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The Biggest Loser Recap: Season 4 Finale!

FitSugar — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 13:45:00 -0800

Last night was the season finale of The Biggest Loser and it was a good one. I will say that it was not as amazing as last year's finale, but still pretty darn motivating. While the production was a little off, as it always is, with way too much confetti and delays, I was still totally engrossed.

To see who won as well as a video of the four finalists just

Who Is Going to Win The Biggest Loser?

FitSugar — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 03:30:00 -0800

Tonight is the grand finale of The Biggest Loser, and I've said it before, and I'll say it again: If you only watch one episode all season, watch the season finale tonight on NBC (9 PST) — it never ceases to amaze and inspire me. We were all shocked when Neil was voted off last week, especially since most of you thought it would be Julie or Isabeau. Seems to me like it's anyone's game, so who do you think will be the winner this season?Source

Who Is Going to Win The Biggest Loser?

Bill

Holly

Isabeau

Julie

The Biggest Loser Recap: The Final Four!

FitSugar — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 11:00:00 -0800

The Biggest Loser is finally down to the final four, and I can hardly wait to talk about who was kicked off so

Who Won't Make the Final Four?

FitSugar — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 12:30:00 -0800

Tonight is the final weigh-in on The Biggest Loser before the finale and I am wondering who you think will not make the final four for the season finale? In other words, who's getting the boot tonight?

The Biggest Loser Recap: From One Reality to Another

FitSugar — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 11:45:00 -0800

The Biggest Loser is nearing the season finale and the contestants are preparing to leave the reality show and get back to, well, reality.

Last night was all about preparing to get back to reality, which means fitting in working out when you have time, no matter how tired you may be. In the real world most of us have obligations like work, family, and friends that make finding a time to workout difficult. One of the hardest things to do is to pick yourself up after a long hard day and head to the gym, but the contestants were forced to do so in preparation for reality. Something that we all deal with every single day.

Of course, one person was kicked off so to find out who it is

The Biggest Loser Recap: Two More Weigh-Ins Left!

FitSugar — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 11:45:00 -0800

I'd say that last night's episode of The Biggest Loser did not live up to last week's standards, but I still enjoyed it.

Last night was the first time we got to really see how strong everyone has gotten. Most of the workouts they were doing are not by any means easy, and their last-chance workouts are downright hard. Their time on campus has made them incredibly strong, and it's really cool to see them not only losing fat, but also gaining muscle. Speaking of losing fat, it was equally as cool to hear their doctor's reports. While most of the contestants came in with many health issues (such as Type 2 Diabetes), their weight loss and muscle gain has put an end to almost all of their previous health issues. Congrats guys!

Want to know who got voted off? Then

The Biggest Loser: Live Weigh In

FitSugar — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 09:30:00 -0800

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, this week's Biggest Loser focused on taking stock in the current moment and giving thanks for all the changes made.

The show began with contestants looking at photos of themselves from the start of the show and appreciating the difference in their bodies and faces. Hints were dropped of a big surprise to follow. Of course the black team had to discuss and attempt to resolve Isabeau's tie-breaking decision to vote Amy off the show last week. The black team felt that she had ruined their well thought out strategy and Jillian made no attempt to hide her disappointment. Isabeau definitely got the cold shoulder from Jillian the next day in the gym and made quiet threats of defecting to the blue team. Nothing became of this, but the interpersonal drama is always intriguing.

The big surprise was a trip to the Days of Our Lives set where Alison Sweeney, the host of BL, works her day job. The contestants were treated to the ultimate makeover with lots of pampering, and the final surprise of all the contestants having a shot at being selected for the cover of Prevention magazine. Shades of Project Runway? But no criteria was given to how the cover girl was chosen. Before the photo shoot, all the contests were reunited with a loved one. There were lots of tears and hugs and all around camaraderie. However, I did find the big reveal of the loved ones hiding behind a double mirror that slid away a tiny bit cheesy. I am now about to reveal who made the magazine cover, so skip the next sentence if you want to stay in the dark.

