January 2009 Archives

By Ali Vincent, Special to BiggestLoserClub.com

Wow, in last week's elimination when Damien was voted off and not Joelle. Bob's team was completely blindsided, to say the least. Why is it always in the 4th week that the "game" part of the Biggest Loser surfaces? I know that is a part of being on the ranch, but I hated the deceit.

Blaine and the rest of Jillian's team did not have to go into the living room and not only ask the other team what they wanted them to do, but give them the impression that they would honor that. Just don't say anything one way or another and do what you think you have to do for you and your team.

I think that Bob's team has the right idea to control what they can -- which is their diet and performance in the gym. Bob must have been dumbfounded when he walked into the gym and saw Joelle after the elimination the night before. I remember when I was on ranch, and the trainer would come in the next day with anticipation... it was hard for them because they can't really have favorites, but I think they do, and sometimes their favorites don't survive the elimination room.

What I do know is that when Bob feels you are there to lose weight, he is going to make you a part of his mission, so I was glad to see that Joelle rose to the challenge.

Go Cards!
Who would have thought that Kurt Warner was going to be on the Biggest Loser the same week he was taking his team (and mine), the Phoenix Cardinals, to the Super Bowl! I swear there is a certain random power associated with the Biggest Loser; I mean really who would have ever thought the Cardinals would be in the Super Bowl?!

I'm glad that Helen won the football challenge. Although Tara seems to be the Mark Kruger of my season, winning all the challenges -- and good for her -- it's also nice to see the Pink team rise to the occasion. What a relief it must be for Helen to know her daughter Shanon will be coming back regardless of the weight loss results this week. Congrats!

Wow, I think this might have been one of the most intense last-chance workouts ever. To go all week or rather three weeks trying to lose as much as you can to stay above the yellow line so that you can bring your partner back to ranch -- all comes down to this.

Each contestant left must have all kinds of things running through their minds at the weigh-in. Did I do enough running? Maybe I could have held that squat longer? I probably shouldn't have eaten that extra Clementine. When they all know in their heart of hearts they did everything they could.

Did Dave Blow It?
There were some huge wins this week on the scale. Everyone, I mean everyone, did an amazing job, but unfortunately there will always be someone who goes home. Doesn't it seem like this season's eliminations have been between the two people who need to stay on at the ranch the most?

Unfortunately for the Orange team, I think Dave screwed this one up. No one in the house wants to hear that people don't want to be there. Too many others would LOVE to be on the ranch so hearing his indifference is a fast ticket home.

I personally believe that the Brown team -- as much as they wanted to stay -- would probably have been more successful at home, but what are you going to do? I would never vote to keep someone on the ranch who didn't want to be there with all their heart. I hope Dan and Dave figure it out. I know that Dan wanted to stay, I also know from all my messages that most of America (or at least all those contacting me) wanted him to stay as well.

Good luck boys. See you at finale... hopefully collecting $100,000!

 
Ali Vincent of Season 5 was the first woman to ever win The Biggest Loser grand prize.
 

By Ali Vincent, Special to BiggestLoserClub.com

What a heartbreaking elimination the previous week when Jerry was sent home. I think that some contestants were resentful for having to choose between two worthy contestants when others, in their opinion, didn't work as hard or want it as badly. This is where it gets tricky -- who is to say who is worthy and who is not? But it is hard to understand why some people talk a big talk but don't necessarily walk the walk, particularly on the Biggest Loser ranch. We all have our own way of dealing when we are up against our issues, especially if it seems everyone around us doesn't understand. But I know that if you try and communicate rather than shut down, you will open yourself to change.

Do you feel, as I do, that season 7, so far, is the season of Joelle? What we resist persists, as my mom Bette-Sue always says. Even when Joelle avoids attention, it somehow seems to find her. In the food temptation, although she wanted to eat to go home for an overnight, she didn't. Yet you would have thought by the reaction of the other players that she did, because she was excited to go home after Carla ate a ton, over 2000 calories. You know if I had been at home and that was the only control I had to try and get some more guidance from the trainer I had had for a mere week, I too would have gone for it as Carla and Sione did. After all, to get back on the ranch their weight does not come into the equation, but every day counts when you are aiming to be the next Biggest Loser.

