Thursday 11th October -

Thank you to all the emails I received about the Biggest Loser Show and definitely for the relevant points raised on the Blog (Comment from Deb).

Let me be clear from my personal point of view.
While there may be "some psychological" aspects of the show that I don't agree with, but do understand the point of reality TV, there is definitely a need for mass audience awakening.

Yes for those that have already found a reason to be active and eat more nutritionally I commend you. However for some people a kick up the butt and shock therapy is way overdue. Shows like these create discussion and while you or I may not agree with their method - WE all have the same preferred outcome. Healthy people.

I was asked about the success of losing bodyfat from one of the contestants on the Dancing with the Stars (AUST show). He has lost nearly 11kgs (20lbs) and what I thought. Again this is very possible when they are dancing (being active) for nearly 5 hours each day and doing that for 6 out of 7 days and having been doing it for many weeks. Again it's the understanding of how this is happening that needs to be conveyed to Joe and Jill Average who sit at home and watch the show and then decide to take up dancing.

Am I saying dont take up dancing - NO what I am saying is understand how committed these people are. They are on national TV in front of you the "judging audience" as well as the "expert panel" so they don't wish to show a lack of dedication. Will that be able to be transferred back into their everyday lives ... I doubt it.

Could you make that sacrifice ?
It requires financial freedom before you can even consider giving up "your real job" because that is what this has become for the contestants. Their full time job. Hope that is of help Susan and Bill who asked that question.

I was also asked to repost these "Strategies for SUMMER to assist YOU get more Active and Healthy". By Tony Findlay

1. Drink more water.
One way to assist this to happen is to buy some nice glass bottles and keep them full with water in the fridge. At meal times place these out on the table. Doing simple things like this are ways to influence fluid choices at key times in your day.

2. Check the weather for the weekend and plan activities with friends.
I live not far from the water and one thing that I love to do is to get a group of friends together and go and hire kayaks for an hour to two. We will often paddle down around the harbour and stop a local beach for a swim – great fun.
Another great thing to do is to walk a local trail or path with your family. If you are doing a local path, check to see if it is possible for the children to ride their bikes. This means more activity for them and less having to carry them if they get tired.

3. Eat more fresh fruit.
I am not sure of the mental reasoning for this but I only know that the outcome is always the same. If you slice and dice up fruit and then place it on a plate, more people will eat it. This strategy also applies to children. Another tip is to place the pieces on skewers and freeze them which makes a great treat. Summer fruits that I like are Banana and Mango which when frozen taste similar to ice cream.

4. Make an Activity plan and this time commit to it !
How many times have you started an activity plan only to find that you drop off when the first excuse or opportunity arrives? One way to try to combat this problem is to make a “contract” with yourself to be consistent for at least 56 days (it’s only 8 weeks). Also try to find activities that don’t just rely on you going to a fitness centre for your training. Get some friends to join you and play a sport, start riding a bike to work, swim laps at the pool etc.

5. Try to eat more Vegetables
There is ample evidence that very few of us eat enough vegetables on a daily or even weekly basis. With summer it is the perfect time to try something different. Get four or five of your favourite vegies such as Red and Green Capsicums, Zucchini, Mushrooms, Onion, (and even sweet potato is good too). Chop them into chunks and place them on skewers and alternate them with pieces of lean protein such as meat, chicken or even fish. Using the BBQ, grill until cooked and enjoy.