Jillian Michaels Says Oprah Has It All Wrong

Jillian Michaels likes to just shoot from the hip and not mince words! She was interviewed for Health Magazine's November issue and conveyed her thoughts on a few subjects from Oprah to organics to why she has her own personal trainer!
if there’s someone I think is utterly misguided, it would be Oprah Winfrey. She says she had a thyroid problem and ate soy, and I’m like, How? Where is Dr. Oz? She’s just so misinformed, it is shocking to me on a daily basis. Soy is terrible for you [if you have thyroid issues].”
People familiar with Jillian's "ways" might know that she's a huge advocate of organic foods and products. When asked about ways people can improve their health:
“Go organic. That would be the one thing—it’s not even exercise. Our food is corn derivatives, food derivatives and chemicals. It is making us fat and sick.”
Jillian is also huge on fitness - not just walking. I can hear her voice on the "Shred" dvd - "when someone tells you just take the stairs - it is a false message of lethargy".
"We sell ourselves short when it comes to capability and potential. We read on the treadmill. We walk. People will be like, ‘I’ve been walking.’ And I’m like, ‘Really, Really?’ ‘OK, you walked to the car, and then to the door at the mall, and then you took the stairs, too? Come on, man.’ If I can take a 66-year-old man and train him six hours a day, six days a week, you can do more than just take the stairs! People have no concept of what the human body is really designed to do. They have no concept of their strength! And they function in a zone that is well below what their potential really is.”
She's far from perfect and will admit that she KNOWS how hard it is to keep yourself motivated to do it every single day. She shared the area of her life that she struggles in:
“The only thing I would tell you is fitness… Yeah, it’s exercise. I’m like, ‘ugh,’ because I know that with diet and sleep and lifestyle, I can control my weight. I get tired, man, I get so tired! And if I don’t work with a trainer, I’m like ‘OK, I ran my 30 minutes, I’m going home.’ People often ask me, ‘Why do you work with a trainer?’ And I say, “Because he’s a monster. He pushes me in ways I wouldn’t push myself.’” Michaels also notes, “I’m totally flattered [being named America’s Healthiest Body]. But I just think, ‘God, if people had any idea of the stuff that goes on behind closed doors: the struggles in the middle of the night in front of the refrigerator, the weeks on end I can’t get my ass to the gym!’ But, in reality, there’s a part of me where it makes perfect sense.”
I will admit I was very shocked to hear she had her own trainer! I suppose if she's busy motivating other people - who's going to be there to motivate her? Makes sense!
Are you watching the current season of The Biggest Loser? It's pretty early in the season, but are you cheering on any particular competitor yet? That Tracey is sure keeping things interesting! LOL
Photos by WENN













17580 points
I've never watched the show, but she sounds pretty tough--not sure why she needs someone to push her.
I can not stand how she bullies and She is why I cant watch the show.
13895 points
Well, I've done her DVDs and nothing has worked better for me. Yes, she's tough as nails, but some of us need a bully to work out every single day.
31009 points
Same here. I love her dvds. And I used to think she was obnoxious and then I finally tuned in to the show and I really love her!! People just see these little snippets and assume she's a jerk but she's a truly caring person who just doesn't like all the whining and excuses. LOL
27210 points
the 30 day shred is so hard!
wow, what a self-righteous b*tch...
you're having all the resources to eating organic, the time to exercise all day long? Congratulations. My world's a little different, and so are my personal choices.
Jillian's accomplishments pale in comparison to Oprah's. But then if you think it is realistic to spend 6 hours per day working out.............you aren't going to have much to show for it but muscles. Jillian clearly has a skewed view of what is really important and an overinflated sense of her own importance outside the confines of the Biggest Loser Ranch.
keep making excuses for yourself!
2895 points
I would LOVE to see some trainer kick HER ass for once!
yes her body is fit but very manly....i would not want her body. YUCK!!!
7665 points
I really like the show. Jillian sounds really unrealistic in this interview. Sometimes the only thing a person can do is walk and not all grocery stores sell organic food.
1694970 points
Jillian is too abrasive for my taste. She exudes anger. Her style wouldn't motivate me.
20550 points
i LOVE jillian! i have a little girl crush on her haha i would love to work out with her because thats what i need, if i don't have somebody there yelling at me i won't do anything.
249365 points
Wow, what a face she has in that main pic, lol.
I know this isn't the forum to bash Oprah Winfrey but Jillian is sooo right. Nobody ever has the guts to say Oprah is wrong (btw - if there is any self righteous person out there - it's Oprah!). Soy is horrible if you have a thyroid problem. Having said that, I don't know if Jillian yelling at me would motivate me either. I'd just want to smack her.
32110 points
I don't think she and I can be friends
8275 points
when did we get so lazy?
2845 points
I find everything she said refreshing. We have gotten lazy - there are 24 hours in a day. You CAN find time to exercise your body and it is one of the most important choices you will make. Helps you live a longer, higher quality life, sets an example for your children that it is important to take care of yourself and make yourself a priority. No, not everyone has the money to buy ALL organic foods, but there are options and choices in every grocery store.
129030 points
She can be my monster any day.
13895 points
LMAO!
72275 points
well it seems like having a trainer is working for her.
those wide hips she sports can stand to lose a few
wow! are you kidding me!?!?!? You sound like the unhappy fat lady that picks everyone apart but really needs to look in the mirror. Her body fat % will blow anyone out of the water!
No Jillian you are wrong. There is no evidence that people with hypothyroidism medication need to completely avoid soy. Soy can alter the absorption of medication used to treat hypothyroidism, but this can be avoided by waiting about 4 hours after taking medication to consume soy products. Same goes for high fiber foods, iron and calcium supplements, and aluminum or magnesium-based antacids.
No Jillian you are wrong. There is no evidence that people with hypothyroidism medication need to completely avoid soy. Soy can alter the absorption of medication used to treat hypothyroidism, but this can be avoided by waiting about 4 hours after taking medication to consume soy products. Same goes for high fiber foods, iron and calcium supplements, and aluminum or magnesium-based antacids.
7228 points
Honestly asking, how much would it cost to hire Jillian as a personal trainer? Wondering how much money she is getting out of all of this and good for her for being able to find something she is so good at and making teh most of it. This is her vocation and if she was not this ruthless she wouldn't be this good.
51520 points
I don't watch Biggest Loser.
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