Biggest Loser/Wrigley’s Blog Tour

I promised you all a BIG surprise last week, here it is!!

As you all know I’m a huge fan of the TV show The Biggest Loser and I was so excited when I won the gift pack last week. Imagine my excitement when I was asked to be the next stop on their Wrigley’s blog tour!

As a part of this, I was given the wonderful opportunity and privilege to interview Molly Gee a Dietitian and communications consultant with more than 25 years experience in health/nutrition communications and the clinical management of obesity.

A big thanks to Molly for taking the time to answer my questions and many thanks to Wrigley’s and The Biggest Loser for making this opportunity possible.

I've seen so many formulas used to calculate how many calories you should take in for weight loss, what method do you recommend and how to do you make allowances for exercise, what do you tell your clients?

There are no magic formulas to achieve weight loss. A low-fat, low- calorie diet in the range of 1200-1600 calories is recommended by most health professionals. Health and safety are always the top priority. Keep things simple by cutting 500 calories per day and gradually increasing physical activity. Walking continuously for 10 minutes a day is a realistic goal for someone who is doesn’t usually exercise at all. For those who have a regular routine, adding new exercises can make a difference. Aerobic activity is always a priority but adding strength training is often overlooked. Just these small changes should result in a safe weight loss of about 1 pound per week.

We all find ourselves hitting plateaus. It can be so discouraging, how do you recommend breaking a plateau and staying to keep going through one?

Getting “stuck” at a particular weight in your weight loss journey is frustrating. Being patient, drinking water and increasing physical activity is the recipe for breaking that “plateau.” Two thousand steps are equal to about 1 mile. A pedometer is a great tool to monitor steps taken each day. Social support is another key strategy for staying motivated. Schedule a walk or meals with people that share your goals. Join the “Wrigley Walk and Chew Gum Challenge” for support online. Sign up at www.gumisgood.com/walkandchewgum to register. Special grocery lists and a weekly progress journal can be downloaded to record and track your progress.

I've heard a lot about Super Foods, which of these do you find essential to incorporate into a well balanced diet and why?

All foods bring some nutritional diet. Some foods, however, provide multiple disease-fighting nutrients. (The diseases include heart, high blood pressure, some cancers, and diabetes) For example, eggs are a versatile, economical protein-packed food. They contain 12 vitamins and minerals, including choline, which is needed for brain development and memory.

Beans can help your heart and your gut. The insoluble and soluble fiber helps to lower cholesterol, provides satiety and helps rid your body of waste. Beans are another economical source of protein, carbohydrates, magnesium and potassium. They are great as the centerpiece of a meal, a side dish or as an ingredient in a favorite soup or casserole recipe.

Broccoli is rich in vitamin A, C and K. The fiber helps you feel full and is a great weight-control strategy. Broccoli is available year round and can be enjoyed raw or cooked, according to your taste.

Nuts make the super food list because of their protein, heart-healthy fats, antioxidants, and fiber content. An ounce of nuts goes a long way for health. More nuts mean more calories; so moderation is still the key. Adding almonds, walnuts or pecans to my salads is my favorite way to enjoy these delicious health benefits.

Keep in mind that all foods bring nutrients to your diet.

Everyone stresses the importance of water, how much water should you drink and most importantly do coffee, tea or sugar free drink mixes like (Like Crystal Light or Kool-Aid) count towards your water intake?

About 80 percent of people's total water comes from drinking water and all other beverages including caffeinated ones and the other 20 percent comes from foods like fruits and vegetables.

In 2004, the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies provided recommendations for water intake based on national data which showed that women take in 91 ounces of total water from all sources and men take in 125 ounces daily. The panel said these were adequate amounts. People who are very physically active or who live in hot climates need to drink more water.

I recommend that people drink water or other beverages at mealtime and as often as possible throughout the day. I never pass a water fountain without taking a long drink (10 gulps).

What is the most common question people ask you about nutrition?

How can I lose weight? Everyone is looking for the magic but it’s about small lifestyle changes in diet and exercise made daily.

What advice do you have for making smart choices while dining out?

Do not arrive at the restaurant or party hungry

Practice portion control by sharing entrees

Choose plain entrees with the fewest ingredients instead of casserole-style dishes

Avoid fried foods

Ask for sauces, gravies and salad dressing on the side

Share desserts

Does gum really suppress your appetite and the desire to eat sweets? What research has been done to support this?

At five to ten calories a piece, chewing gum like Extra Polar Ice can be used as a tool for managing weight when substituted for a high- calorie snack or as an alternative to mindless munching throughout the day. It is economical, portable, comes in a variety of flavors and is fun.

In 2007, an initial study published in the scientific journal Appetite found that chewing gum before an afternoon snack can reduce hunger, diminish cravings for sweets and decrease snack consumption by 36 calories. More research is needed to fully understand appetite. However, small changes over time can result in big results.

Wow, fantastic information! Thanks so much for taking the time to answer my questions Molly!

~*~ Your chance to WIN!!! ~*~

In addition to doing the interview, I also have 10 Step it Up with Extra Gum gift packs, just like the one I won, which include a pedometer and Biggest Loser DVD, water bottle and Wrigley’s Extra gum to give away. YAY!!!

In order to win, please leave a comment below with your best diet tip or why you would like to win by Wednesday December 12, 2007 at 5pm EST. Winners will be selected randomly.

NOTE: The contest is open to EVERYONE, regardless of what country you live in (YAY)

MOLLY GEE, MEd, RD

Molly is a Registered Dietitian and communications consultant with more than 25 years experience in health/nutrition communications and the clinical management of obesity. She is frequently asked to serve as a media spokesperson, expert reviewer or speaker by corporations, food companies, trade associations, government agencies and pharmaceutical companies. She has been widely quoted in the media, including USA Today, the New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Times, Shape, Health, Weight Watchers and Self.

From 1992 to 2001, Molly reported on nutrition and health on KTRK-TV, the ABC network affiliate in Houston. Prior to health reporting, she was the nutrition expert on “Good Morning Houston.”

Currently, Molly is the project leader at Baylor College of Medicine for LOOK AHEAD, a NIH multi-center clinical trial examining the cardiovascular benefits of sustained weight loss in people with Type 2 diabetes.

Molly is a dynamic leader in the American Dietetic Association. In recognition of her dedication and contributions to dietetics, Molly received the ADA’s Medallion award in 2004. In addition to being on the ADA board of directors from 1995 to 2001, she was its treasurer in 2000-2001. Molly was one of the first spokespersons for ADA and still makes herself available to the group as a resource. She is the co-founder and past chair of the ADA’s Weight Management Dietetics Practice Group (DPG) and is on the Executive Committee of the Diabetes Care and Education DPG. She serves as Chair of Commission on Dietetic Registration’s (CDR) Weight Management Certificate Committee and as faculty for the Weight Management Certificate Workshop. Molly has been a member of many other professional associations and served on the Board of Directors of the American Heart Association in Houston.

Molly holds a MEd in Allied Health Education from Baylor College of Medicine/University of Houston. She completed her dietetic internship at Oklahoma State University and received a BS in dietetics from the University of Houston.