I don’t know what’s it’s like to not be overweight. I have lived my whole life on the sidelines, looking in, wishing I wasn’t overweight, wishing I was thin and fit.　 

I am a wife and a Foster Mom. I found out a few years ago I have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. A condition that prevents me from conceiving a child. My Dr. has told me that if I lost weight my chances to have a child would improve. With the time clock ticking, I’m running the most important race of my life. I have resolved that no matter what it’s of the highest priority that I become healthy for myself and my family.　　
　
My story has a bit of an interesting twist…I am among the over 200,000 ‘hopefuls’ who dream of being on NBC’s Biggest Loser reality TV show! If you’re one of the Biggest Loser ‘Hopefuls’ too then this blog is specially made just for you! I share all of　the emotions from the excitement of going to the casting calls to the disappointment of watching　another season start with out you.
　
My journey to The Biggest Loser began 6 years ago. I made videos, went to casting calls, had call back interviews and appeared briefly on episode 1 season 10. Somewhere I decided that being on the show was my only hope. What I realized was that the hope was always inside of me…vying for a spot on the show brought out the competitor in me, awakened a fire in me…bottom line is that the Biggest Loser reminded me of a passion and a fire to fight for something…something that matters more then anything…so why give up because I wasn’t selected?…this time I didn’t give up…
　
I have lost 53 lbs on my own since last year. I have 120 to go.　
　
I currently weigh 248 lbs. I decided to celebrate my weight loss ‘Biggest Loser style’ and have a photo shoot to mark my progress…here is my ‘before’ or someone in the middle picture. I  am not embarrassed to post it because I know there will be an ‘after’ picture..and I can’t wait for that day to come! I love the inspiration I get from watching the show and never miss an episode! I’ll be a fan forever!　
　
I am also celebrating joining the ‘Biggest Loser Protein’ family! I am figuring out that ‘planning’ is key with  eight loss. I keep Biggest Loser Protein bars and Protein 2GO in my favorite flavor lemonade, in my purse and gym bag at all times. Winning the war on fat means arming yourself with the best defense possible…for me it’s gonna be Biggest loser Protein products.　　
　
My next Blog will be in May….have a happy and healthy April everyone! 　 

Note: Stephenie received free products for submitting her blog.

Posted in Stephanie, The Biggest Loser | 4 Comments

Many of us tend to have a “Seasonal” mentality when it comes to fitness and nutrition. As if we are bears who are awoken from hibernation and join the gym, and eat healthy. If life is not a seasonal practice, then fitness and nutrition, which is so pivotal to our lives, can not be a seasonal way of life. Our relationship and commitment to our health is reflective to our lives, and therefore by making year around changes, our lives will be changed all year.

If doesn’t even have to be a dramatic change; replacing one meal a day with a protein shake, working out a few days a week all year long are not going to cause you to completely alter your daily routine. Another thing many of us hear and say far too often is “I just don’t have enough time,” and if that is something you say routinely it’s not that there isn’t enough time, but that you rather not workout and eat healthy. Why? Because we have the ability to make time for things when we view them as important.

Being a high school teacher, who also wears numerous other hats, I can easily say I don’t have enough time and it would be warranted… but, I have found the time and turned it into a habit rather than a sporadic ritual. There is always time. We just have to WANT to do it. Because if you haven’t figured it out already; life is never easy and there is never enough time in a day. As Ben Franklin said “Small strokes fall great oaks.”

Posted in Nick Ferroni | COMMENT ON THIS BLOG

Let’s face it. One of the best things about Spring Break is getting away from the routine of everyday life. For most of us, everyday life includes watching what you eat and working out. If you truly need a complete escape from your everyday existence,  you’ll want to eat & drink anything and everything. The result: a blissful week full of fun memories and an extra 5-10 pounds to contend with upon returning home.

YOU CAN stay on track with your fitness goals despite going on vacation!  If you make a few small changes while you’re away, you’ll return leaner and healthier than when you left (or at least return home at the same weight). So pack your bags & have a blast on Spring Break without busting your bikini.

Let’s start with the first potential gut buster: getting there. If you’re flying and experience a long layover, beware of those sugary, high-calorie foods comfort foods typically found at airport. A couple of hours in an airport terminal can easily turn into a thousand extra calories. For example, nosh on a Cinnabon while you’re waiting at the gate and you’ve ingested 700 calories. A Starbucks blueberry crumb cake? Another 800 calories. Worst of all, high-sugar, high-carb foods just don’t cut it when it comes to reducing your hunger. What are they good for? Spiking blood levels of insulin, a hormone that stimulates fat storage. Ugh.

