Dieters blog

All around the globe, each and every night, millions or eyes are glued to their television sets - but not to catch the latest episode of ER or Desperate Housewives. Not to see who survives in Survivor. Surprisingly, they are spellbound by the efforts of a small group of obese individuals who are trying to overcome the effects of years of overeating.

Forget the bubonic plague, obesity is the new epidemic. Chubby children wobble around the school playground while their overweight moms are busy stuffing shopping carts with sugary and fattening junk food. Then, after a greasy - nutrient lacking "meal", they plop down on the couch at night to watch The Biggest Loser. They see the dramatic weight loss and startling new body shapes beginning to emerge. They decide they want the same results - and begin to wonder if it's possible.

But who has four or five hours a day to exercise? Who can afford their own personal trainer several times a week? And who has the luxury of their own personal adviser on calorie content and smart food choices? I'm sure you'll agree the answer is: few. But you have to remember that this is TV: it's a false situation. The players continue to remind themselves and their viewers: "This is a GAME. You have to make the most of your time here - it's going to be much more difficult out in the real world."

IS it harder in the real world? Most likely. But there are lessons you can get from watching this reality show. You can make it happen for you, as well as for the contestants. Here are three practical and useful lessons for you to put to use immediately.

1. Put Weight Loss First.

In the Biggest Loser household WEIGHT LOSS COMES FIRST. So it should be first in your home also. It seems simple, right? Well it is. As a matter of fact, it IS so simple that most people completely overlook it. They attempt to squeeze exercise and meal planning in between all the other stuff going on in their lives, rather than making it a priority.

Ponder this: what's more important? Getting the weight off and adding years to your life - not to mention a lot more energy - Or watching yet another television show? During the time you would normally be watching TV, sit down with a pen and paper and allot at least one hour a day to planning meals, recording what you eat, and doing some type of physical activity. You still have 23 hours left in the day to do whatever else you want! everything else!

2. E is for Exercise - and Enjoy!

What else is noticeable in the Biggest Loser household? The more exercise they do, the more they appear to like it. They may grunt and groan about it, they might sweat and complain. But as the weeks pass, you will hear them saying stuff such as "I never thought I'd say that I look forward to working out - but now don't feel right if a day goes past without exercise!"

The secret to loving your exercise time is finding what's feels right for YOU. If you hate going to the gym, find other types of physical activity. You'll need a mix of cardio and resistance training - but it doesn't have to be on machines. Jog, swim, play sports, climb a tree, do some gardening, go on a hike... there are an unlimited amount of choices that can be fun for you. Research what happens to various muscle groups - and to your heart - when you exercise, and choose activities that you'll enjoy.

3. Identify the Triggers.

Emotions run high when the contestants have to face their demons. Weight gain is rarely from only a physical cause. If you keep a food diary, and faithfully record not only what you eat but when (and why) you eat it, you'll begin to notice a pattern of emotional eating. What are YOUR triggers? Boredom? Tiredness? Arguments with your loved ones? Stress?

Once you clearly identify what the triggers are, you'll be able to begin working on some strategies to overcome them. This can be as easy as challenging yourself every time you want food. ("Am I truly hungry - yes or no? If I'm not actually hungry, why am I wanting to eat right now? Am I actually just thirsty? If I'm standing in front of the fridge because I am upset, is there anything else I can do to make myself feel better? Is there a long-term solution that will fix this forever?" and so on.) If you aren't ready yet to deal with the true root cause, then you'll need to be preapred with food that won't compound to your problems by adding rolls of fat. Always have healthy food accessible - but also yummy food that you actually enjoy.

These are 3 of the biggest lessons that anybody can get from watching The Biggest Loser. And you'll have the satisfaction and pride of knowing you did it all by yourself.