Mario Lopez Wants to Help You Lose Weight (Without Going to the Gym)

By Amber James Posted May 5th 2010 10:00AM

Since his days as A.C. Slater on 'Saved by the Bell,' Mario Lopez has been known as a buff beefcake. Now, at 36, Lopez is sharing his secrets about staying lean and losing weight -- without heading to the gym -- in his latest book, 'Extra Lean'.

"This isn't a diet book. Diets don't work. This book explains why you shouldn't be scared or guilty about having food," Lopez tells PopEater. He promises that people can lose up to 14 lbs. in 14 days just by changing the food they consume. "The only exercise I focus on in the book is when to push away from the table. If you really want to lose weight, it's all about food."

Lopez tells us his secrets about healthy weight loss and also chats about how he's preparing for fatherhood. >>

Tell me more about your book, 'Extra Lean.'
It's the next step to a healthier, fitter America. I want to help America eat better and teach the basics of nutrition, help them embrace food and change their bodies and lives forever. In the book, I stress having the proper balance of carbs, protein and fat in every meal, [while] eating frequently throughout the day and learning portion control. I have over 40 recipes in the book and all the meals are tasty because if people don't like the food, they're not going to stick with the plan.

Your book's selling point is "lose up to 14 pounds in 14 days." That's a big challenge.
It's sort of 'The Biggest Loser'-type numbers. It is a lofty goal, but I want people to strive for the best. It is achievable. This book also helps educate about food and not be scared of it. There isn't a reason to feel guilty. My book is really going to help people. Once you realize how easy it is, you'll want to do it.

Are there certain foods you recommend not eating?
Processed food like frozen dinners. Try to avoid those. But for the most part, you can have the mac 'n' cheese and pizza. I have a recipes for those in my book. You just have to be a little more disciplined about eating them a little at a time. It's worth sacrificing portions for taste.

You challenged 'Extra' employees to test out your 'Extra Lean' plan. How's that going?
Great. I feel great to see a lot of the staff losing weight. I physically see it, and they're looking good. They are broken up into two teams. After a month, I'm taking the winning team that has lost the most weight out to a big cheat meal dinner.

Cheat meal dinner? I like the sound of that.
Yeah. I'm taking them to my friend Eva Longoria's restaurant, Beso.

You should have her stop by.
Maybe. She loves my book and cooked with me on 'Extra' for it. She's so supportive. I'll see if I can convince her to do a surprise appearance.

So switching topics. You and your girlfriend, Courtney Mazza, are expecting your first child together. How is she doing?
She's doing great. We're five months along, and she's looking great, feeling great. I'm trying to feed her as often as I can. I'd love a chubby, healthy baby. We're very excited!

Are you nervous at all?
I was actually looking for a book for a first-time father and couldn't find one. I've decided I'm going to write one of my own. Guys want to help, too. There are tons of book for moms, but dads want to know what's going on with the lady and the baby both emotionally and physically.

Have you started decorating the baby's room?
No. We don't know what we're having. We're choosing to wait.

I know you come from a big family. Do you want a big family, as well?
I hope so. I'm learning a lot about how difficult it is just to even get pregnant and all the things that can go wrong. I have a new respect for that whole process and miracle of birth.

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Mario Lopez Snapshots

Mario Lopez and Courtney Laine Mazza attend the 136th Kentucky Derby on May 1 in Kentucky.

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Mario Lopez Snapshots

Mario Lopez and partner Courtney Mazza arrived at the 136th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, Saturday, May 1, 2010. (David Perry/Lexington Herald-Leader/MCT)

Mario Lopez Snapshots

LOUISVILLE, KY - MAY 01: Mario Lopez and Courtney Laine Mazza attend the 136th Kentucky Derby on May 1, 2010 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Jeff Gentner/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Mario Lopez;Courtney Laine Mazza

Mario Lopez Snapshots

Mario Lopez and partner Courtney Mazza arrived at the 136th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, Saturday, May 1, 2010. (David Perry/Lexington Herald-Leader/MCT)

Mario Lopez Snapshots

Actor Mario Lopez arrived for the 136th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, Saturday, May 1, 2010. (Charles Bertram/Lexington Herald-Leader/MCT)

Mario Lopez Snapshots

Mario Lopez and girlfriend Courtney Mazza arrive before the 136th Kentucky Derby horse race at Churchill Downs Saturday, May 1, 2010, in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/Gail Kamenish)

Mario Lopez Snapshots

Mario Lopez and guest attend an evening at Angels Rock Bar on April 30, 2010 in Louisville, Kentucky. 136th Kentucky Derby - Mario Lopez Hosts An Evening At Angels Rock Bar Angels Rock Bar Louisville, KY United States April 30, 2010 Photo by Stephen J. Cohen/WireImage.com To license this image (60318826), contact WireImage.com

Mario Lopez Snapshots

Mario Lopez attends an evening at Angels Rock Bar on April 30, 2010 in Louisville, Kentucky. 136th Kentucky Derby - Mario Lopez Hosts An Evening At Angels Rock Bar Angels Rock Bar Louisville, KY United States April 30, 2010 Photo by Stephen J. Cohen/WireImage.com To license this image (60318794), contact WireImage.com

Mario Lopez Snapshots

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 30: TV host Mario Lopez attends the Los Angeles 'No Phone Zone' rally hosted by 'The Oprah Winfrey Show', KABC-TV and RADD at John Marshall High School on April 30, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Angela Weiss/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Mario Lopez

Mario Lopez Snapshots

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Comments

(10)

Wednesday 05 May

By Marilyn Halcomb

Vote down Vote up Report this

I wonder if he will put the baby on a diet when it gets too fat for him to be seen with!!!!!

By ashleigh

That Pop Eater Snap Poll should have a 3rd option: "I hate Kate, and don't miss her at all! SHE is what brought DWTS down!"

As to Mario's book, it sounds great!

By themeeker

High Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

It sounds like a responsible approach to dieting. You really should exercise too, though.

By Jennifer

Maybe if you went to a bookstore, you would find a book for expectant fathers. My son will be ten in July and there were books when I was pregnant with him.

By Monique

I am sorry but he is such a slime ball, he should read a book on morals, marriage, and not cheating.
As far as books for new fathers, does he know what a bookstore is? I know they have books like that at Barnes and Noble.

Thursday 06 May

By Eve

I thought he had more morals growing up than that. It sounds like they tried for a baby for a while. Too bad no wedding first. Great example Mario. Another loser. (not in the weight department)

By elin

I had no idea Mario had an education in health and fitness. Hope he's not another Jillian (no education) Michaels.

By RJ

Hey, Mario. How about treating the mom-to-be to a walk down the aisle?

By Eddie

Mario the never was. The best diet is the diabetic diet...if it tastes good, spit it out lol

Monday 16 August

By West Chase

Mario Lopez is apparently hosting the Annual Celebrity Gala on Aug 28, 2010, in Laguna Beach at the Festival of Arts - Pageant of the Masters venue.

I wonder if he'll bring Courtney, too?

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