Alison Sweeney's New Diet Just for Moms
Alison Sweeney, host of America's favorite slim-down show, The Biggest Loser, is serving up a similar brand of diet inspiration designed with the busy mom in mind in her new book, The Mommy Diet. Having faced a very public struggle with her own weight, Sweeney knows firsthand how challenging it is to stick with a food and fitness plan, especially while also juggling the demands of work and motherhood. We talked to the svelte Sweeney to find out the get-healthy tip that worked for her, her favorite low-cal snacks, and the single-most important piece of slim-down advice she can give.
Good Housekeeping: What is your advice to moms who have trouble finding the time to work out?
Alison Sweeney: Making the time is the most crucial aspect of weight loss and the thing no one else can do for you. You can get all the advice, [all the] information you want, but if you don't take the time to actually follow through with it, you're going to end up frustrated and disappointed. It's easier said than done - but if you start to realize that your own health and wellness is just as valuable as everyone else in the family, and, in fact, critical to the well being of the whole family dynamic, then it becomes easier to put on the priority list.
GH: It's so easy for women to get down on themselves when they're trying to get in shape. What's the best way to stay positive?
AS: Set reasonable goals; not something vague and unrealistic like "I want to be super-model skinny." I always had visions of very thin actresses in my mind when I was at the gym and it seemed so unattainable that I would quit any health regimen before it even got off the ground. But when I changed my mindset to focusing on making the healthiest choices possible for myself, it was a lot more realistic, more attainable, and then the results were visible.
Related: Dr. Oz's One Day Diet
GH: What is the best health or nutrition advice you've ever received?
AS: To not starve myself. I always cringe when people tell me they don't eat breakfast, as though that's a good thing. Eek! You have to start the day off with something in your stomach to get your metabolism active. Also, the mental game of 'holding out,' not eating for as long as possible, at least for me, was a really unhealthy mental place. I would inevitably lose that battle and eat too much in one sitting and end up really mad at myself.
GH: What exercise has most helped you to reach your goal weight?
AS: Spinning has been such an amazing part of my exercise. I love the music, the energy, and the sweat. It's a tough class, which makes me feel like I've really accomplished something. It's a great way to burn fat and lean out the body. An all-around win!
Related: 5 Myths of Weight Loss
GH: What are your favorite go-to snacks that help you curb cravings and stay on track?
AS: I love almonds as a snack, and in the morning, yogurt is a fantastic go-to. Sometimes I mix them together.
GH: Do you cook often at home? What are some favorite meals at your house?
AS: I cook at home all the time and really enjoy it. It's fun family time and we all chip in and help out. We do a lot with our outdoor grill, a lot of chicken or shrimp, and every meal includes veggies.
GH: Are your kids picky eaters? Do they eat their veggies?
AS: I have encouraged my kids to eat well from day one. I add flavor - herbs and spices - to everything because I don't want them getting used to starchy, bland food. I also want them to experiment - they don't have to love everything, but they do have to try it. I love fresh vegetables and we always include them in our meals. I don't force my kids to eat asparagus, but they do eat peas, broccoli, and carrots.
Related: Is Your Fridge Making You Fat?
GH: Having a healthy body image is so important, especially for kids. How do you help your children learn to love themselves?
AS: This is one of my biggest concerns with both kids. Especially with me working in the entertainment industry, I think my kids are aware of weight and fat much earlier than other kids. It was important to me from the beginning to make sure they understand things like why too much sugar is bad for you, etc. But none of that should reflect on their self-worth. That's the biggest thing to separate - your body from your self worth.
-By Caylin Harris
-Photo credit: Robert Trachtenberg
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