Carrot Sticks and Cottage Cheese

Biggest Loser S13E06 - Carry On Alison

2012-02-07T19:01:00.027-06:00

When Cassandra hears the news her grandmother was sent home, she's very upset. Adrian tries to comfort her by saying how much he grew to like her in his short time on the ranch. Then he informs her he didn't vote for her to leave. He also warns her who she shares and opens up to because she can get really hurt, because he experiences it every day. This seems to annoy members of both teams. Emily feels embarrassed for Adrian and Kimmy compares Adrian to a dog with a bone, he won't let go. Mark wants to talk to Adrian and see if they can fix whatever problem is taking place between Adrian and the Red Team. Adrian says he won't talk to Mark on a one to one basis and thinks both teams should be in for the conversation. The rest of the teams are hesitant and Chism thinks Adrian needs to stop talking. He thinks Adrian is trying to draw attention to himself, and he's talking a moment away from Cassandra. Finally Mark and Adrian agree to use a facilitator; buddy is chosen. When they sit down, along with Daphne, Mark reiterates his concern Adrian threw the weigh-in. As the facilitator, Buddy says he sees both sides. He tells Adrian it's not abnormal for the team to wonder if he threw the weigh-in or not. They are still getting to know him and unsure what he's really like. Continuing, Buddy reminds him he can still have the second highest weight loss and still go home if no one likes him. Adrian reads this to mean, if he doesn't make friends in the red team, he's going to be next to go home.

Here is a clip of the rest of the teams, ganging up on Adrian.

Cut to a scene of Conda, Kim and Mark talking in a room together. They agree with each other, it's Adrian's turn to go home if he doesn't win immunity. As they are discussing this, Adrian and Daphne are walking outside and Adrian realizes he needs to win immunity or he's going home. Adrian suggests he not focus so much on the problems with the Red Team.

Alison has both teams assembly outside by a pool. The challenge is going to have both teams holding a rope. The rope is attached to a weight, which is counter-balancing their trainer hanging over the pool. Whichever team drops the weight, their trainer will fall into the pool and they will lose the challenge. Whichever team loses their trainer, means they will lose their trainer for the week with the exception of getting him back for the Last Chance Workout. Chism and Chris from the Black Team are already struggling, but the weight has not moved, and the Red Teams weigh is all over the place. Alison does her best to stir the pot, teasing Conda how she probably would enjoy seeing Dolvett fall into the water. 30 minutes into the challenge, Kimmy is awkwardly holding on, leaning into Kim. Mark is at the end of his rope (literally) and the rest of the team is struggling just as much. Finally Kimmy loses her grip. After forty minutes Mark finally loses his grip on the rope, Dolvett simply shakes his head. Then Kim, Conda and Buddy all let go, almost at the same time. This leaves Roy and Adrian to keep Dolvett safe. But the weight is too much and Adrian finally lets go along with Roy. The weight falls and hits it's target, dunking Dolvett into the cold water below. In excitement, the Black Team lets go of their ropes to cheer, alarming Bob. But with the challenge over, the trap isn't sprung, Bob remains dry.

Before leaving, Dolvett gives his team a pep talk and puts Kim in charge of taking the team through cardio during the week. What they don't know is Dolvett is able to monitor them. Dolvett is initially impressed with Kim's ability to take control and the routine she's given the rest of the Red Team. But as the workouts progress, Dolvett starts taking additional notes, primarily how much Conda complains, especially about Adrian. She tells Kim how pathetic it is he can't do what she's doing.

Meanwhile, Bob has taken his team on a hike, and utilizes medicine balls along the route. Utilizing the time with his team, he stresses how important it is for them to accept Daphne. Bob reminds them, a strong team goes the distance. As a reward for doing such a great job, Bob says they have a special lunch waiting for them. Meeting them for lunch is Rachel Beller, she takes them to a restaurant and talks with them what they used to order. She shocks them with how many calories are in their previous foods. Jeremy, who's in love with Rachel, is over the moon. He asks Rachel if they can consider this their first date, to which she agrees; joking of course.

Just before the last chance workout, Dolvett is able to meet with his group. He tells Kim how wells she did. Then he concentrates on Conda's complaints. He pulls out a list of complaints he heard Conda make. Most of them involve Adrian. He tells her she needs to stop worrying about Adrian. As they enter the gym for last chance workout, Dolvett pulls Adrian aside to talk to him. He tells him what he needs to do to fix the dysfunction. Instead of just telling everyone else how good he can be, show them. He also needs to stop worrying about what everyone else thinks about him. He needs to fix himself, not the others. Adrian thinks the other team is intimidated by him. Dolvett suddenly realizes Adrian's biggest problem is he doesn't listen to what people are trying to tell him.

Weigh-In:
Read Team
Conda 263 255 -8 "I'm super relieved"
Kim 215 209 -6 "You always want more."
Roy 268 261 -7 "It's not quite what I wanted but it's a step in the right direction."
Kimmy 193 188 -5 "I worked for every pound, I promise you."
Mark 251 244 -7 "That's awesome...I feel really good."
Buddy 345 336 -9 "My big reason for coming here is I have a newborn and I want to be healthy in 25 years."
Adrian 334 325 -9 Does a quick dance, "I can deal with that. Most definitely."
2.73%

Black Team
Daphne 244 236 -8 "I feel really, really good."
Cassandra 200 195 -5 "I'm in the 100's." She kisses goodbye to the 200's.
Chris 211 206 -5 "It's about a pound less than what I was looking for."
Megan 229 223 -6 "Bob kind of tapped into my head a little bit, the real competitive side of me."
Emily 230 223 -7 "Thank you!"
Jeremy 338 326 -12 "I've had great success every time I've been up here."
Chism 318 305 -13 "Yea! Wooh! That is the biggest number I've had since I've been here. Really excited about that."
3.16%

Red Team
Roy - Mark "No one deserves to go home. So who can excel and exceed at home."
Kim - Adrian "He didn't really gel well with the team."
Adrian replies. "I was never even given a chance."
Kim: "I think the way you came into the game was kind of wild and that turned a lot of people off."
Conda - Adian "The person I voted for, things were rough at first, but I saw you improve yourself. But every other person on this team is a part of my family. No matter what I try to say to help you, you refuse to believe me."
Adrian reminds her of the list Dolvett had of her complaints against him. He feels she's being hypocritical.
Conda: "I can Roy grandpa, Kim is like my sister, Kimmy is like my mom, they are like my brothers. I'm sorry we don't have a close relationship. I can't vote for them, I'm NOT voting for them."
Conda continues to keep talking, but Adrian has had enough, he turns to Alison and says, "Carry on Alison."
Adrian - Mark (Votes because he has the fewest medical problems and weight to lose).
Mark - Adrian "Short and sweet... What I see in the gym and weight loss. I don't think this person has given all they have. I'm almost 100 pounds less than you, there was only a 2 pound difference, I think you could have done more."
Adrian - "Thank you Mr. Youth Pastor. This is the last supper, and I won't be sitting at this table. You guys enjoy your meal. And I'm glad you'll be able to sleep good tonight."
Buddy - Adrian "This is a season about no excuses. The person I voted for keeps making excuese. And keeps pointing fingers at other people and saying you didn't accept me. Excuse, excuse, excuse. I will rest well tonight."

As the final vote is revealed, Adrian is not shocked. Before leaving he has his final words to everyone. He's upset they never even tried to include him in the 'team'. Hurt and upset, he gets up quickly and walks away. Mark rushes over to Adrian, but Adrian shuts him down saying they don't have anything to talk about. Suddenly Adrian walks back in and requests none of them hug his sister when they break the news to her out of respect for him. Angrily, Adrian leaves the set, behind Alison.

Adrian says the time on his ranch was a struggle. Starting on Biggest Loser he was 420 pounds, now he weighs 320 pounds. He's now back at work for his production company, but also has a nonprofit organization he works for. He hopes to to complete his first album by the finale. and take his nonprofit organization worldwide.

Next On:

"The Biggest Loser" (Completely Unbiased & Neutral) Tweets of the Week, Season 13 Week 5 edition*

2012-02-02T08:47:00.000-06:00

Last time I checked, this show was called, ‘The Biggest Loser’, not ‘The Biggest Complainer’ or ‘The Whiniest Loser’ or ‘Send Conda Home Now She’s Such A Loser, Loser’. But that’s certainly the vibe I’m getting after going over the past tweets from Tuesday night. Remember when the show was all about inspiring us, motivating us, and betting on who’s going to vomit first? But now look what we have, a series filled with people complaining and whining. And this is certainly reflected on the tweeters from the past week, and yet, even I sound negative. Because of this, I’ve decided to go in a different direction here and give everyone a completely unbiased and neutral ‘Tweets Of The Week’, because who wants to listen to complainers 17 times a day?

@ovictorio I guess we don't want to save this season? Re-edit the negativity and attitudes. We watch for inspiration, support and ideas. #BL13 – Notes: Exactly my point, but let’s move on to more positive tweets.

@AmyCremenBL6 These #BL13 teams need to CHILL with the attitudes. – Notes: Hmmm, this may be more difficult than I thought.

@stacigway When did this turn into the Real Housewives of Biggest Loser Ranch? Good lord. Did I turn the channel to Bravo on accident? #bl13 – Notes: James Lipton called, he kindly requests you to leave Bravo out of this.

@Erinxlovelove Tip: Don't watch #BL13 right after #BL11...damn it's like night and day. Day being #BL11, obviously. – Notes: Are we just pretending BL12 didn’t even exist?

@AnneYantha Seriously?!? NANCY and MARK?!? Conda is right there!!! #BL13 #unbelievable – Notes: I’m right there with you, and totally agree. But I wanted this to be more of a Neutral post. So perhaps a change of pace, lets concentrate on the individual contestants. That should work.

@hicksie234 I'm sorry what did Kim mean by "pink white whatever color"? #BL13 – Notes: A white elephant is sort of a trash present, a pink elephant is the result of a white elephant alcohol present. 'Milwaukee's Best' anyone?

@LauraRWalton I think I like Jeremy as much as I dislike Conda. #BL13 Notes: Ahhh, I see a bit of positivity there, even if having to use a bit of negativity. I’ll take it!

@JeanneMallory ok why's it ok for Chism? He's so big shouldn't he pull more? #dontunderstand #BL13 – Notes: He certainly should. But that seems to be the Red Elephant in the room no one is talking about.

@JonHaven360 I think Cassandra is gorgeous just the way she is. (Just one person's opinion) #biggestloser #bl13 Notes: See people? It can be done. Positivity at its best. Also I agree.

@JayneTransforms Ascot....or hicky scarf?? #bl13 #lovebite – Notes: Use your imagination. Or whichever is funnier.

@slc0915 I don't like Aqua. Sorry. They're too cocky. They're about to get humbled. #BL13 – Notes: Had to throw in this differing view because it seems everyone else disagrees. Fore example….

@myopic_review Adrian, you had me at the ascot. You've won me over the monkeybars #BL13 – Notes: Yet, despite the good show on the monkey bars, Conda still found something to complain about.

@SunnySinclair I think the aqua team is a breath of fresh air. They want to be there and they're positive! #BL13 – Notes: Positivity helps! Of course so does wanting to be there. Right Joe?

@writerchickmc I think in addition to change of diet, the stress caused the Aqua Team to pull low numbers. #BL13 – Notes: Stress? What stress? Oh yea, the focus of over 90% of the tweets from this past episode.

@Miameow09 Conda brought her attitude again. Oh goody. #BL13 – Notes: You didn't mean that, I see right through your sarcasm. Sorry folks, I’ve given up trying to be unbiased and neutral. Like Kim, Conda has sucked me into her negativity world.

@JRushJacobs Of course Conda is hating on Adrian already, SERIOUSLY?!?! - Notes: Some people are haters and thrive on it. (This is also the response for below)

@_LaurenVee Why is Conda rooting against her own team member? What a snot. #Bl13

@lifeinblubber - I actually feel bad for Conda....I can't imagine that the public backlash is easy. #BL13 Notes: I almost agreed with you about being sorry for her, then the comment below came in.

@jtrayan Wow. "Drowning our new teammates." What is WITH you, Conda!? #BL13 Notes: Hopefully this isn’t her solution for unwanted puppies. (Sorry, was that too much?)

@deekcampbell If eye-rolling burned calories, Conda wouldn't be on #bl13. Notes: If the Olympics made eye-rolling a sport, Conda would certainly win the Gold.

@FosterFitness I wish Conda had just fallen off that treadmill. #BL13 Notes: And the rest of Tuesdays’ tweeters seemed to agree with you.

Well, I tried as best as possible to stay on topic, unbiased and neutral. Hope the producers of the show are keeping tabs on what's being said this season. We want to be motivated and inspired. We'd like our trainers to be unbiased and neutral. We'd also like to have our cake and eat it too. Wait, no! That's what's started this cycle spinning.

* This article was originally posted on phillyBurbs.com
Used with permission from Jennifer Wielgus

Biggest Loser S13E05 - Listen & Keep Your Mouth Closed

2012-02-01T13:11:00.028-06:00

The elimination from last week has just taken place, but Alison doesn't release the contestants. Instead she calls both the Black and Red teams to the gym. It's finally time to see if the Aqua Team has lost enough weight to make it back to the ranch. Happily, Daphne and Adrian enter. Right from the start, Conda seems very irritated they have a chance to come back and sneers as they walk in. Alison reminds them if they have lost a combination of 50 pounds they will rejoin the other contestants. Conda's partner in crime, Kim, thinks it's disgraceful they are being given another chance. She wonders if she fails the next challenge, will she be given another chance? The thought is put on hold as the Brother and Sister team weigh in.
Daphne 271 245 -26 "One month, 26 pounds, that is amazing."
Adrian 370 336 -34 "Boom baby!"
Aqua team is ecstatic they are coming back, but Alison delivers the bad news for them. Like the other teams, they will be separated. They each decide they want Bob but neither is willing to relent. Alison tells them they have two minutes to decide and they opt to use the rock-paper-scissors method. Daphne wins and chooses to train with Bob. They will remain on campus for at least a week because during the next weigh-in they will each have immunity as long as they don't gain weight.

Before Adrian can attempt to integrate himself into his new team, they have a little chat with him. They want to make sure he's aware how much they have worked for each and every challenge / weigh-in. Trying to show how dedicated he is, Adrian tells the group he's fully prepared to work hard. According to him, he'd been working out 14 hours a day back in Chicago. He also says he's been running on the treadmill at a speed of 9.0 and incline of 6.1. However instead of inspiring them, he seems to have driven a wedge between himself and the rest of the team, Kim and Conda in particular. They tell him he needs to stop talking and listen more. Tension starts to rise, but Bob comes in to see how his Black Team is doing and is not surprised to see Gail has been eliminated. What does confuse him is it wasn't a unanimous decision. Chism admits he voted for Chris, mostly because she was talking about leaving of her own accord earlier in the week.

During a workout, we're given one of Bob's special WOD's (Workout Of the Day). He calls this workout Fran and it consists of three sets. The first set requires 21 squat thrusts and 21 pull ups. The second set require 15 squat thrusts and 15 pull ups. The final set require nine squat thrust and nine pull ups. The hard part is to complete all three sets in under ten minutes. Daphne is impressed because she's able to keep up with everyone who's been in the gym for the past month. Bob is impressed with Chris, who once claimed she was not strong enough.

Dolvett has his team working on a set of monkey bars. Try as they might, each contestant has a problem hanging on, let alone crossing them. Until Adrian gives it a try, he surprises everyone by working his way across the set of bars. Mark begins to realize Adrian may be a bigger asset to the team than he might have thought. Conda isn't so impressed. Once the workout is done, he exclaims it was one of Dolvett's easier workout sessions and Adrian is still in for a shock. Later, Dolvett is trying to learn more about Adrian and finds out he lost his daughter as a baby soon after she was born. He tells Dolvett the experience has made him stronger because after having to deal with the loss, he feels he can endure any experience. However, it was the loss of his daughter that turned him to food, and gaining weight. It finally came to a head when he passed out in a movie theater after enjoying a large soda and candy bar.

The Black Team is doing homework when Bob is gone when suddenly they notice Daphne has left. Emily is concerned and Jeremy thinks it's going to be her demise. The rest of the Black team hope she's doing all she can to lose weight and help her team.

Just before a beach competition, Conda and Kim are getting increasingly annoyed with Adrian. They each hope the next contest involves drowning their new team-mate. When Adrian walks behind Conda, she tells Kim she wanted to do a back-kick. Finally, Alison arrives to describe the next challenge. Instead of drowning team-mates, it involves the use of medicine balls. Their is a wall in the sand with a trampoline on one side and a net on the other. Each team must have one person bounce a ball to the other side of the wall where the ball must be caught in the net. If the ball falls to the ground, it is out. Each ball has different point values. The first team to 100 points wins. The winner of this challenge will get to choose one person from each team who's weight will not count at the weigh in. The Black Team take an early lead, current score is 40 to 32. But Red Team quickly pulls it together once the Black Team has a string of dropped balls. They come from behind and beat the Black team 100 to 78.

Later, it's mealtime and as Adrian is about to sit and eat, Conda refuses to have him sit next to her. Nancy wonders if they are actually eighth graders because they are acting like it. She tells them she's getting tired of all the complaints about Adrian from her. Adrian is still clueless as to why she hates him so much. She tells him earlier he told her she needed to step up her game. Listening to all this, Mark thinks the disagreement is petty. He also tells the group if they don't fix the tension, it's exactly what's going to destroy them as a team.

Weigh-In:
Before the group is weighed in, the Red Team must choose one member from each team who's loss will not count. From the Black Team they choose Megan and Nancy from their own team. Despite their weight not counting, Megan and Nancy are weighed in.
Nancy 200 196 -4
Megan 238 229 -9 "I am so happy with a 9."

Black Team:
Daphne 245 244 -1 "No way, this has to be a joke."
Bob is shocked and Emily thinks she should be pissed off."
Chism 320 318 -2 "I wish I had an explanation."
Emily 235 230 -5 "That's okay."
Chris 215 211 -4 "Like Emily, I was shooting for a 5."
Cassandra 206 200 -6 "That's a good number, but it's so close. I just want to kick it."
Jeremy 347 338 -9 "From what I've seen tonight, I can't be upset with 9."
Total Loss - 1.72%

Red Team:
Adrian 336 334 -2 "Well that's okay."
Kim 220 215 -5
Kimmy 197 193 -4
Roy 272 268 -4 "I know I did my best."
Mark 255 251 -4 "I would want to be excited about that. But I wanted to help my team more than that."
Buddy 353 345 -8 "8 for me is a great number."
Conda 265 263 -2 "That is not accurate."
Total Loss - 1.53% (Kim is Biggest Loser, so she is also immune.)

Having lost, the Red Team spends an hour (not episode time) deciding who's going to be next. Adrian has immunity so they can't eliminate him. In turn, each member says why they need and want to stay. Adrian says he's willing to work for the team and has been trying his hardest, but thinks the change in diet is what affected him this week. He asks if anyone sees anything better he can do. Mark tells Adrian he's playing the 'game', and only losing two pounds is suspicious, considering he has immunity. Adrian says he wants to know more about the 'game' people think he's playing. Conda tells him it's not the time to discuss 'the game'. Buddy tries to defuse things by suggesting they make their way to the elimination room.
Kimmy - Nancy
Nancy - Mark
Mark - Nancy
Adrian - Mark
Buddy - Nancy
Kim - Nancy
Conda - Nancy

Once the voting has been done, and Conda has cast the last deciding vote, Adrian addresses the group. He thinks Nancy is as sweet as pie and surprised they would vote her out. He considers voting for Nancy is just 'playing the game'. Conda tells him he has no idea how hard it was for her to vote. Kim says there is a right time and a place for everything, and this isn't the time for him to complain about Nancy going home. She suggests he listens and keeps his mouth closed, as they have told him before. Nancy speaks up to calm the moment and tells Adrian the discussion needs to end. Adrian complies.

Nancy started her Biggest Loser journey at 217 pounds. Currently she weighs 178. For her final moment, she shows off her family, consisting of 13 children 55 grand-kids and 3 great-grand-kids. she then begins naming each one. Like the others eliminated, Nancy wants to win the at home prize, buy a motorcycle and travel across the U.S.

Biggest Loser S13E04 - Putting on the MacGyver Hat

2012-01-24T18:58:00.017-06:00

Being only an hour long episode, the episode begins right into a challenge. The two teams meet outside in a 'battering ram' obstacle course. But Red Team is minus Buddy, who has gone home for the week as his wife is expecting. Alison informs them he will be back for the weigh-in. For this challenge, both teams will be given a battering ram. As they start out, they will be given a question they must answer with two choices. Before them are two doors for each team. Whichever question they feel is right, they will use the battering ram to bust through the door. If they get the question right, they will be able to move to the next question with ease, guess wrong and they need to wade through thick mud. The first team through all doors win the prize, access to the gym. The team that comes in last will be denied access to the gym. Black Team is first to answer, but get the question wrong and must wade through the mud. The Red Team is on a roll and makes it through most of the doors without having to wade through the mud. The black team is not so lucky and wades through mud for pretty much the entire episode. Red team wins with Black Team still a few doors back. Roy celebrates his victory with glee, but his wife Chris says he's a 'sore winner'.

With one week to go, Dolvett visits the Aqua team in Chicago. He hopes to help them through the last week by having a training day with them. He also does a quick infomercial for the Biggest Loser Slim Coach. Aqua team is certain they will lose the 50 pounds needed to make it back to the Biggest Loser Ranch.

Back at the resort, Chris is upset and demands the cameras leave her alone. When they remain she barricades herself in the bathroom. Roy goes to check on her as Bob shows up trying to figure out what's going on. Chris tells Roy she doesn't want to be there anymore. Roy tells her she can't quit, but she decides she's going to do what she wants to do. She continues to cry in the bathroom. Conda thinks Chris is doing it for the attention. The rest of the teams fears she's going to go home, just like Joe. Finally, Bob goes to talk to her and she says there too much going on in the house. For so long she's felt invisible and in the house it's impossible to feel that way. Bob tells her what she's feeling is normal, and she can work through her feelings. Chris is willing to try once more, and Bob reminds her not to give up on herself.

Cue the montage music and we get Bob Harper outside with his Black Team working out with whatever they can find. Though unhappy, Bob is willing to put on his MacGyver hat and get the job done. Chism says they don't need the gym because they are making their own gym. For the most part, they are working out using chairs. Lifting them over their head, stretching alongside them or simply walking and running. His training outside is working as best it can, but he's still having problems with Gail. She continues to move slow and cry about something. Bob jokes she'll cry about her shoes becoming unlaced.

While this is going on, Dolvett is in the gym having his own problems. Nancy is giving him lip, and Conda is doing her best to resist Dolvett's training. Despite his best intentions, she mutters under her breath and rolls her eyes at him. Finally he's had enough and kicks her out of the gym. He tells her to come back when she's ready to work out. Outside, she starts talking to the Producer and says Dolvett is just pushing her buttons. But Dolvett finally comes out to talk to her and he explains his position. He tells her it's difficult for him to train her while she continues to roll her eyes at him and has a 'smart comment' for everything he tells her. Finally he tells her she needs to figure out why she's there, and when she does, she can come back in. She thinks things over for a while and reluctantly goes back in and apologizes to Dolvett.

It's time for the weigh-in and Buddy joins his Red Team. He announces the birth of his son Levi.

At The Weigh-In:
Black team
Emily 244 / 235 / -9 "I didn't want to think that high, and I got it."
Chsim 332 / 320 / -12
Cassandra 212 / 206 / -6
Jeremy 358 / 347 / -11 "The whole season I can keep getting 11, I'll be happy."
Alison: "Gail, you seem very nervous."
Gail: "I'm a big gal, and I just want a big number."
Gail 302 / 297 / -5
Bob: "That sucks. You are a big gal. And a big gal has to pull big numbers."
Chris 222 / 215 / -7 "That was my goal number."
Megan 240 / 238 / -2 "I feel very disappointed."
Total 52 Pounds - 2.72%

Red Team
Buddy 363 / 353 / -10 "More than my son weighed."
Roy 278 / 272 / -6
Kimmy 203 / 197 / -6
Mark 266 / 255 / -11 "How about that, baby?"
Kim 230 / 220 / -10
Nancy 205 / 200 / -5
Conda: "The pressure is all on me."
Conda 275 / 265 / -10 "I definitely give Dolvet a hard time."
Alison: "Dolvett, it sounds like Conda does not make this easy for you."
Dolvet: "Not even a little bit."
58 pounds 3.19%

Voting:
As the black team decides who is going home, the consensus seems to be for who is not working as hard as could be, versus the one who wanted to go home.
Megan - Gail
Chism - Chris
Cassandra - Gail
Chsim - Chris
Chris - Gail
Gail - Chris
Emily - Gail

Gail's Success So Far:

Biggest Loser S13E03 - Heaving & Sobbing

2012-01-17T19:00:00.026-06:00

The episode begins this week with Joe complaining about missing his family. He says he misses them, especially since Mike (his brother), left last week. His team-member Jeremy tries to comfort him, but Joe doesn't look very comforted when the discussion is over, despite Jeremy's best attempts.

