The folks over at Wrigley's asked me to interview Marty from the Biggest Loser, Season Three [1], and I love that show so I jumped at the opportunity.
In return for getting a few great tips from Marty, I get to give 10 Walk and Chew Gum Sets (gum, a water bottle, a pedometer and a Biggest Loser DVD) away free to you guys. To be eligible, just leave a comment below - no duplicates please. I'll randomly select 10 winners on September 26th, 2007 at 5:00 pm PST. You do need to be a TeamSugar [2] member to comment. So if you're not already a member, just register here [3] for an account and to join in all the fun on the Sugar Sites!
Click here [4] for official rules and regulations.
Now, to see my little chat with Marty, including how he went from loving BBQ ribs to lettuce wraps, just
Fit: What is your new favorite exercise and new favorite meal?
Marty: I really don't have any sort of favorite exercise, I just like moving in general now! Some of my favorite things to do to get in my cardio are: Stair stepper, I do it usually for 20 minutes and it is intense. Spin Classes, they are a great way to get your mind off the workout and feel good about yourself. Tennis, I enjoy getting competitive and playing tennis with AMY! I usually win! My favorite healthy meal now is chicken lettuce wraps!! mmmmmmm.
Fit: What was the hardest food for you to give up and is there a healthier alternative you've replaced it with?
Marty: I was a BBQ rib and baked potato kind of guy. I liked a full rack of ribs and the potato loaded with cheese, sour cream and bacon bits. I do not really have a healthy alternative for the ribs now a days, I just limit how often I eat them (maybe once a month), but the potato I have substituted for a sweet potato. If you are out to eat and want to make a healthier choice, get a sweet potato and ask for no butter and cinnamon on the side. I sprinkle the cinnamon on it and open a sugar substitute packet and put it on the potato for a sweet cinnamon treat! That has been a change for the better!
Fit: What was the one thing that kept you grounded during the show and why?
Marty: I really tried to focus on what I was learning and make the most of the opportunity! I knew I could go home at any time, so I focused on changing myself rather than "playing a game."
Fit: What were (are) your biggest weight loss obstacles now that you've been dieting on your own?
Marty: Maintenance is difficult, because you realize the battle is not over and there is no finish line. The largest obstacle is getting back on track after a cheat day. I schedule my time at the gym in the morning the day after, and make sure I go. I always feel better after a workout and get re-energized and focused on my goals. That is why I decided to become a personal trainer and start a company (realitywellnessinc.com [5]), so I can help others overcome obstacles and be the accountability they need.
Fit: What happens when the cameras stop rolling?
Mary: The same as the camera shows! Working out, and eating! There was never much time to do anything else.
Fit: What's your advice for anyone reading this that is trying to lose weight?
Marty: Don't wait for the Biggest Loser [6] to come along to start changing your life. Start today by taking small steps and making small changes every day. One thing that can make a difference is to log onto gumisgood.com [7] and sign up for Wrigley's Walk and Chew Gum Challenge. Everyone needs a support system, and this is a good way to get motivated and work toward a meaningful goal with others! Wrigley's Walk and Chew Gum Challenge is a great program that challenges Americans to collectively cut 10 million calories and walk 100,000 miles. While it sounds like a hefty goal, it's about making two small changes to your daily routine over the next 100 days - walk more steps each day and cut calories from your diet by chewing Extra sugar-free gum instead of eating a high-calorie snack.
Source [8]