One of my favorite parts of my job is meeting all of the immensely cool people I get to meet! Definitely sitting among the top on that list is Julie Hadden from “The Biggest Loser”! She’s just too cool for words. Not only is she immensely fun, she walks around with lots of wisdom…that when asked, she’s ready and willing to share openly.
I’ve confessed lately that I’ve been having trouble finding time to workout with all of the craziness going on. So I thought it would be a good idea to call upon Julie to get me (and all of us) moving again. I sat down with her and asked her a few questions.
Me: As a wife and mother of 2 young children and now a popular speaker and up-coming author, I’m sure that you have to make an effort to find time to workout. Do you have any tips for those of us who convince ourselves, “I don’t have enough time?”
Julie: I think we make enough time for the things that matter to us the most. And our own health and well-being has got to be a priority. When it comes to finding enough time to work out I think you’ve got to set yourself up for success in that area. And that means – to me – proper nutrition and plenty of rest so that you will have the energy to actually do the workout.
It also means prioritizing your life. It’s tough, especially when you have so many things pulling at you in different directions – but it’s something you have to do. Let’s face it, we’ve all got a list a mile long of things that need our attention. Some things are “nice to do’s” and some things are “have to do’s.” Be smart and be honest and know the difference. (For me, working out is a “have to do.” Without it my brain and body just don’t work the same.)
It also requires sacrifice. You may have to get up earlier or stay up later to manage your day and get your workout in. But in the end it is so worth it! And when you make yourself and taking care of yourself a priority you can do everything else you need to do so much better.
Me: What do you tell yourself on days you REALLY don’t feel like going to the gym that actually gets you there?
Julie: I have this mental image of the 218-pound fat girl who couldn’t bring the groceries in from the car without being winded; and the reminder of the mom who deprived her child of playing outside because it required too much exertion; and memory the wife who never accompanied her husband to anything because she was embarrassed of the way she looked. It’s that fat girl who gets me up and going to the gym when I really don’t want to go.
I don’t ever want to be that girl again. But at the same time I don’t want ever forget her. It will be the reminder of everything fat stole from me and from my loved ones that keeps me on track and motivated to continue this life change.
Me: I’ve recently had the pleasure of reading an advanced copy of your soon-to-be released book, “Fat Chance…Losing the Weight, Gaining My Worth”. Can you tell everyone a sentence or two about what you expect they’ll gain from reading the book.
Julie: I hope that anyone who reads the book will gain the same hope and motivation to make a change that I did through my experience on The Biggest Loser (and beyond). I still say there is nothing extraordinary about me. I was just given an incredible opportunity and I chose to make the most of it. My story is simple. But hopefully that’s what people can relate to the most. We all deserve to live the life of our dreams! And the power to achieve that life is within each of us. Everyone’s journey getting there is different – but it is possible.
(Also, there’s some neat behind-the-scenes Biggest Loser stuff I hope people will love! As a die-hard fan of the Show, I know I would.)
Me: What do you crave more than any other food?
Julie: I’ll be honest…I will always crave pizza and chocolate cake. But more than that, now I truly am hungry for a healthy life and crave things that nourish my body from the inside out. I guess I can say that I’ve learned to view food as fuel rather than just as fun.
Me: What is your must-have cheat food? How often do you allow yourself to indulge?
Julie: My must-have will always be pizza. I don’t indulge in pizza every week, but I do allow myself a high calorie day once a week. On this day, I increase my caloric intake and enjoy a splurge if I want it. I have learned that it keeps my metabolism stimulated and prevents me from feeling deprived and falling off the wagon. I’ve always said you have to learn to live your life within balance. This isn’t prison I’m living. It’s real life.
Me: Please share one thing that people who haven’t had the ultimate pleasure of meeting you, definitely won’t know about you (but isn’t too personal to share—would love it to be something that even your fans from the show, your book, etc. don’t already know).
Julie: My personality is pretty outgoing and some might say loud. I like to always be cutting up and joking around. So most people would assume that those characteristics echo my taste in decorating. I’ve had friends tell me they expected my home to be loud and colorful and vibrant. When in actuality the complete opposite is true.
I like very conservative, traditional style with absolutely NO color. My entire home is beige, crème and taupe. I have very few personal items around; no knick-knacks at all. In fact, when my friend Hollie from The Biggest Loser recently came to Florida to stay with us for a week she walked through the door and said, “Good gosh Julie, does anybody even live here?” I took that as the best compliment she could give.
Now, it’s tough being this way with two kids. And decorating two nurseries with a completely neutral pallet was a challenge. But that’s just the way I like it. My personality may be over-the-top but my taste in décor is very subdued.
Many many thanks to Julie and wishes for a NY Times Bestseller and continued success! Julie’s book is available December 1st where books are sold and can be pre-ordered now: http://juliehadden.com/.