This week we were able to tune in to watch 16 caterpillars make their way to the Biggest Loser ranch to spin their cocoons and begin their transformation.   It's such a fascinating process.  One I know all too well.  Tuesday night really was a stroll down memory lane for me. 

Physically these are some of the most difficult weeks for the contestants.  They are feeling aches and pains in places they never knew existed.  (I actually think I got a cramp in my armpit the first week on the ranch!)  Their bodies are literally detoxing from all of the crap food they have been eating for years.  They are tired, they are hungry, they are sore and they are missing home.  Next week should be very interesting!  

I would love to hear what you thought of the first week?  Did you see anything different this season compared to previous seasons?  Do you have any predictions that you would like to make?  Will Abby be the next Tara?  Will Daniel be viewed as a physical threat because he clearly stated he has been working out 4 hours a day prior to coming on the ranch?  What will ranch life be like for Tracey since she is missing out on the very first days?   Will it be harder for her to bond with the other contestants?

Below are some answers to the questions that were posted on my blog .
-Kristin

QUESTION:  pinkrattie asked "How did you curb your sugar cravings while on the ranch? I've tried going cold turkey before and the backlash was intense. It consumes me until I get something sweet."

ANSWER:  Looking back I realized I curbed my sugar cravings with fruit smoothies.  I would take frozen strawberries, put them in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds.  I would then put them in the Biggest Loser Bullet Blender (http://www.biggestloser.com/2009/08/super-quick-multi-chopper-storage-system.php) along with some skim milk, a half a banana and a packet of Truvia sweetener. IT IS SO GOOD! You can also experiment with different fruits.  Frozen mango is very good.  Blaine would use frozen blueberries a lot.

QUESTION:  DDMiller asked "Some contestants are portrayed in a very poor light on the show. Even though this is "reality" we all know there is a lot of creative editing that goes on. Are the contestants all portrayed pretty accurately... what we see is what we get? It seems strange that some of the bitterest enemies/rivals on the show end up seeming very friendly after the show. Give us the dirt! (So glad you will be blogging this season...I'll check in weekly... Love you!)"

ANSWER:  Regarding the editing, what YOU see is A SIDE of the contestant.  Take for instance Mandi Kramer. The Mandi I saw on the show cried A LOT.  The Mandi I know in real life is fun, kindhearted, strong and determined. Tara was a fierce competitor but she is also sweet, thoughtful and very giving.  Filipe was joking and laughing ALL THE TIME but he was also very deep, wise and spiritual. It is all very fascinating.

QUESTION:  MandyLue posted "As a new runner and on my own weight-loss journey, I know there have to be times when the contestants suffer from things such as shin splints, pulled muscles, etc. While I wouldn't want the whole show to focus on such things, it would be nice to know how the contestants deal with the effects of their changing bodies. Thanks!"

ANSWER:  I could not agree more MandyLue!  It was VERY COMMON for all of the contestants to head right from the gym to the medic's office to ice their knees, their shins, their backs and anything else that needed iced. There were times that they had cameras in the medic's office capturing the process on tape.  For some reason the footage has a hard time making it into the show.

QUESTION:  MN_BLaddict asked "How much time do the contestants typically spend in the pool? Swimming is much better on your joints than running, although it burns less calories, and I would think that people who are overweight would be doing more swimming, at least initially, to lessen the pain on their joints."

ANSWER:  I was in the pool ALL THE TIME at the ranch for that exact reason.  It was a way for me to stay active and continue burning calories while taking some of the pounding and pressure off of my joints. I think the pool is a great way for anybody to exercise. The calorie burn for swimming can actually be very good.

What is it?  Why are we so fascinated with the Biggest Loser?  What is it about the show that evokes so much emotion?  We laugh, we cry, sometimes we may even get angry.  I think the Biggest Loser evoked so much emotion for me because I would watch the show and it was something I wanted so badly for myself.  I wanted to know EVERYTHING I possibly could about the show.  I would search the Internet, look at pictures, read the message boards, read the blogs just for more information about what it was really like on the ranch.       

Do you have questions about the show?  Do you have questions about the trainers or about the contestants?  If so, ask them here!  I will try to answer as many questions as I can before the show starts!  

Let the countdown begin! We are less than one month away from the season 8 premiere of The Biggest Loser. Did you see the preview? The show hasn't even started and I am crying already!

I am so excited to blog here on NBC.com for the new season. Tune in throughout the entire season as I share my opinions on the show as well as my everyday thoughts, struggles and triumphs as a past Biggest Loser contestant.
My experience on the Biggest Loser was amazing, life changing and full of valuable lessons. It is my mission to share what I have learned on the ranch with anyone who is willing to listen (or read in this case).

Millions tune into the Biggest Loser and are inspired to take action but I ask you this, why wait? Start NOW! Start TODAY!

Visit my website www.kristinsteede.com for details on how to participate in my fitness challenge. Take control of your life now. You will be so happy you did.

When you turn on your television on September 15th to watch the season 8 premiere of The Biggest Loser, you will already be weeks into your new healthy lifestyle. Use the show as a source of added motivation to keep you going.