Travel Tip #1: Pack travel-friendly foods like snack packs of StarKist Tuna Salad, whole grain crackers, almonds, trail mix, and protein bars. Don’t forget your Designer Protein 2Go packs – they are beyond perfect for travelling. Note: be selective when choosing your bars. Read labels people!! Watch out for high sugar, carbs or fat content. Look for a bar that provides a minimum of 20 grams of protein to keep you satisfied and fuller, longer.  

If you must eat airline food, pass on anything overly “carby” – pasta for example. Opt instead for a protein dish (chicken, beef, or fish) as your main entree; and request seconds of any fresh vegetables they serve.

When it comes to in-flight snacking ask for nuts or fruit instead of pretzels and chips. And choose 1 percent milk as your beverage of choice (other than water). Its perfect combination of protein (8 g), carbohydrates (11 g), and fat (2 g) will fill you up and keep you that way better than nearly any other snack. Better yet – mix a scoop of Designer Whey protein powder with your milk. Instant protein shake in the air!

Travel Tip #2: Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Water is your best friend during flights. Every traveler knows that airplane cabins use recycled air and have a very low humidity level. But most travelers don’t realize that breathing dry air can turn you into a blimp. Dehydration due to airline air is a major cause of fatigue, and fatigue, in turn, makes you want to eat.

What to do? Start drinking water long before your flight to keep a grip on your appetite. Drink at least 8 ounces of water before your flight. Bring one 16 ounce bottle of water for every 2 hours you’ll be in the air, and down it all before you land. 

Travel Tip #3: Plan to exercise or get at least 30 minutes of physical activity everyday to offset extra calories you’re sure to be eating and drinking.  Even while on vacation, you still have lots of options to stay physically active. Check out your hotel gym or any fitness classes being offered.  Most resorts offer state-of-the-art exercise facilities and fun group activities such as water aerobics, power walks, yoga, pilates, volleyball and more. If your hotel doesn’t have a gym (or the equipment is outdated), go for a swim in the hotel pool.  If the hotel pool isn’t big enough for laps, just tread water for 10-20 minutes – you can burn up to 200 calories. Last but never least, plan a leisurely walk to take in the sights. Ask your hotel concierge for their recommendations on what to see & where to go. Lace up your sneakers and get moving!

Travel Tip #4:  Drink responsibly!  Tropical “umbrella” drinks are loaded with sugar and calories!  Pina Coladas & Margaritas are usually around 500 calories each! EEK!  If you do have a drink or two poolside or on the beach, remember that drinking alcohol in the sun can severly dehydrate you.  Make sure you are protecting your skin from sunburn and remember to drink lots of water!  

From all of us here at DESIGNER PROTEIN, we wish you a safe & healthy Spring Break!

Posted in DESIGNER WHEY Healthy Minute | COMMENT ON THIS BLOG

Well folks, it’s been three months since the finale.  Life after the Biggest Loser is indeed difficult.  I really found myself going through the process of the show, but now I need to get on with my next stage of life. 

            My schedule has been crazy!  I’ve been traveling to some beautiful (and warm) parts of the country to lend a helping hand to those in need.  It’s hard to cook for myself when I am on the road, so keeping around Biggest Loser protein bars really helps me fight hunger between meals and in a healthy manner.  I honestly don’t know what I would do without them.

            Another facet of my life that I have been working on is muscle gain.  I actually got a little TOO skinny for the finale.  I was actually told I had to GAIN twenty pounds.  Never thought I would hear those words in my life.  When I got home from California, I went back to what I loved doing, lifting weights.  As much as doing cardio was essential to my weight loss, weights are what I truly enjoyed.  Now in order to get bigger muscle wise and not go up waist wise, I had to look for a good source of protein post workout.  That is were Protein Blitz came in.  60g of protein per servings with very low carbs, plus 8g of leucine and 16g of BCAA’s for recovery? That is a hit in my book.  I have gotten my arms up to 18″, hoping to get to 20″ by the season 11 finale.  My chest is popping as well and I feel like a million bucks.  Still a 36″ waist too!

            As this crazy journey of life continues I hope to inspire many others out there that you can overcome any obstacles.  Follow me on twitter @BLMark and feel free to leave me a message on facebook at Mark Pinhasovich Biggest Loser!

Mark Pinhasovich received product in exchange for his blog.

