Susie Burrell certainly knows a thing or two about weight loss and good nutrition. She’s not only a leading nutritionist and author, but glamorous host of The Biggest Loser Club’s ground-breaking new online meetings too. We ask her about the most common eating errors, her own diet and how she feels about her exciting new role with The Club.
What inspired you to become a dietitian?
When I was at high school, I watched Hayley Lewis win five gold medals at the Commonwealth Games. In an interview she talked about her sports dietitians and I thought it sounded like a really fun job, especially since the dietitian she spoke of also looked after the Brisbane Broncos and I loved the rugby league. At that time I decided that I would like to be a sports dietitian, but I have also found there are many other areas of nutrition that I enjoy working in.
What do you love about the job?
Without a doubt, the best thing is seeing people’s whole lives change once they gain control over their weight.
What is the most common dietary mistake that people make?
Taking an “all or nothing” approach to health and fitness rather than accepting that eating well and exercising is something they will need to do most days for the rest of their life.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career?
Early on I read John McGrath’s book, You Inc which really had a powerful effect on the way I thought about life and the way I wanted to live it. More recently I follow a number of successful US personalities, including Suze Orman and Kelly Cutrone, who give me much inspiration.
What is your proudest moment?
Definitely publishing my first book, Losing the last 5kg late last year. Writing a book was always something I have wanted to do and I am very proud of the final product.
What is your diet like?
Pretty good – I do have a sweet tooth and do eat chocolate quite regularly but the basic diet I eat is mostly vegetables, salad and lean protein. I do tend to eat out a lot so I try and eat lightly during the day and I always start the day with a green tea followed by a very hot skim latte at the local coffee shop.
What is always in your fridge and cupboard?
Vegemite, Burgen Soy-Lin Bread, carrots, cheese, capsicum dip, Vita Weat, eggs and cucumber, Turkish Delight, Dilmah Extra Strong and Lipton Jasmine Green Tea, skim milk and BSc Body Protein.
Do you need to exercise?
Yes, a lot, for my physical, mental and digestive health. Generally, I train most days and that would include at least a walk. I try and do two weights sessions a week and two or three interval sessions on the treadmill. I have a trainer once a week who really trains me well and one of my goals is to fit in a swim session each week in 2011.
Do you ever struggle with your weight?
I wouldn’t say struggle as it always tends to keep pretty stable but I know exactly what I need to do to keep it that way and hence my ongoing commitment to training.
How do you relax?
I work really hard for blocks of time before taking a big chunk of time off so looking forward to that helps. I really like to work out, spend time at the beach and I love, love, love watching US series, such as Gossip Girl and The Rachel Zoe Project.
What are your plans for 2011?
I am currently working on my second book and will spend a month in the US in the middle of the year. This year I really want to find a good balance between my work and personal life. Things are looking really good so bring it on.
About the online meetings
Susie Burrell is hosting a series of ONLINE MEETINGS WITH LIVE CHAT for The Biggest Loser Club, which will be broadcast weekly from 24 January.
These lively gatherings will be streamed on the internet and will bring members, ex-Biggest Loser contestants and health experts together to explore weight loss topics, answer the questions that matter and learn practical tips on how to eat, move and live better. There’s a super shopper section that reveals what to put in your trolley each week. And Commando Steve will be on hand to celebrate our outstanding members.
Best of all, you can post your questions and chat with other viewers while the online meeting is being broadcast, so you can be part of the action. Book your seat today and propel your weight loss in 2011.