July 14, 2008 - "Biggest Loser" competitors Jay and Mark Kruger
Ally__Guest_: Hi guys, how many days a week r u working out now?
Kruger_brothers: Ally,
Kruger_brothers: This is Mark, and i workout 6 days a week. for the first six weeks after the show ended I worked out every day but your body is not set up to handle that. you need at least one day of rest. i hope this helps.
DanM__Guest_: 129 pounds in 5 months means that you burned 2970 calories more than you consumed every day for 152 consecutive days. (0.85 pounds per day) Not sustainable. What are you not telling us.
Kruger_brothers: Dan,
Kruger_brothers: It does work out exactly like that. some weeks you lose more than others. I slowed down towards the end because I lost most of it up front. you are correct though if you burn 3500 calories a day that equals one pound of fat. I was burning about 5000 cals. more than I was eating everyday for the firsts two months. It slowed down from there though. when you workout 8 hours a day that is going to happen.
kj153__Guest_: Arent you guys doing a 5K for charity soon?
Kruger_brothers: We are having a 5K in October. It is October 5th at 10am in New Bedford. You can go to JBRace.com and look at the BWS 5k to register. Thanks
c__Guest_: Hey guys, what would you say your normal dinner would be now? Chicken, rice and a veggie? What kind of healthy meal choices do you make daily?
Kruger_brothers: This is Jay. I usually have protein and some vegetables. I generally stay away from complex carbs at night because I'm not going to burn them off.
Dogski__Guest_: In the 1 hour program time, it was hard to accurately tell how much you were working out...How many hours per day were you working out with a trainer? And how many days per week?
Kruger_brothers: We worked out 6-8 hours a day. We would usually workout 6 six days a week.
sox33__Guest_: Hey guys. Thanks for taking questions! I was wondering what it was like being on the show-how much do you see/talk to your families, what are the people like, are you glad you did it, do the producers try to spark drama, etc?
Kruger_brothers: It was tough being away from our families. We didn't really get to talk to them much while we were away. We spoke to them twice up until the week we went home, and then we were able to speak to them for ten minutes once a week after that.
sox33__Guest_: Hi Mark and Jay. Thanks for taking questions. What are each of your top suggestions for people looking to lose weight and be healthy-for either people looking to lose a lot or just be fitter.
Kruger_brothers: get out there and just get moving. Start with walking or swimmimg and maybe step it up from there. Also eat a balanced diet. Its hard to lose weight without doing both.
me__Guest_: How hard was it to loss the weight on the show.
Kruger_brothers: It was hard from the standpoint that we were out of shape. It was wasy from the standpoint that losing weight was basically our job and all we had to concentrate on while we were there.
vege__Guest_: Maybe this is more of a nutrition question, but how do you guys feel about going vegan? Is it a weird concept to you? Do you feel like more emphasis should be placed on working out and not on the way you eat?
Kruger_brothers: As long as you feel good and find a way to be healthy, I say to each his own
Peter__Guest_: How do you handle family events where food can clearly be a problem?
Kruger_brothers: Its easier because our family knows how we live our lives now. They have pretty much all adopted the healthy lifestyle, so that makes it easier. Other wise I woulodd plan ahead and bring a meal for everyone that is also a healthy option for me.
WWBD__Guest_: How cool was Bob?
Kruger_brothers: Bob is awesome and we both stay on tuch with him
Peter__Guest_: In hindsite. was it a mistake on the part of Jay to trade in 10K for 1 pound?
Kruger_brothers: Its always easy to judge things after the fact. Of course I would love to have the 10k, but at the time we were living by thescale and I just wanted to be there another week, so I still don't regret it (even though my wife reminds me about it from time to time)
blfan__Guest_: Im looking forward to the BWS 5k in October. Are any of your Biggest Loser friends going to be there?
Kruger_brothers: I haven't got commitments from anyone else but Mark. Ali, Roger, and Bette Sue have all said they would like to come. If they committ I will let people know one my myspace page under Biggest Loser Jay
Peter__Guest_: Are you involved in any biggest loser exercise DVD?
Kruger_brothers: We haven't been approached yet, but would love to do them
abc__Guest_: Did you have a plan to split the prize if one of you won?
Kruger_brothers: We said ww would talk about it if it happened, but unfortunatly it did not become reality.
A_lot_2_lose__Guest_: So how many calories did you consume and what did you eat each day, give us a general idea!
Kruger_brothers: We ate between 1400- 1800 calories a day while we were at the ranch
Peter__Guest_: how long do you exercise for?
Kruger_brothers: Since we are at maintenance weight now it is generally 1 to 1 1/2 hours a day.