The food temptation challenge for the week is a Chinese Buffet. Alison explains one of the biggest excuses for gaining weight is not having enough time to eat healthy, thus spending more time dining out. Before the challenge begins, she continues by mentioning it's going to be 'Face-Off' week. Each contestant is going to face off on the scale. Which ever person wins the weigh-in between the two, will earn a point for their team. Whichever team earns the most points, wins, and will be spared having to vote someone off.

But how will the face-off's be determined? That's going to be the point of the food temptation. Both teams, one at a time will have access to the Chinese food. Whoever eats the most for their team will win a two pound advantage which they can keep or divide up. Also, they will be the sole person deciding what the Match-ups are going to be. However, if no one eats, or the teams in calories they eat. There will be no weight pound advantage and teams will be paired up automatically with their previous team-mate.

The red team is given the first chance. They are discussing the possibilities about what to eat when Kimmy essentially forbids it. She explains it's like alcoholism, and once they start in it'll be hard to resist further. Roy thought it would be a good idea, but deferred to Kimmy's way of thinking, considering she may be smarter in her decision. Next, the black team is given a chance. Jeremy is discussing doing it and suggests eating a fortune cookie. The team seems in agreement, they will eat. Emily suggest a girl not eating it, as it'll be harder for them to burn it off. When Chism is suggested, he refuses saying, "But Bob will be mad." Finally Cassandra decides she'll bite the bullet, errr fortune cookie. Then when she does, it's suggest another one is consumed in case the other team has the same strategy. As per the rules, the Black team wins the challenge. Conda from the Red team thinks it was just a sign of weakness. Cassandra assigns the teams following:

Black - Emily 5.30% (Weight Loss So Far) "Sorry kids, Santa's going down."
Red - Roy 6.21% (Weight Loss So Far)

Black - Jeremy 5.14%
Red - Lauren 5.28%

Black - Joe 6.44% "I feel bad, I don't want to take an old lady out.
Red - Nancy 4.61% (Cassandra's Mother) "I'm going to put extra cheese in your food all week."

Black - Chism 5.54%
Red - Kim 6.35% "I know how to compete. Chism's definitely going down."

Black - Chris 5.84%
Red - Mark 5.83% "I hope that I can beat her, I think it's going to be fun."

Black - Megan 4.25%
Red - Buddy 7.69% "I think she's [Cassandra] not pairing us up for Megan to win."

Black - Gail 4.35%
Red - Kimmy 5.94%

Black - Cassandra 7.95% "I feel better under fierce competition. And she's fierce competition."
Red - Conda 5.44% "My advise to her is to bring it, because I'm going to."

Later in the evening, Joe is seen packing a bag. He tells his team he's leaving. He says he misses his family too much and he needs them. He says it's getting harder and harder every day. Everyone on the ranch is shocked and confused, especially his team. Some feel he could have waited at least till after the weigh-in. When Bob finds out he's just as confused, he thinks his team is joking at first. Bob thinks he's using the biggest excuse of "My family needs me". Upset and dismayed, Bob decides to give Joe a call and have the last word. During the conversation Joe says he left for his kids, Bob replies "I thought you were here for your kids. I don't think you gave yourself enough of a chance. I mean, you were going to be a competitor in this house." Joe replies he felt it was the right thing to do, but Bob disagrees. Bob thinks Joe hasn't learned anything and that Joe's excuse is a 'crock'.

During the week's workout, Bob is once again getting frustrated with Gail. As he continues to encourage and motivate her she suddenly starts crying. For the moment, Bob gives up on her and moves on to Cassandra and Emily. Then Bob has a great idea of pitting the two teams against each other in the gym, since it's face-off week. First he has Emily and Roy racing to see who can get 500m on a rowing machine first. Roy gives it all he can, but Emily just beats him. Dolvett then puts Conda and Cassandra against each other, and sweetens the deal with a little bet. The loser has to buy the winner lunch. The contest is a variation of burpies and Cassandra wins. However Conda claims Cassandra cheated, but no one saw her doing this, Dolvett declares Cassandra the winner. Later, Conda upholds her part of the bet and brings in a Subway sandwich for Cassandra.
Conda: "Cassandra, I brought your lunch."
Cassandra: "Awww, aren't you sweat." Replied sarcastically.
Conda: "I was gonna get a cheeseburger, but a bets a bet."
Cassandra: "Shocking that you followed through."
Conda: "Killing me that I have to do this."
Cassandra: Gleefully biting into the sandwich, "Mmmmmmmmm"
Dolvett walks in: "I see you lived up to your bet."
Conda: "Always."
Dolvett: "How does it taste?"
Cassandra: "Victory never tasted so good."
Sensing the hostility between the two, Dolvett decides to offer a rematch. Conda reluctantly agrees.

For the next challenge, Bob and Dolvett are invited in to coach and support their teams. The challenge is a water relay, each team must take a pail of water through an obstacle course. At the end of the course is block of ice with a prize inside. The goal is to melt the ice enough to take the prize out. The teams race to pump water into a bucket, pour them into a circular bucket spin, over a ten foot wall, and down a water shoot. Whatever water is left after the shoot is to be used to pour on the ice, to help melt it. The red team starts off strong but suddenly begins to lose the edge. Black team can suddenly see the prize inside the ice, but the red team has suddenly picked things up again. The red team pulls the prize out, but all the team members must get past the finish line for them to officially win. Suddenly it's a sprint to the finish as the black team is now struggling to pull the prize out. Bob calls his black team in to start for the finish, but it's too late. Red team wins the prize - videos from home. The prize is a double-edged sword for most of the team members. The red team knowing they have won, means their companions on the other side won't be getting their videos. Chris breaks down crying, because she wanted to see her kids. But Roy is kind enough to give his prize to her. Lauren and Mark follow suite, and give their prizes to Gail and Chism.

Later, it's Bob's turn to visit the Aqua team in Chicago. He's hoping to encourage and inspire them so they'll be ready for the challenge of making it back to the Biggest Loser ranch.

Before the face-off, there is a rematch that needs addressing. During the last chance workout all eyes are fixed on the next competition. Conda assures Cassandra she is going to be beat now that she can't 'cheat'. But once again, Cassandra is the clear winner.

Weigh In
As the winner of the temptation challenge, Cassandra won a two pound weight advantage which she can keep for herself or distribute among two other team-mates. She opts to give one pound to Gail and one to Megan. However, with Joe having left, the Black team forfeits the first point to the Red team. Because of this, Nancy is first to weigh in.

Joe - forfeit
Nancy - 207 205 -2
Red Team Point

Megan 248 240 -8
Buddy 372 363 -9
Black Team Point

Gail 308 302 -6
Kimmy 206 203 -3
Black Team Point

Jeremy 369 358 -11
Lauren 233 230 -3
Black Team Point

Roy 287 278 -9
Emily 250 244 -6
Red Team Point

Mark 274 266 -8
Chris 226 222 -4
Red Team Point

Kim 236 230 -6
Chism 341 332 -9
Black Team Point

Cassandra 220 212 -8
Conda 278 275 -3
Black Team Point

The Black team wins 5-3 so the Red team must vote someone off. There seems to be some animosity between Nancy and Kim and when their votes are revealed, they have voted for each other. Nancy does get one more vote, but the rest go shockingly to Lauren. The reason given is she has no distractions at home and it's assumed she'll have an easier time taking the weight off.

Nancy - Kim
Kim - Nancy
Lauren - Nancy
Conda - Lauren
Buddy - Lauren
Mark - Lauren
Roy - Nancy
Kimmy - Lauren

Lauren started on the Biggest Loser ranch at 246 pounds. Since then she's lost 53 and has run a half-marathon. Her next plans are to run a full marathon and to weigh 130 pounds by the finale.

Biggest Loser S13E02 - Too Much Vandalism, Not Enough Working Out

2012-01-10T19:09:00.020-06:00

After a quick review of the first week, Alison greets the contestants and gives them information on what is going to take place during the week. First she informs them, the Biggest Loser on the winning team can assign immunity to only one person on the losing team. Most seasons this would seem ridiculous, but in this season it gives players an opportunity to give immunity to their former partner. But Alison is not done with the teams, she asks for two team leaders from each team to follow her. Emily of the Black team and Kim of the Red team immediately raise their hands. Reluctantly Joe of the Black team and Kimmy of the Red team raise their hands with no deliberation within the teams.

The four contestants follow Alison to a room with a table with poker chips on it. She says, "If you thought the stakes of this game were high, we're about to up the anti." With a five pound advantage on the line, each team will bet how much they can lose during the week. The team who bets the most, has the opportunity to win the advantage. But if they lose, the other team will receive the advantage. As a little help, Alison says the previous week the Black team lost 3.64% and the Red team lost 3.98%. With Red team having won the last weigh in they are given the option to bet first. Red team starts off strong with a 3.8% bet, this equates to 94 pounds, roughly 10 pounds per person. Knowing how hard it is to lose weigh the second week, the Black team opts not to challenge the bet, they call the Red teams bluff (if that's what it indeed was). Joe says he's going to let the Red team beat themselves, to which Kim laughs. She informs Joe they are going to beat the Black team, her attitude suggests Joe is weak for not betting more, but Joe knows better. When Red team ends up having to bet someone out, he's going to relax back with a cup of coffee.

The team leaders go back to inform their teams what transpired. Joe explains what has happened. Kim informs her team of their bid, stunning them. She's still very cocky and laughs at how easily Black Team folded. The rest of the Black team fully support Joe and Emily for folding. Kim thinks Dolvett is going to be excited by them winning the bet, but he's rather distressed. He knows losing 94 pounds week two is a difficult challenge at best.

During the workout in the gym, Bob refuses to lose another challenge, but finds Gail resting and Cassandra crying in a corner. To make matters worse, Dolvett annoys Bob by using a lot of his techniques. Then when Dolvett spray paints "94 lbs", Bob just about loses it. He ultimately leaves the gym's 'Toxic Atmosphere'.

Later, Rachel, the Biggest Loser Nutritionist stops by, Jeremy is immediately smitten with her. She's claims most Americans don't know how to eat healthy, so her job for the day is to show them how to eat healthy. Jeremy says he will listen to WHATEVER she tells him. Kimmy (of the former purple team) thinks it's a bad idea turning the teams into a grocery store, filled with cookies and chips. Rachel teaches the Red team some great substitutions and a few good recipes.

The next challenge promises the winning team six months of the Biggest Loser Meal Plan. For this challenge, they will be outside on the docks. Each team must spin a wheel which will bring in puzzles pieces hanging over the water. Once collected, the teams must solve the puzzle, then raise it up before the other team. It's a close race, but the Black Team narrowly wins. Kim from the Red Team is upset, but she's been taught if she doesn't have anything nice to say, to not say anything at all. Frustrated, she zips her lips.

Having concluded her assignment on the ranch, Rachel the nutritionist visits the Aqua Team in Chicago. She wants to help and encourage them, so they can make it back to the fitness ranch. Like she did with the Black and Red teams, she gives them pointers and tips using Jenni-O products.

On The Scale:
Red Team
Kim 239 236 -3 "I'm not happy at all."
Kimmy 210 206 -4 "Not what I wanted but I"m still going in the right direction."
Roy 292 287 -5 "I was shooting for 15."
Lauren 237 234 -4 "Four pounds lighter than I was last week."
Nancy 212 207 -5
Conda 285 278 -7
Mike 345 338 -7
Makr 282 274 -8
Buddy 381 372 -9
2.09% - They lose the bet and Black team wins a 5 pound advantage.

Black Team
Gail 313 308 -5 "I'll take a five pound weight loss."
Megan 252 248 -4 "Four pounds is not enough for me."
Cassandra 225 220 -5
Emily 254 250 -4 "I wanted 7, a pound a day. I'm not happy."
Chris 232 226 -6 "That feels really good."
Joe 342 334 -8 "I was pretty satisfied."
Jeremy 376 369 -7 "I'm now the heaviest guy on my team now that Ben's gone."
Chism 349 341 -8 "We don't have to go to that room again."
52 - 2.22%

The Red team has lost, but there will be two people safe. One is Mark who is the Biggest Loser of his team, and with Black team winning the weigh in, Chris (Biggest Loser of that team) chooses Roy to be immune as well.

As the Red team is deciding who is going home, Mike raises the question of sending someone home who hasn't been doing a lot of work. Conda immediately smirks and informs Mike he's the one not working hard enough. She says while everyone else is sweating, he's not. It's obvious she has a problem with Mike, and she shows it when they are in the room with Alison.

When making her decision, Kim claims Mike "...slacked and went back to bad habits." Mike challenges this comment and says the nutritionist informed him it was in his best interest to stop half way in a workout and have a snack. Conda tries to argue the point and things begin to get heated till Alison finally urges everyone to 'move on'.
Roy is next to vote for Mike and more heated words arise from both Mike and Conda. Once again, Alison encourages them to continue to which Mike & Conda quickly reveal their votes, each for the other. The rest of the teams votes go towards Mike. He's upset by Conda judging him and claims he's suffering from abandonment issues. She claims had she know this in advance, perhaps her vote would have been different. With the majority of the votes, Mike leaves the Biggest Loser Ranch. Since his adventure began, he has lost 56 pounds and by the Finale, hopes to be 120 pounds lighter and nicotine free.

Biggest Loser S13E01 - No Excuse Zone

2012-01-03T19:04:00.027-06:00

A new season of Biggest Loser has begun and this time things are going to be slightly different. But I'll get into that in a bit. The show begins and we are given a quick preview of what to expect this season, as well as a bit of foreshadowing to a rivalry between Bob and Dolvett.

This year the teams are:
Purple: Kimmy, 48 / Megan, 21 (Mother & Daughter)
Gray: Chism, 19 / Mark, 43 (Son and Father)
Red: Christin, 42 / Roy, 62 (Married)
Blue: Joe, 38 / Mike, 40 (Brothers)
Brown: Buddy, 41 / Ben, 34 (Brothers)
Aqua: Daphne, 36 / Adrian, 34 (Sister & Brother)
Orange: Nancy, 63 / Cassandra, 25 (Grandmother & Granddaughter)
Green: Jeremy, 22 / Conda, 23 (Brother & Sister)
Pink: Kim, 38 / Emily, 29 (Strangers and Former Athletes)
Yellow: Gail, 57 / Lauren, 26 (Mother & Daughter)

Alison greets the teams and they discus what has been their biggest excuse for gaining so much weight. Mark from the Gray team says he's just gotten lazy. Jeremy from the Green team says his family has always been heavy and it's just easy to go along with that. Emily from the Pink team says her excuse is no time. Time seems to be a factor for almost everyone as everyone agrees, including Ben from the Brown team, who has nine kids (with one on the way) and Orange team member Nancy who has 13 kids and 54 grand-kids. Kimmy from the Purple team says life was always hard on the farm and Chism's (Gray Team) excuse is an accident he had when he was ten. Mike of the Blue team claims he's a food addict and Christine from the Red team says she's an emotional eater. Buddy of the Brown team is always put things off for tomorrow. He says his daughter passed away 5 years ago, and he wants to start living again. No more waiting for tomorrow.

When the introductions are over and excuses have been aired, Alison announces a challenge before they even get into the Biggest Loser ranch. The team to finish last, will be sent home. Alison explains they will be pushed like never before and now have no excuses. Its going to take strength, smarts and sheer determination to become the Biggest Loser; and that's what the first challenge is about. The first part of the challenge is a sprint. One member from each team is going to run a 40 yard sprint. The first four to cross will automatically move into the gym. The remaining six teams will have to compete again. The race begins, but Mark from the Gray team pulls a hamstring and falls over. The race is won by the Blue, Orange, Brown and Yellow teams.

The next heat is also a 40 yard dash, with a twist. They will have to solve a puzzle before they can continue. When complete, the wood puzzle will look like a key. Four of the remaining six teams move on, the final two will have to challenge each other. The next four to move on are the Gray, Red, Purple and Green teams.

The final challenge will be between the Pink and Aqua teams. It's almost a 'Survivor' themed challenge. Both team members will participate, standing on a platform. The last team standing on the platform will move into the Biggest Loser Ranch. Being strangers, Kim and Emily are worried the Aqua, brother and sister team, will beat them. Determination sets in and the Pink team are able to outlast the Aqua team.

Alison welcomes the teams into the ranch with the exception of the Aqua team. However, she informs them they will be welcome back to the ranch in one month if they are able to lose 50 pounds as a team. If they really want to be on the Biggest Loser Ranch, they are going to have to earn it.

In the morning, Alison greets the teams and tells them it's time to meet their trainers. Cue the helicopter and motorcycle. Dolvett repels onto the ranch via a helicopter as Bob speeds onto the ranch via motorcycle. Bob thinks it's funny how excited all the contestants are to see him, he's hoping to put them through hell. For the next two hours, the teams will get to work with both Dolvett and Bob, then they will get to pick their trainers.

The contestants spend the next two hours with the trainer till some start puking (and fake puking), Roy from the Red team collapses and Ben from the Brown team starts suffering from fatigue, not remembering his or Bobs name. During this time, we also get to see more of the other contestants, sometimes even more than we really want to see. Finally, Alison arrives to announce a special twist. Each couple will now choose which trainer they want to work with. That is to say, each person on the team must choose a different trainer. This is going to be a season of no excuses and no partners.

Each team is given time to decide which one will work with what trainer. They use various methods; Rock-Paper-Scissors and flipping a coin (weight) are two methods used. Finally each team must decide. Teams are decided like so:

Green Team: Jeremy, Bob - Conda, Dolvett
Pink Team: Kim, Bob - Emily, Dolvett
Blue Team: Joe, Bob - Mike, Dolvett
Red Team: Chris, Bob - Roy, Dolvett
Orange Team: Cassandra, Bob - Nancy, Dolvett
Brown Team: Buddy, Bob - Ben, Dolvett
Purple Team: Megan, Bob - Kimmy, Dolvett
Gray Team: Chism, Bob - Mark, Dolvett
Yellow Team: Gail, Bob - Lauren, Dolvett

Divided, the teams work with their trainers once more before the weigh in. During this time we get to know the contestants a little better. For example Emily tells Dolvett how she broke her back professional wrestling, and still finished the match because she hates losing. Later, when Dolvett doesn't think his team is working as hard as they could be, i.e. stopping to rest or take potty breaks, he gives them a motivational speech. Dolvett refuses to be the 'Bad News Bears' this year.

On The Scale:
Gail 322 / 313 -9 "I worked harder this week than I ever have my entire life."
Chism 361 / 349 -12
Megan 259 / 252 - 7 "Seven pounds, I mean that's awesome."
Chris 240 / 232 -8
Jeremy 389 / 376 -13 "I'm one of the biggest guys on the team, so there is a huge responsibility on me to put up a huge number this week. So to put up 13 pounds sucks."
Joe 357 / 342 -15
Ben 396 / 381 -15 "I'll take 15, it's a step in the right direction... But I'm missing my wife and kids."
Emily 264 / 254 -10 "A week and ten pounds, that's good."
Cassandra 239 / 225 -14
Black Team Total 103 3.64%

Roy 306 / 292 -14 "Ho ho ho, that made me happy."
Conda 294 / 285 -9
Mike 358 / 345 -13
Kimmy 219 / 210 -9 "I want to say thank you to Dolvett"
Lauren 246 / 237 -9
Mark 291 / 282 -9 "I don't think I was much help this week with the injury."
Nancy 217 / 212 -5 "That's crazy. I think they did something." (referring to the scale)
Kim 252 / 239 -13 "I'm really happy to see this number."
Buddy 403 / 381 -22 Gives Alison a fist bump.
Red Team Total 103 3.98%

With Dolvett's first win, he's ecstatic, but Bob says he's going to be damned if he lets it happen again. Black team must now decide who to send home, with the exception of Cassandra who is the Biggest Loser of the week. As the black team is deliberating, Megan pleads to stay, stating how much she hates herself more each day. Meanwhile Gail says she has nothing to go home for and needs to be on the ranch. Ben says he does have something to go home for, his wife and kids are his life. He misses them too much. He asks the others to send him home. Some of the contestants don't agree and consider sending Megan home instead, but when the team meets with Alison, they honor Ben's request and send him home.

At home:
Ben 396 / 346 -50 "Ben wants to prove his dedication by losing 150 pounds by the Finale despite being sent home Week One.

Jeffrey Scott’s – Best of his Blogs 2011

2011-12-31T13:40:00.000-06:00

As some of you are probably aware, I run not one, not two, but three blogs. Back in the day I only had one blog, but suddenly felt it was getting confusing with all my Health and Fitness posts mixed with my Science Fiction post. So I decided to launch a separate blog dedicated solely to Fitness. This left the other blog for everything else. However during the next few months I started to do more Doctor Who episode reviews. Because of that, any blog postings of my photography, poetry or other writings quickly got buried. So, I decided to split my blog once more. But I digress - As I did last year I've decided to create a cross-over blog. This will post on all three sites and highlight various postings of each. If you like what you see, please leave a comment.

January
Tegan - V - A reboot.... or something else? (Part 1)
Earlier in the year, my thoughts on the now cancelled series.
Carrot Sticks – Biggest Loser Rewind - S11E01
I start blogging recaps of Biggest Loser Season 11

February
Tegan – Jeffrey Scott's Coffee Klatch
I try my hand at writing a variety blog series.
Carrot Sticks – Fitness Product Review
I review one of the Weight Watchers 'Smart Ones' meals.

March
Tegan - The Adventures of Quisp
Just to do something different, I did a cereal review.
Carrot Sticks – A-Z Fitness - Zeal
The year before I started a fitness series. This was the final one.

April
Tegan – L.I.N.D.A. spots the Doctor at the Royal Wedding
The Doctor attends the Royal Wedding.
Carrot Sticks - Why Did Rulon Walk Off The Show?
A Biggest Loser Tirade
Jeffrey Scott - And Then…
I attempt a less comical poem.

May
Tegan – Dr. Who (The Early Years) - Part 33 "The Third Doctor In Review"
Having concluded my reviews of the 3rd Doctor, I give an over-view.
Carrot Sticks – When Jillian Leaves
A poem I wrote dedicated to Jillian
Jeffrey Scott - Bond Live at the Royal Albert Hall
I review the Live DVD.

June
Tegan - Doctor Who Graduation
My niece has a graduation with a Doctor Who theme.
Carrot Sticks – Top 15 Ways To Tell You've Joined A Bad Gym
A few reasons to hate fitness gyms.
Jeffrey Scott - Mitchell Park Domes - Tropical Domes
A photographic set I did of flowers and such.

July
Tegan – Dr. Who (The Early Years) - "And Now A Word From Our Sponsor"
Back in the 70's they were giving away Dr. Who themed prizes in cereal.
Jeffrey Scott - Bristol Renaissance Faire
Photos from my trip back in time.

August
Carrot Sticks - Reasons I'm Disappointed in My Fitness Gym
Another article on the state of gyms. My personal dislikes.
Jeffrey Scott - My Toys As A Writer
Photos of my personal writing devices.

September
Tegan – The Omega Men – Part 1 of 4
A short story I wrote based on Dr.Who and a podcast.
Carrot Sticks – Biggest Loser 12 - Battle of the Ages
A new season of Biggest Loser, here are the contestants.
Jeffrey Scott - Procrastination
A Song Parody I wrote.

