"The Biggest Loser" is the first reality TV series to concentrate on weight loss. It debuted on NBC in 2004, and according to Biggestloser.com, the show went on to air in at least 90 countries. "The Biggest Loser" has also become attached to a full line of products and support to help people lose weight at home. "The Biggest Loser" meals, club subscriptions, books, DVDs, exercise equipment and apparel accounted for $50 million in consumer spending, as of 2010.
Basics of the Biggest Loser Diet Plan
"The Biggest Loser" diet is based on the idea that eating several nutritious, small meals and snacks throughout the day will keep your body from slowing its metabolism in order to hoard energy. The experts at MayoClinic.com recommend that any healthful weight loss plan include a variety of foods, including vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, whole grains and healthy fats, and "The Biggest Loser" diet plan does follow these guidelines.
Carbohydrates
"The Biggest Loser" diet aims to balance your diet so that 45 percent of it comes from carbohydrates. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, carbohydrates are necessary to fuel your body so your organs function properly and you can engage in physical activities without wearing yourself out. Healthful sources of carbohydrates include beans, fruits, vegetables and whole grains, all of which are included on the diet.
Protein
Proteins make up 30 percent of "The Biggest Loser" diet plan, according to an example in the Ladies Home Journal online. The CATS Nutrition Team at the University of Arizona explains that protein is the second largest component of your body, after water. Proteins are necessary to grow, maintain and repair all of the tissues of your body. Lean proteins on "The Biggest Loser" diet include chicken, turkey, eggs and low-fat dairy products like yogurt.
Healthy Fats
Healthy fats make up the remaining 25 percent of "The Biggest Loser" diet plan. Eating a completely fat-free diet may interfere with your ability to absorb fat soluble vitamins like A, D, E and K. According to the experts at the University of Michigan Health System, healthful fats are also necessary to help prevent cancer, diabetes, heart disease and obesity, among other things. "The Biggest Loser" includes healthy fats like those found in nuts and seeds, as well as in olive oil, canola oil and the brain-healthy omega-3 fatty acids found in fish.
Exercise
Exercise is a large part of "The Biggest Loser" plan. Trainer Bob Harper recommends that you engage in 60 to 90 minutes of moderate exercise such as walking at least four times per week. The Department of Kinesiology and Health at Georgia State University agrees. Among the benefits of physical exercise it lists include reducing the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, certain cancers, diabetes and high cholesterol, as well as more subjective and personal benefits like elevated mood and an improvement in mental and physical performance.
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