Meltdown in Detroit
I think that the trip to see Carla was not as well received as Joelle might have been hoping for. I think it is obvious though that Joelle does not respond well to people getting in her face. After tonight we have seen it now twice, first with Bob (which has NEVER happened before) and now her best friend Carla. You know if one person reacts to you in an uncanny manner you can write it off, but if more than one does you should definitely take a look at yourself, as I think it's time to do for our spitfire girl in silver. It is one thing to have personal affirmations, and you all know that I am a believer in affirmations, but you must not only put it out to the universe in speech but also in your actions!

The Jump Challenge
We have seen this type of challenge before, and yes the winner of it became the Biggest Loser…will it happen again? That's the thing -- although every one of the contestants has it in them to win, I think this classic challenge in particular was telling. The contestants not have to have the endurance, they also have to stay completely conscious! All it takes is a moment of distraction to break that styrofoam bar. My hat is off to both Tara and Kristin for a job well done. It wasn't easy to jump for more than an hour in 90-degree weather.

Dan's the Man!
Over 50 pounds in just 3 weeks! What an amazing feat for Dan! I know that he is truly taking in every minute on ranch. My hope is that he is acknowledges that he is the one creating his destiny, and that he should believe -- as he shared with Jill -- that he can do this!

I will say I did not understand the voting in the elimination this week at all. All things considered, Damien's journey on ranch just came to an end, yet once again Joelle is the one who caught the immediate attention of Alison.

This time however I saw genuine feeling. She was not trying to hide but probably for the first time in years was just being in the moment, a moment of surprise yet a second chance of a lifetime. Regardless of what may or may not have been the reason for the teams to vote off Damien and keep Joelle, Joelle should take this as a gift, prayers answered, stroke of luck, or a twist of fate, whatever you will but TAKE IT and run with it mama! And I'm talking about all day and night on that TREADMILL!!!

Ali Vincent of Season 5 was the first woman to ever win The Biggest Loser grand prize.

By Ali Vincent, Special to BiggestLoserClub.com

I can't imagine the pressure that the contestants must have been feeling the next morning they woke up and realized that their teammates -- who went home for 30 days -- were counting on them to stay in the game and bring them back. Yes they started the show as teams, but it is hard enough just to take care of yourself and worry about you during the first weeks on the Biggest Loser ranch.

Now they also have to face the notoriously hardest week on campus, the dreaded week 2. People always ask, what is it about that week that delivers results so lower than week 1? I would have to say that the body, after week 1, is in so much shock it goes into a state of confusion.

The 1st week we go from typically only eating foods that are extremely bad for us and to eating, in one day, the caloric equivalent to what use to be one meal or a night out on the town with friends. The women eat 1200-1800 calories daily, and the men usually have around 2000 calories. Water is the only drink. So basically, our bodies go into shock, and the second week our poor bodies just want to hold on to what they can for dear life, much to our dismay.

I have great faith that the contestants who went home for 30 days will do what they can to keep up with their counterparts on the ranch. After all, if all goes well, they too will once again be on the ranch competing with their partners for the Biggest Loser grand prize of $250,000... I'm pretty sure though that Carla would have killed Joelle if she had gone through with her urge to take Alison up on the temptation to bail out now and take some money instead.

Show You the Money?
What would you have done? Here you are on the Biggest Loser ranch, something you wanted for so long. Already after only one week you have seen the twists and turns that could possibly be ahead of you -- I mean who would have thought they would send half the contestants home? And now Alison is offering you $25,000 and a ride in a limo home. Well, I am proud of the contestants for turning it down, especially since Bob and Jill didn't even have a chance to talk to their new teams before such a huge temptation was put in front of them.

