On the "Biggest Loser" Web site, "before" and "after" photos testify to the contestants' dramatic physical changes. But beyond appearances, the hard-working contestants have completely transformed their lifestyles, too – starting with their eating habits.

Eight months ago I met finalist Michael Ventrella for the first time. Our meeting was a part of the screening process for "Biggest Loser" applicants, which includes comprehensive medical testing and a discussion of their dietary history and eating habits. In our first meeting, three habits caught my attention:

The Season 9 Finale of "The Biggest Loser" is just a week away, but already we're hard at work preparing for Season 10. Recently I flew to Los Angeles to spend a week with our newest prospective contestants.

Each contender goes through a series of medical evaluations over the course of a week or so. In addition to me, the show employs physicians, a psychologist and other health professionals; would-be contestants meet with each in the course of their evaluations.