Look for Kae on the cover of Prevention looking hot and wearing red!

The challenge on this episode was a physical metaphor, and the contestants had to physically stay above a yellow line by climbing a rope that was also slowly being lowered. The prize was definitely something worth climbing for – a $5,000 shopping spree. Kae was once again the winner, and it is hard to believe that this was her first-ever challenge win!

To see who was eliminated with a serious amount of dignity this week, just

Biggest Loser Trivia

FitSugar — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 11:00:00 -0800

If you watched The Biggest Loser on Tuesday night, then you should ace this quiz. If not, then good luck. Regardless, this is a fun quiz to see how well you know your stuff.

The Biggest Loser Recap: Singledom

FitSugar — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 12:30:00 -0800

Last night on The Biggest Loser the game was back to being about getting healthy, doing it for yourself, and making me cry.

The game changed and it's finally every man for himself. Yay! While they still have loyalties to their colors, we should see their strategies being much more about individual goals than back stabbing. I found it rather ironic that one of the challenges focused around donuts since we've had a little discussion about donuts recently here on FitSugar. The contestants had to eat a donut (or two, or three) to play the game and most of them played and ended up eating three donuts a piece — yikes. It was interesting to see that all the contestants were very aware of how much time that one donut would mean in the gym, which is way different from how they were at the beginning of the show.

Hollie won the indoor 24k triathlon and her prize was to go home for 24 hours. She was also allowed to pick another contestant to do the same, and she picked Julie. While neither of them ended up losing any weight at the weigh-in after having to do 24 hours on their own, none of them gained any weight from being at home.

The elimination was emotional and someone was voted off. To find out who it was and to see how they are doing now, just

The Biggest Loser Recap: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

FitSugar — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 11:45:00 -0800

Last night The Biggest Loser turned its focus from weight loss onto recycling.

Instead of the usual weight loss tips and trainer tips, this week we were given "Green Tips." While it was cool to see NBC trying to make conservation mainstream, the blatant marketing centered around it all was painful.

One thing that we can all take from this week's episode is that you don't need to use electricity to workout. Machines are easy but if you're looking to conserve a little energy, there are many other options such as using the great outdoors for cardio, and your own body weight or resistance bands for resistance. Some of the contestants had their biggest weight loss numbers last night, and not one person used a treadmill (that was on, at least) to get there. Jillian asked, "What's the point if we're taking care of our bodies and not our planet?" Great point, and one we should all ponder daily.

One of the challenges involved guessing how many calories were in a typical large meat lovers pizza and 32 ounce cola. Think you know? To find out the answer and to see who was eliminated this week, just

The Biggest Loser Recap: "It's Like Pissing Into the Wind"

FitSugar — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 12:30:00 -0700

The Biggest Loser this week was back to being inspirational and motivational, and I cried. Though I will admit that I was a bit on edge due to our earthquake in the Bay area last night.

Last night's episode was all about getting back to working out, eating right and losing weight. I am more and more impressed with Jillian's attitude. She used to be a little too hard core for me, but she has such a fabulous motivational side to her and you can't but help feel she is really pulling for her team (and everyone else for that matter). I loved that she sat down with Amy and said, "Put the game aside and go after what you want." This not only fits in with the realm show, but also in the realm of our own lives because when it comes to our bodies and our health, it's about going after what we want.

Before I reveal who was kicked off, here are the things I learned from The Biggest Loser:

Lose weight while getting zen!
Train your mind and body with yoga. An intense hour of yoga can burn up to 600 calories and yoga is great for relieving stress and gaining flexibility.
Rid your body of cellulite!
Exercises like squats and lunges are proven to smooth out the underlying flabby muscles and minimize the appearance of cellulite.
Get on the resistance bandwagon!
Resistance bands are affordable, lightweight, flexible and easy to take with you. They are a great alternative to barbells, dumbbells and hand weights.
Get rid of your spare tire with crunches!
Crunches eliminate excess fat around your waistline. What may surprise you is that the bicycle maneuver is more than 50% more effective at working your obliques than crunches.
I missed the fifth tip due to breaking news of the earthquake, so if anyone knows what it was, please share in the comments section below.

