It was recap week in The Biggest Loser SA on Monday. It supposedly contained what producers always call "previously unseen footage". I personally can't stand this rehashing of a series.
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Let's face it - each one of the episodes on Mondays and Sundays consisted of at least 30 percent or more of repeated footage. To delay the final result of who is actually South Africa's 'Biggest Loser' by another week, is downright mean.
The emotions of weight loss
It was very clear from last night's show, that losing weight in this type of setting, taxed the emotions of the participants to the limit. There were endless scenes of all the contestants, men and women alike, crying with frustration, exhaustion, discouragement, loneliness and - luckily - also occasionally with triumph.
For those readers who attempt losing weight on their own without the hoopla of a TV show, emotions can, and will, also play a role. You too will on some days feel totally motivated, elated when you lose weight, and depressed to the point of weeping if you don't. This is something you need to make provision for in your planning before you embark on a weight loss programme.
Support systems
If you know that you are easily rattled, then put some supports in place before you start your diet and exercise regimen. Severe cases may require seeing a psychologist to help them when they reach rock bottom. Less serious cases may just need a 'significant other' to give them the moral support they need to stick to their programme through these ups and downs. Select a friend, your dietician, or a member of your family, to be there when things get tough. Explain that you are going to need support and encouragement and that you want these people to give you this type of assistance, but to also help you not to give in, not to renege on your resolve to succeed.
Be careful that you don't choose a slimming support buddy who will capitulate the moment you shed a tear and give you 'permission' to stop the programme. No, you need someone who can give you empathy, but will steer you back to being strong and dedicated. The selection of the right type of person to help you steady your emotional roller coaster ride through weight loss is an important part of your plan of action.
The strength of companionship
Companionship when losing weight is also a very important factor. It was good to see that the Biggest Loser SA contestants supported each other and drew enormous strength from their trainers. Research conducted in the UK identified that most slimmers, but especially women, need the support of other slimmers and organisations such as Weigh-Less or Weight Watchers to achieve their goals. Keep this in mind. If you know that you are the type of person who needs support to stick to your weight loss plan, then do join one of these organisations.
If you live in a small town that does not have a branch of the major weight loss organisations, be proactive and start your own weight -loss support group.
Men, on the other hand, often seem to be able to go it alone more easily, but as Biggest Loser illustrated, even men need some sort of backup from trainers or a dietician or a group.
Exercises for problem areas
I was particularly impressed with the trainers' tips last night and I hope that all my readers who constantly ask me how they can lose weight in specific areas (the hips, waist, tummy, abdomen, upper thighs, upper arms and buttocks) were watching the programme.
Bruce, the trainer of the Red Team, demonstrated an excellent exercise for firming up and working on the tummy and abdomen, while Lisa, the trainer of the Blue Team, illustrated how you can slim down your upper arms with a simple exercise.
Unless you are contemplating invasive procedures such as liposuction or a tummy tuck, targeted exercise is still the best solution for those problem areas. You can ask FitnessDoc on the Health24 Website for targeted exercises to tighten your hips or buttocks or stomach, or buy an exercise video so that you can do the exercises at home if you can't afford a gym. Keep in mind that most film stars work on their problem areas too and achieve stunning results.
Positive effects of weight loss
One of the most inspiring aspects of last night's show, was the fact that each one of the contestants, no matter how poorly or well they did, left the show with positive messages that have changed their entire life.
Adil, who was voted out very early, said that the show and losing some weight had increased his confidence to live life more positively. Mpho learned to love herself and has vowed to teach her children the principles of a healthy diet and exercise. Daphne was filled with energy and liberated to be able to buy attractive clothes for the first time in many years.
Louis, one of the biggest losers, confessed that the show had taught him to no longer fear food and to understand that if you select and eat the correct food, food is no longer the enemy. Jacques stopped feeling insecure and can now face the world with confidence. Shakeel, the oldest contestant at 43, gained the gift of a free spirit. To see him and his wife soaring on a ride at Ratanga Junction, shows just how much freedom he has achieved.
Asander was so inspired by the show that he has vowed to reform the eating habits of his entire family. Evidently they are all overweight and some of them suffer from diabetes, but Asander is determined to change all that and to show his family how they too can achieve weight loss and good health by eating the correct diet and doing appropriate exercise.
Just imagine what benefits you too could achieve with weight loss!
So we are still waiting to hear who will be South Africa's Biggest Loser. Let's hope that we will see the final results next week – but will our nerves last the week?
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