruits and veggies, dairy, protein, fats and sugars we recommend parents try to adhere to the guidelines set by the USDA food pyramid. As far at total caloric intake, for kids it varies greatly depending upon age. For example, a 3-year-old needs about 1,300 calories daily, whereas a 10-year-old needs about 2,000 calories daily and a teenager should consume approximately 2,800 calories per day. The best way to ensure kids get the food they need and still maintain a healthy weight is to provide them with a wide range of nutritious foods that are low in saturated fat and sugar.

How do you encourage children to be more active and help them understand the benefits?

Parents need to find activities that their children like to do and help them develop skills so they feel good doing them. We particularly like to encourage sports that can be practiced for life such as swimming, tennis, biking, hiking and running. Kids will understand the benefits of being active by doing – they will feel better and have more energy. And it is fun! For times when you are at home, a Wii Fit can be a terrific activity for the whole family. And everyone in the family should have a pedometer and have a contest to see who can log the most steps; aim for 10,000 steps a day (5 miles)!

If parents could implement one healthy change for their children, what should it be?

Cooking more meals at home! Cooking at home is one of the single best ways for kids to stay healthy and learn about nutritious foods. In addition to saving money, it’s a fun way to make healthy eating a family affair.

How do parents/children overcome the negative stigma of camps like Camp Shane and actually embrace the many benefits?

Unlike traditional “fat camps” or “boot camps,” Camp Shane focuses on having fun while achieving long-term, realistic weight loss goals. Because of this, our campers have an extremely high success rate when it comes to keeping weight off for the long-term. Overall, we try really hard to provide a friendly, supportive and non-threatening environment. I recommend checking out our website and watching some of the videos of our campers—this is a quick way for parents and kids to dispel any negative preconceived notions and to see us for who we really are!

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Create Healthy Habits for Kids with Ziporah Janowski of Camp Shane

In this interview, Dave Grotto, author of 101 Optimal Life Foods, and I discuss common mistakes dieters make – like having the “good foods, bad foods” list. Dave gives his perspective on where consumers are getting it right (like buying healthy foods) and where they are getting it wrong (forgetting to cook it or overcooking). Finally, you don’t want to miss his three favorite foods he would bring if he was stranded on a desert island and trying to survive (and stay happy) while waiting for help to come.

Listen now, then read on to learn how to get a copy for yourself!

Get Your Optimal Life

After listening to the interview, post a comment below giving me your three favorite foods for a “desert island” and we will choose one winner to receive a copy of 101 Optimal Life Foods. Giveaway ends March 31. (Winner will be contacted via email provided in comment form.)

About Dave

David W. Grotto, RD, LDN is the author of 101 Optimal Life Foods (Bantam Books 2010) and 101 Foods That Could Save Your Life! (Bantam Books, 2008)

www.davidgrotto.com

http://twitter.com/davidgrotto

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Enjoy Eating with Dave Grotto’s 101 Optimal Life Foods

In one of those fateful twists of play Biggest Loser is known for, Darrell and Cheryl George fell below the yellow line, and then had to face-off in an awkward and painful final challenge to see who would stay and who would go. Last a little longer than six minutes balancing a torch on his head while maintaining a squat position, the pain got the best of him and Darrell was eliminated. He shared a tearful goodbye with his daughter and teammate Andrea Hough, but in speaking with him today there were no signs of the self-disappointment he expressed at the time. Instead, Darrell sounds confident and proud of the progress he’s making on his own.

We asked Darrell what it’s been like to lose weight as a male, a “sport,” if you will, that’s typically been reserved for women. He says the only weight loss successes he’s ever really seen have come from women, and he usually only sees guys gain instead of lose. But now, in light of his own success, he says “guys are coming out of the woodwork,” talking about a subject they just don’t talk about. He gets asked about his workouts, calorie intake and handling other weight-related situations. He says it’s been positive reinforcement.

So what is he responding to those questions from his peers? Well, he credits his now 140-pound weight loss with maintaing the Biggest Loser diet. He says “my diet mirrors what we were taught at the ranch.” That means he’s eating four meals each day and finding variety by using recipes from the Biggest Loser Cookbooks.

Being that he’s back at work, running a printing press in a large print facility in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Darrell says that he doesn’t have near the time to dedicate to working out as he did at the ranch, but that’s not an excuse. Instead, Darrell says his workouts are just much more intense, so he can squeeze in a greater calorie burn into a shorter amount of time. And he squeezes in exercise where he can get it. For instance, at work, he walks about 20,000 steps each day (double the average recommendation). If he needs to get from point A to point B, he picks up the pace so he’s walking with higher intensity and says he walks everywhere “as fast as I can.”

Darrell admits he never recognized the impact of his “couch potato body” until he arrived at the ranch. There’s no doubt that couch potato lifestyle has been left far behind as he continues his remarkable weight loss journey at home.

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Darrell Hough’s Biggest Loser Elimination Interview