EatingWell Interviews The Biggest Loser Dietician Cheryl Forberg

By Michelle Edelbaum, "Losing Big, Winning Bigger," January/February 2011

Weight loss secrets you can try at home.

Do you have a favorite memory from the show?
On Season 5, Heba Salama and her husband Ed Brantley, who ultimately lost 277 pounds combined, were in the gym. Ed was tired and said he would do more tomorrow. Heba said, “Today is tomorrow.” I love that. It’s so simple but powerful. No more delays, today’s the day.

How does The Biggest Loser help or hinder people who are trying to lose weight on their own?
It can be incredibly inspirational, especially for people who have never tried losing weight. But people who watch the show can also get discouraged because they think they’re going to have incredible weight loss at home. On the ranch it’s the contestants’ full-time job. They have around-the-clock medical supervision, personal trainers, a nutritionist, fabulous food and state-of-the-art exercise equipment. It’s not realistic to expect the same dramatic results in the same time period at home.

What would you tell someone who’s hit a weight-loss plateau but hasn’t reached their goal weight?
Be patient if it’s only a few days. But if it takes a little longer, then mix things up. Re-address your food journal or your exercise. Is it a challenge? It shouldn’t be comfortable.

Read on for Cheryl Forberg's Cumin-Spiced Bulgur & Lentils recipe »