If you’re ready to unleash your competitive streak, then listen up.
Krista Vernoff, the Emmy-nominated, Golden Globe winning head writer and executive producer of television’s number-one hit show Grey’s Anatomy is all the brain child behind The Game On Diet. With her partner in health, Az Ferguson, the Body-For-LIFE’s Million Dollar Champion, they created this four-week incredibly fun challenge to help you to acheive your very best body, your very best health and your very best self.
We had a chance to talk with Krista about her Game On Diet. You can read along and listen to our audio conversation with this Game On guru as she talks passionately about the challenge that changed her life.
1. The Game On Diet is truly the definition of a healthy competition. Can you describe your motivation and inspiration behind creating it?
It was actually created by Az Ferguson, who is the fitness expert. He created the whole game. I wrote the book. The game changed my life and my understanding of health, my body and how to attain a healthy weight loss and I wanted to share that with others. Plus, my voice is very accessible so The Game On Diet is really a comic health memoir.
I gained 50 pounds during my pregnancy and I was 20 pounds overweight going into the pregnancy. I lost 26 pounds after I had my daughter but at 5 feet 7 inches, I was still at 204 pounds. I asked Az for help. I didn’t want to be obese but I was very averse to dieting. He saw that I required other motivation and that I was also competitive so he challenged my friends and I to the game.
2. Can you describe the basic rules for playing?
The Game On Diet is really a lifestyle competition that you play with another team. It has a built-in support system where you earn points for healthy living. Each game lasts four weeks and you earn points by eating five small healthy meals a day, drinking three liters of water, exercising at least 20 minutes every day and changing one unhealthy habit into a healthy one like taking up reading instead of watching TV.
You lose points by snacking, eating “unsanctioned foods” such as sugar and fried foods and drinking alcohol.
The success of the Game On Diet comes from changing a part of your life that is not necessarily diet or exercise specific. It’s a lifestyle shift that involves what you put into your day not just what you put into your body.
3. Who can play the game?
Anyone. Even if you physically can’t exercise, you can still play. Every rule to the game is modifiable. If you’re vegan or if you follow the Weight Watchers, you can play it. If something has been working for you as long as you declare those rules to your team, you can play.
4. Can you play the game if you just want to maintain your weight?
Absolutely. You win the game on points earned, not pounds lost. You figure out a fitness or health goal for yourself and try to achieve that. The game is great for people with an eating disorder who obsess about dieting and exercise because it can help them make those healthy changes without obsessing over them.
Thanks so much Krista!