The Biggest Losers: Off the Ranch and in the Kitchen
What happens when they leave the ranch? We found out how they keep healthy, happy, and satisfied.
Season after season, it's astonishing to watch the pounds melt off the contestants as they transform into fitness phenomenons. But once off The Biggest Loser ranch and back in the throes of everyday life, everyday stresses, and everyday time constraints, how do they keep the weight off? We asked a few former contestants to share their healthful eating habits and the recipes that keep them lean and loving life.
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1
Michelle Aguilar: Winner Season 6
The most recent BL success is the heartwarming story of Michelle Aguilar. Not only did she lose a whopping 110 pounds, she repaired her relationship with her mother. The strength she gained from the show both physically and emotionally has kept her healthy, happy, and confident. How does Aguilar keep it up? "The best thing I learned was how to order food when eating out," she says. "It's okay to be a little high maintenance to make the right choices. Getting double veggies or the sauce on the side all help you to stay on track." But when she eats in, Aguilar is all about her Chicken Marinated in White Wine.
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2
Ali Vincent: Winner Season 5
Ali Vincent left the ranch 112 pounds lighter than her entering weight of 232 pounds, earning her the esteemed title of first female winner. Today, she maintains her strong, lean body by regularly working out and eating right. "I love to eat!" says Vincent, whose new relationship with food involves viewing it as "fuel." To satisfy her craving for spaghetti, she substitutes spaghetti squash. "I use ground turkey that I prepare in a skillet with garlic, onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, oregano, and basil. I then marry [the turkey and veggies] with a marinara base and let it simmer until the flavors blend together," explains Vincent. Yum!
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3
Jay and Mark Kruger: Season 5
After losing 103 pounds, Jay Kruger stays on the wagon by following three rules. First: He always packs healthy snacks like fruit and nuts. Second: Kruger counts his calories. "If you keep track of your calories during the day, you are less likely to sabotage yourself," he says. Number three? Knowing when to say no. "If I ever have a craving for junk food, I tell myself eating it is not worth sacrificing feeling and living healthy," says Kruger. To combat a craving for salt he adds a spicy punch. His favorites? His wife's recipe for Buffalo Chicken Chili and brother Mark's Chicken with Marinara Sauce.
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4
Roger Shultz: Season 5
After leaving the Biggest Loser ranch a lean, mean, fighting machine, ex-football star Roger Shultz is happy to have put on a few pounds. "I gained 25 pounds, and that is a good thing!" declares Shultz. But he has no plans to return to his 7,500-calorie-a-day diet. "Healthy cooking is cheaper than you think," says Shultz. His easy recipe for Turkey Tacos is abundant with Mexican flavors. In a pan, brown a pound of lean ground turkey meat in olive oil and add salsa. Warm corn tortillas in the oven (or microwave), then top with a healthy dose of brown rice. Add the ground turkey and garnish with no-fat Greek yogurt.
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5
Bill Germanakos: Winner Season 4
It was just a year ago that Bill Germanakos earned the title of "The Biggest Loser" at a slim 164 pounds. Before moving into the ranch at an astounding 334 pounds, the 41-year-old's diet consisted of "massive amounts of fast food and carbonated beverages." Germanakos admits, "I was an emotional eater who binged a lot, especially late at night." At home he surrounds himself with the foods that are healthy and satisfying. White bread, pasta, and beer may be off-limits, but pancakes, fortunately, are on the list. Try his chocolaty recipe for Billy G's Breakfast Brownies, his tasty version of pancakes packed with protein.
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6
Matt Hoover and Suzy Preston: Season 2
Competitors Matt Hoover and Suzy Preston lost a total of 252 pounds — and while the pounds were falling off, they fell in love. To keep each other away from their previous bad habits — Chinese takeout, oversized portions, and unnecessary snacking — the twosome cook together. They substitute nonstick cooking sprays for oils and fats and "add lots of veggies to everything." The family of four loves to entertain. "We love to grill out!" says Preston. The pair often host friends for barbecued steak and chicken with a side of grilled asparagus sprinkled with Parmesan cheese. Another Preston tip: Always start with a salad before your meal.
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7
Marty and Amy Wolff: Season 3
Something must be in the ranch water. Like their predecessors, Matt Hoover and Suzy Preston, Amy and Marty Wolff hit it off on the show. Before the program, the pair fell prey to unhealthy habits. "We spent many years neglecting our nutritional needs: barely eating fruits and vegetables and turning to high-calorie carbs and fats," says the couple. "Those days of complete gluttony are over!" So how do they avoid over-consumption? "It's vital to keep your body constantly fueled in order to burn fat," explain the Wolffs. "Never go hungry!" Try their recipe for Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps.
Watch this season of The Biggest Loser on NBC Tuesdays at 8PM ET.
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