Vegetarian Star

"The Biggest Loser" Burgandy Keel Before And After

“Bob is so gracious and we were so blessed to be able to go to his house this season. He has never done this before. When we saw the meal, I couldn’t believe the colors and the rich smells and it was so filling. But, on the other hand, I don’t know if I am ready to go vegan. Right now, I am just trying to eat whole foods every day.”

—Burgandy Keel, contestant on this season’s “The Biggest Loser,” on the vegan meal she and other contestants enjoyed at trainer Bob Harper‘s home. Whether you’re ready to go vegan or not, there’s no commitment involved in enjoying good food as often as you’d like. So print some of the recipes from the day like Roasted Wild Mushrooms with Shaved Fennel Salad, Roasted Cauliflower and Chopped Broccoli with Pine Nuts at Harper’s blog, My Trainer Bob.

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During this week’s episode of The Biggest Loser, trainer Bob Harper‘s trainer tip was to consume broccoli! Practicing what he preaches, Harper fed the contestants chopped broccoli with pine nuts this week as well.

“Whether it’s steamed, baked or even over a salad,” Harper says. “A little broccoli goes a long way.”

Broccoli has been hailed as the champion vegetable by researchers, citing it has more health benefits, contains more nutrients and is a strong potential cancer fighter.

Broccoli is also an all-in-one Vitamin D supplement. To benefit from Vitamin D, one also needs Vitamin K and Vitamin A to keep Vitamin D metabolism functioning properly.  Broccoli naturally contains a good combination of K and A (through beta-carotene) and may be a good food to consume when trying to rebuild D stores.

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As reported earlier, this week’s episode of The Biggest Loser featured Bob Harper taking some contestants back to his home and serving them vegan food.

As always, Bob gives some tips for creating a healthier kitchen, including staying away from processed foods.

Harper insists he doesn’t keep a lot of food in the house, because food that will store longer means more processed ingredients. It’s a safe bet he’s not harboring a McDonald’s burger that will not decompose after six months.

“I think the food you should have in your house should have a shelf life of two weeks,” Harper said.

The contestants enjoyed a completely vegan meal of roasted wild mushroom with shaved fennel salad, an heirloom tomato and basil leaf salad, chopped broccoli with pine nuts, roasted sweet corn and roasted cauliflower.

Watch the clip below to hear the contestants’ reaction to their first vegan meal.

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A sneak peek at an upcoming episode of The Biggest Loser reveals coach Bob Harper will trade his tank top for an apron as he invites contestants into his home and prepares a vegan meal for them!

The episode is scheduled to air on October 12th and will also feature celebrity chef Curtis Stone preparing healthier desserts, like his Poached Pear with Red Wine Reduction and Yogurt.

Will Harper use faux meats? Or will he prepare a high protein substitute like seitan from scratch? Or maybe he will do it plain and simple, utilizing some of his favorite vegan staples like soy, beans, raw or roasted nuts and hummus.

Tune in next week on NBC to find out!

Photo: PR Photos

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Bob Harper is the 2010 spokesperson for Farm Sanctuary’s Walk for Animals, which spans across 78 cities in the U.S. and even includes a virtual “no walk” walk. The Biggest Loser coach’s popularity has certainly helped Farm Sanctuary’s cause, as well as draw attention to the welfare of farm animals and the vegetarian and vegan lifestyle. In an exclusive interview with Farm Sanctuary, Harper discusses how growing up on a cattle farm made cows his favorite farm animal, his views on modern farming and how going vegan has changed his life.

Growing Up On A Cattle Farm In Tennessee:
“I have to tell you that because I grew up on this cattle farm it was just the way of life then. On the farm I grew up on the cows were treated relatively respectfully. They had pastures, they lived a good quality of life, of course until their death. To me there was more compassion back then because now … the thing that really pains me … is that these factory farms are just treating these animals like they’re light fixtures, like they’re not real and don’t have blood running through them. It’s just shocking to me.”

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Bob Harper doesn’t rest a minute!

When he’s not coaching weight loss contestants on The Biggest Loser or promoting the goodness of whole grains, he’s giving advice on My Trainer Bob on everything from healthy snacks to getting rid of love handles.

A recent video segment has Bob answering questions about raw vegan diets, protein sources for vegans and good vegan snacks.

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The Biggest Loser coach Bob Harper has stepped up his veggie eating game and gone completely vegan!

The once vegetarian who was a big loser in his cholesterol numbers–100 points–after dropping meat recently told VegNews that dumping all animal products from his diet has improved his health even more.

“I enjoy living a plant-based diet because it makes me feel clear headed and strong, not to mention my genetically high cholesterol dropped more than 100 points. That was all the motivation I needed.”

Harper, who has criticized high animal protein diets as a way to lose weight, recommends Biggest Loser contestants either follow a vegetarian diet, or one that is mostly plant based while competing on the show.

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Bob Harper. Credit: LA Times

Bob Harper has a new sidekick who’d make a great addition to his fitness DVDs or help cheer on the contestants on his team on The Biggest Loser.

The dog is a  rescue animal from Animal Advocates Alliance, according to the LA Times.

At first Harper was reluctant to take in “Karl,” given his busy schedule, but after one encounter with the black and white pup, there was no turning back. Harper used the opportunity to voice his support for animal shelters and warn against going to a mill.

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