‘Biggest Loser’: Eat healthy, save money

Take a cue from the competitors on the hit weight-loss show and get healthy! Devin Alexander shares contestants’ favorite low-calorie recipes as well as tips on how to get in shape without breaking the bank in “The Biggest Loser Family Cookbook.” An excerpt.

The weight of the union
Let’s face it: America has become a hefty nation. About two-thirds, or 66 percent, of us have been classified by health officials as overweight or obese. In the late ’80s and early ’90s, that statistic was 56 percent. In the late ’70s, it was more like 47 percent. The numbers show a dramatic increase. Even more disturbing is the fact that about one-third of our children and teens are overweight or obese — triple the rate of their parents’ and grandparents’ generations. Doctors are diagnosing high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes in elementary school kids and, in some cases, predicting shorter life spans for them than their parents for the first time ever. What we eat today has an impact not only on our future, but on the future of our children. Trainers Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels on The Biggest Loser always shake their heads at the amount of fast food their contestants — and their families —  are used to eating before they arrive at the ranch. “It’s super-size this and super-size that,” observes Harper, “with the result that portion sizes are out of control as well.”

So how can you protect your family from our national health crisis? Two words: family meals.  The demise of the once-hallowed ritual of family mealtime is emerging as a factor, say researchers, in this country’s obesity epidemic. Studies indicate that dinnertime is the perfect opportunity to introduce healthy foods into your family’s diet and to involve family members (that includes the kids!) in food choices, preparation, and cooking. But we’re talking about more than just food. It’s also a perfect time for family members to slow down and talk to each other. Parents might actually find out what’s going on in their teenagers’ lives! And when the dinner table is an enjoyable place — in terms of both food and environment — big strides can be made for the health of everyone sitting around it.

If family mealtime isn’t already a part of your day, try to work it into your family’s schedule so that it becomes a priority. Like soccer practice or day care, it will soon become an integral part of your day, and something you won’t skip. If the kids are reluctant at first, start small. Gradually introducing change makes it easier for them to adjust. Start by filling everyone’s drinking glass with water or skim milk instead of soda. Or turning off the TV during meals. And try to get your kids involved! Don’t just put down a plate of food in front of them and say, “Eat it.” Let them be involved in the shopping and meal preparation, and they might even try a few new vegetables.

Video   Eat like ‘The Biggest Loser’ Jan. 13: Chef Devin Alexander shows off some healthy recipes from her new collection, “The Biggest Loser Family Cookbook.” Today show

We’ve witnessed firsthand the powerful influence of family on Season 6 of The Biggest Loser. Vicky and Brady Vilcan came to the ranch from Louisiana, worried about their weight but heartbroken about the example they were setting for their children, especially their daughter, who weighed 63 pounds at the age of 4. “I feel 100 percent responsible for my daughter. She’s overweight, and I know it’s because of me,” said Vicky. But after the Vilcans committed to a healthy way of life at the ranch, things changed. “Before my experience at The Biggest Loser ranch,” said Brady, “We often ate whenever and wherever we felt like. Ninety percent of the time, we ate at a restaurant or took home takeout. Now I spend a lot of time planning what to get from the grocery store to prepare at home. The first thing I do at mealtime is turn off the television. Mealtime is now family time, where we all sit together at the same time and share thoughts about the day.”

Frustratingly, eating healthfully these days doesn’t always come cheap. Even the cost of basic staples such as bread, milk, and eggs has climbed significantly — not to mention the price of produce and other wholesome foods. A trip to the grocery store has become an exercise in sticker shock, while the low prices of many unhealthful, processed foods and fast foods has remained relatively stable.

Once The Biggest Losers leave the ranch and re-enter the real world, they’re struggling with the same budgetary issues as the rest of us. But, as you’ll see throughout this book, there’s hope! “We have found that since we’re not eating out like we used to, we actually have more money to spend on good, healthy food,” says Stacey Capers, another Season 6 member. “So we’ve moved the ‘dining out’ part of our budget over to groceries. And we’re always on the lookout for a good sale!”  Cooking and eating at home not only ensures that you’re eating healthy, nutritious foods — it also helps you save money.

Coleen Skeabeck of Season 6 adds, “For me, getting the best deal possible and not breaking the bank is so important. I shop at a local farmers’ market to get the best prices on produce instead of buying it at the grocery store. As for the other groceries, I plan out what I’d like to eat for the next week or so and then buy only what I need instead of throwing a bunch of items in my cart. And although sometimes it takes a minute to flip through the ads, finding items you need that may be on sale really helps!”

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