October
Tegan – Dr. Who (The Early Years) - Part 51 "The Fourth Doctor In Review"
Having finished 4th Doctor reviews, here's a quick recap.
Jeffrey Scott - Martha Berner: Recording of Brew City Bands

November
Tegan – Sun Boy Explores the 21st Century
I turn a few screenshots from DC Universe Online into a short story.
Carrot Sticks – Biggest Loser S12E09 - What Kind of School Do You Teach?
One of my reviews from Biggest Loser

December
Tegan - Chicago Tardis - Costume Collection (The Companions)
Chicago Tardis Photos
Carrot Sticks – Biggest Loser S12E13 - And the Biggest Loser Is....
A review of the final episode of Biggest Loser Season 13.
Jeffrey Scott - CD Review: Diana Krall - "Steppin Out"
Hoping this'll be a new monthly, musical series.

Keep in mind, this isn't everything from all three blogs, rather, just a sampling. If you enjoy each, why not subscribe and follow? You’re bound to find something you like sooner or later. ;)
Jeffrey Scott

Biggest Loser S12E13 - And the Biggest Loser Is....

2011-12-13T20:05:00.010-06:00

Once again, the live finale has arrived. But there is only so much to tell. However, Alison does promise a few changes, surprises and a sneak peak into next season. The first surprise is a live performance by Trane, as they do their theme song live. After that, we get a quick recap of the past season and the journeys many of the contestants have been on. Once concluded we are given another surprise. All the former contestants will not be weighing in for the $100,000 at home prize, only the top three.

First, Alison invites out four of the former contestants; Johnny, Becky, Jessica and Vinny.
Johnny

Only top three weigh in.
Johnny Current Weight 231 - 97 Pound Loss "Go for it. I'm 66, I feel 40."
Becky Current Weight 150 - 88 Pound Loss "We have to take care of ourselves."
Jessica Current Weight 174 - 80 Pound Loss "I hate the phrase, 'You have such a pretty face.' Because I know what that means."
Vinny is declared the first of the final three to weigh in.

Alison asks Jessica how her relationship with Ramon is going, to which Jessica says it's going great but there is NOT going to be a wedding or engagement just yet. They are loving life for now.

The next four invited out are Courtney, Bonnie, Sunny & Patrick.
Bonnie Current Weight - 177 - 77 Pound Loss "I'm determined to live a long life for my grand-kids."
Courtney Current Weight 183 - 87 Pound Loss "So much thanks and gratitude for Dolvett."
Sunny Current Weight 171 - 106 Pound Loss "The best gift I could give my family is a long life."
It comes to less than 1% difference between the two, but between Sunny and Patrick, Patrick is the second person to weigh in later for the at home prize.

The next four invited out are Debbie, Mike, Joe and Jennifer. Debbie and Mike are immediately told they are not going to be one of the three.
Debbie Current Weight 206 - 33 Pound Loss "I want to give a special shout out to a friend of mine."
Mike Current Weight 223 - 86 Pound Loss "Age is not a factor. 62 years of age and finished a marathon."
Joe Current Weight 215 - 133 Pound Loss "I'm excited for our {his family} new life together"
Jennifer is selected as the final person in the three who will be weighing in for the secondary prize.

The top 3 for the at-home prize, Patrick, Vinny and Jennifer are brought in to do their weigh in. Patrick is selected to weigh in first.
Patrick Starting Weight 387 - Current Weight 236 - Total Loss 151 - 39.02%
Jennifer Starting Weight 330 - Current Weight 185 - Total Loss 145 - 43.94%
Vinny Starting Weight 426 - Current Weight 242 - Total Loss 184 - 43.19%

Finally it's time to decide who the Biggest Loser is going to be. John gets to decide the order of weigh in and he chooses Ramon first, followed by Antone then himself.

Ramon Beginning Weight 355 - Current Weight 201 -Total Loss 154 - 43.38%

Antone Beginning Weight 447 - Current Weight 245 - Total Loss 202 - 45.19%

John Beginning Weight 445 - Current Weight 225 - Total Loss 220 - 49.44%

John has wanted to win something in his life and he's finally done it. He is officially this seasons Biggest Loser.

Finally, Alison gives a sneak peak at next season and informs us there is going to be an interesting new twist.

Thanks for following my blog this season. Hope to see you all for Season 13!

What did you think of the season finale and the changes they made? Make sure to leave a comment, and check out the preview of next season, and learn what the twist is.

Next Season Of Biggest Loser Starts January 3, 2012
Season Theme - NO EXCUSES

Biggest Loser S12E12 - The Marathon

2011-12-06T20:05:00.012-06:00

For the most part, this episode of the Biggest Loser was a fluff bit, before next weeks big finale. However there were some interesting things taking place, including a marathon. But before all that, the show begins with each of the contestants returning home. Becky is back in Benton, Antone is in Knoxville, Mesa welcomes back John and Vinny is back home in Nashville. Each are warmly welcomed by friends and family. While working out and visiting with family they get a chance to view a video from themselves as they were before they arrived at the Biggest Loser ranch. The video seems to refocus all their attentions back on their weight loss journey.

Each of the four contestants reunited with the 11 formerly eliminated contestants for the Biggest Loser Marathon. The winner of which will automatically win a spot in the final three, despite being voted out already or not. But there are other prizes. 5th place finisher receives $2,500, 4th place gets $5,000, 3rd place $7,500, 2nd place is good for $10,000. In addition to winning a spot in the finals, the first person to finish takes home $25,000.

However, with knee surgery on the horizon, Bonnie must drop out of the marathon before it begins. About half way into the marathon, Dr. Huizenga makes a medical decision to pull both Vinny at mile 20 and Joe just five miles from the finish. Neither are too pleased to be pulled as they each have the 'heart' to continue. The battle for first place is between Ramon and Courtney, though Ramon ultimatley pulls ahead. He finished the race a few minutes over five hours. Courtney is right behind by a few minutes. Third place goes to John at 5 hours and 15 minutes. Fourth place winner is Jessica at 5:17 and the final prize is awarded to Patrick who finishes in 6 hours and 24 minutes. Next to arrive are Sunny at 6:45 followed by Jennifer. Antone and Becky finish together at 7:15. At 62 years of age, Mike finishes in 10th place running. The final two, Johnny and Debbie are met by Anna one mile from the finish. She walks both of them in, having finished the marathon in 10:41. Everyone celebrates their accomplishment, but Alison reminds them there is still a weigh in.

For the final weigh in, there is a red line instead of a yellow line. The two people who fall below the red line will be automatically eliminated. The two above will be with Ramon in the final three.

Becky - 10 - 5.81%
Vinny - 28 - 8.92%
John - 29 - 9.8%
Antone - 30 - 9.29%

Because of their percentages, John and Antone will be joining Ramon in the final three. The next event is the live finale. Who will win? Who do you want to win? Once again, it's an all male final. Also, who is going to win the 'at home' prize?

Biggest Loser S12E09 - What Kind of School Do You Teach?

2011-11-15T19:01:00.028-06:00

Alison Sweeney greets the contestants and informs them they are finally going to singles and the yellow line will be greeting them at the weigh in this week. But that isn't what's going to make the week so hard. This week will be five times as hard as they will be competing in a pentathlon. There is going to be five challenges during the week at which point they will all score points. At the end of the week, whoever scores the most points wins immunity, and the person with the least points will have a one pound disadvantage on the scale.

Challenge One - Merit
Each contestants goes into a 'voting booth' and chooses who they think deserves to be the biggest loser, from the most deserving to the least deserving. However, the results of this first challenge are going to be hidden till the end of the week. John realizes this event is more like a popularity contest, just like High School, and he was never popular in High School.

Challenge Two - Survival
For the second challenge, the contestants are brought out to the tennis courts. But there is no net or balls in sight. Instead, at one end of the court each contestant has three pegs sitting on a stand, at the far end are peg covers. When Alison gives the word, they will each run over and grab a cover, run back and cover one of the others pegs. Once all three pegs are covered, the corresponding contestant is out of the competition. The last person with a peg bare, will win the challenge and the most points. Points will the be awarded in order of who was last standing.
The results are: Sunny-7, Becky-6, Antone-5, Bonnie-4, Vinny-3, John-2, Ramon-1,

Challenge Three - Knowledge
7 trivia questions are going to be asked the contestants. If they can answer all 7 correctly, they will win 7 points. If they answer none of the questions right, they will win 0. Becky, being a math teacher hopes there is a question involving math as she'll have an advantage. Bonnie is confident as she's much older and should have more knowledge than the rest. One of the questions is "How many calories must a person cut out daily to lose 1 pound a week?" As the average person knows, one pound equals 3500 calories. So essentially the question is, "What is 3500 divided by 7?" The answer of course is 500 calories. Just about everyone has the correct answer to this math problem, but Becky. Right away Alison asks Becky what kind of school she teaches. Becky admits she's lost her mind.
Results: Antone-6, Vinny-4, Ramon-3, Bonnie-3, Becky-3, John-2, Sunny-1
Total: Antone-11, Becky-9, Sunny-8, Bonnie-7, Vinny-7, John-4, Ramon-4

Challenge Four - Strength & Balance
The next challenge takes place in the pool. Ropes are strung across the length of the pool and the contestants must use the ropes to pull themselves along as quickly as possible while trying to balance on a floatation device. Winner is the quickest person to do so, those who fall off will be judged by how far they go. Bonnie barely gets situated before she immediately falls off.
Results: Sunny 1:24(7), Joe 2:01(6), Vinny 2:08(5), Antone 2:09(4), Becky 2:10 (3), Ramon 2:29(2), Bonnie 2.1m(1)
Total: Antone-15, Sunny-15, Becky-12, Vinny-12, John-10, Bonnie-8, Ramon-6

Challenge Five - Speed
For the final challenge, they will be running another mile, as they did the first day. This time, they are more fit and able to do so without much difficulty, with the exception of Bonnie who only makes half way before the rest finish. To show their support for her, the rest of the contestants run out and walk her in the rest of the way. Points will be awarded according when they finish the mile.
Results: Ramon-7, John-6, Sunny-5, Antone-4, Becky-3, Vinny-2, Bonnie-1
Total: Sunny-20, Antone-19, John-16, Becky-15, Vinny-14, Ramon-13, Bonnie-9

With 20 points, Sunny is currently in first place. But the results of the first challenge have yet to be awarded, and will be done at the weigh in.

Weigh In
First Challenge Results:
Antone-7, Becky-7, Sunny-5, Bonnie-4, Ramon-4, Vinny-4, John-1
Final Results: Antone-26 (immunity), Sunny-25, Becky-22, Vinny-18, John-17, Ramon-17, Bonnie-13 (one pound weight disadvantage).

Antone -9 - "I feel fantastic about 9 pounds"
Sunny - 9 4.17% - "You know I was worried about the Pentathlon"
Vinny - 10 2.9% - "That's three weeks in a row in double digits."
John - 9 2.82% - "Nine is fine."
Ramon - 7 2.5% - "That's what I want, right there."
*YELLOW LINE*
Becky - 4 2.15% - "Four pounds is really not a bad number."
Bonnie -5 (4) - 1.88% - "I just want to say to every body. If you believe you can achieve."

The choice for the night is between Becky and Bonnie, but Bonnie makes things easier when she essentially falls on the sword for Becky. She wouldn't feel right staying on the Biggest Loser ranch, knowing Becky was sent home. She asks for everyone to vote for her and they all comply. By the finale, Bonnie's goal is to weigh 160 pounds.

Biggest Loser S12E08 - It's Never Good When You're Here, Alison

2011-11-08T18:58:00.028-06:00

Ramon is heartbroken and upset his team helped vote out Jessica. John tries to explain how she was a threat and needed to go. Right away, Vinny comes to Ramon's side and says he hates Johns thinking. Bonnie looks bewildered knowing it was her who 'should' have gone home. Joe add his two cents, but it just makes Ramon madder. He asks to talk to Ramon later, but Ramon is not having it. Joe suddenly realizes they are in a divided house. Ramon realizes this also and knows he can't trust Joe any more. Vinny and Ramon then discuss how Joe may have made the biggest mistake of his game.

Before the trainers go in to talk to their teams, Alison meets them to discuss how things are going to operate for the week. This week each team is going to have only one person represent them at the weigh in. Only their weight is going to count. And the decision of who is going to represent each team will be decided on by the trainers. Bob, who loves the show but hates the game, hates this new twist.

Dolvett is worried because if his team doesn't win, the person he has picked is going to automatically go home. He's torn between picking John or Bonnie. He knows John puts up big numbers on the scale, so he's worried this could be a plateau week. As he ponders who he's going to choose he has a chat with Bonnie. He reminds her the best wegiht lost she's had so far is seven pounds. He challenges her to do better this week. He inspires her by letting her know no one (including herself) expects her to pass that number and he wants her to prove them wrong.

Anna focuses her attention on Sunny who instead of being happy after a big weight loss, isn't very happy. Sunny mentions how tired she is, so Anna hopes she can push her to have another weight loss this week. As she's doing that, Bob is talking with Becky and trying to figure out what driving her. She blames a lot of her weight gain on her father, even though she knows it's truly her own fault. Bob has Becky tell him all the good points about herself. When she's finished, he tells her how glad he is she's on his team.

Another interesting thing takes place at the next challenge, the trainers are going to be able to help their teams. The teams will be playing a sort of 'Top Chef' type game where they are given a set of ingredients and must make a healthy and tasty meal. There will be two guest judges for the contest, Olivia (@BL11Olivia) - the winner of last season's Biggest Loser and Chef Devin Alexander (@ChefDevin), the author of every Biggest Loser cook-book. The prize for winning will be several things. Olivia will sit down with the group, giving them the opportunity to question a former winner. Chef Devin will include the winning teams recipe in her newest Biggest Loser cookbook. The final thing teams win, will be a one pound weight advantage.

Before the challenge begins, the teams are given five minutes to discus what they are going to work on. After which, the teams set out immediately, given 30 minutes to come up with a winning dish. Bob helps the team as they go 'shopping' for the ingredients they are going to use. Antone is excited, as this is a great challenge for him. He's been in the restaurant business for the past five years so he thinks this is going to be an easy task. All being from the South, their dish is going to be a 'Slimmer, Summer Slaw'.

The blue team are worried, as none of them are great at cooking. They ultimately decide to work on a 'No mess, Tex Mex lettuce fajitas with chicken'. Sunny is happy to help work on a low calorie version of a Tex Mex they would normally make with beef with no trimmed fat.

Dolvett and his team are making a 'London Bridge' with asparagus tips. Dolvett explains the name, it's a dish "bridging the gap between bad eating and good eating". Having worked in the kitchen since he was five years old, Dolvett is very excited. After the last ten minutes start to tick away, he's worried they may not have cooked the meat long enough. Bonnie isn't so certain either but knows her son and grandson likes to eat their meat as raw as theirs are.

Once the time has drawn out, Alison takes the food out to the judges. There is a monitor in the kitchen which will allow the teams to see the reaction of the judges as they try each dish. They start with the 'London Bridge' and Olivia loves the colors but Devin is unimpressed with how rare it is. Olivia takes a closer listen to the plaste and thinks she can hear the meat still moving. From the kitchen, Vinny exclaims "♫London Bridge is Falling Down.♪" In the end, Olivia thinks the sweet potatoes with ginger are the star of the plate.
Calories - 440 / Fat - 9g

Judges take a look at the Tex Mex next. Devin likes how they seasoned the chicken directly, before cooking. Something some people fail to do. She also likes the grilled tortilla chips, giving them extra points. Both judges are wowed by the size of the plate for the limited calories.
Calories - 300 / Fat - 11g

The final entrée is the black teams Slimmer Summer Slaw with Pork Medallions. Olivia likes how it looks right away, thinking it does not look like diet food. Devin thinks they cooked the pork perfectly, but does not like the cranberry chutney and thinks it does not compliment the 'Asian Slaw' well enough.
Calories -210 / Fat - 7g

Taking into account, the taste, the calories and the effectiveness as a Biggest Loser themed dish, the judges unanimously decide on a winner. Olivia says it was a hard decision, but declares the Slimmer Summer Slaw the winner, Bob's black team wins again. The next day Olivia sits down for lunch with the black team and has a special prize for them. She's contacted their family and they each have a special scrap-book prepared for them to help encourage them.

A few of the contestants next meet with Dr. Huizenga who has brought in David Linden, a brain scientist from 'John Hopkins'. He studies and has a video prepared which explains how food affects the pleasure center of the brain. The video illustrates how a lean person when seeing or smelling food has a nominal release of a neurotransmitter Dopamine, triggering a slight desire for the food item. But an obese person has a much bigger release, triggering a larger craving for the food. But when the lean person eats the food item, the pleasure center gets a strong response from Dopamine and the obese person gets a smaller reaction, which drives him to eat more of the food.

Weigh in.
Earlier in the episode, Alison gave the trainers the job of picking only one person to represent each team. Now has come the time for each of them to do so. Bob chooses Becky,
Anna chooses Joe and Dolvett goes with John.

Red Team
Bonnie - 8 - 3.62% - "Becky, I'm in the teens!"
John - 10 - 3.04% - "I'm not happy at all. I completely let the red team down. In my eyes, I have failed."
Total - 3.04%

Black Team
Antone - 5 - 1.42% - "Who get's a five when you're six pounds away from 100?"
Vinny - 10 - 2.82% - "That's huge, I feel great."
Becky - 6 - 3.65% - "It kinda seemed like a 'Mission Impossible' for the black team but you know the black team has a few good men and one good woman."
Total - 3.65%* With the one pound advantage won earlier in the episode.

Blue Team
Sunny - 2 - .92% - "I'm glad Anna didn't choose me."
Ramon - 6 - 2.10% - "I'm glad she didn't pick me."
Joe - 2 - .74% - "I don't know what happened. I was doing my exercises and getting my burn."
Total - .74%

Vinny - Joe - Reason: Had to write down Joe's name.
Bonnie - Joe - Reason: Close to Sunny and "Us girls are trying to stick together".
Antone - Joe - Reason: Question of loyalty. Joe being leader of blue team deserves to go home.

Joe is floored by Antone's vote and hurt Vinny voted for him, despite their friendship. Since beginning the Biggest Loser, Joe has gone from 348 to 230 pounds. He can now ride the rollar coaster with his daughter at Dollywood.

"I don't go home a different man, I go home a better man."

Biggest Loser S12E07 - Would You Like Cheese With Your Whine?

2011-11-01T19:03:00.030-05:00

Piggy-backing from last weeks episode, Alison tells the contestants to wear the same shirts they did the first week, before the teams were chosen. The contestants are freaking out expecting a team shake up. Meeting Alison the next day, the group are surprised to see three flags representing the three trainers. Immediately Alison has everyone line up according to age. She has the three on the far left step aside and the three on the far right step aside. Contestants are giddy to realize the teams have not been broken up that much, till Alison drops the bomb these are NOT the new teams. They will be grouped this way for the next challenge only, which will determine the makeup of the new teams. Each new group is given three dishes, a favorite dish of each individual. The person who comes the closes to guessing the calories in all three dishes gets to chose which trainer they want. The next person then picks one of the two remaining trainers and the person furthest off, gets whatever trainer is left. None of the contestants are very happy about the teams being mixed up.

The first group is Ramon, Jessica and Vinny. Jessica's dinner is revealed to be Chicken Caesar Salad with extra Caesar dressing and lots of bread. Ramon's meal is 12 tacos and 2 burritos. Vinny's meal of choice is a country breakfast consisting of eggs, bacon, hash-browns and featuring chocolate gravy and biscuits. Ramon has 1747 calories in his meal, Jessica's meal has 2249 calories and Vinny a total of 3100; for a grand total of 7096. Jessica guesses 6200 for all three, Ramon 2570 and Vinny 9000. With Jessica guessing the closest, she picks Dolvett. Vinny is next and chooses Bob, leaving Anna for Ramon. Ramon is less than pleased. He says he doesn't want to be with Anna, he doesn't even want to speak to her, and now he has to.

The next group is Antone, Sunny and John. Antone's meal is a large cheeseburger and fries. John has three double patty cheeseburger, though slightly altered because he never wanted the fast food cashier to realize they were all for him. Sunny's meal is salsa and chips followed by two cheese enchiladas with Spanish rice and refried beans. Antone's meal contains 2165 calories, John's has 2512 and Sunny a whopping 4162 for a total on the table of 8839 calories. Antone guesses 7000 for the table, Sunny figures 6500 and John comes up with 5720. Antone comes the closest and picks Bob, Sunny is second closest and decides to go with Anna, despite knowing Dolvett is a great guy and knows how to motivate his team. But Sunny realizes Anna has "a great body" and must definitely know how to keep it that way. No say in the matter, John is now on Dolvett's team.

The last group is starts off with a reveal of a large pepperoni pizza as Becky's favorite meal. She says never having another piece of pizza is unrealistic but she now knows more about portion control and eating an entire pizza is now out of the question. Bonnie has two veal cutlets with baked mac-n-cheese. Joe has an Italian sampler meal complete with spaghetti, meatballs, lasagna Caesar salad and garlic bread. John admits this feast was at some times consumed on a weekly basis. Bonnie's meal totals 1793, Becky 2640 and Joe 2975. The grand total of calories for the older team is 7408. Joe guesses 8580 for the total calories, Becky goes with 6850 and Bonnie decides on 9114. Becky comes the closest and decides to start training with Bob. Joe is next and decides to try Anna, leaving Bonnie to train with Dolvett. Though she's received her trainer last, she seems to be the happiest with her new trainer. Everyone else is busy complaining.

The new teams:
Bob (Black) Vinny, Antone, Becky
Dolvett (Red) Jessica, John, Bonnie
Anna (Blue) Ramon, Sunny, Joe

Anna decides to visit her new blue team. Ramon is upset with her for calling him out while still on the scale. He thinks she should have taken him aside if she had something to say. Anna explains herself but Ramon still feels she handled the situation wrong and assures her he's focused on his own health and not solely on Jessica. Joe talks about how upset he is he's no longer with Bob and Anna is shocked they are so hung up on the new situation. She tries to explain to her new team they need to be less reliant on the trainers and more focused on what they can do, as the trainers are only giving them direction, they are doing the work. Before coming to the ranch, they were addicted to food and now they seem to be addicted to their favorite trainer. Joe is still moping so Anna says it's like someone took his favorite toy away and needs to start acting like a man and get tough and stop crying. Joe does not take kindly to the comparison. Anna finally leaves and tensions couldn't be higher.

While that's going on, Bob is in the gym with his new team, already training. As the red team enters, John breaks down and hugs Bob telling him he's going to miss him. Bob reassures him things are going to be fine. Finally the blue team show up, each discussing how much they actually hate tennis. They see Anna is already waiting for them outside the gym.

In-between workouts with the trainers, Alison has a challenge for all three new teams. In the "Slip N Slide" challenge, teams send one person at a time down a giant lawn, water slide. At the end of the slide they pick up a cube with lettering on it. The lettering from all cubes spell out one of three prizes. The first team to slide down, pick up a letter and run back uphill and correctly spell out whichever prize they are shooting for, will win that prize. The prizes are immunity for one team member, a weight advantage or money. The blue team immediately notice the word 'immunity' is forming one on side of the cubes and start shooting for that prize. The red team notice a dollar sign and opt to shoot for the money prize. It's a close race at the end as the blue team are trying to unscramble the immunity prize as Antone is running back up with the last piece for their prize. But the blue team finally solve the problem and win the prize. But the immunity prize is good for only one person on the team. They decide the easiest way to decide who to give the prize to is by playing 'Rock / Paper / Scissors'. Joe beats Ramon and Sunny and now has immunity at this weeks weigh-in.

Weigh-In:
Red Team
Bonnie - 7 "I'm happy world, I'm thrilled to death."
Jessica - 8 "I feel pretty good about losing eight pounds."
John - 15 "Very happy with that, very happy. Even happy enough for a little silent dance party." Does a dance.
Total 30 - 3.84%

Black Team
Vinny - 12 "It's the highest number I've got since the first week."
Becky - 11 "I'm almost speechless. I have made it to wonderland."
Antone - 16 "It feels good, it feels real good."
Total 39 - 4.15%

Blue Team
Sunny - 9 "Oh yes, yes, yes, yes. It's my destiny to be with Anna."
Ramon - 16 "Anna, little Miss Blondie kicking my butt. I love it."
Joe - 15 "I've gotta thank Anna. She absolutely killed us this week in the gym."
Total 40 - 4.91%

The lowest percentage of weight loss is the red team and John is the biggest loser on his team so the targets this week will be either Jessica or Bonnie. Ramon is very worried as he doesn't want to lose the love of his life.

