Biggest Loser Trainer Anna Kournikova Loves Cheeseburgers!

A reader sent me this great interview Cheryl Forberg, RD, had recently with Anna Kournikova, world-famous tennis player and the newest trainer to be featured on the reality show, "The Biggest Loser." Kournikova joined the show this season as a full-time trainer. In the interview, Forberg writes, "Kournikova has had a tennis racket in her hands since the age of five, and, as the daughter of two athletes, grew up training hard, pounding backhands in her native Moscow, and made a splash on the international tennis circuit while still in her teens." The athlete shares words of advice on food, nutrition and her love of cheeseburgers!

"I met with Anna at the start of season 12 to discuss "The Biggest Loser" approach to food and nutrition and had the chance to ask her a little bit about her career and what she would do to motivate the contestants this season," writes Forberg.

"When it comes to food following an intense workout, it's all the carbohydrate choices like bananas, oranges or whole wheat pasta if I need more fuel to keep going. I love a juicy cheeseburger with sweet potato fries, or guacamole and whole wheat tortilla chips -- of course, in moderation!"

Read the entire interview here.

It’s great to see celebrities who are fit, active, athletic and aren’t afraid of cheeseburgers, despite the bad reputation beef and dairy have gotten in the last decade. I think it’s so important to remind our consumers that there are more than 29 lean cuts of beef, according to government standards, including 95% lean ground beef. These options are nutrient-dense, as well, offering zinc, iron and protein to fuel our bodies.

These are just a few facts and figures that beef ambassadors will discuss at the upcoming 2012 National Beef Ambassador Competition, as they contend this weekend in Wooster, OH, for one of five spots on the national team. Being staged in Wooster, OH, at Certified Angus Beef (CAB) headquarters, my sister, Courtney, is among those competing. Check back next week for contest results and program highlights!