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NEW ULM - Bob Harper, known as one of the trainers on the NBC show "The Biggest Loser," is coming to New Ulm on Saturday to participate in the Heart of New Ulm's Second Annual Heart Summit.

The summit runs form 7-9 p.m. Saturday at the District 88 Administrative Center Auditorium, 15 N. State St. Admission is free.

The Journal participated in an e-mail interview with Harper. Here are his responses.

Journal: We're glad you are coming to New Ulm to speak at the Heart of New Ulm summit. What have you heard about the Heart of New Ulm Project, and what do you think of its goal - to eliminate heart attack deaths?

Harper: I'm so excited to be coming to New Ulm to speak with the community about this 10-year initiative. I only hope that other places in America will be able to follow suit and do what they can do to pull together like the people of New Ulm and make a difference in their health and welfare.

J: You are well known for your work as a fitness and lifestyle instructor, working with individuals and small teams on "The Biggest Loser." What differences and challenges are there in working with thousands of people in a community-wide project like Heart of New Ulm?

H: I believe that working with my teams on The Biggest Loser has been able to reach out to millions of people across the world and what was needed was a voice and direction that I have been able to give them and that is exactly what I want to do when I come to New Ulm. I want to show people a new way of living and get people back in control of their health and their lives.

J: On "The Biggest Loser" you are working with extremes, not just in the size of the contestants but in the kind of grueling workouts you put them through. How can people adapt what they see on the show to their own lifestyles?

H: I tell people all the time that what we do on The Biggest Loser is very extreme because the contestants on the show have no jobs to go to or family to take care of. Their lives are all about diet and exercise. The people that watch the show get inspired to begin to make changes in their lives and get the ball rolling. It is all about the little things that you can do in your day-to-day life like making healthier food choices at the grocery store or restaurants. Getting up 30 minutes earlier and going for a walk. These little things add up to a lifestyle change.

J: On "The Biggest Loser" people lose a lot of weight in a short period of time. Is this dangerous if people try it without lots of supervision?

H: The contestants are under constant medical attention while staying on the ranch. I suggest in the "normal world" when you are losing 1 to 2 lbs. a week, you are right on track.

J: What is you top tip for taking care of your heart?

H: I believe that eating right AND moving your body run neck and neck when it comes to taking care of your heart. Having people focus on whole fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains is an excellent heart healthy diet. Also finding at least 30 minutes in your day to work up a sweat is going to get your heart in tip top shape.

J: Do you believe anyone and everyone can change their lifestyles to adopt healthier practices?

H: I believe that everyone is capable of changing old habits a living a healthier life. It just takes a little discipline, a little resolve and a LOT of heart.

J: Do you believe in being "kind" to yourself or "tough" on yourself when you are trying to lose weight?

H: I'm from the south so I believe that you get more bees with honey. I will always be kind and caring to myself because I believe that you must do what you can to lift yourself up in a positive way. It is all about the laws of attraction.

J: People tend to make a lot of excuses for not eating right or getting enough exercise. What are some of the best "excuse busters" you employ with people who want to lose weight?

H: I ask the question, Are You Ready to make a change with your life? And if you answer yes to that answer, then there is nothing that will stand in your way and no excuse to stop you from achieving it.

J: What do you think about the "fast food" industry that is so popular in America? Can it be fit into a weight control/heart healthy lifestyle?

H: I believe that fast food is killing us. We are becoming "processed people". At the end of the day, you are what you eat and if you eat badly you will feel badly. Luckily there are healthier choices at fast food places now and some places are showing their nutrition facts, which is a good start but we have a long way to go.

J: What is the most important message you'd like to give New Ulm, America or the world about your mission?

H: I would say that no matter how bad you feel like it has gotten or however far off track you are, you can make a change. You just have to believe in yourself, trust the process and CHANGE FOREVER!!