Voting:
Ramon - Bonnie - Reason: Not voting for the woman he's going to pend the rest of his life with.
Becky - Jessica - Reason: Bonnie did not vote for Becky when she could have.
Vinny - Bonnie - Reason: Knows she's strong enough to do it at home.
Antone - Jessica - Reason: Look at what he sees and has seen Bonnie open up.
Sunny - Jessica - Reason: Come marathon time, Jessica will take it. Bonnie is just starting her journey.
Joe - Jessica - Reason: Bonnie has blossomed this week, but voting whats best for the team.

Ramon hates what has happened, but Jessica says she holds no hard feelings and she'll see everyone in a few week. Since her journey began at the ranch she's gone from weighing 254 pounds to 185. She is determined to win the marathon and earn a spot as a finalist.

Biggest Loser S12E06 - Triangle of Death

2011-10-26T10:31:00.044-05:00

The most recent episode of Biggest Loser begins with a horrifically transformed kitchen and Alison dressed as the bride of Frankenstein (Or rather Frankenstein's monster, but I'm splitting hairs here). She relates some interesting facts; there are 20 million pounds of candy corn sold every year and the average person eats about 24 pounds of candy a year. Of course these facts are related to a challenge / temptation for the week. If all three teams can lose a combined total of a 100 pounds, everyone will be guaranteed immunity for one more week. However, the trick to this challenge is a pot of candy hanging in the kitchen weighing 10 pounds. For each pound of candy eaten, they will receive a one pound advantage at weight in; up to ten pounds. Essentially, all teams are working as one. The trainers will still be available, and will be working with whomever they wish.

The red team explains to Dolvett how the week is going to work. Dolvett is excited and claims he's been waiting for this. There are a few people he wants to get his hands on.

Back in the kitchen, Joe and Sunny are looking at the candy in the pot. Joe explains him and Candy have recently 'broken up' but they've had some good times. Sunny decides to weigh a pound of the candy just to see how much it is. Joe proposes she eat one pound of candy and he can eat the other nine. She admits they don't need it and begins walking away slyly as Joe notices the pound of candy she weighed out is now missing. Of course, she's just messing with him.

Cue the gym, and the trainers are taking the opportunity to work with new people. Dolvett works with Antone, John and Joe as Bob works on Bonnie, Becky, Vinny and Ramon. Bob thinks Bonnie has been coddled and really wants to challenge her. Unlike Anna, she seems to take well to his approach. Finally, Anna is working with Sunny, Jessica and Jennifer. As they are working out by lying on the ground and using ankle weights, Anna detects Jennifer is too attached to Bob and hopes she will work as hard with the other trainers. As the day goes on, others begin to notice Jennifer is also pinning after Bob's attention.

As Dolvett works with John, he tries to get him to open up. Despite having his wife and two adopted children, he talks about the rough times he's had in recent years. They lost their house and had a failed adoption. What happened was after giving all their money to an adoption agency, it went bankrupt. On top of that, his father recently died. How did John deal with all this? Instead of expressing his emotions, he's bottled them up and turned to food. Dolvett then shares a few similarities between the both of them. Like John, he's a middle child and always felt like a peace maker, much like John. Also, Dolvett was adopted along with three others. So he can relate to most of what John's feeling. Dolvett encourages him to deal with problems and not hold everything in. Holding things in just creates more problems.

During a product placement moment for Jennie-O Turkey Sausage, Jessica, Ramon and Vinny are in the kitchen. Jessica gives Vinny a few links and he decides to eat them while being tempted. He sits in front of the pot of candy and does sit ups as he eats. Everyone has a big laugh about this, especially Ramon and Jessica who are showing signs up a budding relationship.

The challenge for the week can result in a 5 or 10 pound advantage. Outside is a maze filled with apples. In order to get a 5 pound weight advantage they need to collect 150 pounds worth of apples. If they can collect 200 pounds of apples they will get the 10 pound advantage. The trick is, there is a time limit and if anyone is still in the maze after the time has run out, they will receive a 5 pound disadvantage. Jennifer compares the collection of apples to an Easter Egg hunt. Within a few minutes of the challenge, they win the 5 pound advantage. Everyone opts to keep searching for more apple. With one minute left, they have still not made the 200 pounds, but very close. Instead of waiting, they decide to go back in and see if they can finish collecting the 200 pounds. The clock ticks down to 10 seconds and there are still a few people in the maze trying to collect apples. Everyone but Joe are finally out of the maze as the last few seconds tick down. Editing certainly makes it look as if they are going to lose the challenge but returning from commercial break shows Alison counts down to one as Joe runs out, just in time. The apples weigh over 200 pounds so they have won the 10 pound weight advantage at the weigh in.

When Bob stops by, the teams decide to play a dirty trick on Bob. They hide all the candy from the pot and tell him the 10 pound advantage they have is from eating all the candy. Joe realizes this is probably a bad idea stating "This is going to end ugly", but the group decide to do it anyway. After they tell Bob, he seriously looses it. He tells them that's pathetic and he hates 'that way of thinking' (eating candy to gain the weight advantage), and finds it disgusting. They finally tell him the truth, but he's still not amused.

As the group works in the gym once more, only Bob is there to train everyone. He is about to put them through one of his circuits, but tells them after his workout they will be moving to the tennis court where Anna is going to put them through her cardio tennis training. Once she's through with the group, they will move on to Dolvett. While Bob works the teams, he concentrates on Bonnie once again and has her both crying and laughing; she seems to be really drawn to his personality. Sunny realizes working with all three trainers is not going to be easy and calls them the 'Triangle of Death'. As Anna takes the court she has the contestants continually moving their feet as they smack tennis balls around as the sun beats down on them. Dolvett is last but not least and has designed a circuit he calls 'Pure Energy'. He's jazzed to give the best work out they've ever received. He wants the opportunity to touch the people he hasn't touched yet. Meanwhile, Jennifer claims she's 'spent', and others perceive she's not trying her hardest with any of the trainers outside of Bob. Vinny especially notices this, but opts not to say anything. Once the workout is done, Dolvett encourages them to hug themselves and think about what motivates each of them as it will fuel them. He yells out "Hard Work" and the group shout back, "Dedication". As he shouts "Dedication", they yell back "Hard Work". Most of the group do so loud and proud, but again Vinny thinks Jennifer is not as dedicated as the rest are; in fact she's actually crying.

Just before the last chance workout, Bob decides to have his own fun with candy. He brings Vinny, Sunny and Joe outside to show them just how funny candy can be. In a wheelbarrow full of candy, he has Sunny sitting while Joe and Vinny struggle to push her up a hill to where Bob is waiting.

It's time for the last chance workout, but before moving to the gym, Bob, Dolvett & Anna show up dressed as the Three Musketeers. As the theme for the week has been all for one and one for all, they decided to dress the part. As they are about to move to the gym, Bob tells everyone to grab buckets of candy as they will be part of their work out. Sure enough, Anna has the groups using the buckets of candy as dumbbells. As that's going on Bob has Antone climb on Jessica's back as Joe climbs on Becky's back. Antone is afraid of hurting Jessica but the girls agree they shouldn't be treated any differently. Once Bob is finished with Jessica, Anna decides to spend some time with her. She has Jessica explain how she gained her weight and Jessica admits she was in a six year relationship where she 'lost herself'. Because of this she began to feel ugly and fat. Suddenly Anna changes the topic and asks Jessica about her relationship with Ramon. This shocks Jessica, especially when Anna continues to warn her of not letting the relationship distract her from her fitness goals.

Weigh-In

Black Team
John -10 - "I didn't come to make or break records...I came to get healthy."
Antone -8 - "I feel like I fell short...but eight pounds is respectable."
Joe -8 - "I want to be biggest loser because I want immunity."
Sunny +5 - "No more feeling safe. I have to give everything I've got if I want to stay in this house."
Jennifer -4 - "I know everyone thinks I'm dependent on Bob, but at this point I am. He knows how to push me and I haven't really been with him in a couple weeks."

Blue Team
Bonnie -1 - "One? That's a real shocker."
Becky -1 - "It's incredibly disappointing."

Red Team
Vinny -5 - "I wonder if it's got something to do with the full moon."
Jessica -4 - "I'm happy."
Ramon -2 - "It seems like something new.... is happening with my body... I feel like I can come in here and do everything all day long."

Not having lost the 90 pounds needed to keep everyone safe. Someone will be sent home. Before they leave to deliberate who it'll be, Anna has some advice for Ramon and Jessica. She reminds the love birds it's not only in the gym they have to focus, they also have to keep attentive to what they do in the house, how much sleep they are getting and what they are eating. Jessica is upset with the advice and says just because they've been 'outed' as a couple, it doesn't mean the small weight loss between her and Ramon is a reflection of the relationship. Ramon see's Anna's point but still disagrees with how she brought it up while he's still on the scale. Alison finally sends everyone away, reminding them John in the biggest loser of the week and therefore immune from being voted out.

While everyone is apologizing for doing bad at this weigh in and promising to do better, Jennifer decides to speak to the group and apologizes for putting up 'walls'. She realizes she has a lot to work on. Vinny finally speaks up and says maybe she's not working well with the other trainers because she's not letting them help her, only Bob. He's also upset she had a silent look on her face when Dolvett was trying to motivate them earlier. She claims she was but Vinny storms out and calls her a liar. When Jennifer asks the others how they feel, everyone is silent. Joe thinks Jennifer's attitude was not 'one for all' and she's only brought tension to the group.

The Vote:
Vinny - Jennifer - Reason: She needs to discover her demons at home.
Jessica - Jennifer - Reason: I've come to change my life and not let other peopoe affect me.
Ramon - Jennifer - Reason: It's time to clean up the atmosphere, clean up the house. I can not be surrounded by negativity any more.
Jennifer - Ramon - Reason: He can pull big numbers.
John - Ramon - Reason: I know this person can do anything.
Joe - Jennifer - Reason: I need to base this decision on what's best for me.
Antone - Jennifer - Reason: Wants a clean conscious and surprised she told Bob she was an outsider. She's become a major distraction.
Sunny - Jennifer - Reason: In order to have a more cohesive team and less stressful house.
Bonnie and Becky's votes unrevealed.

Despite being voted out, Jennifer knows she can do this, even with her knee injury. But she admits there are things about herself that didn't mesh with others contestants.
Starting Weight: 330 - Current Weight: 228

"The Biggest Loser" Tweets of the Week, Season 12 Week 5 edition

2011-10-21T07:00:00.005-05:00

This is going to be an interesting blog entry for several reasons.
1.) I'm back dating this to October.
2.) This was originally posted to someone else's blog.
3.) I only contributed to this post, I didn't write it.
4.) I have O.C.D.
Essentially what happened is I was invited by a twitter pal of mine (@theblblog - a.k.a Jennifer Wielgus) to guest blog an entry. I, of course, jumped at the chance. What can I say? More exposure is more exposure. And I can use all the exposure I can get. So that's the back story. Following is the article as it appeared on Phillyburbs.com.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

On this week's episode of "The Biggest Loser," Sunny enjoyed a luxury usually reserved for celebrities and other richie-rich brats: an at-home trainer.

Honestly, even if I had bank, I don't think I'd ever want my trainer coming over, because then he'd see all the pictures of himself in the giant collage on my wall. (Just call me Crazy Jen Davola.)

Bob wasn't exactly a delightful house guest. Or dinner guest, for that matter. In fact, after I pointed out his poo-pooing of the menu selections at Rudy's Country Store & BBQ, where Sunny's family took him to eat, the restaurant contacted me to say, "We do have lean meat, y'all!"

I of all people can dig that. Lean + meat = sweet Paleo dreams.

But back to the whole Guest From Hell bit. I invited Twitter pal and fellow blogger Jeffrey Scott to come into my house this week and dissect some #BL12 tweets. His (mostly unedited) contribution appears (in italics) below my usual shenanigans, because I think you should always make visitors sleep in the basement. Or the barn. Where they can only sleep after they shovel some sh*& and lose 14 pounds!

deekcampbell: #BL12. I actually want Bonnie to stay so I can see her flip out on Anna. Or, even better, one of the male trainers should have a go at her. Editor's note: Something tells me she's not their type.

garthygurl: #BL12 best part of watching BL at the gym -- didn't have to hear Bonnie whine -- YAY ME! Editor's note: Gloat much?

amandatyson: True story: Bonnie from #BL12 walked in on me in the bathroom by accident at our sleep test during finals week hahahaha oh bon bon. Editor's note: OMG, you totally should have blown the whistle on that bathroom creeper! We might have had Dimples this season instead of Blanche Du-Blah!

Amanda would want me to Be Kind. So I'll take that comment back. ...At least until Tuesday.

HealthyLGalJail: Whoa...now @Antoine_Dove ... you know that is not your best. You should have done the farm last chance workout! ; ) #BL12 Editor's note: I adore you and your genius Twitter-Jail, Plan-B account, but I have to tack some extra time onto your sentence for the name fail. I believe you wanted...

JayneTransforms: Don't bob your head in faux disappointment, @Antone_Davis...we know sandbagging when we see it. #BL12 Editor's note: Well well. It looks like Bonnie's got company on the shiz list! A lot of it...

Tradledee85: You all suck. #BiggestLoser #BL12 Editor's note: All right! A little levity, someone, please?

its_gail: @TheBLblog Bob farting would be cute -- admit it. #BL12 Editor's note: I hereby place you on Official Fart Watch. Or should I say, Listen?

HealthyLoserGal: "The girls" lol RT @TheBLblog: Has anyone named a body part? let's all share, in the spirit of @BIGGVINNYMACK! #dolvettcanttakeourfunny #BL12 Editor's note: Somebody got bored (and lonely?) in the clink! That's OK. Your girls, your biz.

anitx: Riding @MyTrainerBob is on my bucket list....I mean a mechanical bull! #BL12 Editor's note: Um, we're going to turn this over to Jeffrey before things get too wet and wild.

(Walks down to the basement). You're on, Jeffrey! ...HEY! I didn't tell you you could play with my Superjock toy! And why is a picture missing from my trainer collage?

Just kidding. We're cool! So, I understand you want to open with a "Price is Right" joke?

@FosterFitness: I can’t wait for them to spin the Big Wheel! #BL12 Jeffrey's Note: And don’t forget to have your pets spayed or neutered.

@biggestloserlvr: 60+ women seem immune to blonde Russian’s charms. #BL12

@Erinxlovelove: "Bonnie, are you trying to resist me?" "Anna, are you trying to seduce me?" #BL12 Jeffrey’s Note: Anna WAS pretty close to Bonnie, but that’s part of her charm. (see @biggestloserlvr's comment)

@RunonAwesome: People are watching you because Bob Harper is standing right frickin' there with a bunch of cameras. #justsayin #BL12 Jeffrey's Note: Maybe Sunny thinks the world revolves around her.

@Mama_Angelou: So...can #Cecil be counted as a member of the #RedTeam and get kicked out for the week so the other members can stay? #BL12 Jeffrey's Note: Now THAT would be a twist. And wouldn’t it be awesome to watch Cecil run the marathon at the end?

Of course what would any Biggest Loser Tweet recap be without a few ridiculously obvious statements?

@TheBLBlog: Anna has assumed Cara's overstate-the-obvious role this season. #BL12 Jeffrey’s Note: You thought you'd slip by unscathed? But your comment about the obvious is far from the most obvious. I give you the first runner-up…

@kimberrymuffin: Bonnie, please. Anna is doing what she’s there to do! #BL12 Jeffrey’s Note: Or more likely, Anna is ‘trying’ to do what she's there to do. So who wins first prize for the most obvious statement made thus far?

@aubreykrol: Honestly, it doesn’t surprise me that Bob's team is winning. He’s been there the longest and knows how life on the ranch works. #BL12 Jeffrey's Note: Fair enough.

But who would I choose as TOTW?

@stacigway: She's fallen and she can’t get up. #BL12 Jeffrey’s Note: Not only do I love a good 80s reference and a Bonnie pun, but I was thinking the same thing before I saw this tweet. And besides, us cheese-heads have to stick together.

Well, I must say, it's been fun visiting. Thanks to Jennifer for having me visit this week, but it’s time to return back from whence I came. au revoir! PS – Pardon my French.

Whew! O.K., it's Jen again, and I'm trying REALLY hard not to make a comment about some OTHER things Jeffrey needs to be pardoned for. But you're supposed to be kind to your guests -- right, Amanda?

Next time one of you comes in to help with Tweets of the Week, maybe I'll offer you a cot in the kitchen. And let you eat some of my...ummmm, no. No. My meat is all mine!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Once again, my thanks to Jen for including me. I'll be sure to repay the favor some day. (Though I'm uncertain if she'd consider that a threat).

Originally Posted: Friday, October 21, 2011 7:00 am |
By Jen Wielgus - PhillyBurbs

Biggest Loser S12E05 - Cheerleaders Living In Your House

2011-10-18T19:05:00.026-05:00

Things start off quickly this episode as Alison brings everyone outside for a game which is going to determine who is going to go home for the entire week. It's not an elimination, but a prize. The winner of the game will get to go home, and bring their trainer with them. Additionally, they will win immunity for the week but only their weight loss will count this week for the entire team. Outside is a giant 'Plinko' board with slots at the bottom for each contestant to put their name. All contestants chosen a slot in turn order determined by total weight loss percentage so far on the ranch. John goes first and thinks the prize isn't so much of one. He'd hate to go home and be distracted by his family. Bonnie is the last to go. Alison releases the chip and it lands in Sunny's slot. Bob is surprised to see how excited Sunny is. He then tells her she's not going on a vacation and if he had his way she wouldn't see any of her family.

Before Sunny leaves, Bob has a chat with the black team and discovers some of the team are uneasy about Sunny going home. John and Jennifer are visibly upset. Bob determines John's more upset by Sunny having all the power this week and he's understandably upset.

With Bob gone, trainers Anna and Dolvett take control of the gym. Anna does her best to encourage both Becky and Bonnie. Meanwhile, Dolvett is upset they have never won a single weigh-in and is determined to win this week. He pushes, yells and encourages each contestant. This week he focuses on Vinny and tells him his weight loss is not enough and could be better. He thinks Vinny is spending too much time joking around and not getting serious. Back with Anna, she's having resistance from Bonnie who seems to resent her. Anna tries to get 'inside' her head and figure out why she's not motivated but Bonnie is offended by her approach. Bonnie's motivation couldn't be lower.

With Sunny home, Bob has not received his wish because she's spending much time with family. However, she's not laying back and is no longer holding herself back. She apologizes to her family for the countless number of times, despite their pressure to join in on family activities, she's declined. Bob is surprised to find how much support she actually has at home. He likens her family to cheerleaders in her own house. He then takes Sunny to the gym and pushes her more than he's ever done before. Exhausted and fallen to the ground, Bob reminds Sunny how much she was dancing and jumping around when she won the prize - and this is her prize.

The red team is determined to win the next challenge. Alison reminds the teams how some people at home feel the same way they did when they first came to the ranch, overweight and overwhelmed. Which is what the next challenge is going to be like. At one end of the course, each team has a trough filled with orange soda. Each person on the team dips two awkward glasses in the trough and must navigate through a maze of 'bungee cords' to a cylinder at the far end of the course. The first team to fill the cylinder past a line wins the prize; the ability to send one loved one from home to the Biggest Loser Fitness Ridge. The game begins, but it's not long before Bonnie falls to the ground as she cries and moans. Everyone is concerned for her but she finally gets up and claims to be determined to help Becky win. Unfortunately, despite only having to fill half their cylinder, it's neck and neck between Black and Blue teams. In the end, red team comes together and finally wins their first challenge.

Before heading back to the ranch, Sunny's family takes vegetarian Bob to a BBQ. He finds it difficult to find anything for himself to eat, but does take the opportunity to order for the entire family. He shows how they can go to a BBQ, (providing it's not every night), and choose lean meats. He does however allow an order of ribs for the family to enjoy as he munches on his corn on the cob. After dinner, Sunny has a surprise for Bob. Bob admits he doesn't like surprises from his contestants especially when he finds out the surprise is a turn on a mechanical bull. Of course Bob rides it like a pro.

Back at the ranch, the black team continues to feel splintered and concern is high for how well Sunny is going to do. Without Bob helping them, they feel lost and Red team thinks they are going to win because Sunny is a push-over and will make poor choices with her family.

Red team is excited to tell Dolvett of their first win. He's excited but still thinks they are playing around too much and not serious. He's then shocked and very offended to find out Vinny has nicknamed his stomach 'Cecil' and is continuing to joke around about it. Dolvett once more says how much he thinks Vinny isn't taking things seriously. He says people with cancer don't name and joke around about their cancer, and Vinny's weight could be just as deadly. In the gym, Dolvett pushes Vinny as hard as he can and tells him the joking around is over and he needs to finally get serious. He pushes Vinny to his max, but still doesn't ignore the rest of the red team.

In the pool, Anna is trying to train the blue team. However, Bonnie is resisting all her attempts. Anna continues to work with Bonnie and encourage her, but Bonnie claims there is something about Anna she just doesn't like. As much as Anna tries to concentrate and help Bonnie, it's to no avail. Bonnie just won't have it. Bonnie thinks Anna praises Becky to much.

Red Team
Vinny -10 "I am done with the jokes and Cecil."
Jessica -6
Ramon -7
Courtney -6
Total 29 - 2.52%

Blue Team
Bonnie -4 "This is good, this is good."
Becky -8 "I worked hard for those eight pounds, I deserve those eight pounds, and by the grace of God I am worthy of those eight pounds."
Total 12 - 2.70%

Black Team
John -12
Jennifer -8
Joe -7
Antone -4
Sunny -14 "Are you kidding me?"
Total 45 (14)- 5.81%

Jessica votes for Courtney - Reason: Medical standpoint.
Courtney votes for Vinny - Reason: Lowest weight loss percentage.
Vinny votes for Courtney - Reason: Ramon is best friend.
Ramon votes for Courtney - Reason: Voted out best friend Patrick and won't vote out another.

Courtney has gone from 270 lbs to 205 currently. She hopes to travel the world and inspire others.

Biggest Loser S12E04 - Guess Who's Coming To Dinner?

2011-10-11T19:02:00.025-05:00

Having just lost Patrick, Dolvett starts the show off consoling the red group. Most are crying and complaining they should have done more to save Patrick. Dolvett take the opportunity to remind everyone they did good and should not feel bad for their respective weight losses. "Be proud of your weight loss", he tells them.

Bob is next to talk to his team, but its on a much happier note. Hannah from the previous season of Biggest Loser is stopping by to help encourage the black team. When the black team realizes how much she has lost, they almost wonder how she could have ever gotten as big as she was. "I was comfortable being in that 'fat suit'", she tells them. This helps them realize once she got tired of the 'fat suit', she was able to lose all her weight, and they can too.

The black team isn't the only one who has motivation stopping over for a visit. Adam from season 10 comes to visit Dolvett's red team. With his encouragement they are now ready to tackle a hike, with a twist. Dolvett wants to teach them how far they have come and how to be team players. The hike is five miles and as they are going they must bring along a 50 pound weight. Ramon decides to take the weight first stating, "I am a team player to the max, but I also want to be a team leader." To try and stress his ability to be team leader, he opts to take the weight the entire time, despite being unable to set it down. But as optimistic as he is, Courtney is anything but. She relates to Dolvett she doesn't want to hate herself. It's words he picks up on immediately and he helps her to realize the importance of never saying anything so negative. He does his bit to encourage her, but it's a battle likely to take some time to resolve.

Still hanging with the black team, Hannah decides to do a bit of product placement and introduces a recipe for Jennie-O Turkey Stuffed Peppers. The recipe can be found on the NBC site by clicking the link above.

The final guest of this episode is Marci from season 11. She's here for the blue team and before working out with them encourages them by saying "I don't care what they say, we are not old." The rest of the team agree and begin their workout on the beach with Marci and Anna leading them alone. What's Marci's encouragement for the older blue team? "I want them to think, 'why are they here today', why did they come to the biggest loser ranch in the first place. And what are they looking for?" The work out on the beach is exhausting, but the entire team is happier for it.

