The Biggest Loser: Fitness Begins in the Kitchen

Some say fitness begins in the kitchen. It certainly did this week on The Biggest Loser reality TV show.

Two contestants were put in charge of all the cooking for their teams. Only they could enter the kitchen to fix breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks.

While it took away time from working out – and losing more weight – it also gave a glimpse into how different everyone on the show eats.

Registered dietitians and physicians specializing in weight loss have tailored each contestant’s meal plan. They’ve taken all the guesswork so many of us face every night: What’s for dinner?

Contestants on The Biggest Loser learn they can’t have steak or burgers, but they can have fish or chicken breast. Each tablespoon of salad dressing is counted for calories. That extra drizzle is another 20 minutes on the treadmill.

And all of them seem to be enjoying what health officials recommend for everyone: eating colorful fruit and vegetables.

Teammate Ken chopped up a fresh salad of healthy greens with red and green bell peppers. Aside from the beauty, it’s salads like this that can help someone lose weight because it helps lower the number of calories they eat.

What you don’t hear and see on The Biggest Loser is important, too. Neither the trainers nor the doctors recommend taking supplements on the show. Nutrition experts say foods are the best source of vitamins and minerals.

Dark orange and green vegetables contain vitamins A and C, fiber, potassium and other nutrients, according to the United States Department of Agriculture.

Losing weight is a great side effect to eating healthy. Even better is reducing your risk for type 2 diabetes, stroke and heart disease!

Source: US Department of Agriculture

Alice Warchol is a fitness instructor and freelance health writer.

Learn about Bon Secours Weight Loss