Danni Allen, who dropped 121 pounds on live television, came to Trumbull to inspire her fans Tuesday.
One was Training for a half marathon while others wanted to know the secret to eating right, the right time to weigh yourself and how much daily exercise is enough.
Then 10 intrepid volunteers got a crash course in how to have an intense workout.
Allen won the 14th season of "The Biggest Loser," as each of her teammates dropped out, one by one, leaving her alone to train with Jillian Michaels.
She called being on her own during the show "a blessing in disguise." She was able to focus on herself rather than her teammates.
But the biggest challenge followed the show, when she was not on a strict diet and exercise regimen. On the show, she worked out for hours a day. Suddenly she was on her own.
She regained three pounds her first week out and became worried. Finally she was able to adopt a new routine. "I stopped jumping on a scale every day," she said.
Allen also learned how to eat right, but not through deprivation. She said people should incorporate their favorite foods into their diet in combination with other foods and exercise. Food should be varied because boredom leads to bingeing.
She also maintained an eating diary. Setting a routine helped calm her.
"You have to think what you did was good enough," Allen said.
In general, regarding eating and exercise, she said each person is different when comes to an individual schedule. However, people generally need at least 30 minutes of exercise a day.
The other challenge was eating outside of the home. In restaurants, she encouraged her fans to be aggressive. "Don't be afraid to ask for what you want," according to Allen.
To keep herself motivated, she keeps pictures on her phone and carries a DVD of Jillian Michaels wherever she goes.
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