Once again, focus is shifted back to the black team, and Hannah is still with them working out. She's impressed by the gym and honored to know her poster is hanging on the wall motivating them each day. As Bob continues to motivate his team he decides to give them information he feels will come in handy. "I don't want you to think that your going to live this life that you can't have. All that food that you love, whatever it is; ice cream, pizza, whatever. Because you can have them. Here's the thing, that food that got you in this house is not taboo anymore. You don't have to eat it in secret. But there's a time and a place for it. When you take the mystery out of food, that food no longer has the power." Truer words were never spoken. It's all about knowing your limitations and eating in moderation.

After the little chat from before, Dolvett decides to spend a little time with Courtney. He has learned she loves sports so he tries to kick-start her love for playing the sports that she loves, by taking her to the basketball court. She admits she used to love playing basketball but was ashamed she as always the biggest on the team and that she finally gave up. Once again, Dolvett is shocked by her choice of words. "I hate that you gave up and I hate that you used those words." Giving her a basketball, he encourages her to make a few baskets. After a few air-balls, she finally hits her stride and suddenly she's practically playing one-on-one with Dolvett. It seems she's finally found her mojo.

Challenge time comes and the teams must form a line and pass a box between from one end of the course to the other, through all sorts of crazy weather including wind, rain and snow. But what's in the box? Letters from home! The winning team of this line box challenge gets to read letters from home. Jennifer is still on crutches because of her knee so is unable to compete, but will get to read her letter from home if her team wins. As soon as the race begins, it's clear the winner will be either the red or black teams. Being older and only three members, the blue team is quickly left in the dust. The red team is first to the snow area but the black team is right behind them. By the time the teams make it to the wind and rain sections, the black team has passed the red. The last leg of the course is a steep climb which slows the black team, but not enough for red team to catch them. The red team is right behind them but the blue team is still on the course, still a few sections back. Cue the cheesy music and montage of the blue team finally making it to the end. They are tired, exhausted and crying over the fact they will not receive letters from home. It's then Alison admits the winner gets to read letters from home, but so does everyone else. The real prize for the black team will be a video call from home.

Focus is finally diverted from the black team to the blue team where Anna has a surprise. They will be doing last chance workout on a newly built tennis court. Anna feels at home here, so hope is she'll be a more effective trainer. She does a hard-core cardio work including 'happy feet' and continuous tennis volleys. By the time they are finished, everyone but Anna is exhausted. Anna asks Bonnie, "You gonna sleep with a racket today?" to which Bonnie replies, "No, I"ll let you do that."

Fade to black and Bob has his team in the pool since Jennifer is still limited in what she can do. But Joe has a problem with water as a result of having almost drown twice in his life. That excuse isn't working for Bob, "We're going to over come this fear, and we're going to do it today." Flash forward a few minutes and Joe is working out in the pool along with everyone else.

Last chance work out for the red team has a diversity again. Dolvett is again trying to motivate Courtney. She claims she's doing the best she can but Dolvett says he doesn't believe here. She replied, "I don't know what you want. I'm doing it". Dolvett replies he wants to see more from her, more focus or she should just give up. She tells him NO and pushes on, more determined than ever. Meanwhile Ramon is asked to do 10 pushups, but he decides to do 50 to impress Dolvett.

Weigh In
Blue Team
Mike -5
Becky -2
Bonnie -7 "I climbed Mt. Everest this week".
Total 14 - 1.93%

Black Team
Joe -6
Sunny -4
Antone -8
John -9
Jennifer -7 "I'm a Bob stalker"
Total 34 - 2.12%

Red Team
Courtney -3
Jessica -2
Vinny -8
Ramon -11
Total 24 - 2.05%

Despite the hard work, blue team falls below once again. Alison reminds the blue team that Bonnie is the biggest loser so Mike and Becky's vote won't matter since they can't vote for Bonnie. Bonnie will be the one to chose who's going home. Bonnie claims her reason for voting was determined by who needs the ranch more. She believes Becky needs the ranch more and chooses Mike to go home. He obviously disagrees with her decision, but it's out of his hands now. "You don't get rid of the guy leading you all the way." - Mike
Since he started his Biggest Loser journey, Mike has lost 70 pounds.

Biggest Loser S12E03 - The One Where Antone Cries

2011-10-04T19:05:00.025-05:00

NFL WEEK
The episode begins right after last weeks elimination. Anna is upset to see another person from her team go, but the rest of the contestants let her know she was spending too much time with him, and now she can concentrate on everyone.

Alison introduces the first challenge of the week. It's an NFL themed challenge where large cut-outs of each contestant is placed on a football field with a large round hole in it. Each contestant must try and pass a football through the hole in the cut-out from 5 yards away. But they won't be playing alone, Alison brings in three NFL greats to compete against; OLB Clay Matthews from the Green Bay Packers, TE Tony Gonzalez from the Atlanta Falcons and QB Drew Brees from the New Orleans Saints. Each has the same cut-out on the field and will be playing to knock out the contestants. But Alison gives Tony a handicap of throwing from the 10 yard line and Drew assigned to throw from the 15 yard line. At stake for the game is a $5,000 cash prize. Unfortunately, Jennifer has not been cleared to play because of her knee and must sit out the challenge. Then before the challenge begins, Alison also informs everyone that whoever has the highest weight-loss percentage for the week will win a VIP trip to the Superbowl. With visions of cash and Superbowls dancing in their heads, the game is started.

Being a Packers fan, Patrick is immediately targeted by Tony. Meanwhile, Clay Matthews from the Packers targets Bonnie for supporting 'Da Bears'. He then works on eliminating Jessica for her Steelers love, but he's knocked out by her instead. Jessica is also successful in getting rid of Tony. Drew is the last of the NFL'ers and targets Johnny before being ousted by Mike. After Patrick knocks out Antone and the dust has settled, Ramon, Courtney, Patrick Vinny and Jessica are all that's left, and ironically all from the younger red team. To win the cash prize, they must now target each other. Patrick knocks out Jessica, but is knocked out by Courtney who also knocks out Ramon and Vinny.

Later, Antone is having a chat with Bob. He's embarrassed and upset that during the challenge, not only did he not knock anyone out, he also wasn't recognized as an NFL player. Having played for the Eagles at one time, he's ashamed of what he's become. Bob asks him to bear his soul and Antone tells him about growing up in a poor family where they always had to fight for food. He recalls several times he went out collecting bottles, just to earn enough money to buy something, anything to eat. When he was 14 he started working and was able to help provide for his family. It was then he began gorging himself with food, having the mindset you eat whatever food you can get. He now realizes, he must change this thought process.

Another NFL themed challenge promises the winning team a spa day. The gym has been rearranged and each team has their own 'locker room'. There will be 4 quarters of 15 minutes each where each team must strive to loose as many calories as they can. Each team has help from their trainers and after each quarter are allowed to rest briefly. At "half time" they meet with their trainers and discuss how things are going. Before starting the second half, the scores so far are revealed. The older blue team has lost an average of 385 calories, the younger red team has lost an average of 475 calories and the middle aged black team has an average of 570 calories. As time ticks away during the second half, the trainers are doing their best to motivate their team. Bob is shouting "Come on, Pound it!", Dolvet is screaming "Let's go, Right here! Right now! FASTER, LET'S GO!" and Anna is telling her team to 'go faster'. The final results are the blue team averaging 764 calories, red team 952 calories and black team 1171 calories. They win the spa day but Bob politely refuses it and declares that's not why they are on the ranch.

Time has finally come for the last chance workout, and each team receives a surprise visitor. The black team has Shawne "Lights Out" Merriman from the Buffalo Bills to help motivate them along with Bob. The blue team has a Hall of Fame celebrity Eric Dickerson to help get them motivated. In his career he's played for the Rams and the Colts. He helps remind the older team that 'Age is only a number'. The red team is visited by Tim Tebow of the Denver Broncos.

During the last chance workout, Dolvett tries to get inside the mind of Vinny, who relates the sad tale of his youth. He's certain his weight gain was triggered by traumatic family events. When he was around 9 his step father began beating him with extension cords and wrenches. Only after talking to his friends at school did he finally realize his home life was much different than others. His mother, whom he still holds love for, typically looked the other way as the beatings went on. Instead of coming to his aide, she'd usually ask Vinny what HE DID to upset his step-father. Through tears, Vinny went on to explain he's never forgiven his mother for not sticking for him. As a result of his insecurities, Vinny was over 230 pounds by age 11 and reached 300 pounds during 8th grade. This all added to him not only gaining weight, but 'made to feel like crap'.

During weigh in, Alison reminds everyone what's at stake for the person who has the highest percentage of weight loss, VIP Superbowl tickets. First to weigh in is the red team.

Red Team
Courtney -7
Vinnny -10
Ramon -7
Patrick -11
jessica -11
Total 46 - 2.93%

Black Team
Antone -16
Sunny -10
Joe -17
Jennifer -16
John -18
Total 77 4.58%

Blue Team
Bonnie -7
Becky -9
Mike -17 5.86%
Total 33 - 4.34%

With a total of 4.34% weight loss, Mike wins the Super Bowl VIP tickets and keeps his team safe. Red is now faced with the decision of who to vote out. This time it's Patrick who offers himself up to save his fellow team-mate Jessica. Even so, it's a close vote with Patrick and Vinny throwing votes on Courtney. As this weeks show comes to a conclusion, Patrick is at home and has lost 91 pounds so far. He's well on his way to making a comeback during the season finale marathon.

"Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work that hard."

Biggest Loser S12E02 - Dumb As Poo

2011-09-28T06:16:00.027-05:00

The Biggest Loser begins this week with a new song. I'm not talking about the opening credits, Vinny is playing a song on his guitar when suddenly Alison shows up. And you know what that means. It's time for the first challenge of the week. Alison asks for three volunteers (from each group) to take part in the challenge first. Vinny (Red Team), Antone (Black team) and Mike (Blue team) are led to the first temptation challenge. The room they are led to is filled with doughnuts. Vinny wonders if they have found Homer Simpsons hideaway. Before the temptation begins, Alison explains what's going on for the week. Normally the gym is open to all at all hours, but for this week it will only be open during three time slots. In the morning between 5-7, in the afternoon between 12-2 and in the evening between 9-11. The catch for the temptation challenge is whichever team eats the most donuts, will be able to decide when each team works out.

A plate of 35 calorie each doughnut holes are presented to each contestant. Vinny and Antone refuse to eat any, but Mike from the older team downs 11 doughnuts (385 calories) to insure he'll be able to choose when his team works out. The second group is Patrick from the younger red team, Joe from the middle-age group and Becky from the older teams. As each person is hidden, and there is no knowledge of what the group before has done, Becky hopes Mike has not done anything foolish. All three decide not to partake but Joe tries a little strategy to make it sound like he's eating. However Patrick and Becky can tell he's obviously faking as he simply rattles a water bottle provided to help the doughnuts go down easier. The third group is Courney, Sunny and Bonnie from the young, middle age and older teams respectively. Again, no one consumes anything and Bonnie is even afraid to open her mouth for fear of gaining weight from the fumes. The next group is Ramon, Jennifer and Johnny and turns out to be the highlight of the show.

After Jennifer says she's not going to play games, Johnny agrees there is no way he's eating. Instead he decides to make it sound like he's eating a 'feast'. So the grunts and groans he makes as he's sitting there makes everyone laugh, Alison included. As the time runs out Alison can barely blurt out, "Stop, Please stop". The next and final round includes Jessica, John and a randomly picked (yea right) Johnny, since the blue team is down by one player. John is determined to work out when he wants to so begins his own personal doughnut eating challenge. By the time the powdered sugar has settled, John has scarfed down 37 donuts; a total of 1,295 calories. He decides to take the early morning time slot of 5-7 and gives the blue team the afternoon time slot of 12-2. He says he has done so because he 'respects' the blue team. The time slot of 9-11 is given to the red team and none are too happy with John for implying he doesn't respect them, Jessica is especially offended.

At the crack of dawn, Bob wakes up his team with a megaphone, and he's really getting into it. But things don't look good in the gym. Jessica is having problems with her knee and Bob has Antone on the ground crying. To top things off, Sunny is upset with John who has already begun game play. He's already said he wants to start a four horsemen alliance with Antone from his team and Vinny and Ramon from the younger team. He also insults her intelligence and says she's as dumb as a box of rocks and dumb as poo. Joe is just as upset with John for trying to make deals with the other team members. Joe feels John has already turned his back on the team. Bob encourages them to refocus because the other teams are going to LOVE the crack that has started to appear in his group.

Other moments of interest in this episode are Johnny struggling in his workout with Anna's team, Dolvett does his first product placement for Yoplait yogurt and Doctor Huizenga stops by to give some bad news to the contestants regarding their health, and why they need to improve. Also he doesn't sugar coat it, if you'll pardon the pun.

The Next challenge rewards the first two teams to complete it, weight advantages. In the center of a pool is a large raft with a maze on it. The teams must navigate balls through the maze, using their weight to tilt the raft, thus moving the ball. First place will win a 2 pound weight advantage and second place wins a 1 pound weight advantage. Essentially, you don't want to come in last. The first team to go is the red team and they finish the task in 7:45. The older, blue team, is next but require 14:45. Finally, the black team is up and they are on par with the red team. They have a bit of trouble getting the ball into the hole at the end, but still beat the red team by 3 seconds.

So Black team wins a two pound advantage and Red team receive a one pound advantage at the weigh in. Speaking of which, here are the results.
Red Team
Vinny -5
Jessica -7
Courtney -7
Patrick -6
Ramon -9
Total 34 (35 with advantage) 2.18%

Black Team
Joe -2
Jennifer -6
Sunny -6
Antone -10
John -15
Total 39 (41 with advantage) 2.38%

Blue Team
Becky -5
Mike -7
Bonnie -3
Johnny +2
Total 13 1.2%
Johnny is shocked he has gained two pounds but Anna says he makes too many excuses during the work outs and he needs to fight to stay on the ranch.

Elimination is an easy choice, Mike is the biggest loser of the team so he's safe. Bonnie gets one vote, but even in a tie Johnny goes home for having lowest weight loss (or gain in this case). The rest of the team agrees and Johnny is sent home singing. (Olivia he is not). Having started at the Biggest Loser ranch at 328, he's currently weighing 269 for a total weight loss so far of 59 pounds.

Next: NFL week

Biggest Loser S12E01 - Premier

2011-09-20T21:02:00.016-05:00

Biggest Loser has officially began. Did you catch the first episode? If not, here's what you missed.

The contestants are dropped off in the middle of a desert. Suddenly the transports which brought them, depart, effectively stranding them. But soon Alison arrives and divides the teams into 3. Those under 30, 30-49 and 50 and up. Because there will be 3 teams, there are 3 trainers and Alison next calls them in via helicopter. Once the helicopters land, out comes Bob, Dolvett and Anna. Alison informs everyone a race is going to determine which group gets what trainer. Teams are grouped together and must run a mile towards the trainer they want. The Biggest Loser challenges have officially begun.

The middle-aged group consisting of Sunny (41), Jennifer (39), Joe (46), John (40) & Antone (44) are first, and have run towards Bob. The young team consisting of Jessica (26), Courtney (24), Ramon (27), Patrick (26) & Vinny (27) are next to come in and have chosen Dolvett as their trainer. Finally, Anna stand alone. It sucks to be picked last, but it also sucks to finish last. She decides to run out and finish with her team consisting of Becky (51), Debbie (60), Bonnie (63), Mike (62)and Johnny (65).

When the contestants enter the gym for the first workout they are greeted by motivational posters hanging on the walls featuring past contestants. Suddenly, a phone call comes in for Becky and she is informed her father has passed away. She leaves the Biggest Loser ranch for a few days to be with her family and attend the funeral, but she's back knowing her dad would want her to change her life.

The time has come for the first last chance workout of the system and Bob notes he is the only one who has ever been in this situation before. He knows his team is going to do well. Dolvett has something to prove and channels his best Jillian by yelling at the contestants to do what he instructs. He throws a fit when he spots Patrick continuing to hold the sides of the treadmill. Patrick does it again so Dolvet kicks him out of the gym. Meanwhile, Anna has problems of her own when Johnny decides he wants to quit and leaves the gym. Both contestants rethink their decisions and rejoin the gym.

Results from this weeks weigh in:
Older Team (Anna's) 49 pounds lost - 3.58% percentage.
Middle Age Team (Bob's) 126 pounds lost - 6.82% percentage.
Young Team (Dolvett's) 89 pounds lost - 5.26% percentage.

The older team has lost the first challenge and have an hour to decide who is going home. As they are debating, Debbie lets everyone know she's got great support at home and is a member at a gym but doesn't want to leave. She thinks Bonnie should be sent home. She complains about Bonnie crying and says she's doing it for sympathy. In the end, the rest of the team take Debbie's words to heart. If she's got great support at home, then she's the one to go. A prime example you should be careful what you say, just before voting someone out.

Biggest Loser 12 - Battle of the Ages

2011-09-19T08:25:00.001-05:00

In the newest season of Biggest Loser, Jillian Michaels has left. She's been replaced by Tennis pro Anna Kournikova and Master Trainer - Dolvett Quince.*

The twist starting off this season is called 'Battle of the Ages'. There will be three teams, each team consisting of a different age group.

Team One - Ages under 30.

Name: Jessica Limpert
Occupation: Nurse
Age: 26
From: San Francisco, California
Starting Weight: 254 Pounds

Name: Courtney Rainville
Occupation: Internet Marketing Specialist
Age: 24
From: Scottsdale, Arizona
Starting Weight: 270 Pounds

Name: Ramon Medeiros
Occupation: Tattoo Artist
Age: 27
From: Florence, Colorado
Starting Weight: 355 Pounds

Name: Patrick Ferrari
Occupation: Adult Mental Health Care Worker
Age: 26
From: Albany, Oregon
Starting Weight: 387 Pounds

Name: Vinny Hickerson
Occupation: Songwriter
Age: 27
From: Nashville, Tennessee
Starting Weight: 426 Pounds

Team Two - Ages 30 - 49

Name: Sunny Sinclair
Occupation: Teacher
Age: 41
From: Frisco, Texas
Starting Weight: 277 Pounds

Name: Jennifer Rumple
Occupation: TV Producer
Age: 39
From: Alameda, California
Starting Weight: 330 Pounds

Name: Joe Mitchell
Occupation: Home Health Therapist
Age: 46
From: Knoxville, Tennessee
Starting Weight: 348 Pounds

Name: John Rhode
Occupation: Teacher/Football Coach
Age: 40
From: Mesa, Arizona
Starting Weight: 445 Pounds

Name: Antone Davis
Occupation: Restaurant Manager & Former NFL Player.
Age: 44
From: Knoxville, Tennessee
Starting Weight: 447 Pounds

Team Three - Ages 50 and older.

Name: Becky Comet
Occupation: Math Teacher
Age: 51
From: Benton, Arkansas
Starting Weight: 238 Pounds

Name: Debbie Lounds
Occupation: Administrative Assistant
Age: 60
From: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Starting Weight: 239 Pounds

Name: Bonnie Griffin
Occupation: Retired Payroll Supervisor
Age: 63
From: Picayune, Mississippi
Starting Weight: 254 Pounds

Name: Mike Danley
Occupation: High School Teacher
Age: 62
From: Spencerville, Indiana
Starting Weight: 309 Pounds

Name: Johnny Forger
Occupation: Realty Company Owner
Age: 65
From: Canton, Massachusetts
Starting Weight: 328 Pounds

Which team will get what trainer? Who do you think will win this season of Biggest Loser? Jennifer Rumple at 330 pounds is the heaviest woman and Antone Davis is the heaviest male at 447 Pounds. They certainly have the most to lose. Antone should have enough training and discipline from his former days to do very well; unless we have another Rulon this year - Then he may go the way of the 'Gridiron Grill', a restaurant he once owned (no longer in business). Becky Comet at 238 pounds weighs the least of anyone. Will she be able to put up the numbers to stay week after week, or will she be one of the first to go? What about Ramon Medeiros, the tattoo artist? Will he make a mark this season or will his contribution be hidden away? Courtney Rainville is the youngest 'loser' this season at only 24. Compare that with Johnny Forger, 65 years old. Will age before beauty triumph this season? Or will we have another female winner?

Don't forget to watch!
NBC - Tuesday evening - 8/7 Central
Season Premiere Sept. 20

*Click HERE for more info on this season's trainers.

Working Daze - Weight Watchers Cartoons 2

2011-09-12T08:57:00.003-05:00

Working Daze - Weight Watchers Cartoons

2011-09-06T11:18:00.003-05:00

Meet the Biggest Loser Trainers of Season 12

2011-08-26T06:59:00.016-05:00

Anna Kournikova
Born: Moscow, Russia
History: Anna started playing tennis at 5 years old. When she was 9 she moved to America and at 14 began playing tennis professionally. She feels many others had made the decision for her. Despite this, at 15 she was at Wimbledon in the semi-finals; her career debut. Her tennis career has blossomed since then, defeating many of the world's top players including Lindsay Davenport, Steffi Graff & Jennifer Capriati.
What she brings to Biggest Loser: With a long career as a professional athlete, Anna feels she's been trained by the best trainers and nutritionists and can't wait to share what's she's learned with the Season 12 contestants.
Goals: To get contestants healthy, off medications and educate them well enough to take what they learn back to their real lives.

Dolvett Quince
Born: Stanford, CT
History: Working at YMCA when he was noticed to work well with others. This led him to a private gym before becoming an 'independent contractor'. In 2004 he opened his first Body Sculptor in Atlanta, GA and gained notoriety on a radio show. He is now a recognized celebrity trainer.
What he brings to Biggest Loser: He's a fan of the show and has credentials as a Master Trainer. He enjoys what he does and looks forward to help people change their lives. He's excited to work with Anna and Bob.
Outlook: Believes a trainer should be very personal and a friend with who he's training; thus personal trainer.
Tips for anyone looking to improve their health: Start walking, park further away from store entrances, mind your portion sizes and start an exercise regiment.
What to look forward to this season: When asked on Twitter @dolvett replied, "Expect the inevitable probability of unlimited, possibility".

Bob Harper
Born: Nashville, TN
History: Bob grew up on a cattle farm, but moved to Los Angeles to become a fitness trainer. He's developed his own fitness philosophy which he calls 'Inside Out'. If you've ever seen Biggest Loser before, you'll have seen Bob and know what he's all about. He's been with Biggest Loser since season 1 and follows a vegan lifestyle.
Why he's still with Biggest Loser: You'd think after 11 seasons, Bob would have followed Jillian's decision to leave but with the new trainers and contestants he feels Biggest Loser is being kept fresh.
What he brings to Biggest Loser: Has a passion for what he does, and enjoys the ability to use Biggest Loser to get his message out to people.
Thoughts on some of the new contestants: Jennifer is 330 pounds and he initially thought she'd be the crazy one but she seems to be disciplined and motivated. Also he hears lots of singing going on, one guy really loves to sing. "If singing burned calories this guy would be the thinnest person in the house".
What to look forward to this season: This season will break a lot of myths about working out when older. Discipline and drive helps a person lose weight, not youth. Biggest Loser ranch is a place you DO NOT want to go to. There is a lot of demand on each contestant and that's just in one day. It'll all start again the following day.

Biggest Loser 13 - Open Casting Call

2011-08-23T07:07:00.014-05:00

Chicago August 20th 2011

The day before the open casting call, Holland and Kerry from the Biggest Loser Casting, filmed a video giving advice and suggestions needed before attending. As you can see in the photos, it was a very small venue so Kerry explained the parking situation. Essentially, you were not to park in the lot where 'Chicago Home Fitness' was (the location of the open casting call). Well, you could, but the problem was the two hour parking limit and the likelihood of being in line and with the casting crew for more than two hours. Street parking was available, but most had two hour limits also (as I discovered). The best bet was to get dropped off, or find a freebie spot and walk a few blocks. And hey, why not start off your Biggest Loser experience with a bit of a walk?

Once the parking situation was assessed, the next thought was how the line would form. A long line was likely, resulting in business entrances being potentially blocked. The direction of the line would wrap around the strip mall and into the alley. Caution was also given to the 'potty situation'. There was no bathrooms available inside the Chicago Home Fitness because of how small it was. The recommended strategy was to find a local business willing to allow use of it's facilities. Last word I heard, businesses were not pleased with the prospect. Perhaps they were not counting on the Biggest Loser hopefuls willing to make purchases in the stores after making use of the toilets? Who's to know. Holland gave the suggestion of perhaps getting something to eat at a local restaurant, then taking care of any nature calls.

