A breakfast of champions: turkey meatballs!

Kidding. But I have to fess-up to eating a meatball at 7am this morning!!! Actually 6:56am...

Ew, right? Nooo! I swear, meatballs are typically THE easiest thing for me to zoom by at a cocktail party or array of hors d'oeuvres (I am 99% sure that's the first time I spelled that French word correctly on my first try...even after 9 years of French classes!). These meatballs, however, are phenom! And...healthy! Spicy, too! Mmmm!

Juuuuicay!!

Sweet 'n Sassy Meatballs

2 eggs, lightly beaten

2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce

2 Tbsp + 1 cup chipotle sauce, divided

1 cup whole wheat bread crumbs

2 Tbsp dried, minced onion

1 tsp dried oregano

3/4 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

1 lb lean ground turkey breast

1 lb Italian turkey sausage links, casings removed

1/2 cup reduced-sugar, all-natural apricot preserves

Directions

In a large bowl, combine eggs, Worcestershire sauce, and 2 tablespoons chili sauce. Stir in bread crumbs, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Crumble turkey sausage and ground turkey breast over mixture and mix well (hands may be required!). Shape into 1-inch balls.

Place on a rack coated with cooking spray in a shallow baking pan. Bake at 375 F for 15-20 minutes or until meat is no longer pink.

In a large bowl, combine apricot preserves and remaining chili sauce. Add meatballs and toss gently to coat. Place in a 15-inch x 10-inch x 1 inch baking pan coated with cooking spray. Bake 5-10 minutes longer or until glazed, stirring every 3 minutes*.

*I omitted this last step as I transferred my meatballs to a crock pot for buffet serving.

Yield: 4 dozen

Serving size: 1 meatball

Nutrition Information (per serving): 42 calories, 2 grams of fat, 0 grams of saturated fat, 20 mg cholesterol, 179 mg sodium, 3 grams carbohydrate, 0 grams fiber, 3 grams protein

Had to whip out the big bertha of crock pots from the attic to fit all the balls...

I even had to cut my crock pot liner (upper left) to make it fit!

And another great appetizer recipe which is also very colorful and fun...

Cold Chicken-Cheese Kabobs

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp chili powder

1/8 tsp pepper

1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed

1/2 cup balsamic vinegar

2 tsp olive oil

5 ounces part-skim mozzarella cheese, cubed

16 cherry tomatoes

Combine salt, pepper, and chili powder; rub into chicken cubes. Transfer to a large bowl and add vinegar. Cover and refridgerate 3-4 hours or overnight.

In a large skillet, cook chicken in oil until no longer pink. Cool slightly. Alternately tread chicken, cheese, and tomatoes onto wooden toothpicks. Serve cold.

Yield: 16 servings

Serving size: 1 skewer

Nutrition information (per serving): 48 calories, 2 grams of fat, 1 gram saturated fat, 13 mg cholesterol, 132 mg sodium, 2 grams carbohydrate, 0 grams fiber, 6 grams protein

With the holidays coming up, these are 2 hors d'oeuvres worth some serious consideration in adding to or changing in your line-up!

Well, I've played hookie all morning from work cooking away for this afternoon's holiday party for our patients. Considering the circumstances, I am opting out of wearing scrubs to work for the second time this week...gasp! I know, right. So, off I go to put effort into myself. Have a wonderful weekend...

...anyone have any exciting weekend plans? Do tell! I've got nuttin'!

And if you had to choose TWO favorite TV shows currently in-season, what would they be? (I can't choose just one, so that's why I'm asking for 2!)

Modern Family (highly rec!) and 90210 for me!
Yes, I realize this makes me completely lame!

And for all you Biggest Loser fans...this is a must-see!

Kellogg's Owns Up to Un-Fit Fiber

Did you know there has been a 1344% increase in whole grain products since 2000? Common claims surrounding grains, such as “made with whole grain”, “good source of whole grain,” and “whole grain guaranteed” resonate strongly with nearly all adults (87%), indicating an increase in purchase interest in response to whole-grain content claims [1]. Interestingly, however, Americans are STILL not meeting the recommended 20 to 35 grams of fiber a day.

