The Biggest Loser

It is no secret that I love The Biggest Loser.  I love to watch the contestants bust their butts in the gym and in the kitchen to get healthy.  I especially love the transformations, inside and out.  One of the cool things about the show is that the trainers encourage the contestants to explore why they got to the point where they were so overweight and what was motivating them to want to get healthy.  Most (if not all) have a story about a loss, family problems, relationship problems, or something else that derailed them and most have turned to food for comfort. Also, their motivations to get healthy are similar: so they can live longer with their families and be present for special occasions.

Though I dont weight as much as the contestants on the show, I really relate to them.  I know what it is like to avoid going out with friends, to dread picking out clothes or going shopping, and to hate yourself because of the way I look and feel.  It is horrible. Like the contestants, I make excuse after excuse, even though I know I will feel worse after the fact. I beat myself up for making "wrong" or "bad" choices and dont give myself near enough credit for the "right" or "good" decisions I make.

Tonight was one of my favorite episodes of the season--the makeover episode.  The contestants get to see their families for the first time in 13 weeks and reveal their transformations.  There are lots of tears, and I shed some, too. There is also a consistent theme: "I feel like myself, like the old me, like who I am supposed to be." I want that.  I need that.

I am not going to lie, I felt some jealousy while watching this episode.  I want to reach that goal for myself and I want to feel what I imagine these contestants feel--pride, excitement, healthy, and an incredible sense of accomplishment. The difference between myself and them? They commit 100% to their goals, while I am still half-assing it.  I am not being consistent with WW and working out; it isnt a lifestyle...yet. I want to feel and look good and healthy and happy.  And I will.