BL_fan__Guest_: Hi there, I was a big fan of your season but do you think the show should be changed to have it strictly be a weight contest rather than a team voting one - seems to then get rid of people for the wrong reasons when they are succeeding?
Kruger_brothers: I can see where you are coming from, but the human drama is what I guess makes a better tv show.
Peter__Guest_: You two were my favorite on the show. How do you deal with the fame factor when out with the family?
Kruger_brothers: Thank you Peter. We try to be as humble as we can. After all, we were given a opportunity to change our lives and we are extremely grateful for it.
BL_fan__Guest_: Any plans to run any long distances races?
Kruger_brothers: We may do a marathon, or half marathon. Mark is more of a runner than I am.
ertu__Guest_: How did you balance your competitiveness and gamesmanship on the show with your focusing on weight loss?
Kruger_brothers: It was tough. You have to lose weight to stay, but you also have to play the game to stay. Finding that balance is a fine line
tko__Guest_: Mark and Jay - first congrats on staying committed to your fitness plans. I'm definitely one of those people who are off again on again! I joined the show late in the season and missed the beginning-- I'm curious about being able to jog such long distances now. When I run, I get tired after 5 minutes -- how were you able to build up your endurance? I can't seem to get past 5 minutes! Thanks!
Kruger_brothers: We couldn't do much at the beginning either. maybe try short sprints. Sprint for a minute than walk for two. That will get your heart rate up and work on your endurance.
BL_fan__Guest_: Do you (esp the "pride on 3" group) all keep in touch? any regreats about the tattoos?
Kruger_brothers: We talk to different people. Mark talks more to Ali, Curtis, and Mallory. I talk more to Roger, Kelly, and Trent
Amanda__Guest_: I know that during the show you said that you were going to organize a charity run this summer, and I was wondering if you have any updates on that?
Kruger_brothers: It is set for October 5th 2008 in New Bedford. You can go to JBRace.com and click on BWS 5k to register.
BF__Guest_: Now that you are back at home what is your typical exercise routine each day or week?
Jay: I jog in the morning and then go to the gym in the evening. Mark gets all his workout done first thing in the morning.
BL_fan__Guest_: I know your wife has lost some weight too - did your kids get inspired to be healthier as well?
Kruger_brothers: Both our kids are all very young, so its more about teaching them the right things now before they have bad habits like we did
BL_fan__Guest_: How has the show changed you? besides the weight, have you thought of pursuing new interests, careers etC? etc?
Kruger_brothers: We both exercise more than we ever did, and I think we appreciate and enjoy life alot more
concordmom__Guest_: Jay, in the article, Kahn points out that you were eating some turkey bacon and oat-flour pancakes -- both sound delicious! Have you found that eating things like that have made you healthier? Using oat-flour instead of bleached flour? Better food vs. refined, generic food?
Kruger_brothers: Definitly. There are always better options out there that you can find without sacrificng flavor.
Jim__Guest_: You said it was tough being away from your family, was it also hard coming back and being away from your "Biggest Loser" family? How was the adjustment?
Kruger_brothers: It was a tough adjustment getting back into real life. Finding time to workout, work, and spend time with your family a balancing act that we'll always work at.
BL_fan__Guest_: thanks for the ideas - what about my JP licks cravings? tough to get through a summer while being good
Kruger_brothers: Its also important not to deprive yourself. Thats where you might binge. Its okay to "cheat" once in a while just as long as you know you can work it off
bug__Guest_: Do you run on a regular basis? Will you be doing the 5k in Oct?
Kruger_brothers: We both run all the time and are both looking forward to the BWS 5k in October. Go to JBRace.com to register (shameless, I know)
Peter__Guest_: Do you stay in touch with Jillian and other contestants?
Kruger_brothers: We stay in touch with Bob, and a couple of the contestants
cbluhm__Guest_: Do you find that you have inspired your family to change their diet and exercise routines?
Kruger_brothers: Fortunatley, they had started to change before we got home. We both came home to safe environments
concordmom__Guest_: Mark, I see you've taken up road running -- how many miles do you try to run a day?
Kruger_brothers: About 4-8 miles a day
BF__Guest_: Can you talk about how many hours a day you are able to exercise now that you are home? Do you exercise 6 days a week still?
Kruger_brothers: We both work out 1 to 1 1/2 hours probably six days a week.
bug__Guest_: How has your weight loss affected the way your family eats? Have other family memebrs lost weight too?
Kruger_brothers: Both our families eat healthy now. Our wives have both lost weight and continue to kick butt in the gym
me__Guest_: do you think a certain kind of exercise helped you lose more weight than another
Kruger_brothers: Any workout that gets your heart rate up is going to burn the most calories. Cardio or circuit training is the best for that
Peter__Guest_: Are you guys working on an exercise DVD with Bob and Jillian?
