NBC's Biggest Loser Nutritionist Blog (129)
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Go Social with Cheryl & Enter to Win!Starting in December, "Biggest Loser" nutritionist Cheryl Forberg is partnering with Melissa’s Produce to offer a series of prizes throughout the year. All members of Cheryl’s social networks are entered to win, so enter today! Twitter.com/cherylforbergrd
The first prize drawing is December 1, so join Cheryl’s social network today! |
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I'm often asked, "what can I do to help me lose weight and/or improve my health?" I'd definitely make my recommendations based on a list of common denominators that helped overweight contestants win a place on "The Biggest Loser." As the nutritionist for ten seasons of the show, I've identified the key factors that have helped America earn its top ranking among obese nations of the world.
The raw food diet has been touted for a variety of health benefits, including weight loss, increased energy and better digestion. The eating plan consists largely of uncooked and unprocessed plant foods, including fruits and vegetables, beans, sprouts, grains, nuts, seeds and seaweed. The biggest benefit of a raw food diet may also be its biggest drawback -- the impact of cooking on the nutrient value of food.
Even if you didn't take a summer vacation – I know I didn't! -- life seems to move at a faster pace once fall starts. There are new school and after-school schedules to juggle, winterizing projects to tackle around the house, and with the staff at the office reunited after Labor Day, the calendar is crowded with deadlines.
The schedule shift can make it hard to find time to work out or plan menus for the week. Even worse, stress and anxiety often kick our cravings into high gear, causing us to reach for foods that are fast, easy and unhealthy. But making healthy choices doesn't require a huge amount of time or effort.
Probiotics are healthy bacteria that discourage the growth of harmful bacteria.
Some manufacturers add "live" healthy bacteria cultures to their dairy or soy products during processing to enhance the health-promoting potential. These cultures may include Lactobacillus Acidophilus. The probiotic bacteria pass through the stomach to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, where they help maintain a good balance between the many kinds of bacteria that live there, while promoting overall GI health. There is some scientific evidence that fermented foods containing probiotics may help to prevent some forms of cancer, too.
Now that summer's here, I'm putting my grill to good use. I love the smoky flavor cooking over a live fire adds to any dish – and because grilling doesn't require added fat, it's healthy as well as quick.
That's why when I fire up the grill, I don't just use it for main course poultry and meats. I love experimenting with veggies and fruit – yes, fruit! – on the fire. To try new grilling flavor sensations, follow these simple tips:
Childhood obesity has more than tripled in the past 30 years, according to the Centers for Disease Control, with the prevalence among children aged 6 to 11 increasing from 6.5 percent to 19.6 percent. Among adolescents, the prevalence of obesity has increased from 5 to 18.1 percent. Globally, there are over 20 million children under age 5, who are overweight or obese.
Cheryl's Positively Ageless is the focus of an article in July's Prevention magazine, on newsstands now. In addition, the Prevention Web site features an entire section on anti-aging nutrition, including more articles and videos with Cheryl Forberg.
On the "Biggest Loser" Web site, "before" and "after" photos testify to the contestants' dramatic physical changes. But beyond appearances, the hard-working contestants have completely transformed their lifestyles, too – starting with their eating habits.
Eight months ago I met finalist Michael Ventrella for the first time. Our meeting was a part of the screening process for "Biggest Loser" applicants, which includes comprehensive medical testing and a discussion of their dietary history and eating habits. In our first meeting, three habits caught my attention:
Join Cheryl for two live appearances on this coming Wednesday, May 19:
- "Today" show, 7 a.m. - Cheryl will be on the air to discuss the latest "Biggest Loser" book, 6 Weeks to a Healthier You, and the upcoming Season 9 Finale.
- Twitter Q & A, 1 p.m. EST - Cheryl will take questions on Twitter, with participants eligible to win a copy of 6 Weeks to a Healthier You. To participate, follow Cheryl at twitter.com/cherylforbergrd and click here to learn more about the event.
The Season 9 Finale of "The Biggest Loser" is just a week away, but already we're hard at work preparing for Season 10. Recently I flew to Los Angeles to spend a week with our newest prospective contestants.
Each contender goes through a series of medical evaluations over the course of a week or so. In addition to me, the show employs physicians, a psychologist and other health professionals; would-be contestants meet with each in the course of their evaluations.
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Cheryl Forberg, RD, is a James Beard award-winning chef, a bestselling author and the former nutritionist for NBC's "The Biggest Loser." 