Kellogg’s called out cereal companies including General Mills, Quaker, Malt-O-Meal, Post…and themselves in a recent publication they published entitled, “Whole Grain Half Truths.” A recent survey conducted by Kellogg’s revealed that consumers purchase ‘whole-grain’ products in an effort to intake more fiber and increase the healthfulness of the foods they eat. The majority (73%) of consumers felt that purchasing products made with whole-grains translated into purchasing those products providing good sources of fiber [1].

Sadly, consumers are being lead astray with such beliefs. To aid consumers in choosing higher fiber breakfast cereals, Kellogg’s audited a sample of breakfast cereals used between January 2005 and August 2008. The data was drawn from a syndicated database including the major brands aforementioned. What Kellogg’s revealed was unfavorable for most commonly recognized cereal brands, especially General Mills.

0 grams of fiber

General Mills Rice Chex

1 gram of fiber

General Mills Chocolate Chex

General Mills Cinnamon Toast Crunch

General Mills Cocoa Puffs

General Mills Cookie Crisps

General Mills Corn Chex

General Mills Golden Grahams

General Mills Lucky Charms

General Mills Reese’s Puffs

Kellogg’s Fruit Harvest Strawberry-Blueberry

Kellogg’s Mini-Swirlz Cinnamon

Malt-O-Meal Honey & Oat Blenders Cereal

Malt-O-Meal Mashmallow Mateys

2 grams of fiber

General Mills Frosted Cheerios

General Mills Honey Nut Cheerios

General Mills Oat Clusters Cheerios

General Mills Oat Clusters Cheerios Crunch

General Mills Yogurt Burst Cheerios

Malt-O-Meal Cinnamon Toasters

Malt-O-Meal Honey Nut Scooters

Post Honey Bunches of Oats

Post Honey-Comb

Quaker Life

Quaker Maple & Brown Sugar Cereal

GOOD sources of fiber (3-4 grams)

General Mills Aspire

General Mills Cheerios

General Mills Kix

General Mills Nature Valley Organic

General Mills Total

General Mills Total Honey Clusters

General Mills Total Whole Grain

Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes Gold

Kellogg’s Low Fat Granola with Raisins

Kellogg’s Low Fat Granola without Raisins

Kellogg’s Mueslix

Kellogg’s Raisin Bran Crunch

Kellogg’s Smart Antioxidant

Kellogg’s Wild Animal Crunch

Quaker Natural Granola

Quaker Oatmeal Squares

EXCELLENT sources of fiber (5-11 grams)

General Mills Curves

General Mills Fiber One (Caramel Delight)

General Mills Fiber One Raisin Bran Clusters

General Mills Total Raisin Bran

Kellogg’s All-Bran Yogurt Bites

Kellogg’s Cracklin’ Oat Bran

Kellogg’s Mini-Wheats Frosted Bite Size

Kellogg’s Mini-Wheats Frosted Bite Size Blueberry Muffin

Kellogg’s Mini-Wheats Frosted Bite Size Strawberry Delight

Kellogg’s Mini-Wheats Frosted Bite Size Vanilla Creme

Kellogg’s Mini-Wheats Frosted Maple & Brown Sugar

Kellogg’s Mini-Wheats Frosted Original (Big Bite)

Kellogg’s Mini-Wheats Frosted Bite Size Cinnamon Streusel

Kellogg’s Mini-Wheats Un-Frosted Bite Site

Kellogg’s Raisin Bran

Kraft Vanilla Almond Crunch Cereal

Malt-O-Meal Frosted Mini Wheats

Malt-O-Meal Lightly Sweetened Whole Grain Cereal

Post Grape-Nuts

Post Healthy Classics Grape-Nuts

Post Honey Maid

Post Raisin Bran

Post Shredded Wheat Cereal

Quaker Oatmeal Squares

What Kellogg’s found:

-         At the time of the audit, 72 nationally distributed ready-to-eat cereal products included clearly visible whole-grain claims on their packaging

-         Of the cereals containing whole-grain health claims, fiber content ranged from 0 to 11 grams per serving

-         Of those cereals touting whole-grain ingredients, 32 (roughly half) were found to provide less than a “good” source of fiber (3 grams per serving)

-         Approximately 60% of breakfast cereals provided less than 1 gram of fiber

For more information from Kellogg’s, go here.

Also……………..

I heard back from “The Biggest Loser Resort at Fitness Ridge”. Here was their email in response:

Hi Nicole!

