The Biggest Loser host and Days of our Lives star Alison Sweeney chats with us about motherhood, handling picky eaters and how she not only lost the baby weight — but kept it off as well!
We also asked Sweeney the question on everyone’s mind: Which trainer from The Biggest Loser would she pick to train her?
Days of our Lives fans practically grew up with Alison Sweeney and her character of Sami Brady, and they watched as she struggled with her weight, before slimming down to the healthy weight she is today.
Now as the host of The Biggest Loser, Sweeney cheers on contestants as they work with trainers Jillian Michaels, Bob Harper and Dolvett Quince to get in shape and lose the weight.
We chatted with Sweeney about her struggles with weight and she revealed how, even after having two kids (Ben, 8 and Megan, 4) she has kept the weight off.
SheKnows: You have been a great role model in not only losing weight, but keeping it off — which can be a challenge, especially after having kids. What is the secret to your success?
Alison Sweeney: Thank you. I think it’s important to keep a positive attitude about maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It’s also about being realistic. Look at the small things you can do that make a very big difference, but still are very manageable. Instead of snacking on unhealthy options, I always make sure to have healthy choices available like a bowl of washed blueberries in the refrigerator or a bag of almonds in my purse. Give yourself healthy, satisfying options as your first line of defense.
I also think it helps to be in a workout routine where you just go. I actually put my workouts on the calendar and wear my gym clothes out the door in the morning so I have no excuse not to get to the gym. A lot of fans have been tweeting their questions to me and I’m doing a digital series to answer some of them for you in January so keep following me [on Twitter] at @Ali_Sweeney for where you can hear more of my latest ideas.
SK: How do you get your diet back on track, especially after splurging like we all have around the holidays?
AS: First, there’s no need to splurge over the holidays. Make sure to have healthy foods before going to the parties and take advantage of time off from work to try new workout routines.
I also find that if I start the day off on a healthy foot, I’m much better off throughout the day. So I always make a point to eat a nutritious, but filling breakfast — oatmeal with blueberries, cinnamon and agave is my personal choice!
SK: What kind of exercise did you do after having kids to get back in shape?
AS: I worked out during my pregnancy which helped but I also treated working out like recovering from an injury after having my kids. I made a point to eat right and work out and slowly my muscles came back and the weight came off.
Check out my book The Mommy Diet for my favorite playlists for working out while pregnant and after having a baby!
SK: What kind of diet plan did you follow after having kids?
AS: For me it’s not about a “diet” plan but rather making healthy choices to lead a healthy lifestyle. I focus on proteins and healthy snacks and limit my “treats” to myself. I don’t deprive myself and didn’t after having kids either, but I make sure to get in my workouts to balance the caloric intake.
SK: What kind of snacks are your favorite, as far as being healthy and giving you a boost of energy?
AS: My absolute favorite snack when I hit that mid-afternoon slump is Greek yogurt with blueberries, slivered almonds and agave. It tastes delicious so I feel like I’m getting a treat, but I also know I’m getting fiber, vitamin C and protein.
SK: What kind of healthy snacks do your kids like?
AS: They like sliced up bell peppers and carrot sticks. They also love making smoothies because they get to choose what goes into the blender.
SK: Are your kids picky eaters? Any advice to parents whose kids just don’t want to eat their veggies?
AS: Get them to help in the kitchen! When I invite Ben and Megan to help make their own snacks or meals, they become much more interested in what they’re eating and as a result are more willing to try new foods.
SK: There are so many amazing transformations on The Biggest Loser! Which contestant did you find to be the most inspiring?
AS: All The Biggest Loser contestants are inspiring because of what they’re accomplishing. Obviously Abby touched us all and will forever be a favorite of mine.
This season I loved getting to know Ruben and really all the contestants are having incredible transformations — physically and mentally.
SK: The Biggest Loser trainers are all so motivating in what they do!
If you could pick only one of them to train you, who would it be?
AS: I know better than to answer that question!
Photo credit: Dave Bedrosian/Future Image/WENN.com; istock.com/littlebluedynamos; Alison Sweeney Instagram
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