Workout Tips From Fitness Guru Jillian Michaels

Jillian Michaels is a personal trainer and overall fitness guru who is best known for her appearances on The Biggest Loser, The Doctors, and her own television series Just Jillian, and her app, "Jillian Michaels — Training and Meal Plans," which was released to the iTunes and Android app stores at the end of April. Michaels is an overall wellness machine, educated in all things kickboxing, yoga, Pilates, plyometrics, and weight training.

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The Daily Meal jumped on the opportunity to ask Jillian Michaels some important questions regarding a range of topics — from the best breakfast to her favorite dietary supplement to what foods you should avoid before hitting the beach. 

The Daily Meal: What are the best foods to eat for breakfast?

Jillian Michaels: There is no right or wrong food. The key here is to make sure the foods you eat are whole and that you get all three macronutrients into your breakfast for optimal nutrition and energy. For example, you don't want to have a processed white bagel. It's better to have a piece of whole-grain organic toast. And with that toast you would want a scrambled egg or two so that you get protein and healthy fat in with your carbs. So any meal with clean protein, fat, and carbs is ideal as long you get those macros in their most whole and natural form. This is why in my app we have meal plans for people with all kinds of food preferences from vegan to paleo, omnivore to gluten free, etc. But I always make sure they are getting the right amount of food for their needs and goals as well as the best quality and combination of foods for optimal health and performance.

If running puts too much pressure on your joints, what other forms of cardio training do you recommend?

I don't subscribe to one form of exercise. I know that variety is key when it comes to effective fitness, avoiding injuries, and preventing plateau. So, if impact is an issue for you, try the following: incline walking, biking, swimming, rowing, elliptical (but with a good level of resistance). 

Are there any dietary supplements or protein shakes you swear by?

I am a big supplement person, but when it comes to supplements the quality is key. I would definitely recommend (if you have the means) to take one high-quality multivitamin a day, krill oil, and a probiotic. I also supplement with clean organic caffeine-based products before I train. With any supplement, though, be sure to get clearance from your doctor.

What are some foods that you shouldn't eat before hitting the beach?

Ha! Anything with salt because it will bloat you. We certainly don't need that before jumping into our suit!