Thank you for your interest in the Biggest Loser Resort at Fitness Ridge!  Its great to hear from OK!  (I have family in Broken Arrow/Coweta/Tulsa)  We do have a RD, her name is Emily Fonnesbeck and she is registered with the ADA and is certified for Adult Weight Management through the commission of Dietetic Registration.  She has been with us for many years and teaches several lectures throughout the week so guests can learn about portion management, how to understand calories, and proper eating habits.  Her Bio can be found on our web page under the tab About Us, and Wellness Team. 

You can visit our website at www.biggestloserresort.com and under the "Our Program" tab, you can download our brochure for more information about us! Please call or email me and let me know how I can further assist you!


Best,
Matthew Arrington
The Biggest Loser Resort at Fitness Ridge
Toll Free 888-870-2639
Local 435-673-6600
www.biggestloserresort.com
 

And last, but not least, my diabetic meal pattern for yesterday:

Breakfast:

2 whole wheat waffles (2)

2 Tbsp peanut butter (0)

Banana (2)

     Total: 4 carbs

Lunch:

1 small serving leftover squash/goat cheese fettuccine (3 carbs)

1 cup Waldorf salad (1 carb)

     Total: 4 carbs

Snack:

4 wafer cookies (1 carb)

Dinner:

Tomato basil tortilla (2 carbs)

4 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breast (0 carbs)

Lettuce, tomato, and light ranch dressing (0 carbs)

20 oven baked fries (2 carbs)

     Total: 4 carbs

Snack:

5 Triscuits (1 carb)

1 ounce 2% cheese (0 carbs)

Exercise:

90-minute hockey game

You can be a “Biggest Loser”, too!

Were you one of probable millions sitting on your tushie last night thinking, “If only I had a Bob or Jillian to whip me into shape…”? If so, your dream (or worst nightmare) can come true for a mere $2,000 per week during an extended stay at Utah’s Biggest Loser Resort at Fitness Ridge.

At the Biggest Loser Resort, people live a life mimicking that of NBC’s Biggest Loser contestants –- 1,200 calories a day and 8-9 hours a day spent exercising.

Just for $hits and giggles, I called toll-free number for the Biggest Loser Resort at Fitness Ridge on my lunch hour today. A very pleasant (and clueless) woman answered my call, eager to take down my contact information, how I had heard about the resort, and of course, if I was interested in making a reservation. I cautiously explained my interest in calling...something along the lines of, “I am interested in learning more about the nutrition counseling offered at the resort after reading the available resort services on your website.” After learning that I was 1) a dietitian, and 2) not interested in making a reservation, she put me on hold to find out whether or not their “nutrition professional” was, in fact, a registered dietitian. She returned only to ask that I put my request into writing and the inquiry would be forwarded to the appropriate party.

So, what do YOU think of such a weight-loss experience? It leaves me speechless as to how ANY medical professional would deem it appropriate to have any Biggest Loser participants on a 1,200 calorie diet. Anyways, any OTHER opinions out there? I do think the concept is great, but the execution needs some alterations.

Life as a diabetic...day 1

I'll admit, I'm not used to looking at grams of carbohydrates in foods. I'm aware of calories, almost to a fault (though I generally don't put this knowledge towards portion control as much as I should at times...), but carbohydrates are a whole new ballgame to me...as far as LIVING a diabetic diet, anyways.

I teach basic diabetic diets all day long. So, for myself...I'm opting to keep things simple, as well, and I'm going to count carbs using a "carbohydrate counting," where 15 grams of total carbohydrate = 1 carb "choice" (or "1 carb" as you'll see me abbreviate).

For all intensive purposes, I've opted to follow a very basic 45-60 gram a meal (3-4 choices) pattern with one to two snacks a day totaling 15-30 grams each (1-2 choices). Within the last hour of the day, diabetics should consume a snack containing BOTH carbohydrate and protein. This macronutrient combination helps to regulate blood sugars throughout the night by "tricking" the liver into not assuming the body is fasting. If the body believes it will not receive food, for example, the liver produces glucose and thus elevates blood sugars. Many diabetics see high morning blood glucose readings and an improper or absent evening snack is typically to blame. While this explanation may be over-simplified, it makes sense to the general public...and that is what I do :)

So, here's today mapped out.