With the information now digested, the Biggest Loser casting call for season 13 could begin. Who knows, maybe the next winner of the Biggest Loser will come from the Chicago area.

The morning began with a terrible storm and a torrential downpour of rain. Driving in, there were warnings of flash flooding and certain streets were closed. But soon the rain abated and the casting call was fully underway. As you can see, the line forming outside the Chicago Home Fitness never cleared despite the rains heaviest pounding. From there on, the sun was out and the rest of the day was absolutely beautiful. So beautiful in fact, a local merchant began grilling fish and giving away free samples.

As the day went on, the line did get shorter. This was the line around 2:00pm, the halfway mark for the time allotted for the casting call. Unfortunately, because the area was so crammed I was unable to get many photo ops except from the outside, such as this shot. Initially I thought the casting call would be in an area with more room. Maybe next time I'll get a special invite to do my reporting from inside the action? We can only hope.

So, were you at the Chicago casting call? How did it go for you? We'd love to read about your experience. Or if you were at another cities casting location how did it go? Was it as small as this location? Share your thoughts below.

Reasons I'm Disappointed in My Fitness Gym

2011-08-19T14:06:00.000-05:00

It was recently pointed out to me I'm not spending a lot of time at the gym. True, I've started a workout program at home, and have tried to carefully watch what I eat, but am I missing out by not attending the gym? If so, why am I not going? After much soul searching, I realized it wasn't the workouts I was actually steering clear from. The gym I go to is disgusting and I'm getting fed up with it. What's so disgusting about it? Glad you asked. Following are the top 5 reasons I've grown to hate visiting the gym.

1. Disgusting shower area.

After a hard workout, the last thing I want to worry about is the condition of the shower area. I'm tired, sore and dirty but I have to question the sanitary condition of the shower area when it always seems filthy (even in the morning), the shower heads looks disgusting, and large sections of tiling and wall removed, covered by plastic. What is this, Porky's? Disturbing.

2. People stealing your soap.

As much as I'd like to, I can't fault the gym when this happens. But the fact remains, it happens. The way my gym is set up, you have the locker room which leads into the shower area, which then branches into the pool area or the steam room. So if you bring your own soap, you must place it on a shelf and hang up your towel. Then you can visit the pool and/or steam room. Once you are done, with luck, your soap is still around. Mine has been swiped several times. Of course you have to bring your own soap because the gym is lax in making sure their slimy soap is well stocked. SCORE! - I guess I can blame the gym for this after all. Seriously though, are times so tough people have resorted to stealing soap? Next time I'm bringing an empty bottle of soap filled with something other than soap and see what happens.

3. Rusty & Unclean Lockers

"Holy Rusted Metal Batman. The metal, it's all rusted and full of holes." One of my favorite movie quotes helps explain what really irks me. I realize the lockers have been in the gym for 20+ years. I also realize how expensive it might be to replace them. But again, why should it stop me from complaining? The reality is even with no garbage inside the locker, when it's severely rusted, it SEEMS dirty and disgusting. But the fun doesn't stop there, because most members at the gym DO leave garbage behind. If it's not discarded deodorant, it's used Q-tips or paper toweling. It's certainly getting rougher and rougher to find a decent locker to use.

4. Ripped and stained carpet.

This is the reason workout mats were likely invented. Not to cushion the floor, but to keep the funk from the carpet away from us. Seriously, I can only imagine what these stains are. Additionally, are the stains so bad they can't be cleaned? Has the gym never heard of Rug Doctor, or even the funds to insure they own a carpet cleaning machine? If a drink were spilled or someone vomited on the wood floor, wouldn't it immediately be cleaned up? So what's wrong with immediately cleaning up something on the carpet. So very hard to imagine.

5. Several machines always out of order.

Nothing is so aggravating as having to wait several minutes for a machine. How does such a thing come about? It's not because the machine is dispensing gold bricks, but because there is a lack of available machines for use. This is probably the least problem I'm worried about because generally the gym has many machines on hand. Knowing ahead of time what isn't working helps to alter your workout plan. The most annoying problem comes when the machine is out of order for longer than a week. I know parts may be needed, I hope the problem isn't having to find someone to fix the machine. You would think there's a service contract or some maintenance person is readily available. Another petty gripe, I know. But who doesn't like to stoke the fire once it gets going?

Conclusion? It's not the actual working out I've been trying to avoid, it's the disgusting gym. It's hard to keep motivated when you are working out in a pit. Isn't there something the gym can do to improve? Or is this an inevitable reality I need to face? Well, if they want to keep me as a member, I'm hoping some of these things are addressed. Am I working out at the wrong place or is this typical of most places? I'm not looking to work out at the Ritz, but I'm also not looking to work out at the local dump.

What are your fitness gym horror stories?

State Fairs - Bad For Your Health (Maybe)

2011-08-19T10:01:00.002-05:00

This cartoon makes a valid point about State Fairs. Don't kid yourself into beleive that just because you are walking, you can eat whatever you want. The true fact is, walking around during the course of the day does not burn enough calories for you to go on a diet free caloric splurge. There is more to State Fairs than just food to enjoy. Take in the shows, watch the animals or people watch. Find something to do that keeps you busy, and away from the food. But if you STILL feel the need to treat yourself, try doing a little research into how many calories you'll be consuming. Chances are, you'll be less likely to start a see-food diet.

New: Facebook Public Profile

2011-08-11T06:28:00.001-05:00

Just thought I'd mention to everyone, I've created a public profile page on Facebook. If you are a FB user, I welcome you to stop by and show your support. THANKS!

The Incredible Personal Trainer

2011-06-13T10:11:00.005-05:00

Lately I've been having a problem finding my motivation. Maybe I need to hire a fitness coach or trainer? I have a feeling, this personal trainer would do the job nicely.

Top 15 Ways To Tell You've Joined A Bad Gym

2011-06-01T10:33:00.026-05:00

- You're personal trainer talks about healthy eating, then asks what you plan on making for dinner. No matter what you tell him he asks "Can you make that for two?"

- There is a sundae bar available after each work out.

- The exercise machines are limited and have 'take-a-number' on each.

- In order to enter the gym you have to step on a scale and your weight is broadcast to the entire gym.

- Equipment is rusty and machines have missing parts.

- The cleaning department consists solely of signs reading "Your mom doesn't work here".

- The gym is centrally located in the middle of a cemetery.

- Water from the drinking fountains is brownish and smells funny.

- Lockers aren't equipped for padlocks and are based on the honor system.

- There are more creepy men leering at each other in the locker room than in the actual gym.

- The swimming pool is filled with alligators. (Unless you live in the South, then it's normal).

- Fresh eggs, whole milk & goat cheese are standard methods of paying for membership dues.

- The only security cameras in the building are in the women's locker room.

- The fitness machines consist of 10 Bowflex, 10 Abflex, 5 Thigh Masters & 1 Vibrating Belt.

- There is a discussion group in the center of the gym where everyone talks about their feelings and cries when they gain weight.

S11E21 - Photo Gallary of Finale Moments

2011-05-25T14:18:00.009-05:00

Really no bonus scenes for this episode. So here are a few recap photos as well as the winning moment, broadcast live. Interesting to be an all girl finale, I guess I know how it must be when women see an all male finale.

While Jay waits to find out if America voted for him or Irene to be in the final three, he shows off his new tattoo which reads - "What you're for strengthens you."

Irene is elated to find out America has chosen her to be in the final three.

This is a picture of Rulon at the Biggest Loser Live Finale.

All four trainers from this season of Biggest Loser together for the last time. Good-Bye Jillian.

Word is out. Jillian is going to be replaced by Anna Kournikova, probably not in those heels though.

The "At-Home" winner is Deni. It was either her or one of the twins.

The final three along with Alison.

So who ultimately won? Watch this clip of the last few minutes to find out.

S11E21 - All Girl Finale

2011-05-24T10:30:00.001-05:00

Original Air Date: 05/24/11
Five months after the Biggest Loser Season 11 started, the live finale has finally arrived. We first find out the final three will be Olivia, Hannah and Irene. So who will win the at home prize? And which contestant will end up being the Biggest Loser? Alison talks with the trainers briefly before bringing out the rest of the contestants, to weigh in. The first three are Courtney, Ana and Marci. Of the three, Ana initially takes the lead. The next four introduced are Dan, Don, Q & Larialmy. Despite everyone's expectation, Dan and Don have lost a lot of weight since they left the show. With 124 pounds lost in total, Dan takes the lead away from Ana. Following a commercial break, Moses, Kaylee, Ken & Austin weigh in. Austin's total weigh loss is 174. It's enough to steal the lead from Dan. Arthur has an astounding 163 pound loss, but because the winner is determined by percentage, it's not enough to beat Deni who's lost 125; she now takes the lead. Next to come out are Jennifer, Jay and Justin. Rulon is a no-show for the final episode. Jay has 181 pound loss, which falls just short of his requirement to take the lead. Deni is this season's 'at home' winner.

It's a season of firsts this year. First time a team has made it to the end together, and first for an all girl finale. Before the weigh in though, Alison introduces who's replacing Jillian, it's tennis star Anna Kournikova. With the cameo for next season out of the way, it's now time for the weigh in, and to see who's the Biggest Loser. Hannah is the first to weigh in. Hannah has lost 120 pounds which is a 48.39% weight loss, Irene loses 116 pound and Olivia has lost 129. The percentage makes her this seasons Biggest Loser.
Congratulations Olivia!

Season 11 - Total weight lost
Ana - 109
Courtney - 110
Marci - 86
Dan - 124
Don - 130
Q - 93
Larialmy - 84
Moses - 153
Kaylee - 54
Ken - 158
Austin - 174
Sarah - 106
Deni - 125
Arthur - 163
Jesse - 83
Jay - 181
Jennifer - 114
Justin - 173
Rulon - 188
Hannah - 120
Irene - 116
Olivia -129
__________________
2,773 POUNDS!

That's over 1 TON!
Congratulations to everyone.
You are all the Biggest Loser!

S11E20 - Who Wants A Slime Burger?

2011-05-17T12:00:00.003-05:00

Original Air Date: 05/17/11
The final four are glad they have made it so far and begin to reflect on how well they have done. Hannah and Olivia are especially proud they are the only couple still remaining, and in the final four.

One of the final challenges before the contestants go home is a Turkey Burger contest. Who ever can make the best tasting burger will win $5000 and a two week stay at Biggest Loser Resort at fitness Ridge. Their judges will be tough and fierce, - kids. Jay makes what he calls a Volcano Burger, Olivia makes a burger with 'green slime' in it - hoping it'll amuse the kids. Irene makes an I-Burger and Hannah has a Cheesy Turkey Chomper prepared. When the kids are finished, they are instructed to run over to who they think made the best burger. The children have three favorites, and one they don't care for. Hardly any child stand with Olivia and her slime burger. The majority of the kids have run over to Jay and he's happy he's won a challenge.

Now is the time for the final challenge and they meet Alison at a golf course. For this challenge, they will be walking the course with weights strapped to them, representing how much weight they have lost. At each hole, they will be dropping portions of the weight till they reach the final hole. The winner will receive a $15,000 at home gym. Immediately, the contestants feel the strain and wonder how they were able to carry so much weight before. Jay and Olivia have immediate problems, though tough it out. Irene chases Hannah most of the course, and over the finish line. Hannah has won the challenge.

Before heading home, the contestant have one final weigh in. Things are slightly different for this weigh in though, the two contestants who fall below the yellow line, will have America vote who they want in the final three. It comes down to Irene and Jay falling below the yellow line, meaning both Hannah and Olivia will be in the final three. A 66% chance one of them will become the Biggest Loser.

With the final weigh in over, the contestants head home to work out and lose as much as possible before the live finale. Upon arriving at home, a DVD is sent to each contestant. The DVD includes a video from each, filmed before they entered the Biggest Loser ranch, hoping to motivate themselves. But Irene and Jay have an additional job to do. Each must convince America they deserve to be included in the final three. Who is ultimately voted into the final three? And who will be this seasons Biggest Loser? Next episode reveals all!

What I learned at Weight Watchers - Week 1

2011-05-16T10:22:00.009-05:00

It's a no-brainer we all need some type of support when we want to take control of our health. But how do you react when you face anti-support? Typically, this comes in the form of "Food Pushers". How can you deal with these situations? Ignoring a Food Pusher doesn't usually work. You literally have to deal with them. No, I'm not suggesting you punch them in the face, but there are a few things you can do.

Some Food Pushers are like ninjas. They celebrate a birthday or promotion by bringing in cupcakes for the entire office, leaving a little gift in their workmates cubicles. Unlike a real ninja, "Food Ninjas" are easy to deal with. Either you can give the treat away to someone who'll appreciate it, or simply throw it away. "GASP! You can't throw food away Jeffrey!" Why not? How much nutritional value is in a cupcake? Not much if any, you will not deprive anyone of nutrition. And the Food Ninja should be none-the-wiser.

Yet, that isn't always the case. A frontal approach is also used. When a "Food Striker" approaches, it's best to let them know you don't want the food. True, they may not understand your motive, so it'll be important to tell them something they will understand. Say you are allergic to whatever is in the food, tell them your Doctor instructed you to lose weight, or be brutally honest. Not every tactic will work with every Food Striker, so make sure you know who you're dealing with and what will work on them. Keep in mind, whatever they are sharing with you is special to them, so don't say you 'don't want their garbage'. Even if garbage it might be.

Lastly, some people will just never 'get it'. Try as hard as you might, they won't understand or be hurt when you decline. What can you do then? It's possible these "Foodies" enjoy food so much, they can't believe others don't want exactly what they want. You may have to employ a tactic used for Food Ninjas and Food Strikers. The other option is to take a page from Nancy Reagan when she stressed to "Just Say No".

“Be who you are and say what you feel
because those who mind don't matter
and those who matter don't mind.” - Dr. Suess

S11E19 - First Let's Take This Seat Off

2011-05-10T12:00:00.001-05:00

Original Air Date: 05/10/11
As Hannah is reflecting on how far she's come, Alison comes to announce finals week. That's right, all contestants are going to be given a four part test on how well they can teach a spin class, motivate others, answer general fitness questions, and how well they can box. The winner of this challenge walks away with $10,000.

The first portion is teaching a spin class and the contestants have to teach Bob. Jay starts by taking the seat off and earning a poor 58 points. Austin does better and earns 95, while Hannah and Olivia score a perfect 100.

In the next challenge, Brett asks fitness questions and the many scores are very close, 80, 82 and 83. Jay scores the highest with 88 points, but Hannah only has 77.

When it's time for Cara to grade the contestants, she wants them to 'act like fighters' and is looking for the fighter spirit. Irene has problems with this test and only scores 70 but Hannah scores another 100 points.

For Jillian's turn, she's going to role-play being a new contestant and will score according to how well she is motivated by the others. Again, the scores are close; 80, 85, 89, and two 90's.

As a final test, Alison is in the gym with a unique challenge. All five will be playing the Biggest Loser Ultimate Workout Game on the X-Box. Each has a fitness avatar looking just like them which they must imitate as closely as possible. First place scores 100 points and all other places earn 10 less points. The game includes many grueling tasks, giving Irene, Jay and even Austin some trouble. When this challenge is over, Hannah narrowly beats her sister by 3 points.

During the challenge, the contestants must haul 100 sand bags to the top of a platform. Winning this challenge means a one pound advantage for the week - A prize as good as gold this late in the game. Olivia does her best to win this challenge also, but Austin out performs her and wins the advantage.

At the weigh in: Before Alison weighs the contestants, she offers Austin and Olivia a chance to exchange the prizes they've won. Olivia can trade her $10,000 for a one pound advantage and Austin can trade his one pound advantage for $10,000. Neither decide to exchange. Irene and Jay have a great loss for the week and are determined to be safe right away. Once Olivia weighs in, she pushes her sister below the yellow line. Jillian is upset Olivia didn't trade in for the one pound advantage. If Austin has a good week, both sisters will be below the yellow line. Unfortunately for Austin, even with the one pound advantage he falls below the yellow line with Hannah. Olivia refuses to vote out her sister and others agree. It's Austin going home this week.

When Jillian Leaves

2011-05-05T07:20:00.010-05:00

Jillian, Jillian,
fare thee well.
Jillian, Jillian,
you put them through hell.

You showed they had guts,
You showed they had glory.
Till they broke down and cried,
as they told you their story.

To quit was no option,
as so many found.
You drove even harder,
till they puked on the ground.

You got in their face,
you stood on their backs.
you kept them inspired,
when they tried to relax.

You reminded them all,
it was more than a game.
I'll still watch when you're gone,
but it won't be the same.

J.A.Scott

Biggest Loser Comments - S11E18

2011-05-04T07:17:00.016-05:00

Instead of writing a recap of the show, I've decided to post a few quotes from the live tweeting of the episode I found interesting or humorous. What were your thoughts? Feel free to add your own in the comments section. What did you like or hate about the episode?

***___________________________________________________________***

@Jeffrey__Scott - Jillians last season = let's cut the shows by an hour suddenly.

@Nyxks - ummm Hannah looks better outside of that dress, it doesn't suit her at all or that hair - oh well she's happy that's what matters.

@TVReviewProgram - Awesome Austin ....looking like a million bucks! And he lost another 3lbs in hair for the weigh in!

@Jeffrey__Scott - I'm jealous of @BL11Austin. I want to dance with @Ali_Sweeney. Come on, like that's a big surprise to anyone here.

@luannschindler - Everyone looks fantastic on #bl11. Ali's hair is so elegant!!

@Jeffrey__Scott - Does anyone happen to know how long it'll be till #TheVoice is on?
@defectivecandy - really, do they have to have that at the bottom of the screen?

@Jeffrey__Scott - I wonder if he could use that magic wand on Jillian to make her stay another season.

@Jeffrey__Scott - Ho-hum, another #BL11 first? Seems to be happening each week lately.

@Jeffrey__Scott - I'm going to be blown away if the Biggest Loser first isn't some watered down semi-trivia fact.
@ChelleBelle87 - I bet someone lost 20 lbs or something...they make it sound like a catastrophe!
@ervc1 -You really expect much?

@Jeffrey__Scott - Next week in a Biggest Loser first, there will be no Biggest Loser firsts.
@FitInMyHeart - ROTFL!!!!! I was thinking the same thing!

@Jeffrey__Scott - Suddenly have an odd urge for Extra Sugar Free gum. Weird, where did THAT come from?

@scotps23 - Talk about a @PriceIsRight moment!
@KatMoulton - LOL 'It's a new car" I can hear it in my head now

@Jeffrey__Scott - They forgot to bury the last key
@ozipherus - LMAO! How classic would that be...
@scotps23 - Ali's got the key in her pocket. Whoop!

@stacigway - Bob looks like an old man tonight. He's headed out after the workout to catch the early bird special at Perkins.

@defectivecandy - Ghhhhh....biggest loser feels soooo rushed tonight :(

@mikiepocd - How much was hair, Austin?

@Jeffrey__Scott - I've got to admit, Irene has quickly become one of my favorites.
@jennifuhohjenny - I'm totally with you!..I love @BL11Irene, I think she's tough and cute and funny. Sorta like Ada from #BL10.
@melgotserved - I just dubbed her Irene the Machine

@jeffrey__scott - Has Cara or Brett said word one tonight?
@TheBLblog - Shhh! You'll jinx it.
@Liciak7 Hahahahahaha I was just saying how peaceful it has been tonight to not listen to Cara!

@Jeffrey__Scott - For what it's worth, I'd LOVE to lose 3 pounds in a week. #BL11

@Jeffrey__Scott - With only 6 minutes left, I smell a non-elimination week.

@KatMoulton - Fairy Godfather returns.

@stacigway - I heard a lisp! Tim Gunn is there! He's saving our Purple Team!

@Jeffrey__Scott - THE YELLOW LINE DISAPPEARED, HOW DID HE DO THAT?
@lenkees haha!! U crazy!
biggestloserlvr This season cracks me up!

@kindledscholar - MY prediction: The thing that blows Bob away is @BL11Olivia singing on the scale!

@Jeffrey__Scott - The Biggest Loser first was @BLOlivia singing? Really? Is this a #TheVoice tie-in?
@KatMoulton She KICKS the Voice's ass
@keltaylor312 - I would rather listen to @BL11Olivia than #thevoice. Just sayin.

@TheBLblog - I cannot help laughing at Tim Gunn and his magic wand and fairy references. It's because no one's going home. I'm happy.

Join in the live chat of Biggest Loser each Tuesday night on Twitter. Use the hash-tag #BL11

S11E18 - A Fish Called Hannah

2011-05-03T12:00:00.001-05:00

Original Air Date: 05/03/11
Tim Gunn visits the Biggest Loser ranch this week and he presents himself as their Fairy Godfather, equipped with three magical surprises for them. The first surprise, isn't much of one as they have already figured out it's make-over week. The contestants receive their make-overs, including new cloths.

Once the make-overs are done, the contestants show up one at a time to receive their second surprise of the night, family has come to visit with them. When Olivia's husband shows up he's got a surprise of his own for her, he's lost 99 pounds! Once all the contestants have arrived, they are all treated to a special private concert for them performed by OneRepublic.

Another surprise awaits everyone, but it's not from Tim Gunn. Alison Sweeney announces the next challenge where the winner will receive (in my best Rod Roddy voice) "A New Car! They are on a beach and before them are 50 car shapes sand piles. Each one containing a key. Once they dig up the key,they must run up a flight of stairs to the pier leading to the parking lot where TWO new cars wait. That's right, there are two cars to be won. Irene quickly wins the first car, and on her second attempt. It's over an hour later when the second car is won. When there are only two piles left, it's a race between Olivia and Austin. Olivia prevails.

At the weigh in: Everyone is worried if they will fall below the yellow line, and Jay is the first to do so. Jillian is concerned for him and she vows if he's not eliminated this week she'll draw it out of him. As Olivia weighs in, she's happy to see she's lost 100 pounds. She's promised herself if she lost 100 pounds on the ranch she'll sing a song for the contestants, and she does so. Bob is speechless. But her great weigh in means her sister Hannah is now below the yellow line with Jay. Jay realizes he's likely to go home but suddenly Tim Gunn appears. He promised the contestants three surprises and he's only given two. With a wave of his 'magic' wand, he makes the yellow line disappear. No one is going home this week.

Could Kim Lyons Replace Jillian on The Biggest Loser?

2011-05-02T22:06:00.009-05:00

When you think of the Biggest Loser, you probably think of Bob Harper or Jillian Michaels, the most well known trainers in 'Loser' history. So well known in fact, they were even the trainers on the Australian version for a few seasons. But unfortunately for Team Jillian fans, she is leaving once this season has concluded. So who could possibly be her replacement? Someone new, or a trainer fans may be familiar with?

Kim Lyons
Kim Lyons was a personal trainer for the Biggest Loser during the 3rd and 4th seasons.
Positives - She was an original replacement for Jillian during the 3rd season. She knows the program and is a trainer and nutritionist. When she sets her mind to a task, she follows through to the best of her ability.
Negatives - It's been a long time since she's been on the show. Would she even come back if asked? Would anyone besides dedicated fans of the show or loyal Kim Lyons fans care?

Brett Hoebel
Brett is one of the current trainers on season 11 of the Biggest Loser. Though it seemed he was 'fired' he returned a week later.
Positives - Brett is a hard working and dedicated individual. Out of the two new trainers this season, he appears to be a fan favorite.
Negatives - When all four trainers had their own team, he was the only one who lost all those he was coaching. For season 12, it's unlikely the producers would incorporate only 2 male trainers.

Cara Castronuova
Like fellow trainer Brett, Cara is one of the new trainers of Season 11.
Positives - If the producers want a female trainer for season 12 viewers are most familiar with, Cara would get the call. She's a very caring and nurturing individual and truly cares about the contestants.
Negatives - Outside of Biggest Loser, she's not a fitness trainer. She's got a tendency to take things personal and this can interfere when she trains the contestants.

Why Did Rulon Walk Off The Show? A Biggest Loser Tirade

2011-04-27T14:42:00.007-05:00

What is the deal with Rulon just 'walking' off? He seemed like he wanted to stay. He did his utmost to win the 'Track Challenge'. Sure, he was beat by Tara Costa but could that have anything to do with it? Was Rulon pissed off he let a girl beat him? Was his decision to leave a form of a tantrum and sour grapes? What do you think?

