It seems The Biggest Loser 'game' is officially on. I was wondering when everyone was going to stop being so nice to each other and get down to business!
Last night, we saw the couples face their very first temptation and, I have to say, I think the contestants are finding more steel and resolve with every series.
Temptation is a really strange thing in Loser land because when you're in the house, you only get it once a week. The trainers and the show's nutritionist, Dr Clare Collins, determine what foods we can and can't eat – high-calorie treats are certainly off the menu.
Of course, on the outside, you get 'temptation' more often than once a week – sometimes every 10 minutes! The temptations I'm talking about are when you see a TV commercial for a delicious new burger; when you open the pantry to a glorious big biscuit tin; when someone offers you a muffin; or when you're at the counter of the petrol station surrounded by chocolate, chips and buy-2-get-1-free offers.
I thought Sean's gesture of turning his back to the temptation was very smart. I know he meant it as an act of defiance, but remember that when you see food, you’re hardwired to want to eat it. Keeping food out of your line of vision can give you a little extra control, so try it at your next party or barbecue.
The other interesting thing about last night’s game is the process of elimination Ajay used to shorten the odds. When you feel like a treat, try looking up what you want to eat in The Biggest Loser Club Calorie Counter or food search. If it’s too many calories, eliminate and look for something else. If your second choice is still too high, search again. FYI, I try to keep my treats to between 100-200 calories, but it also depends on how much training I’ve done that day.
Speaking of training, I thought Shannan’s advice to Amanda when she was doing the hill runs was worth noting. Like Amanda, I’m a comfort eater and for many years have used food to suppress some heavy emotions. So, when Shannan helped her conquer the hill by ‘getting angry’ and ‘staring it down’ I thought, yeah, that’s good advice – I’ll try that. It’s much better to take your rage out on your training rather than your digestive system!
Finally, did I hear correctly at the end of the show…? Did Nathan say something about $400,000? I am starting to wish I applied for Series 4 instead of Series 3! But as is the case with Loser, there’s sure to be a twist… so make sure you tune in at 7PM tonight on TEN and check your inbox in the morning for my latest update.
Episode 4 highlights
If you missed last night's episode, you can catch up at The Biggest Loser TV show website.
Although I didn’t mention it above, I loved hearing what Teresa used to eat before Loser. Shannan estimated her daily intake as 4000 calories back then but Teresa thinks it’s more likely to be 6000! Take a look and see for yourself.
Healthy Eating with Dr Clare Collins
I also noticed this video on The Biggest Loser website and thought I’d share – it’s Dr Clare Collins’s tips on healthy eating. Dr Collins is the nutritionist for The Biggest Loser as well as The Biggest Loser Club; she’s one of the most practical and fantastic nutritionists around!