Posted in Mark Pinhasovich, The Biggest Loser | COMMENT ON THIS BLOG

Hello again!! I have been out of the blogging loop for a while, but for good or bad I’m back Since the events of last week in Japan my thoughts have turned to how grateful I am for my health, family and the safety I take for granted every day. For a while I have been a bit preoccupied with losing the last 20lbs and now I find myself so grateful for the healthy progress I have made and less concerned with my future perfect body.  With the risk of sounding somber I would like you to take your loved ones in your arms tonight and tell them how grateful you are to have them in your life. Life is so precious and fleeting and truly at the end of the day our greatest blessings are our health and our loved ones.

On a separate, but important note I have taken the events in Japan as a good reminder to be prepared in the event of an emergency here. As I was researching things I should include in my families 72 hour emergency kits I thought how easy it is to add Biggest Loser Protein Bars and Protein 2Go® packs as a quick and healthy addition to our home or cars emergency kits. I know my kids love them and during an emergency I know they will be getting the nutrition they need.

Enjoy your week and remember whats important!

Burgandy

Burgandy Keel received free product in exchange for her blog.

Posted in Burgandy Keel, The Biggest Loser | COMMENT ON THIS BLOG

Wow what an amazing weekend I had in LA at the Biggest Loser casting call. Each time I go to one I am reminded of how I felt when I got up around 3:30AM on August 11, 2007. You see that was the morning of the casting call I went to in Mesa, AZ to try out for the Biggest Loser. I remember being so tired, nervous and excited all at the same time. Casting call started at 10 am but they were allowing people to start lining up at 5am. My mom and I had planned to be there before anyone, we wanted to be the first in line. I remember pulling into the parking lot and seeing others pull in too, I knew they were there for the call based on their size, I immediately wanted to run to get there first. As it turned out we ended up being 11th in line.

During the next 5 hours as we waited for the process to begin my mom got to everyone in line whether they wanted to meet her or not She would tease and say it’s August 11th and we are 11th in line, you might as well go home they are going to choose us. As silly as that was that really was where it all began for us. People started showing up more and more closer to 10 am when the call was suppose to start. The casting people started getting there and setting up around 9 am. By that time my mom and I had found out from the others in line that we needed pictures to attach with our applications, we had no idea. So mom ran (well not literally) to the store to purchase a Polaroid camera and grab us something to eat. On one level we were so ready and the other so unprepared, we had no idea what we were doing or what we were getting in to.

It all started getting really real as the casting people started shifting us inside the Mesa Art Center where the casting was taking place. They had a camera crew going through and interviewing different people in line. Some of the other people in line had been through the casting process before and had almost like little skits prepared, lots had matching shirts and there was mom and I essentially clueless. I remember feeling already defeated a bit when the camera crew walked right pass us to talk to the sisters behind us to interview them. My defenses and insecurities immediately came up, I felt like crying. Why did they want to talk to them? What was better about them than mom and I? Is it because we didn’t have matching shirts? So much was going through my head, I couldn’t believe I was standing in a line for a TV show called the Biggest LOSER! I promised myself that no matter what happened I was going to do something once and for all about my weight. I was tired of feeling bad about myself and how I was showing up in life.

Now we all know that I did in fact make it on to season 5 of the Biggest Loser where I became the first female ever to win the show. What you might not know is that over 200,000 people each season try out to be on the show and approximately only 20 lucky individuals get chosen. As grateful as I am that I had the opportunity to be on the show REALITY is everyday of the rest of my life. So please let today be the first day you choose you and take back the power in your life. If the Biggest Loser inspires you then this season win with them from home. Get to know your resources! Go online to find workout classes, groups, routines. Talk to your doctor or nutritionist about what you should be eating and what supplements might be good for you. And when you are at the health food store or vitamin shop and you are confused what protein you should get, look for my face

This is an interview I did with Adam from Season 10 of the Biggest Loser and some footage from the casting call where I handed out Biggest Loser Protein Bars and 2Go packs, I hope you enjoy it!

Until next time xo,
Ali

Posted in Ali Vincent, The Biggest Loser | COMMENT ON THIS BLOG

Well I have been keeping up the healthy eating and the exercise regimen and am definitely starting to feel and see changes.  My weight is down to 175 that represents a 10% reduction in Jake…yes, that is right…I have lost a total of 20 lbs since I started changing my lifestyle.

In February I was lucky enough to be able to join 24Hour Fitness without having to pay the sign-up fee and have been going lots and lots.  The majority of my workout has included either running on the treadmill, lifting weights and swimming laps.  I’ve been going in the evenings after work and have really noticed amazing changes in my aerobic endurance and my body.  Last Wednesday I ran the equivalent of a 10k on the treadmill in less than an hour and Sunday I ran 10 miles in just over an hour and a half.  When I first started all this I never would have expected that I would be able to do all this and certainly not this quickly.

