Commando Steve says sugar tax not answer as he reveals he and Michelle Bridges escape to the northern beaches
THE Biggest Loser’s fitness trainer Steve ‘Commando’ Willis says a sugar tax isn’t the right approach to fighting obesity - and he reveals his favourite Sydney hideaway spot.
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CELEBRITY fitness trainer and star of The Biggest Loser, Steve “Commando” Willis reckons a much lauded “sugar tax” to try and curb junk food eating, especially in children, isn’t the answer to the obesity crisis.
“I do not think it’s as simple as that,” he told the Manly Daily.
“It’s about education. We need to educate people, and it’s all about choice. Unfortunately these days, people don’t feel they have a choice.”
The idea of a sugar tax has been given a boost recently, with the British government announcing plans to levy a fee on sugar in soft drinks from 2018.
Australia’s Obesity Policy Coalition also released a study this week which showed such a tax in Australia could raise $400 million a year, while saving lives.
Soft drink companies have opposed the idea and the Daily is not aware of any concrete government plan to introduce a sugar tax here.
Willis also revealed that as he and his partner Michelle Bridges juggle multi-million dollar fitness empires (she’s worth $53 million alone) with new baby Axel, they love to get away from the pressure on the northern beaches.
“I love Whale Beach,” Willis said.
“We’ve rented a holiday house up there from time to time.”
The couple, from the eastern suburbs have become a familiar sight on the peninsula, with TV show, The Biggest Loser filmed around the beaches. North Head, Terrey Hills and Frenchs Forest were all used as locations.
But he’s “not sure” if the popular weight-loss show will be back.
“I’m still waiting to hear,” he said.
Meanwhile, Willis will be back on the beaches to launch a special Anzac Day challenge.
He’ll kick off the 100km leg of the Anzac Day Challenge as an ambassador for Soldier On, at Manly Dam on Saturday, April 23.
An epic 100km race lasting 24 hours is the showcase event – and even Willis said it would be “quite a challenge”.
But more manageable distances of 25km, 40km and 65km are also on offer.
And whether you’re tackling next week’s event, or just want to get more active, he has three simple tips for getting into walking or running.
Ensuring you have comfortable footwear, staying hydrated, and taking fruit and other food so you can snack on the go, are the secrets, he said.
Visit anzacdaychallenge.com.au for all the information.
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