But that's likely not the true answer. Personally, I think Rulon had another weight gain for the week. Yes, for a while I've believed the producers know in advance what the weigh-in is likely to be. No reason they can't pre-weigh the contestants then have a weigh-in for the cameras to play up the drama. Let's be honest, that's not a real scale they step on. If my scale acted like that I'd toss it in the bin, but I digress. How many times has it come down to one last final weigh-in. So they producers must have realized he gained again, reviewed the tapes, caught him breaking more rules (sources say he was eating in his room again, sneaking off campus and making phone calls) so they politely asked him to leave of his own free will before they officially DQ'd him (Sorry Courtney I had to).

Personally, I enjoyed the former contestants and loved seeing Tara beat Rulon. I can't be the only person glad to see Tara and the others again. Out of all the episodes to cut down to 1 hour though, they chose this one? They could have built up more Rulon story/drama, showed more former contestants, argued and debated after Rulon walked off. Hell, this episode could have been three hours long.

Does Rulon walking off demean the rest of the season? Of course not. It's just a bad testament to Rulon's dedication to being fit. He obviously has serious issues he needs to deal with, and that's pretty sad. Also with Kaylee gaining weight again and her being sent away, we've got a win-win situation for Biggest Loser. It can only get better from here.

Wait, next week is make-over week. See? It's getting better already.

Biggest Loser Comments - S11E17

2011-04-27T09:24:00.004-05:00

Instead of writing a recap of the show, I've decided to post a few quotes from the live tweeting of the episode I found interesting or humorous. What were your thoughts? Feel free to add your own in the comments section. What did you like or hate about the episode?

***________________________***

@Jeffrey__Scott - #BL11 Time to grow up kiddo!
@2Baway - You said what I was thinking

@stacigway - What? Which one is the gold medalist?...it really never gets old. #bl11

@biggestloserlvr - I want her to kick Rulon's ass so badly. #BL11

@Jeffrey__Scott - The only #TheVoice I want to hear tonight is Jillian screaming at the contestants. #BL11

@TheBLblog - Oooo, this is one product placement that works for me. I'm totally getting Biggest Loser Wheaties! Unless Rulon is on the box. #BL11
@Jeffrey__Scott - Don't you have to be an Olympian to be on a Wheaties Box? Oh wait! That's right! #BL11

@Nbflat2 - I was jumping up and down on my couch again watching @Tara_Costa pull the car! I did the same thing the first time she won! Ahahahaha #BL11

@Jeffrey__Scott - Last week they said "It's not who you think." Guess what? WE ALL THOUGHT IT WAS RULON! #BL11

@SlimDownToSexy - I think I must be missing something...why do people hate Rulon so much? #BL11
@1curiouspeep - Alls fair when you cheat, cry & whine like a baby and then quit, too bad for his fans!!! #BL11

@BL11Hannah - Once upon a time Rulon got beat by a girl. The End. #BL11

@DianeRo - I guess if he decided to leave, he's gone right? I mean, we won't see him at the finale either? #BL11

@Jeffrey__Scott - So do you think it's the Olympic spirit to give up? Those Doritoes must be calling his name. #BL11
@1curiouspeep - Or is it sour grapes because he didn't make the Wheaties box? #BL11

@Jeffrey__Scott - #BL11 ♫Naaa naaa naaa naaa. Naa naa naa naaa Hey heyy, goodbye!♪

@Hamsasya - Um excuse me. Time out. What is Jillian wearing. #bl11

@300toFinally140 - I hope Kaylee "Accidentally" drank too much water and ate too much all week, again. #BL11

@DOOL_BL - OMG Kaylee looked happy there when Ali told her she is below the yellow line, GO HOME KAYLEE!! #BL11

@Jeffrey__Scott - Rulon and Kaylee both gone this week? Let's just chalk this up to win-win. #BL11
@stacigway - Who do we root against next week?

@Fit__Chick - If you don't have anything nice 2 say abt RULON come sit nxt 2 me.

@biggestloserlvr - Okay, now THAT is the shocker of the #BL11 episode!!! Kaylee and Vance!!!

@kindledscholar - I feel cheated. I didn't get my 2-hr #BL11 fix. But watching Kaylee go home almost makes up for it.

Join in the live chat of Biggest Loser each Tuesday night on Twitter. Use the hash-tag #BL11

S11E17 - Losing To A Girl

2011-04-26T12:00:00.002-05:00

Original Air Date: 04/26/11
Contestants are back from New Zealand and back to the gym. But there is a surprise waiting for them. This week former contestants have come back to inspire and challenge. Greeting the teams are Ali Vincent and Sam Poueu from seasons five and nine respectively. Sam conducts some circuit training and Ali prepares a quinoa mango salad.

The challenge is held at Auto Club Speedway and special guest is Clint Bowyer who drives the Nascar Cheerios car. He introduces another guest, Tara Costa from season seven. She won the track challenge of her season and she's back to try again, hoping to inspire the others to do their best. Winner of this challenge receives a VIP experience with Clint and their face on a box of Wheaties. As a former Olympian, Rulon vows to win as he never had his face on a box of Wheaties. It's a close finish between Tara and Rulon, but Tara has come out ahead. No Wheaties box for Rulon. He seems very upset and discouraged by the loss.

At the Weigh In: During the last change workout, Rulon didn't seem into his workout. Before any weigh-ins begin he asks to address everyone. He formally announces he's leaving the show. The impression is he's leaving of his own accord, but later revealed he was disqualified for breaking show rules.

Despite Rulon leaving, the weigh in continues and someone will be voted out. Scale results of note are Irene having lost 100 pounds and Kaylee gaining two. But Irene's loss of only three pounds pushes her below the yellow line with Kaylee. When votes are revealed, Kaylee is sent home.

Biggest Loser Comments - S11E16

2011-04-21T07:03:00.006-05:00

Instead of writing a recap of the show, I've decided to post a few quotes from the live tweeting of the episode I found interesting or humorous. What were your thoughts? Feel free to add your own in the comments section. What did you like or hate about the episode?

@Ali_Sweeney - Brand New #BiggestLoser tonight. Can't wait to read your reactions to tonights ep!!! And more New Zealand pics to share! #BL11

@BL11Olivia - Only a couple more hours until east coast #BL11 - who has predictions for tonights episode? #psychictweets
@Jeffrey__Scott - I predict Jillian will curse, Bob will do a product placement and Alison will look as gorgeous as ever. #BL11

@guiltfreecomfor - SEND BACK BRETT & BRING BACK COURTNEY! #bl11

@kaykoch - Someone please tell me what Bret ACTUALLY said as he flew in? I heard "The douche collector sneaks up on you." REALLY hopin I'm wrong? #BL11

@writerchickmc - OK guys - pretend you are those mountain goats and you've got this! #BL11 #MGCheerios

@Jeffrey__Scott - #BL11 Doing the chair would be fine, but I'd keep having flashbacks every time I sat in another chair.
@1curiouspeep - Haha! How true is that! Those chairs tip back easy too, I'd be a freaking mess, lol!

@defectivecandy - This season: Biggest Loser - Lets jump off everything edition!! #BL11

@taylora - Wow, when did Biggest Loser become Survivor or Fear Factor? If they have to eat bugs, I'm gonna lose it! #BL11

@Jeffrey__Scott - Rulon oO(I wonder what flavor chips New Zealand has.) #BL11

@Jeffrey__Scott - I've got a sneaky suspicion @BL11Olivia is gonna throw a bag of chips into Rulon's bedroom.
@BL11Olivia - LOL nice.
@dactyl64 - And we all know how hard it is to resist chips when someone throws them at you! #BL11

@TheBLblog - Wait. Rulon had to swim two miles in 45 degree water after a plane crash and he couldn't win the challenge? #BL11
@suzrenee I thought everyone loved him. From week 1 he has bugged me... #BL11
@FosterFitness - Have you heard he was in the Olympics? :)R

@Hamsasya - #bl11 Subway & Biggest Loser are so obsessed with eacother-they just need to go ahead & just have a love child allready. Bigway Lossub

@rynequin - If rulon gets out of this bungee jump because he's suddenly afraid to die I think he should go home immediately....after Kaylee. #BL11

@Jeffrey__Scott - Not many shows left for Jillian, and another episode she's gone. No wonder this show has seemed quiet. Is this what we can expect? #BL11

@Jeffrey__Scott - Are they going to try and make us feel bad for Rulon now? Nope, too late. #BL11
@Stars252525 - My thoughts exactly on Rulon. #BL11

@Jeffrey__Scott - #BL11 Save it Kaylee! Puhhh leeeezzzzeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@deekcampbell - She and Cara both. Blah blah blah.

@Jeffrey__Scott - So Kaylee and Rulon are both safe? And Jillian is not available? Worse episode ever! #BL11

@DOOL_BL - Hannah looks good, i think Ken needs more help. I really hope they keep Ken! #BL11

@cardiomommy - i'm sad for Ken.... but thank god Hannah is safe!!!! #bl11

@Haley_Singleton - I cannot believe someone is stupid enough to walk off the BL Ranch... Next week should be revealing. #BL11

@lenkees I am sure @Jeffrey__Scott was happy to see @Ali_Sweeney bungee jump a while ago! #BL11
@Jeffrey__Scott - You were so right! LOL RT
@Ali_Sweeney - you like bungee jumping

@Jeffrey__Scott - Yea! @Tara_Costa on the next #BL11 Looking forward to next week!
@FitBottomedGirl - Love Tara!
@Tara_Costa - Ohh thank you!

Join in the live chat of Biggest Loser each Tuesday night on Twitter. Use the hash-tag #BL11

S11E16 - Go Jump Off A Bridge

2011-04-19T12:00:00.002-05:00

Original Air Date: 04/19/11
It's the second week in New Zealand and Alison has a surprise for everyone. No more teams, the game is moving to singles. In case the task is too daunting for Bob, Jillian and Cara, another trainer is brought in. It's Brett, who's followed the Biggest Loser crew from America.

During the course of the episode, trainers take pairs of the contestants along on special excursions. Cara takes Kaylee and Hanna to jump off a Canyon, Brett takes Jay and Austin rock climbing. Bob takes Irene and Rulon bungee jumping, but Bob opts out as does Rulon. He tells Bob, after having survived a plane crash, he's not willing to tempt fate any more. Bob convinces Rulon it's a fear he needs to let go of, and Rulon relents and joins Irene.

Atop a bridge, Alison introduces a river-board challenge. Winner receives a helicopter tour and more importantly, immunity at the weight in. Once the competition is explained, Alison does a bungee dive off the bridge. Kaylee, Rulon and Olivia lead the challenge, but it's Olivia who comes in first. Olivia is able to bring someone along and the offer is extended to her sister Hannah.

At the weigh in: As the week before, the weigh in takes place out doors. This week the trainers have pushed the Biggest Losers hard and Kaylee has a shocking five pound weight loss and Rulon has ten. Falling below the yellow line are Ken and Hannah, and Ken receives the majority of the votes and is forced to leave.

Biggest Loser Comments - S11E15

2011-04-14T09:51:00.005-05:00

Instead of writing a recap of the show, I've decided to post a few quotes from the live tweeting of the episode. Mostly my quotes, but a few from others I found interesting or humorous. What were your thoughts? Feel free to add your own in the comments section. What did you like or hate about the episode?

Not even 5 minutes into the show and product placement? #Bl11
@krystaltiger -The next two weeks are product placement - NZ tourism :) #BL11

Brett is probably following behind in a rowboat trying to catch up with everyone else from #BL11

@2Baway - Ken, maybe Bob and Jillian will come along and help. Oh wait, you have to help yourself. #BL11

#BL11 Though I agree with Ken, you gotta imagine how hurtful that would be to hear.

Was Cara crying? There's no crying in training!

@garthygurl - #BL11 Put Cara and Ken in the ring....and btw did she jump off the builidng?

@imspoken4 - Umm, sorry Cara but you are NO @MyTrainerBob & @JillianMichaels you have to EARN the right to compare your self to them!!! #bL11 #fb

@a13k - I think Cara from #BL11 just made herself look really bad!

@sarahjmp - Bobs yoga class is hard, and I am only watching. #BL11

@defectivecandy - Jeesh looks like they stepped onto the set of Survivor by mistake. #BL11

Can we finally close the book on #Chipgate? #BL11 Great job Rulon. I knew you could do it! oO(I almost believed that). LOL

@stacigway - Really Rulon, you're going to talk about Jay letting you down? You put down your tostitos long enough to point fingers? #bl11

@FallenAngelGabe - +4lbs? That lazy pig! #BiggestLoser #BL11
@guiltfreecomfor - hey, not cool. Game player yeah, but no need 2 call her a lazy pig. Thats just messed up.

Kaylee needs to go home YESTERDAY!!!!!!!!! #BL11

@sweating_it_off - Must be that gravity in New Zealand! #bl11

If people can pass along rewards, maybe Moses can pass along his elimination to Kaylee. She'd probably accept it. #BL11

@Jason_Yu - Why doesn't Kaylee just volunteer to go home. #Annoyed #BL11

Kind of expecting them to cast votes and have their torches snuffed tonight. #BL11

Watch Moses catch everyone off guard and play his hidden immunity idol! #BL11 #Survivor.

@stacigway - Well, kaylee, if you didn't want your dad to go home maybe you shouldn't have been eating crap with him all week. #bl11

@biggestloserlvr - Did Kaylee throw this deliberately...again?! And it backfired, again?! #BL11
@ervc1 - So ready for her to go home

Join in the live chat of Biggest Loser each Tuesday night on Twitter. Use the hash-tag #BL11

S11E15 - New Zealand

2011-04-12T12:00:00.001-05:00

Original Air Date: 04/12/11
Despite the bad news of losing Courtney and Brett, Alison has some good news for the contestants. For the next two weeks, they will be in New Zealand. Before departing, a quick contest will award one member an upgraded airline ticket in premium economy. Austin guesses closest to the height of Sky Tower in Auckland and wins.

Arriving in New Zealand, the first challenge is to climb to the top of the Sky Tower then jump off it. Bob and Ken are reluctant to do so but overcome their fears and jump.

Jumping from the top of Sky Tower isn't Ken's only concern this episode. He's also worried about his weight loss and injuries. Jillian confesses travel is hard on weight loss, but Cara is upset Ken went to Jillian and defends her weight loss strategies. She tells Ken to join Jillian if he thinks she's better at training and giving advice. After a brief chat with Jillian, Ken decides to stay with Cara, who vows to prove herself.

Another challenge for the week is a 5K over some rough terrain, including sand. All contestants must run as a team, not leaving anyone behind in order to make them work together. Winners receive a helicopter ride to Waiheke for a lunch. Irene and Olivia win but hand the prize to Kaylee and Moses.

At the weigh in: Jillian's prediction about how tough it is to lose weight while traveling comes true. Moses has lost no weight, Jay has gained two pounds and Kaylee has gained four. Despite this, Ken loses six pounds, Rulon loses seven and Austin has lost eight. Blue team has lost the weigh in but Irene is safe meaning it'll be Olivia or Moses who has to leave. As he would do for his own daughter, Moses asks to be voted out, so Olivia can stay.

Biggest Loser Comments - S11E14

2011-04-06T07:00:00.013-05:00

Instead of writing a recap of the show, I've decided to post a few quotes from the live tweeting of the episode. Mostly they are my quotes, but I'll throw in a few from others I found interesting or humorous. What were your thoughts? Feel free to add your own in the comments section. What did you like or hate about the episode?

jeffrey__scott - Time for #BL11 Role Call!
TheBLblog - Role Call? Can I play Jillian?
DearTeamPurple - Can we TAKE #HotBOB?
(NOTE) I said Roll-Call not Roll-Play

Jeffrey__Scott - #BL11 Not a very exciting episode so far. We need another scandal, or revisit an old one. ;)
BucksMontStyle - I'm so with you. Snore.

Jeffrey__Scott - #BL11 Rulon dragging his team down?
Fit__Chick - Too many chips!

Jeffrey__Scott - #BL11 Did the staff go out of their way to make the kitchen more horrible than necessary?
1curiouspeep - that's pretty bad, huh!

garthygurl - #BL11 put that beetle in Rulon's room...in the chip drawer

2Baway - Wholly guacamole batman! #BL11
(NOTE) Yep, that was a product placement.

mrnls - Ugh no more cara! Sorry she has just made no connection for me all season #bl11
(NOTE) It doesn't help she'll likely replace Jillian next year.

DOOL_BL - @Ali_Sweeney always look beautiful at the weigh-in. But tonight, Ali you look so comfortable in that outfit #BL11

Jeffrey__Scott - #BL11 I think Courtney will do fine this week. It's the black team that concern me. Esp Rulon.
2Baway - Or Hannah

Jeffrey__Scott - How long does the typical weigh-in take to film? And when is it usually done? Morning, Night? #BL11
Ali_Sweeney - we shoot weigh-ins at night. Depending on # of people, can take a couple of hours. #BL11

jeffrey__scott - #BL11 Are they going to save Courtney for last?
TheBLblog - You are a wise man

#BL11 :( I'm repeating all the bleeped out words right now. Courtney, you are going to be missed!!!!!!!!

summersjd - Brett, I hope there's a twist coming up & they bring you back!! #BL11

LuanaMGS - What's with #BL11 spoilers? Guess I can't come to Twitter before the show is on!
(NOTE) Yea, it sucks for West Coast tweeters.

Jeffrey__Scott - #BL11 Product placement for DQ?
mikiepocd - Nah, it's her family's biz. Lots of clips of her working there on home video.
Jeffrey__Scott - you spoke to soon. LOL
mikiepocd Nope. I was wrong.
Ali_Sweeney - LOL so on point with our brand. #BL11

stellar_zee - did anyone else cry at the end of #biggestloser #BL11 tonight? that was the outcome I was NOT expecting.

Join in the live chat of Biggest Loser each Tuesday night on Twitter. Use the hash-tag #BL11

S11E14 - A Night On The Town

2011-04-05T12:00:00.001-05:00

Original Air Date: 04/05/11
For the first challenge of the week, each team must guesstimate exactly how far a mile is. Given flag markers, they are sent off. Winners of the challenge receive a night on the town, losers will be forced to clean the gym. The black team (Rulon, Hannah & Jay) are off by only four feet and thus win the challenge.

Having lost the two other members of her team already, Courtney gets the privilege of working with Brett on a one-on-one basis. His plan is to break her plateau and take her to the final four.

Meanwhile, Jillian is talking to Rulon. After last week admitting he's been secretly snacking, she's worried. Rulon argues with her and claims he wants to treat himself after working out hard. Jillian wishes he could find a way to treat himself that doesn't involve food. Then when she finds out the black team won a night on the town, she loses it and informs them it's not a real prize but a set-back.

The black team enjoy a limo ride to Hollywood Boulevard and dinner at the Geisha House. Hannah is surprised when a guy comes over to toast their victory, keeping his eyes on her the whole time. Rulon and Jay suddenly disappear, giving Hannah some alone time.

At the last chance workout, everyone is being pushed to their limit. Jillian focuses on Rulon after his night on the town and Brett focuses all his energies on Courtney, the last member of his team. Pressure is on Courtney because she knows if she loses, Brett will also have to leave.

At the Weigh In: Black team has some surprising weight loss numbers, but Courtney is most surprised to find she's lost only one pound. With no one else on her team, and with the lowest percentage, Courtney is immediately eliminated. She tells everyone not to worry about her because she's got a great support group at home. Unfortunately, this means Brett is also leaving the ranch.

Biggest Loser Comments - S11E13

2011-03-30T08:58:00.012-05:00

Instead of writing a recap of the entire show, I've decided to post a few of quotes from the live tweeting of last night. I'll throw in a few quotes from others I found humorous, as well as my own. What were your thoughts?

@TheBLblog Is it bad that I don't want them to beat Kaylee's percentage? I'm a #BL11 cast snob. No one else can join the club.

@BL11Hannah When @Ali_Sweeney is in the middle of nowhere wearing a hat...you know its challenge time! #BL11

@TheNetConnector - @Jeffrey__Scott: Me too! @FosterFitness Oh, the challenge is over? I was still singing Willy Wonka. #BL11 Oompa Loompa doom-pa-dee-do...

Yea, really needed that spa treatment, didn't they? #BL11

I would have brought my trainer, but I still get the point of Red Team. And so true. They SHOULD know how to do this on their own. But can they? #BL11

Cut to picture of Brett crying alone in a corner, with no one to train. #BL11

@stacigway Commercial break...time for some Cocoa Krispi...er, I mean Multigrain cheerios. #bl11

I've decided I'm going to start using the hashtag #chipgate for Rulon from now on. #BL11 Thanks for the idea @KatMoulton

Gee, who could be caught cheating on their diet? I've got no idea! *cough* Rulon *cough* #BL11 #chipgate

I think @Ali_Sweeney should have made them all hop during the challenge. #BL11

@bridgetrcook That was so nice of Trainer Bob to come straight to the gym from his paper route. #bl11

What? Not going to tell us what happened the first hour and a half? #BL11

And #chipgate cometh! #BL11

True enough @TheNetConnector Ok we got it ....Go see HOP this weekend...Enough already... #BL11

Woah! I never thought @BL11Hannah was going to spearhead the #Chipgate #BL11

Don't want to be the one to send the Olympic home? Why the heck not? #BL11

@garthygurl #BL11 Seems to me @Ali_Sweeney is getting a bit tired of all the gameplay

#BL11 We don't need our trainer! We don't need our trainer! We don't need our trainer! Who was saying that earlier? Someone remind me.

@FosterFitness This is the best ad for my career ever. #BL11

Join in the live chat of Biggest Loser each Tuesday night on Twitter. Use the hash-tag #BL11

S11E13 - Chipgate

2011-03-29T12:00:00.003-05:00

Original Air Date: 03/29/11

Alison begins the show with a video of when they contestants first arrived at the Biggest Loser ranch. But initially there was a white team who didn't make it onto the show so they will now be given a chance to join the game. If they can beat the lowest percentage of weight lost (held by Kaylee) they will be welcomed to the show. In an anti-climatic moment, neither member of the white team makes it and they leave for good.

Moving quickly to a pop challenge, the teams must balance two balls on a board as they walk towards a basket where they must then drop the balls. The first team to accomplish this wins a minute advantage in the next challenge and the losing team will be sent off-campus. Green team finishes first with the black team right behind. Red team is the last to come in and must leave the ranch for a week, but they are given a $1,000 allowance to spend on a specific shopping list of essentials they can purchase. They use the money to purchase time at a local gym, but opt out of bringing Brett along in favor of a night out and spa treatments. Later, they have to break the news to Brett he's not training them this week. He's not very happy and Courtney and Jennifer wonder if they made the right decision.

The red team rejoins everyone during the Easter themed challenge. Each team must find a set number of dyed eggs. First team to do so wins a special screening of the movie, "Hop". In addition to the eggs on the field is one golden egg. Olivia finds the golden egg and her prize is having the sole vote at the elimination for the evening. Olivia scoffs that it's more a punishment than a reward.

With Hannah being on the black team, Jillian realizes she'll be safe at the vote so she decides to focus her attention on Rulon who is lately losing his motivation.

At the weight in: Kaylee shocks everyone by losing five pounds, it seems shes ready to stay on the ranch and fight for her weight loss. The next shock of the night is when Rulon admits to eating chips in his room at night and making other bad decisions. Things look bad for the black team when the red team only needs to have lost five pounds to remain safe. The final shock of the evening happens when the red team loses a combined weight of only two pounds. Those two pounds came solely from Courtney, meaning Jenn has lost nothing this week and becomes the next victim at the elimination.

A-Z Fitness - Zeal

2011-03-24T07:01:00.003-05:00

You might think zeal is related to motivation, and to some degree you might be right. But ultimately, zeal isn't something you should have to work on. If you don't have motivation, you need to inspire yourself. But the only reason you'd do such a think is because you naturally have the zeal to want to keep yourself motivated and fit. Does that mean an article on zeal is a waste of time then? Not necessarily. Even if you don't have the zeal to keep fit, you can still be told you need to be healthier by a Doctor, or just naturally decide for yourself it's something you need to do. So then how do you use your zeal? Everyone is zealous for something. Find what that is for you and use it to your advantage.