To see Jillian's trainer tip and find out who was kicked off, just

The Biggest Loser: I Can't Believe It's Jez

FitSugar — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 10:15:00 -0700

Last night on The Biggest Loser we watched as the show turned into a game.

I know it's always been a game, but each season there is a turning point where people start getting nasty. Last night in an effort to sabotage members of the Black Team, Neil purposefully gained 17 pounds [gasp] by guzzling water before the weigh in. I always get a little angry when the show hits this turning point because as far as I am concerned this show is about health, and gaining 17 pounds in one week is not healthy. I wish they didn't allow foul play on BL, but I guess like any game where a cash jackpot is involved, it's bound to happen.

Kim continues to prove that she's not going to be up for any best trainer of the year awards—her attitude has been far from motivating. Not only did it get ugly with Kim again, but overall tension increased when Jez was voted off. Jez was losing a great deal of weight, but he also had a great outlook on the show, weight loss, and life in general so it's hard to see him go. iVillage caught up with him after the show, so check out his parting words. Also check out what last week's cast-off, Phil, is up to on Sunny's Shape Up Blog.

I will say that something to be learned from the week's show is to just keep your eye on the ball. While The Biggest Loser is a game, life is not. Do your best in being healthy and you'll get there — now is the time to be thankful of your supporters and be happy that you don't have any conniving folks looking to sabotage your goals.

While the great little tips and tidbits were lacking again this week, Kim provided us with a workout tip so to find out what it is, just

The Biggest Loser Recap: The Biggest Disappointment

FitSugar — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 11:45:00 -0700

Was anyone else a little disappointed/confused with The Biggest Loser last night?

I don't know, something was just off about the episode last night. I felt they sped through it and that the personal touch, something I love about the show, was completely lost. Kim completely lost her cool and was not acting like the supportive trainer that I had thought she was. Now I understand why you guys didn't pick Kim as the trainer you'd most like to have. Hollie, from the Black Team, made the decision to visit home to be by her mother's side, who was battling cancer. In the end Phil, the guy who I thought was going to win it all, sadly got the boot. iVillage got caught up with Phil after the show, and while you're at it, check out Sunny's interview with Jim, last week's loser.

Usually a bunch of great tips and tokens about losing weight are offered throughout the show, and I outline them here for you guys. Last night however, not so much. This is all I got from the show — Chew gum while preparing meals so that you don't snack before you eat. A decent tip, but I expected more.

What did you guys think about the show? Was the episode weird to you or was that just my take on it?

Source

The Biggest Loser Recap: Black Team Faces Elimination

FitSugar — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 11:04:03 -0700

Last night during The Biggest Loser I am happy to report that I did not shed a tear.

Last night the campus was closed down and the teams were forced to go to Jamaica to work out — those poor things. However, Jamaica did prove to be a challenge since there were constant temptations (booze, relaxing and not working out, etc.) so it was interesting to see the struggle as well as be assured that you can be disciplined on vacation and still have a good time. The Black Team lost the weigh in and had to face elimination. The game got dirty, as it always does, and Jim (one of the twins) was voted off. Jim looked absolutely amazing at his check-in and I can't wait to see him at the finale. To see his parting words, check out iVillage. Curious what last week's cast off is up to? Patty had lunch with Sunny from Body By Glamour.