Breakfast:

2 packets of Quaker Lower Sugar Maple and Brown Sugar oatmeal (3 carbs)

1 Tbsp chopped pecans (0 carbs)

8 oz. black coffee (0 carbs)

4 oz. fat-free cappuccino (1 carb)

     Total: 4 carbs 

Lunch:

2 c. homemade potato soup (2 carbs)

1 small apples (1 carb)

2 wedges Laughing Cow Light (0 carbs)

1 oz. almonds (0 carbs)

     Total: 3 carbs

Snack:

6 peanut butter crackers (1 1/2 carbs)

Dinner:

3 c. toss salad (0 carbs)

2 Tbsp Toasted Asian Ginger (Light) dressing (0 carbs)

1/4th Spinach Calzone (3 1/2 carbs)

5* oz. red wine, Chianti (0 carbs)

     Total: 3 1/2 carbs 

Evening snack:

3 squares of graham crackers (1 carb)

2 Tbsp peanut butter (1/2 carb)

     Total: 1 1/2 carbs

Exercise:

3-mile run 

15 minute walk with Lily

*2 glasses would take me to 1/2 carb, however...but it's a school night, so just one for me

I also weighed myself this morning, so my starting weight is: 1?9.4 (a lady never tells her weight!). Maybe we'll see a drop...we shall see! Sure wouldn't mind that added bonus of this endeavor!

The spinach calzones tonight were AWESOME! Here's the recipe and a picture....

Spinach Calzone

3/4 cup 1% low-fat cottage cheese
1/2 cup low-fat sour cream
1/4 cup (2 ounces) 1/3-less-fat cream cheese, softened
3 tablespoons grated fresh Parmesan cheese
1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained, and squeezed dry
1 (7-ounce) bottle roasted red bell peppers, drained and chopped
1 (4-ounce) can mushroom stems & pieces (or sliced), drained
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 (10-ounce) can refrigerated pizza crust
Cooking spray
1/4 cup (1 ounce) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup (1 ounce) shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese
1-1/2 cups bottled fat-free Italian herb pasta sauce (such as Muir Glen)

15 slices turkey pepperoni (not accounted for in Nutrition Information below)

Preheat oven to 425°.

Combine first 4 ingredients; beat with a mixer at medium speed 2 minutes or until well-blended. Stir in spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, garlic powder, and black pepper.

Unroll pizza crust onto a baking sheet coated with cooking spray; pat into a 14 x 10-inch rectangle. Spread spinach mixture over half of the crust, leaving a 1-inch border. Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar over spinach mixture. Fold dough over filling; press edges together to seal.

Bake at 425° for 15 minutes or until browned. Cool on a wire rack 5 minutes. Heat pasta sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cut calzone into 6 squares, and top with sauce.

Nutrition Information - Calories: 289 (30% from fat); Fat: 9.6g (sat 5g,mono 2.9g,poly 1.2g) ; Protein: 15.7g; Carbohydrate: 35.4g; Fiber: 2.8g; Cholesterol: 24mg; Iron: 3mg; Sodium: 778mg; Calcium: 227mg

Yields: 6 servings (serving size: 1 square and 1/4 cup sauce)

Regarding Biggest Loser...the producers are smart. That cupcake challenge was wise on their part for upping the drama/entertainment factor. Bob imitating Jillian -- hilarious. I love Bob! Tracy is insane, and I will MISS the red team. What a role model those two men are to so much of America -- it takes a BIG, selfless heart to sacrifice such an opportunity for two near strangers. Just awesome...it was a great episode! What did you think of the Biggest Loser this week? Anyone have a favorite team yet?

Wednesday's Hodge Podge

I just LOVE the American Dietetic Association’s quote of the week:

"Those who think they have no time for healthy eating will sooner or later have to find time for illness." - Edward Stanley

Could this be any less true? Along the same lines is financially supporting health and disease – putting in a bit more each trip to the grocery store can same hundreds of thousands in medical expenses down the road. That’s all I’ll say, I don’t have time to step on my soap box today!

My morning started off with a delicious smoothie to go, containing whey protein powder and flaxseed oil. As for fruit, I threw in raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, banana, kiwi, grapes, peach, and pineapple. Did I miss a color in there? Definitely started the morning off with a rainbow of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals - yum! A friend at work was asking for my smoothie recipe, so I hooked her up with a mini smoothie, too! P.S. The cup wasn't as big as it looks...I got a serious close up!