I know that Bob will do what he can to help Joelle figure out what is stopping her from believing in herself and pushing through her fears. However she is definitely going to have to start seeing a bigger picture than just what is tempting right in front of her; I am not convinced that she would have turned down the offer of the $25,000 if she didn't have the pressure of Carla counting on her to get back in the game, and that worries me. At the end of the day it will be up to her and nobody else.

How fun was it to see all the "at home" contestants! Carla, you go girl with your pink headphones! I love how Estella had her calendar and was crossing off the days. This grandma is showing her grandkids and America that it can be done at home. And Laura, getting after it on the beach, enjoying the outdoors. David, you can do it, dig deep my friend. Shanon, use that anger you are feeling about getting out of shape to your benefit and take it off mama. Nicole, you look strong, one day at a time, and you will see the ranch again. Aubrey... a male Jill? That is what it's going to take, is his name Bob? Sione, that mountain looks familiar, love South Mountain. Cathy, you will find your energy more and more with every passing day.

A Formidable Tara
I think this challenge was extraordinarily hard and with such stakes. Immunity in the second week is priceless. Tara you are a force to be reckoned with... What do you think, Biggest Loser Club, are we looking at our third female Biggest Loser?

Ok I know that I know you all have probably even seen more episodes than even I have and can we just say "SHUT UP Joelle!" Bob never gets crazy so you know he had to be pushed to his wits end. I mean, for crying out loud, even Jill was astounded. Bob and Jill are not looking for perfection; they are looking for each contestant to go as far as they can and then take one more step. If you were perfect at this, you would not be on the Biggest Loser. I think that is the key for the contestants and all of us at home to find it deep within ourselves and with the support of others, to push ourselves further than we ever thought we could go. And yes, it is true, sometimes 30 seconds feels like a lifetime.

At the Weigh-In and Elimination
To get on the scale and have an empty scale next to you must have felt like a lot of pressure. I'm sure that each contestant must have wondered, did I do enough? (I know that I did every single time I stepped on that dreaded scale, and I never had an empty one next to me.)

Jerry and Daniel, really? I don't know that there could have been a worse outcome, in regards to health. What I do know is that everything happens for a reason. I think that Ron was right on, when he shared during the one hour between weigh-in and elimination that Jerry has been there before (healthy that is) and would have the strength to continue at home now that he realizes he can do it again.

But Dan has never felt it, and he has a long way to go. As a past contestant in season 5, I remember the second week elimination when we chose to keep those on campus who we thought needed the most support, and we were confident that Curtis and Mallory would have the most success at home. I think as hard as it was for the contestants, that Dan could use some more time on campus. It broke my heart to see the disappointment on Jerry's face and with that same thought, at least he has Estella to go home to.

You can do it Jerry! Kiss Estella when you get home, then hit the gym together. I can't wait to see the hottest grandparents around at the finale!

Ali Vincent of Season 5 was the first woman to ever win The Biggest Loser grand prize.

By Ali Vincent, Special to BiggestLoserClub.com

I am so excited about this season. I think it's time. It's time after 5 years to not only watch every Tuesday and support the contestants but to get up and join them. This season will be like no other, we have the biggest contestants yet. This is America and it's time we join together and make a change. I can testify that The Biggest Loser is bigger than just a television show, it is a show that has inspired a country and now we have the opportunity to sign online and register together to put action behind our dreams.

I honestly can say I don't know what it would have been like to do my first workout on the ranch on my own. But I must admit these contestants looked so lost, they have NO idea what they are in store for. I think that Bob and Jillian know that this is serious and that there is a lot of work ahead of everyone on season 7. I guess I say a lot of work ahead for fear of saying these contestants are sick. America, we are killing ourselves by allowing ourselves to get so out of shape and living the convenient life of drive-thrus, and couches while watching TV. The upswing of such dire circumstances is that there is so much room for change and success and that is exciting!

Scared for Jerry
I got so scared when I saw what looked like the life drained out of Jerry. I know that the privilege of having been on ranch is to have constant supervision by trainers and doctors, so please be excited on your journeys but remember to check in with your doctors and trainers at home when starting and changing your activity routines and calorie intakes.