Kruger_brothers: We have not been approached, but would love to.
BL_fan__Guest_: Do you agree with the set up of the show or think it should be based on % lost for the vote off alone?
Kruger_brothers: I think the show is a success because of the way it is set up. The vote puts drama into it which makes good tv.
Pride_on_3__Guest_: Do you think there is a big difference based on who trained you?
Kruger_brothers: They are both top notch trainers that know how to get weight off of people. Sure Jillian has got the best of Bob the last couple of seasons, but Bob will be back!
BF__Guest_: Now that you are home what is one of your biggest challenges/temptations to stay away from?
Kruger_brothers: There is always things around that can trip you up. I always think that eating junk is not worth giving up as good as I feel.
Pride_on_3__Guest_: Do either of you still practice the yoga Bob taught you?
Kruger_brothers: We only really did Yoga twice the whole season and were not big fans. Its really not something we do. Who knew strecthing could be so hard
bbwriter77__Guest_: Hey guys--congrats on your weight loss! I noticed you used Body Buggs on TV. I have one, but don't work out 6-8 hours like you did. Was it able to track your calories accurately?
Kruger_brothers: They did for the most part. I know that wieght woould always be right give or take a lb from what my bodybugg told me
ertu__Guest_: Did you get a sense that anyone on the show was there as much for the fame as anything else?
Kruger_brothers: When you get down to it I think everyone would hope to gain fame and fortune from it, but that was probably secondary to changing our lives.
me__Guest_: What way did it work for you to start exercise. I am to tired in the mornin and at night to exercise. Do you have any idea on certain foods to try to give me some energy?
Kruger_brothers: Working out in the morning really gets you started on the right foot. It gets you moving and gets your blood pumping. YOu may have more energy after a morning workout. That with oatmeal in the morning really get me going
trace__Guest_: have you kept off all the weight you lost on the show?
Kruger_brothers: We have both put muscle on. So our weights are up slightly. Thats why the scale can be deciving sometimes. As long as my pants still fit I know I'm okay.
cheese_pizza__Guest_: What's been the biggest challenge since returning home?
Kruger_brothers: Finding a way to balance work, family, and exercise
bug__Guest_: You said you are "looking forward" to the 5k but are you running? I already registered!
Kruger_brothers: Both Mark an I are registered. I'd better be since my wife is the vice-president of the foundation. thanks for registering!
Pride_on_3__Guest_: would you ever do a reality tv show again?
Kruger_brothers: It would depend on what it was. I don't think my wife would let me do "I love New York"
jen__Guest_: Hi Mark and Jay. My name is Jen DaPonte (Rioux). I know you from growing up at Anthony's Beach/New Bedford. I am moving back to New Bedford area soon...what is one of your favorite running routes in NB?
Kruger_brothers: Hey Jen, it's Jay, We both like the park (buttonwood) to run around. I hope all is well with your family.
trace__Guest_: Any plans to run the Boston Marathon?
Kruger_brothers: Very small plans right now.
boocaca23__Guest_: 24yo male from New Bedford here, actually almost ran into you guys at the gym one time a few weeks ago -- the show really motivated me, lost about 50 pounds since january, but how do you stay motivated now that your off the show? Im haveing a hard time keeping my edge.
Kruger_brothers: We think about what an opportunity we were given and we don't want to throw that away. It would be a slap in the face to the peple that supported us if we put the weight back on.
bug__Guest_: Did you watch the show once it was over? Was there anything that bugged you about the episodes or the way the filming was done?
Kruger_brothers: We watched the show. There were things that happened differently than the way they appeared on tv. The whole Jackie elminination was different than how it happened.
jen__Guest_: Hi Jay! I ran the Boston Marathon this year! You guys should do it! Our family loved watching you! You both look amazing!
Kruger_brothers: That's awesome. Congratulations. I'm thinking about it, but the 5K is first on my radar. Thanks for watching.
mn__Guest_: Do you ever still eat ice cream?
Kruger_brothers: Frozen yogurt more than ice cream. In small portions
jen__Guest_: My family will be registering for your run/walk in October! See you then!
Kruger_brothers: Looking forward to it
Sue__Guest_: Do you ever eat Chinese food?
Kruger_brothers: Not very often. If I do it will include beef without sauce and steamed veggies
trace__Guest_: Any favorite foods you love to splurge on?
Kruger_brothers: We both have higher calorie days from time to time, but try not to splurge
Lurker__Guest_: Hi guys. I have lost about 70 pounds over the past year and know that my skin just isn't as elastic as it used to be. Did you, or any of the other Losers have plastic surgery to correct sagging. It's unclear from the timeframe of the show.
