Healthy Living

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

3 Life Lessons You Can Learn From The Biggest Loser

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It's no secret that I have my issues with reality TV. I hate the Biggest Loser eliminations. I loathe all the contrived story beats of temptations and challenges. The creative editing makes me utterly bananas and yet here I am, still on Loser going into a double season of 8 and 9! Why? Because the goodness of the show always prevails. Because there are some lessons I have learned while working with my BL contestants that I think are powerful enough to change the world. Here are some for you to ponder...

1. Nothing Is Impossible
Let's face it: If I can take a person that is 400 pounds and get them into run-a-marathon shape in four months, we as human beings are capable of just about anything.

2. You Should Never Ask "Why Me"--Instead, Ask "Why NOT Me?"
Society--and sometimes even our own friends and family members--says you are arrogant and selfish if you want to be anything beyond the norm. Strive to become healthier or richer or more successful than average and it becomes a "Who do you think you are?" scenario. That is such a crock of s#$%. On Biggest Loser my contestants learn to stop asking "Why me?" and ask this question: "Why not me?" Why not me get gorgeous, healthy and famous? Why not me fall in love? Why not me have the career of my dreams? And here is the best part: by putting themselves first for once, they change their lives, achieve their goals and inspire a nation. So, the next time you feel less-than or undeserving of making a healthy change, ask yourself that question...Why not you?

3. You Must Choose To Be Happy.
Life will not always be easy. You won't always be happy. Things will go wrong that are unfair and totally out of your control, but... you have a choice. You can choose to become a victim of these unfortunate events or you can choose to learn from them and grow. A lot of the contestants on Biggest Loser have had very sad lives--some filled with tragedy, all filled with physical hardship. But the ones who succeed do so because they come to find a meaning and purpose in their struggles that propels them towards a beautiful rich fulfilling future. Are you at a lifestyle or weight turning point? What choice are you going to make?

Get more advice from Jillian Michaels, like:
-2 Secrets That Will Change the Way You Think About Improving Your Body
-3 Fitness Dos & Don'ts I Learned From My Workout With Jillian Michaels
-Jillian Michaels' Secrets to Starting to Slim Down Today

--Jillian Michaels is the author of the new book Master Your Metabolism and the motivation coach for the free Body by Glamour shape-up program. She's helped dozens of people get slim and healthy as a trainer on The Biggest Loser--and has helped thousands of others through her DVDs and books! Look for her unique brand of motivation advice every Thursday right here!

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From the Community…

Comments 1-10 of 27
  • M's Avatar
    Posted by M Mon May 18, 2009 2:28pm PDT

    That's true. If a 400lb person can reach their goals and lose couple of hundred pounds, I think most of us are capable of losing a measly 5, 10, 15,,20, and even 50lbs!

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  • criticalcat's Avatar
    Posted by criticalcat Tue May 19, 2009 12:52pm PDT

    Jillian rocks!

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  • Katie B's Avatar
    Posted by Katie B Tue May 19, 2009 9:56pm PDT

    I know I always feel more motivated to exercise and eat right when I am watching the biggest loser... Maybe I should DVR it so I can actually watch it and be continually motivated... :D

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  • machira's Avatar
    Posted by machira Sat May 23, 2009 11:47am PDT

    Its a lesson worth to behold its wonderful kudo

    Report Abuse
  • Some Bum's Avatar
    Posted by Some Bum Sun May 24, 2009 2:09pm PDT

    I do not have cable at my own home, however, if I'm at my mother's house, I do splurge and watch a bit of it. The other day was first time I sat and watched an episode of this show. This being said:

    I have been on a lifestyle diet that not only will change the way I eat but they way I see my life. With in three months I've lost thirty pounds of weight. I already feel the difference in myself. I can now go out and do excersizes, when I was just to heavy to do it before. Do I agree with this article, indeed. Even though I watched one episode I felt the need to go out and put a bit more effort into my daily routine.

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