Alison Sweeney’s Stay Slim Tips!

In today’s Healthy Hollywood feature: OK, so it’s only the beginning of April, but with summer only a few months away, some of us are already thinking about the swimsuit season.

In the health & wellness world, the focus is on getting folks motivated to work out and eat better. So, if the thought of hitting the beach inspires you to shed the winter weight and shape up, well, let the beach body countdown begin!

“Biggest Loser” host Alison Sweeney has awesome access to some of the best weight loss tips. Besides being the host on the popular weight loss show, she’s also become a wellness junkie.

“I get all this advice whether I ask for it or not, so it sinks in. I love the tips and the calorie advice, it’s just so interesting. I can’t help but learn something every day I’m at work,” Alison reveals to Healthy Hollywood.

The mother of two, who is no stranger to her own weight loss battle after losing 30 pounds in her 20s and keeping it off, she now lives the show’s healthy lifestyle.

“Being part of the ‘Biggest Loser’ or any type of massive weight loss can ultimately be broken down the same way for someone who’s maintaining, it is one day at a time, one exercise at a time. It’s making that first step or making that first healthy choice for yourself makes the next one easier,” adds Alison, who’s 37.

Healthy Hollywood has chatted nutrition with Alison a number times. However, I am always inspired by her upbeat attitude and accessible approach to eating and our recent phone call was no different.

“Eating healthy shouldn’t be torture. You shouldn’t look at it, like ‘ugh,’ you’re suffering through this just eating celery. You can find lots of interesting foods to eat that are delicious and that are also good for you. I feel full every day. I’m never hungry,” she explains.

Healthy snacks are a big part of Alison’s stay slim regimen, adding, “I keep almonds in my purse every day. I have them as a go-to snack if I need them. I replace them for the next day because I don’t want to find myself going to a vending machine and getting something unhealthy. I want to have healthy options and I feel good about myself when I know I’m taking care of my body.”

Another trick she learned at the “Biggest Loser” ranch is how to make Greek yogurt taste like a decadent snack. “Take non-fat Greek yogurt and add cinnamon, almonds, blueberries and little bit of agave or honey. It’s delicious and it’s so good for you. The crunch of the almonds makes the perfect combo with the yogurt. It literally tastes like you’re having dessert,” she says.

And, with beach season just a few months away, Alison says she’s a lot more accepting of her body (flaws, all) and doesn’t go on some massive diet. “I think ever since I’ve had my daughter, I’ve really been aware of this and I celebrate my body. I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished. I know that it’s a reflection of how hard I’ve been working out and taking care of myself. It may not be the best body at the beach, but it’s mine. I work really hard on it and I’m going to celebrate that. I’m not going to let myself be uncomfortable in a way that I would never want my daughter to be,” declares Sweeney.

— Terri MacLeod