Advertisement

Wanna be a big loser in 2009?

Share

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

You have two choices: You can continue to drink like a fish and eat everything that isn’t tied down between now and New Year’s Eve because you plan to start your diet Jan. 1, or you can get a jump on that New Year’s resolution and get started now.

Here’s your guide to cool gifts, gadgets and trinkets that can help inspire you to lose weight, ‘Biggest Loser’-style. (The new season, ‘Biggest Loser: Couples,’ gets underway Jan. 6 on NBC, but there’s no reason you can’t play along from home.)

Advertisement

--The Body Bugg: Before you go into sticker shock, know that this is a go-to gadget for ‘Biggest Loser’ contestants because it helps them with the mathematical computation at the heart of weight loss: calories in vs. calories out. Shop around and check eBay, as prices vary and added components, such as Web-based training and tracking programs, cost more. $250 and up.

--Wrigley’s Extra sugar-free gum: ‘Biggest Loser’ trainers Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels swear by sugar-free gum as a way to fend off cravings between meals. They’re partial to Wrigley’s -- a show sponsor -- but any brand will do as long as it’s sugar free. $1 and up. Save money by buying in bulk.

--The next best thing to being on the show: ‘Biggest Loser’ workout videos. The two newest videos are ‘Biggest Loser: Bootcamp’ and ‘Biggest Loser: Weight Loss Yoga.’ (If you think yoga is too ‘easy,’ just try it. And when you’re struggling to get out of bed the next morning, you’ll know why Bob is such a big proponent of yoga workouts.) $18 apiece.

--Black or Blue? Team Jillian or Team Bob? If you can’t bear to choose between these two, play it safe by choosing the red hoodie. $21.99.

--So, what are you supposed to eat? Try the ‘Biggest Loser’ Family Cookbook by chef Devin Alexander. $15.

--Need some daily inspiration? This calendar has tips on eating right, exercising and maintaining your motivation. $8.

Advertisement

--You’ll find the ‘Biggest Loser’ logo slapped on pretty much any kitchen appliance you can think of, from juicers to panini makers. Here are two highlights from the line: An electronic kitchen scale to weigh and measure your food, and a bathroom scale to weigh everything else. (If you hate getting on the scale, just be grateful that you don’t have to do it on TV while either shirtless or wearing only a sports bra.) $20-$40, but it pays to shop around.

--Reusable water containers. Fans of the show know that Bob, Jillian and host Alison Sweeney are fanatics about cutting down the number of water bottles that get thrown into landfills. They are partial to Brita and those neon green water bottles that all the contestants carry. (They’re an advertiser, too.) But any reusable water containers will do. Prices vary. Hint: Make sure the ‘mouth’ of your water container is wide enough to allow for a good scrubbing every now and again.

--If your schedule is tight, working out at home might be your best bet. Here’s a selection of ‘Biggest Loser’ medicine balls, resistance bands and exercise balls. Prices range from $10 to $50, but shop around as you might find cheaper versions during post-holiday sales.

--‘Biggest Loser’ workout music. Nice mix of music that gets the job done for either cardio or weight workouts. $15, but shop around. More albums are in the works, including country.

--Protein powder. Ali, the first woman to ever win the Biggest Loser, swears by this stuff to help stave off between-meal cravings. (Although that might not be too surprising, considering her face is on the side of the canister.) Still, this chocolate protein powder tastes rich and chocolate-y and not overly sweet. Also comes in vanilla, raspberry and blueberry flavors. $15.

--There’s no ‘secret’ to losing weight -- exercise and eating right are the only way, as fans of the show know. But Heba & Ed did have a slight edge, which is how the husband-and-wife duo landed in the finale, and Heba walked away with $100,000: They had access to The Biggest Loser Club and The Biggest Loser Meal Plan. They won it in a challenge. You’ll have to pay more for personalized meal and fitness plans or -- the ultimate luxury for any dieter: Meals delivered to your door. Prices vary, depending upon plan chosen.

Advertisement

--Rene Lynch

Photo credit: NBC / Universal

Advertisement