Breakfast of champions right here, folks:
I had to take Niko to the groomer’s this morning, which happens to be right by the only Dunkin Donuts in town. Obviously, I had to take advantage of an iced coffee. I also picked one up for Shane, along with some munchkins for his breakfast since he’s working from home today. There might be 3 missing from the bag, but that’s neither here nor there.
Don’t worry, I had a substantial breakfast after I got back and showered:
Protein pancake – recycled picture, but you get the gist – made this way, but with a little protein powder and a banana mixed in (so good!) Eaten while watching the Today Show.
Speaking of the Today Show – yesterday while I was listening from the kitchen, my interest was piqued when I heard Jillian Michaels on screen being interviewed.
I was pretty surprised to hear her announce that not only was she coming back to the Biggest Loser, but she’s coming back specifically to help the show take on childhood obesity. The show will feature teens between 13-17 to be included in the competition, somehow giving them a pass from the weekly weigh-in eliminations.
Never a show to shy away from controversy, this decision will undoubtedly unleash some criticism and opinions. Here’s my thoughts:
Previous Thoughts on That Thursday:
My thoughts on pro-anorexia websites
On another note, I hope I’m not getting sick. For the past few days I’ve had what I thought was a bad ear ache, but then last night I started to feel it in my neck. I haven’t been sick since November 2009 (oh dear…some rookie blogging times around that post!) – ‘freals - so I sure hope my body kicks its butt before it takes over to full blown sickness.
So, instead of going on my planned 5 miler, I’m going to be trying something in the kitchen that I’ve actually never even attempted before (don’t worry, I won’t share if I am, in fact, sick 
) Should be a fun time. Wish me luck!
See you all tomorrow!
Your turn: What are your thoughts on The Biggest Loser taking on childhood obesity?
I can see why The Biggest Loser makes your job difficult. I also agree that 13 is a little young, most gyms don’t let kids workout until they are 14. However, I think that childhood obesity is such a bigger problem than ever that I think this can only help increase awareness of how to live healthy. But, this could go wrong so easily, I hope it doesn’t.
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I don’t think we need to make weight a big deal in front of kids, but it really is a big deal that’s worth of attention. For instance, get them out and play with them. Cook them healthy meals, and prep healthy snacks. Don’t give them a complex about it though. Let them be children for goodness sake! haha Those are my 2 cents… I guess it was more like 25 cents, but whatevs.
Now I REALLY want a donut!
As for teens being on Biggest Loser… I very much agree with you and all of your thoughts surrounding the issue. Eating disorders often develop at such a young age, and the constant pressure from The Biggest Loser show/trainers/whatever only encourages that. Teens already get plenty of pressure from our society. Like you said, I hope they deal with it in more of a healthy way!
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I think childrens’ habit forming years are incredibly crucial – but I like the simple messages of moving more, getting outside to play, and eating healthfully as a family – being focused on weight before your body is fully grown can be tricky.
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Oh trust me…I was thinking about my weight long before 13. I love that they’re avoiding the weekly weigh-ins, because those can be a little too much for children. Disordered thinking is exactly what comes to mind…the scale is a tool that is VERY much abused and misunderstood.
BL can be inspiring and motivating, but I agree that it can instill unrealistic expectations in those trying to lose weight. My nutrition instructor was saying that the most successful “losers” lose about a half a pound a week. Not even 2. 20 is a bit much, and I agree that it’s in a controlled environment…when those people go home, it’s a huge reality check – which can be very dangerous. (I feel the same way about people who go away to spa-like rehab centers. How do those places even come CLOSE to mimicking real life? They return home to their triggers and influences.)
I could go on. But I won’t.
Great post, Paige.
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I agree! I think focusing on just weight and losing it will be too much for a teenager. Hopefully they will focus more on healthy living for this situation
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How interesting! As excited as I am that Jillian is coming back to the biggest loser I completely agree with your thoughts on the topic! I think 13 is just to young to be even focusing on weight and rather the focus should be placed on weight maintenance. Having struggled with an eating disorder in the past I know that the feelings develop early! I still remember sitting in the middle school cafeteria eating a Jenny Craig bar for lunch and hiding it from my friends because I didn’t want them to see the wrapper. Sad but true and I think things are only going to get worse as society places a bigger focus on childhood obesity! There are other ways to combat it than to put it on reality television for the world to see!
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i don’t think 13 is too young at all. I think they should focus on education though over a weight loss competition.
I see plenty of obese children waddling out of McDonald’s with their parents because neither of them know any better. There are people that think McDonald’s serves healthy meals. “They were an Olympic Sponsor! They must be healthy!”.
I like what Jamie Oliver has done in regards to trying to make schools/parents aware of what’s being fed to children while they’re in school. We need more awareness in the mainstream media like this.