Kruger_brothers: This is Jay. I have been told to wait some time before having it done because some will come back in. It is something I am going to have done in the future
bug__Guest_: How would you improve the show based on what you saw? Is there anything you regret from the show?
Kruger_brothers: The show is a hit the way it stands. All though they should have given money to the couple that lasted the longest (no bias there)
Vertius__Guest_: What's up guys? Mark are you doing a spin class?
Kruger_brothers: Yes, July 26th
sole__Guest_: any truth to the rumors, because of the enormous excess skin, that people on the show get surgery to remove it? Ive seen tons of people that are as hardcore as you guys and still have loose skin that will never leave them.
Kruger_brothers: Yes, it is the unfortunate part of losing weight. That's why we get to put shirts on as the season went on
mn__Guest_: Do you ever try on your old clothes as motivation?
Kruger_brothers: We both kept an old outfit that we look at from time to time. Other than that we donated our old clothes to good will
mn__Guest_: Have you gotten your kids to be more active? Do you limit their tv watching?
Kruger_brothers: Our kids are all still very young. Luckily we're teaching them good habits before they know any different
Kruger_brothers: We both work out about 1 to 1 1/2 hours six days a week.
me__Guest_: do you suggest something that can keep me from just eating when i am sitting at my desk working all day.
Kruger_brothers: Maybe chew gum or keep water next to you. It's also important to plan your meals so you don't eat too much
cupcakes__Guest_: i saw that bill, for TBL loser, had plastic surgery to remove the excess skin, will you consider that?
Kruger_brothers: This is Jay. It is something I'm considereing and probably will do. It kinda stinks to do all that work and still wear a shirt to the beach
Jessica_A__Guest_: Are you still in touch with the trainers or other contestants?
Kruger_brothers: We both stay in touch with Bob and other people.
cupcakes__Guest_: ARe you still happy about your pride tattoos? Any regrets?
Kruger_brothers: No regrets. I think we both love them and they remind of the experience of a lifetime
jennylou__Guest_: hi, i just joined so may have missed this question - do you mostly run now, or do you mix up the cardio you do?
Kruger_brothers: Mostly run, but throw in some eliptical or swimming now and then.
trace__Guest_: Do you feel everyone on the show was portrayed as they really are?
Kruger_brothers: Pretty much, but there were times when there was creative editing
jen__Guest_: What gym do you guys go to? do you take classes to switch your workout up?
Kruger_brothers: We both workout at Howland Place Fitness in New Bedford. Mark runs a spin class there. I workout with a trainer from time to time
bug__Guest_: Do you bike? Since you run and swim, any plans for a sprint triathlon?
Kruger_brothers: We may do the one in Dartmouth next month. I need a bike though.
bug__Guest_: What is the craziest thing that has happened to you since the show? Any over excited fans?
Jay: I went to a baseball game with my wife and a girl said that she knew me from TV. When I told her yes I was on TV she said she knew I was, and she swore I was the bachelor.
Jessica_A__Guest_: What are some of your favorite foods that you still splurge on?
Kruger_brothers: Frozen yogurt. Mocha Ice coffee
boocaca23__Guest_: Just wanted to say congrats.. and thanks for bringing some good press around the City of NB.... was there some sore of stipend attached to being on the show? How would one survive fianancially otherwise.
Kruger_brothers: They paid a per diem which took care of exspenses. We did not get rich form the show but won something worth more than that
mn__Guest_: How many servings of fruits and vegetables do you try to eat a day?
Kruger_brothers: 4 to 5
mn__Guest_: Are either of you still trying to lose weight? or are you in the maintaining phase?
Kruger_brothers: We are both at maintenace weight
bug__Guest_: What are your hobbies besides what you do to keep in shape? Or don't you have time:)
Kruger_brothers: Spending time with our families
cupcakes__Guest_: how many times a week to do you eat out and how do you stay on track?
Kruger_brothers: In our jobs as salesman it may be a few times a week.
Jessica_A__Guest_: Where there any benefits to your weight loss that you weren't anticipating or found surprising?
Kruger_brothers: The amount of energy I now have is more that I thought I would have
mn__Guest_: Are there any foods are are "off limits" to you, that you wont let yourself have at all?
Kruger_brothers: Any kind of fried food, also junk food like candy. Those are empty calories
cupcakes__Guest_: how do you incorporate alcohol into your diet plan
Kruger_brothers: Everything in moderation is what I say to that
mn__Guest_: If you were offered a million dollars to go back to your starting weights would you take it?
Kruger_brothers: Would we have to stay there or could we have four to lose it again?
mn__Guest_: You could lose weight again.
Kruger_brothers: It would be something to think about