Interview with the radiant 'Biggest Loser' host Alison Sweeney (Exclusive)

There’s no doubt about it, Alison Sweeney is beautiful. She is a woman who could walk into a dark room and light it up like a quick flick of an imaginary switch.

Her incredible work ranges from day time soaps to now helping change people’s lives. Whether it was the controversial Sami Brady on Days of our Lives, or now hosting The Biggest Loser, her beauty shines right through the television set into the viewer’s homes.

The moral of the story though is that it’s the beauty within which translates. Making sure you reach your full potential and know your own self worth is her message.

Now hosting her 13th season of the show, her beauty within shows more than ever as the show preaches that very message alongside her. Alison has been enjoying every moment as host on The Biggest Loser and is especially enjoying the group that has come back to regain their Glory Days.

Luckily, I was able to catch up Alison and speak about the new season and a few other things she’s been up to recently.

Robby Sabo: Your show, The Biggest Loser, is back with a new twist focusing on former athletes returning to their Glory Days. How did you enjoy working on this one as opposed to the previous seasons?

Alison Sweeney: I personally really identified with this group of contestants. The Glory Days theme really touches home for me because I’ve always been a competitive person, a fan of sports which allows me to relate and identify with so many of them. I identified with their desire to get back to where they were after falling off that path. It’s been amazing to be a part of that journey with them. And they are different because they have that athlete background which has made them tougher and already have that knowledge of knowing how to work out.

RS: How have the two new trainers, Jessie Pavelka and Jennifer Widerstrom, filled in for the departing Jillian Michaels?

AS: Oh, I think they’re really becoming a part of this family. To see them wanting to fit in, and be a part of the family, and what we do with the ranch... They’ve jumped in with willingness to want to learn while also bringing a lot of experience to the table. It’s been really really fun to get to know them and to see how well they’ve done with the contestants.

RS: The show has well-known former athletes such as former NFL player Damien Woody and tennis player Zina Garrison. Who’s been one of your favorites throughout taping?

AS: I would definitely have to put “Big-Wood” [Damien Woody] up there as one of my personal favorites. Also Scott [Mitchell], who was also a former NFL player [Quarterback]. Everyone really has something that makes them stand out which makes them special. I can identify with Damien especially because a lot of this is riding on his family at home and why he chose to do this. His story about what happens when you leave the NFL and the injuries... His relationship with his family is something that I really connected with. I really admire him on what he’s achieved in the show and in his personal life. He’s a just such a great guy.

RS: This now marks the 10th anniversary of the show, and your 13th season as host. Can you believe the impact the show has had on so many lives through the years?

AS: Yeah, for me personally it’s changed my life. I now eat healthier and have better tools and information at my disposal to allow me and my family to stay healthier. So I know the show is making a difference and changing lives. I meet people every single day who have lost weight because of The Biggest Loser. Not because they were on the show, but because they are watching and absorbing that information and feel moved, touched and inspired by the stories.

It blows my mind when people send me before and after pictures as they directly contribute some of the inspiration to the show. I have been touched by it and grateful that it is impacting lives in such a positive manner.

RS: You’re a working mom of two. How do you stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle these days? What are some tips for those working mothers out there like yourself?

AS: I think when you’re working and you’re busy as a mom it’s important to schedule in your workout, which would be my number one tip. Look at what you are doing tomorrow and find the right time for you to work out. For me, often times after I drop my kids off at school is when I get my work out in. I do this because I know if I went straight home there would be too many things to do and I would never go back out to the gym.

So, if I drop my kids off and plan on going straight to the gym or straight to the park where I can run, then it will really happen. But if I lollygag and wait, and don’t have it planned out then it will never happen. I think also planning to meet up with a friend will make things way easier. Meeting with a friend at a spin-class, or taking a yoga-class together with someone gives you a chance to connect with a friend, but also helps motivate.

A nutrition tip would be to make sure you plan those meals in advance when you go shopping. Creating healthy alternatives for yourself at home is such an important step in staying healthy instead of eating out every night.

RS: You are working with Arm and Hammer Truly Radiant toothpaste and spinbrushes…can you give us a little bit about what you’re doing here?

AS: I work with Arm and Hammer Truly Radiant toothpaste and spinbrushes because I believe that I want to take care of my life from every angle. I want to eat healthy and be stronger, and I brush with Arm and Hammer Collections because it makes my teeth stronger and I have a pretty white smile that sticks me out and gives me confidence that I’m doing my job. It’s the same message that The Biggest Loser has to offer. It’s about improving yourself and working on the person inside that will allow you the confidence to get out there.

RS: So many fans out there identify you first as Sami from Days of our Lives. How tough a decision was it to leave after close to 22 years?

AS: It was a really tough decision. I just loved playing Sami. She’s a fun character to go to work with every day and I miss her actually. Some of the things about it were so meaningful and important to me, but in the end I decided that I needed to get the opportunity and transform myself for my family and for my kids. Trying other things and seeing what other opportunities were out there were important to me. I knew it was the right thing to do but I didn’t make it any easier.

image courtesy of Peter West/ACE/INFphoto.com