While I don’t think that necessarily putting it on a reality tv show is the way to go, it has to be brought to more people’s attention. With healthcare going the way that it is, I wonder how it will be 20 or 30 years down the road when these obese children are now obese adults.
robfiasco @ run 2 the hills recently posted..i absolutely love half days…..
Ugh. McDonald’s kind of infuriates me.
And yes! I think you’re spot on with focusing on educating these children instead of focusing on it being a competition.
While 13 is young, if that child is obese then weight and healthy eating needs to be addressed. It is an extremely prevelant issue. Working in a school and being around children; I see what a huge issue it is, not only regarding health, but also self-esteem. I think and hope that Biggest Loser addresses the teens on the show in a healthful way. I also think that it could be a really postive way to shed light on a major health issue. I will definitely be tuning in!
Helping to curb childhood obesity is certainly important, especially in our country. I’m not 100% sold on these kids (at 13 they are still kids) being exploited on reality tv. The adults on the show have the knowledge to make their own decisions, at 13, the kids may not. Influencing children in other ways rather than putting them on reality tv would be vote! Excellent post on an important topic!
Katie @ http://katieenpursuit.wordpress.com/ recently posted..This and That Thursday
Exactly…bottom line is the network mainly cares about one thing – ratings.
DD iced coffee is the best!
I’ve never watched The Biggest Loser! However, I agree with your thoughts that 13 does seem a bit young. When I was 13, I became more active and lost “baby weight” that I’d been carrying all throughout my childhood! I’d say 16-18 would probably be a better demographic if they want to work with a younger age group.
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I’m so torn about this. I watched BL in the beginning and then when it became so focused on advertising brands I quit watching. Telling someone to chew gum when they are hungry is just ridiculous. So, I don’t hold many good thoughts on where this new direction may be going. I do think educating children on how to live a healthy lifestyle is extremely important, but I don’t know that The Biggest Loser is the way to do that. They would have to completely change their format for me to think they were doing a good thing. Also, how about the parents in all this. The 13 year old is learning bad habits from somewhere. Our outside influences are a huge part of our healthy lifestyles when we are young. It’s not likely that 13 year old has any decision in what he/she eats for dinner. I have two boys 11 1/2 and 14. They are well aware of what a healthy lifestyle consists of, but asking them to grill up some chicken and steam some veggies is not like to happen. They are learning how to do this, but if I didn’t buy these things and put them in the fridge, it’s not going to happen at all. I don’t think BL should do a show like this. I do think a show about educating families on healthier lifestyles is a good thing though.
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I hope you aren’t getting sick, either! Seems like everyone around me is. I don’t watch reality TV, I actually dislike it and think it should all just go away, so I don’t have much to say about TBL and the childhood obesity thing. However, I think childhood obesity is SUCH a problem, I see it in my own family and with my own friends’ kids.. it makes me crazy–I wish they’d teach their kiddos about proper nutrition. There is a lot more crap out there than there was when I was a kid, and children often times don’t have the sense to make proper decisions =/
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i think it’s RETARDED. jillian michaels is not going to take on childhood obesity by herself and its just a way for her to make more money – idk i just can’t stand her anymore – to me she’s not an inspiration – i think if she wanted to help childhood obesity then visit schools and speak there – not on television with 7-8 kids. idk childhood obesity is a problem but its not going to be solved through a show imo! xoxo
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I’m gonna say give it a try. kids need to be influenced in a healthy way outside from their immediate family. and here is why. my daughter is a little on the weighted side (12yr old). even w/ me being a ‘healthy’ influence (unfortunately former other half was not healthy). doctor told her she needed to lose 9 lbs. i’m not offended. and i keep doing healthy because I am hoping healthy habits take effect.. and luckily somethings have. but what she does when I am not around – that needs a kick in the butt. junk food from school or friends… sigh. and i know there are plenty other kids who are heavier than my daughter. they deserve a chance to live life w/out being hindered by potential disease. like plack build up in the arteries… that didn’t start til later in life. now they are finding its starting at 9. something has got to be done. k, i could rant forever, but i won’t
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I think childhood obesity is quite devastating. But I don’t think the biggest loser is the right forum/ provides the right platform to address it. Competition, really quick weight loss, tv spotlight etc, even without weigh ins is not appropriate.
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i hadn’t really thought of it – but loved the way you explained it. they are too young and she does yell SO much!
I hope you start feeling better Paige!
I’m not the biggest fan of Biggest Loser either. Its not the most healthy way to lose weight in my belief and I agree it makes people view their weight loss in a negative way.
Anyways I completely agree with your thoughts on the Childhood Obesity as well. For one, Bob and Jillian aren’t medical doctors, and getting in that competitive mindset at 13 is very, very young. As someone who went through judgements from a swim coach saying I was too fat at 12-13. It definitely effected my lifestyle later on in life. And it lead me to disordered thinking and beliefs. Not good. I do think the childhood obesity is a major concern, but there are ways to do it without being so intensive, like with help from a nutritionist. Hopefully this will be a positive thing though!
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