NBC's reality series "The Biggest Loser" debuted in 2004 and has continued to grow in popularity. Contestants spend 12 weeks at a fitness compound where they complete challenges, endure strenuous workout routines and learn how to create nutritious, healthy meals. The goal behind the diet portion of the program is to lower carbohydrate intake and reduce the number of calories consumed while increasing the number of calories burned. Contestants also learn the difference between good and bad foods.
Meal Plans
Meal plans in the Biggest Loser diet are made up of three meals a day in addition to two or three snacks that can be eaten throughout the day. Like most other diets, counting calories is part of the plan. The focus in the Biggest Loser diet is reducing the overall intake of calories from fats and carbohydrates. The diet also eliminates refined sugars from the meal plan.
The 4-3-2-1 diet pyramid is one of the main components of the Biggest Loser diet. Four servings of fruits and vegetables, accompanied by three servings of lean protein and two servings of whole grains make up the core of the pyramid. One extra item can be added to complete the pyramid.
Biggest Loser Club
Those who follow the Biggest Loser diet plan have the option of joining the Biggest Loser Club. Members of the club can share stories with one another, as well as talk to professionals that are associated with the show. The club also makes all the tools that are accessible to the show's contestants available to those who join. The results may not be the same for people who follow the Biggest Loser diet at home. People who follow the diet at home will be in a more relaxed and less motivated atmosphere. Serving sizes will also vary, and the time frame can be altered to fit the individual.
Maintenance
The goal of the Biggest Loser diet is to teach healthy eating habits that will last long after the initial 12-week weight loss period. Maintaining a specific calorie count while sustaining a regular workout routine will help keep off unwanted pounds and prevent weight from being regained. Remembering the differences between good and bad fats and which kinds of sugar are the healthiest will help to build meals that are nutritious as well as flavorful. Using specific cooking methods, like baking and broiling instead of pan frying, will also help keep meals on the healthy side.
Cost
The Biggest Loser diet plan has joined eDiets in putting together a group of meals that can be purchased by the week. These meals follow the guidelines that are laid out in the Biggest Loser show and promise similar results. The cost of a week's worth of meals is approximately $179 per week as of February 2011. The meals can be purchased in 8-week intervals.
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