Picking teams is a horrible way to have to get on a team, I don't know why I hate situations like that so much. (I'm probably just too sensitive as Roger might say!) What I do know is that everything happens for a reason so I hope everyone likes their teams but whether they do or not, I know they are right where they are supposed to be. How cool for the purple team to go from feeling like they weren't being chosen to being the only team that got to choose their trainer, how about that Kristin and Cathy?!

Hardest Step
The first weigh-in is one of the hardest steps that anyone on the Biggest Loser has to take, as well as for every one of you at home. I know that there are those of you out there who do not feel like they need to weigh themselves in order to lose weight. What I have to say to that is, you are absolutely right. What you do have to do though is come up with a way for you to judge your progress.

So whether it's a scale or a pair of pants that you can pull up but are tight and unable to button up or maybe it's an elastic band that can't stretch anymore and cuts into your skin throughout the day, I don't know. I do think it is important to continue to have ways to judge progress in more ways than just feeling better. It is important to see success so we continue to be encouraged. And of course if you want to participate in the pound-for-pound match-up, you have to use the scale, so come on, do it for the hungry as well as yourself.

About the Contestants
Daniel is one of my favorites already. He is the heaviest contestant ever. I just want it for him sooooooo bad. I want him to finally for the first time in his life feel proud of himself and have success in a battle I can only imagine has caused him tremendous pain.

Then there is Kristin and Cathy. I love their commitment to each other and Kristin's ability to see the glass half full. The silver and pink teams are both full of spunk which makes me love them. The black and blue teams are both from my home state and have what I imagine to be similar backgrounds. So there is that soft spot.

Oh and Damien and Nicole, so cute and in love and so much ahead of them. Who can't relate to Mandi and Aubrey, the sisters who will encourage and set each other off. I know what it feels like to feel uncomfortable in your own skin and my heart went out to Mandi when she said her husband doesn't even see her like that; I'm sorry but that has to put a strain on the relationship. She deserves to feel beautiful and sexy around the man that she loves and has chosen to share her life with.

What would it feel like to be too big to be a plus-size model like Tara and Laura? I can't imagine. I'm so excited to see Jerry and Estella going after it. I hate it when people think that it's too late, and they are too old. I'm glad that the white team is going to put that notion to rest. When I was on the show my grandma started walking to get the mail, which was a huge step for her. I can't wait to see the results of the power of a father and son team in Mike and Ron.

The First Challenge
Go Aubrey and Mandi! I love how they gave it everything they had. Even though they lost the coveted immunity, I was extremely impressed. It's at times like that I wish Alison would say they both get immunity but that's my fairyland lol.

I kinda feel like Bob and Jill both have come to the conclusion that there is absolutely no time to waste. At least that's what it felt like during the contestants' very first LAST-CHANCE workout. With each new season I try to remember how I felt -- it's amazing how our bodies change.

The twist of all twists, you could tell that Bob and Jill weren't buying the fact that there was not going to be an elimination as grounds to celebrate, and they were right. I think I would have died if I got that news. I don't know what would be more courageous, to leave or stay. Mike and Ron really took it home. Congrats guys!

What would it be like to decide between yourself and your dream and the opportunity of a lifetime and one of the most important people in your life? Both are such a hard spaces to be in, it truly becomes an act of trust. What is supposed to be, will be. The responsibility each team member must feel, this is good though… this is what it is all about, believing in yourself enough to create something far bigger than you can do on your own. Shanon was right when she said in her last campus interview this will inspire people. It has inspired me.

Let's talk real quick about the pound-for-pound match-up. This is probably the coolest thing Biggest Loser has ever been a part of and I mean Biggest Loser the community, the viewers, the club members and all of your friends. Let's make a pact to encourage everyone that crosses our path to go online and resister to get healthy and FEED the HUNGRY!

Ali Vincent of Season 5 was the first woman to ever win The Biggest Loser grand prize.