Today was taste test day at work. Some of the employees requested comfort food, so I chose a mac'n cheese recipe...made in the crock pot (but of course!). It was my first time trying this recipe and I will SURELY be making it again...it was amazing! Almost TOO cheesy, I may use 3 cups of cheese next time. It served a bunch of people, though...and all good reviews! 

 

Crockpot Mac ‘n Cheese


1 c. skim milk

1 can evaporated milk

1 can cheddar cheese soup

4 c. 2% cheddar cheese, shredded

16 oz. box elbow macaroni

¾ c. egg substitute (i.e. Egg Beaters)

½ c. Smart Balance butter

½ Tbsp paprika (optional)



Directions:

Start crock pot. Melt butter in crock pot and pour into separate dish after melted. In a pot, boil macaroni until almost done. In a separate bowl, beat eggs, milk, evaporated milk, soup, and 3 cups of cheese. Pour macaroni into bowl, pour over butter and then wet mixture. Mix slightly.



Allow to cook on low for 3 hours. Pour remaining cup of cheese on top and sprinkle with paprika.



Makes 30 servings (1/2 c. per serving)

Nutrition Facts (per serving): 143 calories, 6 g. fat, 15 g. carbohydrate, 8 g. protein

My email was PACKED with some really interesting articles out today and of course, I would like to share them with you.

Mega doses of antioxidants such as vitamin C and E may do more harm than good in type-2 diabetics

While exercise increases insulin sensitivity, exercise also produces oxidative stress. What we know of antioxidants such as vitamins C and E is that they help reduce free radicals in the body produced by oxidative stress. According to recent research, antioxidant supplements may block the oxidative stress…but also interfere with the beneficial effects of exercise on insulin sensitivity. While exercise is a proven means for increasing insulin sensitivity in the body and reduces the risk of developing diabetes, antioxidant intake may be best advisable through whole foods and not supplements [1].

Case in point: move more and never neglect the diet; supplements are not a cure-all and not always advisable.

The changing dinner party -- cooking together in the Chicago Tribune.

This article hit close to home as the subject lives in Forest Park, Illinois, one suburb west from my home town of Oak Park. Sheridan, an interior designer and avid home cook, has switched gears for entertaining -- she asks her guests to bring ingredients with them and she and her dinner guests cook together as a team. This way, the preparation, cooking, and cost are distributed among both host and guests. A Chicago-based research firm, Technomic, states that 33% of polled consumers reported entertaining in the home more often than a year ago. With economic hardships, American’s are finding new ways to get together without stretching the budget. Sheridan states, “There’s something so earthy about cooking with other people in your home. I think people are going to do more of this [2].”

What do you think of this means of entertaining and hosting a dinner party?

I have to admit, I think it’s a WONDERFUL idea! I think there’s lots of positives that come from participating in such an event, such as:

- Trying new foods

- Learning the preparations of new foods

- Locating new foods in the grocery store – wouldn’t want to bring the wrong item!

- Increasing the frequency of get-togethers with friends

- Saving money

- Eating less (restaurant portions are huge!)

- Togetherness (the home seems much more intimate than a restaurant to me, anyways)

On a completely unrelated note…

Study links kids’ unhealthy exercise and eating habits to moms who work.

British researchers found that children of mothers who worked part-time of full-time were more likely to have bad diet and exercise habits than those whose mothers stayed home. The results were recently published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health. The children of working moms were more likely to drink sugary beverages between meals, watch TV or use the computer at least two hours a day, and be driven to school rather than walking or biking. Dr. Jennifer Shu, a pediatrician in private practice in Atlanta and co-author of a book on parenting says she worries that “parents will feel guilty about working, when most do so out of necessity…Parents shouldn’t feel guilty about leaving kids in other people’s care [3].”

Of the 12,576 5-year old children assessed in the study, 37% snacked on potato chips or sweets, 41% drank sugary beverages between meals, and 61% watched television or used the computer at least 2 hours a day. It should be noted, “In initial analyses, children whose mothers worked actually had healthier habits. But after adjusting for possible confounding factors, such as income and education, those relationships reversed.” Why was this? Likely due to the fact that most of the working women were “relatively advantaged” and had higher levels of education and incomes, according to the researchers who concluded in saying, “Health behaviors in childhood are going to be influenced by a range of factors, and this might be one [3].”