Using the protein powder has gotten to be more of a routine and that has been a major contributing factor to my weight loss/healthier eating.  I’ve started making shakes for breakfast using the powder, a banana, almond milk and ice and mixing it all up in the blender (my roommate isn’t thrilled) but it is great.  It also solves the problem of having the little dry powder chunks I get when I mix it in the blender bottle.  I have also started drinking the Protein 2 Go packets in the blender bottle after a workout…usually while I am in the sauna after a hard work out.  That is my favorite addition to my workout and really seems to help with recovery and hydration. 

Aside from hitting the gym, I have been surfing, hiking and rock climbing lately and have been amazed at how much energy I have had and how long I can keep up a high level of activity without getting winded.

Since I am doing so well, I think I need to start thinking about what I am going to do when I reach my 13% goal.  I might want to go further since it is getting close…due to my natural build I am not sure how much further is even possible, but there is plenty of unnecessary weight hanging around waiting to be worked off.  Once I reach my goal I think I might get a tattoo or something as a constant and permanent reminder to myself as a commitment to leading a healthier and more active life.

Posted in Jake Bills | 1 Comment

Wow I can’t believe how easy it is to lose track of time.  Life is life and it always is happening.  When I began blogging I had a goal of getting under 130 by my 40th birthday.  I got down to 131, which I am very proud of.  Sometimes we just don’t hit our goals.  For many years in my life this would be such a disappointment that I would just give up.  Today I don’t beat myself up, I trug forward and set realistic goals.  On my vacation my weight went up to 136, my goal I gave myself was to get back under 135.  Easy DO-able!  Cutting ourselves a break is just as important as a good diet and exercise.  I am starting my days off with Designer Whey Chocolate protein with a banana, ice and soy-milk blended up in my blender.  Delicious and always a good idea to start the day with protein.

Posted in Suzi Tucker | COMMENT ON THIS BLOG

Through my time on the Biggest Loser, I have realized exactly how important diet and exercise are to having a high quality of life. Believe me, the difference in my life now as compared to this time last year are night and day. The Biggest Loser Protein shakes and bars really help me to get through my workouts. They taste fantastic. My two sons love the protein shakes. I have to make 2 shakes every morning now because they got used to drinking some of my shakes, and I was not getting all the protein I needed. So now, I make 2 shakes and share them with my boys. I also really love the vanilla almond protein bars. They are so easy to take with me on the road now when I travel doing motivational speaking engagements and appearances. I can pull one out on a airplane and have a great snack, instead of having to eat peanuts or pretzels. It really helps me to keep my diet in check while I am on the road all over the country.

Patrick House has received free product in exchange for his blog.

Posted in The Biggest Loser | COMMENT ON THIS BLOG

As a teacher I am never shocked by what I hear my students say, but sometimes they do catch me off guard. I had a student hold up french fries during lunch and say, “Mr. Ferroni, is there any protein in fries?” I was taken aback, not by the fact that he didn’t know, but the fact that he is a young adult and we have yet to educate him in proper nutrient breakdowns. So, I sat down at the table with my student-athletes and gave them a quick breakdown of fats, carbs and proteins, and which is a component of the items on their trays. It’s not the end, but just the beginning of their nutrition education…and the funny thing is I teach History. Now I have a group of six students, who stop by my class prior to lunch in order to get a scoop of Designer Whey in order to get their protein. Baby steps.

Besides realizing that the youth of America is truly lacking in an understanding of food and nutrition, I have also came to one certainty about my recent travels to Los Angeles; people on the West Coast are far more healthy when it comes to nutrition than people on the East Coast. Again, I am not saying everyone on the East Coast is not healthy, I’m just saying on the average people who live in weather that is nicer all year around tend to be healthy all year around.

On the other hand, many people who live in very seasonal locations that have winters, tend to be more lenient during the colder days and regroup when the weather warms up.  A healthy lifestyle is NOT a part time thing, it’s an all year around thing. It’s a way of life, not just a three month situation. And regardless of popular belief it’s NOT as difficult as many think. Nutrition is not an all or nothing way of life, it’s a moderation way of life. Minor changes go a long way. For example, one adjustment that will deliver amazing results is simply replace your last meal of the day, which is usually after dinner, and a few hours before bed, with a high protein shake. I religiously have a shake with two scoops of Designer Whey every night before bed. It is so minor, yet so beneficial. End your day with a high protein shake, not a high fat and high carb meal, and you will see drastic changes. It is really that simple.

Note: Nick received free Designer Whey products in exchange for his blog

Posted in Nick Ferroni | COMMENT ON THIS BLOG