Here's what I learned from The Biggest Loser this week:

When traveling, get your workout done first thing in the morning because this way it's done. Especially since chances are that once you get your day going, you're not going to want to hit the gym.
You don't have to use the gym at the hotel to get a workout. Use the pool, the beach, and the ocean to get in a workout that allows you to enjoy your surroundings while working out.
If you have an all inclusive package, be especially careful when choosing your food items from buffets. Also, drink alcohol in moderation or avoid it altogether.
When flying, don't get stuck being so hungry that you stop at the first fast food place in the airport. Take along some 100 calorie packs on the plane for when you get hungry.

Kim gave us a great tip for working our butts, thighs and glutes. To find out what it is, just

Biggest Loser Recap: Patty and Her Smile Leave The Campus

FitSugar — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 11:45:00 -0700

Another great episode on "The Biggest Loser" last night - once again I was brought to tears.

From the Red Team getting immunity from the weigh-in by winning the challenge to Jillian really showing the Black Team her heart, the episode was jam packed. I am loving that the trainers are more involved this season because it makes them a little more accountable. In the end Patty, quite possibly the most smiley contestant ever on BL, got the boot from Bob's Blue team. I was proud of her however as she looked great in her check-up at the end of the show. Check out her parting words at iVillage.com. While we're at it, check out Sunny's interview with Jerry, who got kicked off last week, at Sunny's Shape Up Blog.

Here's what I learned from "The Biggest Loser" this week:

American's consume over half a billion cupcakes each year, which is about 90 billion calories per year.
Food should never be a reward, so think of something else to reward yourself with. Perhaps a hot new pair of high heels instead.
It's impossible to win something if you don't even attempt it in the first place.
Get someone to push you to go beyond your comfort zone and encourage you to succeed - this could be a trainer, a best friend, a sister or a coworker.
One spin class can burn around 700-1000 calories, so get spinning. To find a free spin class near you, click here.
Get something tangible to remind yourself of your goals. On BL they use goal shirts, which are cute logo t-shirts, but maybe you're more inspired by something a little prettier like a bracelet.

I also loved Jillian's trainer tip. To find out what it was, just

Even Jillian Struggled With Weight Issues

FitSugar — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 11:00:00 -0700

Jillian took second place as the trainer you'd want from "The Biggest Loser," so it's no secret that there is something about her we like and can see in ourselves. Well, it may be that Jillian has also struggled with her weight too, and that is something we can all relate to.

Here's more:

Even though she is now one of the leading personal trainers in the industry, Jillian struggled with her weight and appearance throughout most of her youth. After being introduced to the martial arts, Jillian finally found the motivation to transform her appearance. She studied Muay Thai and Akarui-Do, in which she eventually earned a black belt. One of the most important lessons her instructor ever taught her was to reverse her negative thinking.

Along with dropping the negative attitude, Jillian's number one tip is to control your environment to the best of your ability. So instead of telling yourself you are not going to eat any bread at a restaurant, Jillian believes you should immediately ask the waiter not to bring any bread to the table. Great tip - I do this myself!

While you're working on controlling your environments, let this post serve as your reminder that "The Biggest Loser" is on tonight 8:30/7:30 central if you want to watch it.

Source

"Biggest Loser" Recap: Losing Is Still Losing

FitSugar — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 11:00:00 -0700

My emotions went through the ringer once again during "The Biggest Loser" last night. The folks on the Red Team got to make a call home as the result of winning a challenge, which resulted in seeing grown men cry, which resulted in leaving me a blubbery mess. That is, however, not the point of this post.

Moving on.

The Red Team also had their very first victory at the weigh in and the Blue Team had their very first loss. The team decided to vote off Jerry [gasp], who was not only the oldest contestant in Biggest Loser history but also my favorite player. Bummer. iVillage interviewed Jerry after the show, so check out his parting words here. Oh, and while we're seeing what past contestants are up to, Sunny had lunch with Lezlye (last week's loser, er 'not' loser) - so check out Sunny's Shape Up Blog for the fun recap.