Interesting. Do you feel the children of stay-at-home-moms are at deceased risk of developing poor diet and exercise habits?

Hopefully I can catch up with DVR and watch the Biggest Loser, but it may get pushed back another night, we'll see! Catch ya tomorrow...Day #1 as a diabetic!

[1]. Neff, Barbara C. Vitamins, Exercise & Diabetes. Naperville.

[2]. Levin, Amelia. The Dinner Party Has Changed: Sharing the Cooking – and Costs – of Dinner Parties at Home. Chicago Tribune. September 30, 2009.

[3]. Fiore, Kristina. Kids May Be Less Healthy if Mom Works. MedPage Today; ABC News. September 30, 2009.

Chewable Vitamins and BL Critique

I hate taking vitamins. I hate the taste and they make me nauseous sitting in my stomach. And quite frankly, I procrastinate taking them every morning to the point of often forgetting to take them. After a Saturday of football at friend's last weekend, I was introduced to chewable adult multivitamins. Target supplies said vitamins and I now look FORWARD to taking my multivitamin every morning! I am on the prowl for a "name brand", US Pharmacopeia recognized chewable adult vitamin currently. Any insight out there on where to find such a product? Until then, Target, you have my vitamin business. Of all supplements, I feel safest consuming and recommending multivitamins ahead of supplements such as fish oil, acai berry, CoQ10, etc.

On a completely unrelated note, I finally had the chance to sit down and watch the new Season 8 Biggest Loser premiere last night. Abby, the 34-year-old teacher who lost her two children and husband in a car accident brought me to tears. The stories and baggage of these contestants leaves no wonder as to why they struggle with their weight. Baggage and struggle both being an understatement. Food is comfort, wouldn’t you say?

As much as I love The Biggest Loser, the season 8 premiere did leave me feeling a bit…annoyed.

First, WHY must Jillian throw around 4-letter words to make a point? Fat, lazy, or unmotivated as ever does not excuse verbal abrasions to such extents. With all the *bleeps* the images on the screen were the only differentiation between The Biggest Loser and Jerry Springer. I mean, c’mon, is that REALLY necessary? Reality TV or not, no one has the right to belittle one to that degree. Jillian needs to class it up a bit. Do you agree?

Second, I’m all for Body Bug’s and the latest technology but addressing the basics – nutrition -- is vital to contestant success! While the contestants may (or may not) be receiving nutrition consult beyond what the show portrays, it’s important for viewers to get accurate nutrition information regarding weight loss from a weight loss professional – a Registered Dietitian. Patients who walk into my office are counseled on nutrition; I am not an exercise physiologist or personal trainer. I deeply wish that The Biggest Loser would put a very small fraction of their astronomical budget into casting a dietitian on their medical staff. I mean, c’mon, we’re about the cheapest health professional to hire out there!! And doesn’t is just seem overly obvious to include a heightened emphasis on proper nutrition on a weight loss show? American’s don’t have 8 hours to sweat it out in a gym each day -- proper nutrition is key to weight loss success, why not get an RD on board and increase credibility?

As I step off my soapbox for the day, I do have to mention how “close to home” The Biggest Loser hits this season. Sean of Tulsa, Oklahoma and Danny of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma both reside within 5-10 miles of our home just north of Tulsa. How cool! I am definitely rooting on the Oklahoma men through their journey on the show and will commit to showing up at the filming to welcome them home as they enter back into the “real world” for a week near the end of the season. Biggest Loser is always good about home-town visits, so hopefully that’s something to look forward to!

All-in-all, The Biggest Loser keeps me motivated to live the healthy lifestyle that I do and continue doing what I love: helping others achieve their weight and nutrition goals.

The Biggest Loser

Do YOU watch The Biggest Loser?

If you were a contestant on The Biggest Loser, would you want Jillian or Bob as your trainer?

I am a HUGE Biggest Loser fan! I can't wait to see the season 8 premiere tonight! Last's season was a complete shock when Jerry and Stella whooped the competition despite their being sent home after week one. That's inspiration for us all to know that anything is possible, to never lose hope, and to always work towards meeting our goals.

My sister-in-law tells the story about her friend in a Chicago suburb seeing Jerry and Stella at the gym. How cool is THAT? What an inspiration they are to me!

So tell me, are you tuning in tonight? I will be...with my balance ball and hand weights! Weekly Biggest Loser workouts, that's right!