Ever watch “The Biggest Loser”? It’s a great idea and fun to watch. I think that having a personal trainer is a really good idea. One of my personal dreams would be to work with Michael Thurmond, just once. Michael was one of the first trainers on “The Biggest Loser”. They do focus on diet as well as exercise and making activity fun and rewarding. So what is the catch? It’s TELEVISION…it’s DRAMA… and it’s UNREALISTIC.

I’m excited for every participant on the show. They work harder than the average person to lose and the competition is stiff. Raising awareness about obesity is a great concept; however, remember that in order for people to watch, it has to be drama and over the top unrealistic. “The Biggest Loser” focuses more on exercise than changing habits. Ever notice that the losers and trainers aren’t pleased with the average weight loss. If it’s not more than 10 or 15 pounds a week they are discouraged. Come on now…do you really think that we should expect to lose over 100 pounds in a matter of weeks? Weeks!

Someone I recently talked with was so excited about her new diet plan, she was walking and exercising, she was positive and motivated, but highly unrealistic. Her plan was that she would lose 5, 7 or more pounds every week, just like on “The Biggest Loser”. Nope, sorry to tell you, it’s just ain’t gun’na happen. Maybe for a few weeks, but not long term.

Even with weight loss surgery the expectation should not be to lose 10 to 15 pounds a week. We need to be realistic if we are going to stay positive and motivated. If we have this extreme unrealistic approach to losing weight we will be the biggest loser all right, but not the way we expect. An unrealistic approach to weight loss causes us to lose our motivation and positive mindset. It can undermine our healthy eating habits and lifetime focus of well-being. I have a personal detailed weight loss schedule posted under the title “charting progress”.

Although the competition is fun and exciting, weight loss efforts should not be competitive in real life. Everyone will lose at a different rate. Even the best weight loss efforts are subject to flucuations and plateaus. Not only should it be expected, but is normal and healtlhy. “The Biggest Loser” participants exercise between 6 and 8 hours a day. Most of us don’t exercise that much in a week.

My exercise and activity level consisted of walking about 2 or 3 miles at least 5 or 6 days a week. Which adds up to about 50 to 60 minutes a day. When I make it into the gym to use the weights and ride the bike, about 3 times a week. During my weight loss phase of about 18 months, I followed the eating plan by the book. I followed the rules and did not deviate at all until I had reached my ultimate weight loss goal. I have maintained my weight loss and am approaching my three-year mark. I do allow myself a small occasional treat from the norm, but for the most part, my eating habits don’t veer far from the initial plan.

Another important piece to successful long-term weight loss is to focus more on the journey instead of the end. After all it’s what we do to get there that will cause us to remain successful Let’s don’t be deceived by all the drama and hype of TV shows and quick “fix” ideas that don’t last. I am thankful that we can cheer on the “biggest losers” and their efforts. I am also grateful for the awareness to overcome obesity, which is a growing epidemic. However, let’s keep our focus on establishing a healthy and realistic lifestyle, one that allows us to reach our goal and stay happy and healthy for a lifetime.