Advice from the Biggest Loser's Resident Badass

Author: Becca B.

I am a big fan of the Biggest Loser. I find it very inspirational even though I used to watch it while lying on the couch and eating ice cream ( I'm sadly 100-percent serious about this fact). Part of why I enjoy the show so much is one of the trainers, Jillian Michaels, who's a real hard-ass. I even do her On Demand workouts which give me an awesome workout in only 20 minutes. I recently discovered an article that addresses the challenges and excuses I face when it comes to an overall fitness and nutrition plan. Here are some of the highlights:

Excuse: I have zero time to exercise!
Jillian says: I feel your pain- my life is crazy too, but good for you habits are the last thing that should go. If you don't take care of yourself, you'll have less energy to be that supportive person in your loved ones' lives.
Becca says: This is probably my biggest excuse because I work long hours and when I'm finally done at the office; the last thing I want to do is bust my butt at the gym. One great motivator I learned is to only allow myself to watch as many minutes of TV as I work out that day. That means watching my guilty pleasure shows like Kell on Earth and Project Runway on the treadmill.

Excuse: The cookies in my cabinet are calling me!
Jillian says: I don't keep junk in the house or let waiters bring bread to the table. I have no discipline so I protect myself from temptation.
Becca says: I have zero willpower and want to eat what I want, when I want it. It definitely helps to not have junk food in the house or only allow myself to buy one treat on every shopping trip. Lately it's been white cheddar popcorn, which isn't even that bad for you!

Excuse: I start off Monday with the best intentions, and then life takes over and I flake on my workouts.
Jillian says: Set a daily or weekly target and reward yourself every time you meet it. I get my eyebrows done or download songs from iTunes.
Becca says: This is another place I struggle, but I've found success by making it a mandatory part of my routine like kickboxing class every Monday at 5 p.m.- no exceptions. It only takes 30 days to make or break a habit.