To see what I learned from The Biggest Loser this week, just

Which BL Trainer Would You Want?

FitSugar — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 03:30:00 -0700

Another two hour episode of "The Biggest Loser" is on tonight and since you guys always mention that you forget to watch, let this post serve as a reminder to tune in tonight! In light of tonight's episode, I am curious which trainer would you rather have train you...Source

Which BL Trainer Would You Want?

Bob Harper

Kim Lyons

Jillian Michaels

Words That Move You...

FitSugar — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 16:30:00 -0700

As you all know, "The Biggest Loser" is one of my favorite TV shows, since it proves that people can make positive changes in their lives by exercising and eating right. Here's an encouraging reminder...

"Take charge of your life. Every day is a new day."

-Bob Harper fitness trainer for "The Biggest Loser"

It reminds us that these changes take time, but if we are patient, and we take care of ourselves each day, we can accomplish our goals.

If you need a little bit more inspiration, check out the video preview for this season's "The Biggest Loser". To see it

Biggest Loser Quiz

FitSugar — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 11:00:00 -0700

The Biggest Loser is always full of interesting tidbits of information and facts about health. Even if you didn't watch the show, take this quiz to see how well you know your facts about health and food in America.

Biggest Loser Recap: The Black Team Joins the Game

FitSugar — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 10:15:00 -0700

The Biggest Loser, once again, was motivating and inspiring. It's always sad to see a player get voted off, but so the game goes. Lezlye, a Katrina Survivor, was sent home mostly due to not losing big numbers on the scale.

The Black team was revealed to the Blue and Red teams, and the Black team ended up with the greatest amount of pounds shed. I think a lesson is to be learned here is that you don't need a gym to still get a workout. The Black team had not stepped one foot in a gym, they worked out in the desert, doing things such as carrying sand bags up a sandy hill, yet they still lost the most weight. Sure, they had Jillian, but they still did it.

For me, this sort of reiterated that on those days when I absolutely do not feel like stepping foot in that gym, there are other ways I can still get a workout. Sometimes it may be even better because you don't limit yourself to the equipment in the confines of the gym, you have to force yourself to step outside the box.

Source

Biggest Loser Recap: The Season Premiere

FitSugar — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 10:15:00 -0700

The Biggest Loser Season Four premiered last night and I am already hooked. The format is a little different this year, but so far so good.

As always, the cast introductions were emotional and I was amazed at how hard the trainers work them from the start. Their results showed it too as weight loss numbers ranged from seven pounds to a whopping 31 pounds from Jerry, the oldest contestant (62 years) in Biggest Loser history. Amber was kicked off -- I am not attached to any of the contestants yet, so she seemed like the best choice since she was begging to go home on day one.

One of my favorite things about the show is that lessons about being healthy are promoted. The new host, Alison Sweeney, mentioned that watching the show is a weekly reminder for viewers that they too can get healthy. Sure tuning in every week is also great for ratings, but I am not kidding you, it's motivating.

Aside from that, here's what I learned from the Biggest Loser this week:

On figuring out if something is a protein: One simple theory is that, "If it had a mother it's protein."
On resisting the urge to snack: Keep sugar free gum around and grab that when you're feeling like nibbling on something.
On drinking too much soda: Cutting out soda from your daily diet could help you lose 8 pounds over the course of a year (without even stepping on a treadmill).
On the average American diet: An American eats an average of 16 pounds of french fries per year.

To see all the new contestants and to see which of my favorite fitness gadgets made their television debuts, just

The Biggest Loser Premieres Tonight!

FitSugar — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 07:30:00 -0700

I wanted to make sure you guys were all aware that The Biggest Loser Season Four starts tonight at 8/7c on NBC. It is going to be a two hour premiere and if it follows suit to the previous seasons, it's going to be good (and you're going to need a box of Kleenex). Set your TiVo, so we can all chat about it tomorrow.

Check out the promo at NBC.com.