DIET | DETECTIVE^®

Jillian Michaels is best known as the strength trainer and life coach for the Red Team on NBC's hit series The Biggest Loser. The competitive weight-loss reality TV show is seen by nearly 15 million viewers every week, according to Entertainment Weekly's polls. As a motivator and role model, Jillian has a unique connection with her audience that stems from her own personal journey for wellness.

Jillian's second book, Making the Cut, is a 30-day diet and fitness plan designed to kickstart your weight loss or help you drop those last stubborn 10-20 pounds once and for all. Making the Cut shares the secrets models, celebrities, and personal trainers use when they need to look their absolute best — and delivers them in a program anyone can use.

In addition to her books, Jillian has also combined the best fitness training techniques with the most successful tips on nutrition to maximize home workout routines. Her brilliant routine is now available on DVD and in this online program.

Jillian's boundless energy and devotion to helping others enables her to be a life coach to those she trains. By imparting her unique and inspiring philosophy to her clients, stressing the integration of fitness, nutrition, and behavioral changes, Jillian empowers each one to define and reach personal goals, both physical and physiological.

Her passion for fitness training originates from 17 years of martial arts practice in Muay Thai and Akarui-Do, in which she holds a black belt. Since 1993 Jillian has held two personal training certificates from the leading certification programs in the country, the National Exercise & Sports Trainers Association (NESTA) and the American Fitness Association of America (AFAA). During that time she has helped shape and inspire the lives of millions. In addition, the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) has recognized Jillian for their work in Advanced Exercise Nutrition and Supplementation for Training and Performance.

Jillian's dynamic approach emphasizes strength-training modalities that can be transferred from the gym to daily life. Jillian's intense and effective technique incorporates the best of kickboxing, yoga, Pilates, plyometrics, and weight training to achieve optimal results. She is also proficient in Reebok Core, injury rehabilitation, endurance training, muscle growth, fat reduction and sports nutrition.

Jillian lives in Los Angeles with her beloved and faithful Chihuahua, Baxter. When she's not on the TV set, she enjoys traveling and getting involved in charitable activities. She is a celebrity advisor to National Day of Dance for Heart Health, an organization that encourages people to make exercise fun and to laugh, learn and dance to a healthier heart.

Name: Jillian Michaels

Location: Los Angeles

Website: http://www.jillianmichaels.com

Question: What do you think is the most important thing that makes or breaks a diet for someone?

INDIVIUALIZATION!  There is no one size fits all approach to dieting.  We are as individual on the inside as we are on the outside.  It’s about finding the foods that work best with your biochemistry to give you the most energy, make you feel fuller longer, and rev up your metabolism.

Question: How did you come to your conclusions about weight loss and dieting?

Years of struggling with my own weight led me on a quest for answers.  For that reason I have met with the top nutritionists, endocrinologists, bio chemists, and sports medicine professionals  in the country,

Question: If you could eat one forbidden or unhealthy food (candy, cakes, etc..) whenever you wanted without gaining weight, what would it be?

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups!!!

Question: What is the one food or meal you always eat before training?

I eat 1 hour before training and I always make sure there is a combo of protein and low GI carbs.  For example, a ½ cup of low fat cottage cheese on a piece of ezekial toast. Or scrambled egg whites and sliced tomatoes.

Question: What do you consider the world’s most perfect food?

There is no right answer here.  There are several of these foods.  Each offering a different health benefit.  Ocean caught Alaskan Salmon has so many health benefits.  Just the Omega 3’s alone are so beneficial in fighting heart disease.  Garlic is also amazing for lowering LDL cholesterol and boosting your immune system.  Most obvious Low Glycemic load fruits and veggies are loaded with vitamins and anti=oxidants to fight cancer and heart disease.

Question: Is there anything about yourself that you've changed your mind about in the last 10 years?

No.  I have expanded my knowledge on certain topics like hormones and metabolism, but I have never subscribed to fad diets, quick fixes, no carb crazes etc.

Question: If you could only do only one strength training exercise what would it be?

Push Up Burpies – it works chest, shoulders, triceps, core, glutes, hamstrings, quads, and calves.  It also revs heart rate helping to shed fat and get lean.

Question: On those days when you're not motivated to work out, but you should, what's the one thought that gets you going?

My priority list.  It is something that I created to help me stay motivated.  I write down all the reasons I want / need to work out and then I weigh out the pros and cons  For example: I want to feel sexy when I’m with my boyfriend.  I want to feel good about my appearance so I am confident in business meetings. Then, when I waver I ask myself do you want all the things on your list or do you want to eat this bagel.  The wish list wins out every time

Question: What person do you respect most, or who motivates you?

Eleanor Roosevelt.  Madeline Albright. 

Question: If you had to choose a specific song or band to get you psyched for your workout, what would it be? What other songs are on your iPod?

I listen to a lot of rock and roll when training.  Tool, AFI, Muse

Question: Do you have a Calorie Bargain? What food did it replace? Was that an important food in your diet, since you ate it so often?

A good calorie bargain is Jell-O puddings no sugar added 60 calorie jello snack packs.

Question: What's the most bodacious chance you've ever taken?

Quitting Biggest Loser to develop my own brand.

Question: What was your worst summer job?

Pizza delivery girl.

Question: Define failure.

Not trying.

Here is a recipe from Making the Cut

Chicken Soft Tacos with Sauteed Onions and Apples

Serves 4 (serving size is 2 tacos)

1. Coat large nonstick skillet with cooking spray, and place over medium-high heat. Sprinkle the chicken evenly with nutmeg and black pepper. Add chicken to the pan; sautŽ 7 minutes or until golden. Remove the chicken from pan; keep warm.

2.  Melt Smart Start in pan over medium heat. Add onion; cook for 4 minutes or until tender, stirring frequently. Add apple; cook 6 minutes or until golden, stirring frequently. Add garlic; cook 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Return chicken to pan; cook 2 minutes or until thoroughly heated, stirring frequently.

3.  Heat tortillas according to package directions. Arrange ¹⁄2 cup chicken mixture evenly over each tortilla.

NUTRITION PER SERVING

Calories 354, Protein, 32.9g, Sodium 305mg, Fiber 4.8g, Carbohydrates 31.5g, Fat 7.6g

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