Cheryl's Blog
Fast Food
After seven seasons as the Nutritionist for The Biggest Loser, I've learned the causes of obesity firsthand. Many of the contestants have found themselves on the Ranch, in part, due to their love of fast food. Many, have spent years indulging themselves at their favorite drive-thrus, with cheeseburgers, fries, chocolate shakes, fried chicken and gallons of soft drinks.
At the beginning of Season Three of The Biggest Loser, I wanted to demonstrate how unhealthy these choices are, in a way that made a lasting impact. I know I accomplished this, because years later, the contestants are still asking me for the details of that demo, so that they can pay the message forward and teach it to others themselves.
Aside from the fact that their food choices contained over-the-top amounts of unhealthy fats, sugar and sodium; what they didn't contain is important too. One of those typical fast food meals delivered an astronomical number of calories, but very few vitamins, antioxidants or fiber grams.
The meal I used as a model was this : 1 large double burger with cheese, 1 medium order of fries and a medium chocolate shake - total calorie count = 2262. (and believe it or not, I've had clients tell me they've eaten TWO of those meals in ONE day).
For more nutrition, recipes and weight loss tips, visit Cheryl's blog.