Tips: What are you zealous for? Even if losing weight is not at the top of your list, perhaps it's looking or feeling better. If that's the case, use that to find the motivation inside yourself to want to take on the task. Additionally, find a fruit you might be more zealous towards eating as a snack, find a fitness routine or exercise you are more zealous for and work on that.

Remember: A person doesn't have to be zealous about only one thing. If several things will help motive or inspire you, and you are zealous for them, use them! Don't think you have to be painted into a corner once you choose one thing you want to work on, or have the zealousness for. Also, just because you are not naturally zealous for something, doesn't mean over time you won't become so.

Goal: Find what you are zealous for in your fitness routine and work on it this week. Do you enjoy cardio, or strength training? Focus on that this week, especially to work towards a new goal you have never accomplished or thought you never could before. When you concentrate on what you are naturally more prone to, you'll be far more successful.

Last Weeks Goal: How did everyone do on last weeks goal? I did a lot of substitution this week, usually trading out candy from the company candy jar for a banana or another piece of fruit. I've always been a big yogurt person but have never tried a Greek Yogurt, so took this opportunity to pick one up from the store. So what did you do for healthier snacking this week?

What fitness words starting with the letter "Z" inspire you?

S11E12 - The Campus Is Not A Prison

2011-03-22T12:00:00.001-05:00

Original Air Date: 03/22/11
This week the blue team is split into four groups of three. Brett's red team consists of Justin, Jennifer & Courtney. Bob's blue team is Moses, Irene and Olivia. Cara's team is green and has Austin, Ken and Kaylee. Finally Jillian will be working with Rulon and Hanna on the black team. Because Jillian has only two people on her team, one previous eliminated contestant will be coming back and Rulon and Hanna get to decide who it's going to be.

Bob takes his team to 'Crunch' for their work out while Jillian invites her team to her beach house for relaxation, and of course a beach work out. Brett takes his team for a hike while Cara and her team are boxing.

At the next challenge, it's revealed Jay is back on the black team. For the challenge, they winning team receives a video call from home. All they have to do is simply hold on to weight equivalent to what they have lost. Red team wins, but opts to pass the prize over to the blue team.

Kaylee earlier tells Cara she thinks she's ready to go home and at the weigh in shocks everyone when she loses no weight. But she's visibly upset when her team loses enough to earn immunity. Alison reminds everyone the campus is not a prison and if the contestants want to leave at any time they are welcome to do so. Kaylee halfheartedly decides to remain on the campus. The red team falls below the yellow line and with Jennifer being the biggest loser of the team, it's either Justin or Courtney to leave. Justin petitions to save Courtney and the rest of the teams comply.

Fitness Product Review - 2

2011-03-18T07:08:00.006-05:00

Fiber One Bar

I've actually tried several varieties of the Fiber One bars. I've always been impressed with the quality as well as the variety of choices available. Whether you are a chocolate, caramel or peanut butter fan you'll likely find something you'd be willing to try. The price has always been fairly reasonable and I'm always finding great deals on these products. Do yourself a favor and give one a try.

As a personal preference, I'm partial to the Oats & Peanut Butter. It's a great mid-morning or late afternoon snack. The mocha variety is also excellent.

Statistics:
Fiber One Oats & Peanut Butter
Calories: 150
Fat: 4.5
Carbs 28
Dietary Fiber 9

Rating ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ -

Do you have a product you'd like me to review? Send me a note, leave a comment or call my blog phone.

A-Z Fitness - Yogurt

2011-03-17T07:02:00.008-05:00

Okay, yogurt itself is not the best fitness advice I have for you this week. Essentially it's pointing to eating healthier items, as opposed to regular snacks you usually grab, i.e. Candy Bars, Chips or Cookies. One package of Reese's Peanut Butter cups has 260 calories and 15g of fat. 4 Thin Mint Girl Scout cookies have 160 calories and 8g of fat (and really, who can only eat 4 thin mints)? A 1 oz. serving of Doritos chips has 140 calories and 7g of fat. Now compare that with a Yoplait yogurt which has 80 calories and 0g of fat. Now compare this type of snacking once a week and you can see how the added calories and fat in the other snack foods really add up.

Tips: Don't kid yourself into thinking you need to stick with a simple vanilla flavor. There are many brands, all offering various flavors. Many of these are also fat free and very low in calories. Weight Watchers has many great flavors from Strawberry to Amaretto Cheesecake, all very tasty and in the 100 calorie range. Look around and find a variety you enjoy.

Remember: Obviously yogurt is not the be all and end all of healthy snacking. If you are not a yogurt person, there are many things you can find to substitute for cookies and chips. Perhaps you enjoy cottage cheese? There are a few great tasting varieties, some even including fruit. Which reminds me, fruit is the most natural snack to turn to instead of anything else. But if you are going to pick up yogurt, keep away from the varieties which include cookies pieces and candy for mixing in. Wouldn't that be defeating the purpose of altering your snacks?

Goal: Replace some of your unhealthier snacking this week with something healthier, like yogurt. If you are already doing this, I want you to try new varieties or flavors and find a new favorite. And of course, report back and share your experiences.

Last Weeks Goal: The last goal was to find 10 minutes of exercise time a day. How did you do? Were you able to fit in time at the gym or walking in the neighborhood? Did you do anything different or unusual? Feel free to share. I like to try and do a few minutes on the Wii fit in the morning and a bit of walking on my lunch break at work.

What fitness words starting with the letter "Y" inspire you?

S11E11 - Stone Soup

2011-03-15T12:00:00.001-05:00

Original Air Date: 03/15/11
The red and black teams are done away with. All contestants will now be part of a large blue team. In addition to the change, Alison informs the group if they can match last weeks weigh in, they will all have immunity.

During the week, the contestants have several guests. First is Dr. Huizenga who has good news for the contestants. After he is finished with the contestants, there is a pop challenge involving Curtis Stone and Lorena Garcia. The blue team is broken into teams of two. The goal will be to cook the healthiest and tastiest dish. Winner will receive the Biggest Loser meal plan for home use. Hannah admits a crush she has on Curtis stone, but it's her sister Olivia and Moses who win.

During the workouts, Bob & Jillian work with the guys and Cara & Brett work with the girls. With a target to shoot for, all the contestants work together to try and match last weeks weight loss. The contestants need to lose an average of 5 pounds each, but Marci doesn't lose any weight and Kaylee gains two pounds. Once again Marci offers herself up, this time to save Kaylee

S11E10 - Here's Mud In Your Eye

2011-03-08T12:00:00.001-06:00

Original Air Date: 03/08/11
Things are shaken up when each team must choose a captain. Marci and Justin are chosen for black and red teams. The captains will be responsible for making a few decisions without consulting the rest of the team. One person from each team must be chosen to do all the cooking for the week and only two people can be chosen to work with the trainers. Marci chooses Olivia to do the cooking and Hanna and Sarah to work with the trainers. Justin has decided on Ken and Kaylee to work with the trainers, and Ken to do the cooking for the team.

For the challenge of the week, the players must run a muddy obstacle course. Winning means splitting a $6,000 cash prize. Despite red teams past record, the black team wins the challenge.

Despite having lost the challenge, Justin is positive they will win the weigh in. He starts the team off by losing eight pounds for the week, and the team has a 2.61% loss for the week. But Marci is just as confident her team will win this week. She starts her team off by losing five pounds. After Hanna and Olivia weigh in with only two pounds, things don't look good for the black team. Jen needs to have lost more than 14 pounds, but only loses one. The black team loses only a 1.76% and Jennifer begins to cry. More tears come when she is voted out.

A-Z Fitness - Xercise

2011-03-02T07:35:00.007-06:00

Okay, perhaps it's a bit of a stretch to say exercise begins with an X, but it doesn't mean it's any less important. Even when watching what we are eating, exercise is another aspect we need to concentrate on. It helps to keep the body as well as the mind fit. The better our body, the better our mind. The better our mind, the easier our fitness goals will become. When is the last time you got home from the gym and craved a carton of ice cream? Honestly, I don't think I've ever had that happen. I'm likely to be more aware of what I'm eating, and striving for it to benefit my body.

Tips: Be sure to plan a schedule for working out. Don't hope you'll find time in the day because something will always come up. Schedule a set amount of time at the beginning of the day or towards the evening. If you have a gym membership, plan specific day(s) for when you'll go. Sometimes things come up, but unless it's an emergency, don't let that stop you. IF you fall into that rut, you'll start canceling your appointments at the drop of a hat. Well, at least dropping your hat and picking it back up could be considered exercise, just as long as you do it 100 times per session.

Remember: Exercise doesn't mean you have to buy a gym membership, buy expensive running shoes or knock yourself out for hours every day. Keep things simple, enough so you can handle whatever your goals might be. In lieu of a gym membership, try running in your neighborhood. Can you invest in home fitness equipment? You don't have to buy the latest and greatest, look around and see what deals you can find. Let other people buy the latest and greatest, they'll likely sell their old equipment at a fraction of the price. I know, I recently purchased a home exercise bike for $25. Don't forget to keep the time you exercise to an amount that's comfortable to you, but make sure you do it!

Goal: Can you find 10 minutes a day to exercise? If you find it difficult to squeeze time in for running or heading to the gym, can you find at least 10 minutes?

Last Weeks Goal: How did you do drinking the water this past week? Did you enjoy it? Did you find out it wasn't so hard? How about cutting back on soda. Were you able to do that, even a little? Keep up the good work!

What fitness words starting with the letter "X" inspire you?

S11E09 - With Friends Like These...

2011-03-01T12:00:00.001-06:00

Original Air Date: 03/01/11
Once the elimination from the previous week is over, Alison informs all teams they are going home for two weeks. While at home, Arthur is reunited with his father who discusses his past mistakes. Meanwhile Austin goes bowling with some friends who celebrate his birthday with a cheesecake. Despite their peer pressure, he resolves to pass on the cheesecake.

While home, the contestants were supposed to be training for a 5K. When they finally get back to the ranch, that's exactly what happens. But instead of working in teams as they did the first week, they will all be running the 5K as individuals.

The prize remains the same, those who finish first, get to choose which trainer they want. Although most of the contestants stick with their original trainer, Sara switches things up and chooses Bob & Jillian, forcing Arthur (having come in last) to switch over to Brett and Cara as trainers.

During the course of the two weeks, Arthur lost only 16 pounds which shocks many and draws many emotions. Most vocal is Bob who pleads with the red team to keep Arthur. Despite the pleas, Arthur is the next eliminated.

A-Z Fitness - Water

2011-02-24T07:03:00.004-06:00

One of the most important things we can do for our body is make sure it gets the proper amount of water. Of course, that's not likely a news flash to anyone. But sometimes people forget how important it can really be, especially when working out. The more we work out, the more we sweat, the more we dehydrate ourselves. We really don't want to dehydrate ourselves, it can lead to serious affects to the body including fatigue, cramps, headaches and even nausea. As you can see, a lack of water can be detrimental to our health, and thus our fitness.

Tips: Do you find drinking water to be bland? Try to zip it up with a twist of lemon or lime. Nicely chilled water can also be more palatable. Do you drink bottled water? It can be a fast and convenient way to enjoy your water. There are many low calorie water mix-ins to flavor your water.

Remember: As you work out, keep water close at hand. You'll need to continually replenish your water as you work out. Do you drink a lot of coffee in the morning? Keep in mind, coffee can be a dehydrator so you might want to drink more water to compensate. Be alert to the signs of dehydration, and if you feel a headache or other symptom, rest for a bit, and have a drink of water.

Goal: Do you drink soda? My challenge this week is to cut out soda and replace it with water. Even if you drink diet soda, there's really no benefit to it. So why not switch to water this week? You might find you'll start craving it more than soda. Trust me, it's been 14 months now since I've given up soda.

Last Weeks Goal: What vegetables did you try this week? Were you able to incorporate more vegetables into your snacking? How about making a simple substitute like instead of chips, eat carrots? Just a little change make all the difference.

What fitness words starting with the letter "W" inspire you?

S11E08 - We've Got Big Balls

2011-02-22T12:00:00.001-06:00

Original Air Date: 02/22/11
Once the elimination from last week is finished, the black team is asked into the room. Alison informs everyone two people will be eliminated this week. One from the team with the lowest percentage and one person under a new red line. This person will automatically be eliminated.

Cara and Brett get to work right away, taking the red team to an Olympian gym. Cara has a surprise for Rulon when she brings out his former trainer. This is one of many times we learn Rulon is a former Olympian.

At the weekly challenge, both teams must knock giant inflatable balls from one end of a football field to the other using boxing gloves and without letting the ball fall to the ground. Winning team gets a three pound advantage. Once again, the red team easily beats the black team.

At a discussion later, Marci and Deni tell the black team to eliminate one of them if their team needs to. They ask to save their daughters from elimination. Jesse thinks they need to concentrate more on weight loss than already deciding who's going home. Deni is upset when Jesse doesn't quickly volunteer to offer himself up if Arther is in trouble.

At the weigh in: Red team has a 2.12% weight loss percentage, but Jennifer gains two pounds and realizes she's likely going home. However, on the black team all parents have thrown the weigh in to protect their children. Marci gains a pound, Jesse gains three pounds and Deni gains eight pounds, automatically eliminating her. Because of all the gain, the black team loses the weigh in, saving Jennifer another week. Jesse is the other parent who's eliminated.

Fitness Product Review - 1

2011-02-20T09:10:00.005-06:00

For my first product review I decided to try Weight Watchers 'Smart Ones Home Style Beef Pot Roast' In general I enjoy most of the Smart Ones products but in this case I really didn't. For the price one pays for a Weight Watcher meal (and because of the price I don't very often) I expect quality food. The 'beef' in the Pot Roast tastes like horse meat (not that I know what that really tastes like), but the point should be taken. It was tough, and grisly. I know this isn't a special exception because I've tried it once before and thought I'd give it another chance. With other comparable meals available, and usually tastier, I felt let down in this instance.

As a personal preference, I think the gravy is good, but the amount of onions inside is ridiculous. Truly, I'm not an onion person, so if you like onions you may enjoy the meal.

Rating ♥ ♥ - - -

Next week: Fiber One

Do you have a product you'd like me to review? Send me a note, leave a comment or call my blog phone.

A-Z Fitness - Vegetables

2011-02-16T06:48:00.005-06:00

One of the best foods provided for us in this world is the vegetable. Whether using for cooking or snacking, there is an abundance to choose from. Think of all the vegetables ready for snacking; carrots, celery, radishes, cucumbers or vegetables handy for cooking with, peppers, asparagus, and who doesn't love onions? (Well I don't, but that's another story). Incorporating vegetables into your daily life will not only 'flesh out' most of your meals, but you'll find yourself feeling better (and better about yourself). The added benefit of vegetables is the more we eat, the fuller we feel, thus less likely to consider eating other foods, especially junk foods.

Tips: Use colorful vegetables in your cooking like peppers, they really enhance the flavor and are appealing to the eye. Also, if you find someone who doesn't like peppers, they are easy to pick out. Go online and look for recipes for vegetables. You'll be surprised with the results and might just find your next best dish.

Remember: Out of sight, means out of mind. If you buy vegetables for snacking, don't put them in the bottom of the fridge in the crisper straight away. Cut some up and have them handy and ready to eat. Also, keep in mind some vegetables like potatoes or corn should be avoided because of the starchy nature, and are higher in calories.

Goal: Use a vegetable you've not cooked with before and try using it. Or set up vegetables as a means of snacking this week. Baby carrots are tasty and so convenient. Slice up a cucumber and eat the slices instead of potato chips. Broccoli and Cauliflower are also great for mindless snacking.

Last Weeks Goal: Did you grow in an understanding of anything new this past week? What was the research you did? What did you find? Share your thoughts here to help encourage others.

What fitness words starting with the letter "V" inspire you?

S11E07 - A Little Tied Up At The Moment

2011-02-15T12:00:00.001-06:00

Original Air Date: 02/15/11

The episode begins with a cheerful and smiling Alison Sweeney, a sure sign a pop challenge is about to take place. In this challenge each team is tied to an enormous rope, which ever team is able to untie themselves will have the only access to the gym for the week. Once again, the red team beats the black team who is very discouraged. Bob tells the team they don't do well because they don't work well together. Hannah chastises the team also which is not taken well by the rest of the team.

On the red team, Cara notices Rulon is not putting his all into his workouts. When she confronts him, he tells Cara he will do better. But perhaps it's said to just shut her up? We'll see why I say this in a future episode.

While working out in the pool, Jennifer and Justin have a competition to see who can swim the length of the pool the quickest. The winner will be served breakfast in bed by the loser. Justin prevails and is brought a Subway breakfast sandwich the following morning.

Later, the teams are challenged with moving a 24 ton train 8000 feet. To make this even more difficult, they will be asked trivia questions. If you give the wrong answer, time will be added to your total time. Winners decide who sits out on the opposing team during the weigh-in. Once again, the red team prevails in the challenges. The red team opts to sit Irene out instead of Arthur.

At the weigh in: The red team has a total weight loss of 2.68%, but Arthur from the black team has a weight loss of 20 pounds, which helps them beat the red team. At the elimination, red team votes out Jay.

This blog entry was NOT brought to you today by Subway.
But it's still a great place to enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Also check them out on Twitter for latest updates. - @subwayfreshbuzz

S11E06 - The Land of Chocolate

2011-02-08T12:00:00.001-06:00

Original Air Date: 02/08/11
The couples are merged into two separate groups, with the 'unknowns' (Cara & Brett) wearing red and Bob & Jillian's couples donning black. No sooner do they change into their new team colors, they are presented with a temptation challenge. They are led to a room filled with chocolates and told whoever eats the most, will have the power to swap two individuals. When the dust settles, Sarah & Deni are swapped out for Jay and Jennifer, who are hurt and feel it's a strategic move to eliminate them. None of the trainers are happy with the switch and it's found out Arthur was the one who essentially sabotaged both groups.

During the workouts, both the Black and Red teams have access to the gym. No one is happy with sharing.

For the weekly challenge, the teams are given obstacles to overcome involving strength, speed, agility, endurance and knowledge; the winners receive videos from home. The black team starts off great and finishes well before the red team. They all enjoy their videos, but Deni cries as she watches footage from her daughters wedding, which she had to miss to make it on the Biggest Loser.

At the weigh in: Jennifer and Jay show the red team they are an asset by losing 17 and 14 pounds. But Q loses only 7. In the end, the red team lose a 3.43% percentage and black a 4.38%. With the red team having lost, Jay and Jennifer feel they are next to go, but red team is upset with Q for not doing as much as he could and they choose to eliminate him.

A-Z Fitness - Understanding

2011-02-08T06:58:00.006-06:00

What exactly are we meant to understand? How to eat? What food is? Obviously we know how to eat and what food is, the understanding comes in knowing what food to eat and what the make-up of it is. But we need to know more than that in our fitness goals. Just knowing what foods are good, isn't enough. We need to understand why they are good or bad and how they affect our bodies. As we all eat different things, and we all have different bodies, you need to understand the food you personally eat and how it affects you. You also need to understand what exercises work best for you. What are the best foods to have on hand when you're craving a sweet? What is the best way to motivate yourself? Answering these and other questions you have will give you a better understanding of what you really want from your fitness goals.

Tips: If you are looking to do research, there is a vast assortment of tools available for you. The handiest can be the internet with so many blogs about health and fitness. You're bound to find something to fit your need. Also check out the book store or library for something more convenient to read. Nothing like relaxing on the beach in Mexico as you are reading a book. In a hurry? You don't have to look far to find a quick magazine with additional information. The check-outs in most grocery stores have them staring back at you as you purchase your food.

Remember: Everyone is unique. Do research that fits your situation best. Don't restrict your research to just losing weight, you could also research how best to maintain your weight, or what sort of exercises work best for you. Not everyone has the body of an athlete an knowing what you are capable of is a great idea for everyone.

Goal: Your goal for the week is to do research on something you need to work on, but have not done so yet. What can you find to do research on? What trigger foods are? The nutritional benefits of water? What vitamins you should be taking? Feel free to report back with any new information you've found interesting. Share what you learn to help others understand.

Last Weeks Goal: How were you in your tracking this past week? Did you spend the week tracking or just a day? How did you do so? More importantly, what did you discover? Anything new or useful? Keep up the good work because you can do it, and you are worth it!

What fitness words starting with the letter "U" inspire you?

A-Z Fitness - Tracking

2011-02-04T07:05:00.006-06:00

It might not seem like it, but tracking is on of the most important things you can do. Why is this? Tracking does just as it suggests, helps keep track of what you are eating. Most people when they are watching what they eat, try to maintain a certain amount of calories for the day. Generally, that's a good idea to do no matter where you are in your fitness quest, losing weight or maintaining. Have you tried tracking? You'd be surprised how quickly the calories can add up. 1 Tbsp of Ketchup can have 20 calories; 1 Tbsp. of light mayonnaise can have 35 calories; 1 Tbsp of regular mayonnaise can have 90 calories and 8 oz. of orange juice can have 110 calories. If you are not tracking, you may not even be aware of what you are putting into your body. Track can help make you more aware.

Tips: You can find small, convenient journal books in most book stores. There are also many online programs to help with tracking. Some you have to pay for, but I've found several free ones. If you attend Weight Watchers or some other type of program, they generally have free weekly trackers available for use. If you own a Droid phone or one of those apple devices, you can find apps to use as well, again some you pay a one time fee for, others are free. Find out what works best for you.

Remember: If you are going to track, don't kid yourself. Make sure to track everything you eat. This includes condiments, juice, coffee sweetener and all BLT's (Bites, Licks & Tastes). If you don't keep track of those, the tracking will be ineffective because they can add up fast.

Goal: Make it your goal to write down everything you eat. Try to do it for a full week. Not only will you be more aware of what you are eating, you can do a review at the end of the week and see what exactly you have been eating. It might help you figure out where you are going wrong, if losing weight is a problem for you. If you find it too difficult to continue for a full week, give it a try for at least a day.

Last Weeks Goal: Last week you were to find and give new support. What did you come up with? Were you given support at all, and more importantly did you try to support someone else's fitness?

What fitness words starting with the letter "T" inspire you?

S11E05 - I'm Done, Can I Go Home Now?

2011-02-01T12:00:00.001-06:00

Original Air Date: 02/01/11

Brett and Cara's contestants finally move into the Biggest Loser ranch where they will continue to be trained. But this means they are now eligible for elimination if they go below the yellow line.

With a weigh in to start the show, Irene and Don both gain weight. Irene claims to have done so for Don who wants to go home. He also admits he wants to leave. Instead of giving the contestants an hour, Alison allows Don to leave without further delay.

Once the two groups of contestants meet, Alison gives them a challenge. If they can lose more than 48 pounds, they will win immunity. The original campus team end the week with a weight loss of 63 pounds, winning them immunity. The 'unknowns' fall short. They must now eliminate their first member and it'll be either Q or Larialmy. Q vows to do better if he's allowed to stay, so the rest of the team vote out Larialmy.

A-Z Fitness - Support

2011-01-28T06:55:00.006-06:00

Some people seem to have so much support in everything they do. Is that you? Not everyone has the support they feel they need, but it's needed none-the-less. Perhaps you don't feel you need the support? If not, how much better would it be if you found a friend or family member to share in your goals and ambitions? I've found blogging can be one way to find the support when I'm lacking. Don't be afraid to ask your close friends and family for support if you think they are not giving it to you. Find a friend to walk with or go to the gym with. Share your success with others in an on-line community. Do what it takes to find the support you need, you'll find it won't be difficult at all.

Tips: Make sure you pair up with someone who has similar goals in mind. If you're looking to work on cardio, pairing up with someone looking to strength train is hardly going to work unless you are simply looking for support getting to the gym. If you are still feeling support is waining feel free to comment on the support thread I've set up in my blog: Support

Remember: Never go it alone. Even if you have to do your workout's and food planning alone, sharing with someone can give you additional thoughts and motivation. Don't forget, as long as they are supporting you, you need to support them as well. Support goes both ways and making sure you are just as supportive makes for a team with positive results.

Goal: Discover who your biggest support is and make sure you are giving them as much support as they giving you. Try finding someone new to support and you'll likely find new support coming your way as well.

Last Weeks Goal: For the past few weeks I've been having a problem with looking at the big picture, one step at a time. With last weeks goal to be more realistic I decided to step back and look what I was doing. I wasn't working towards an immediate realistic approach, but how much I wanted to lose as a whole. By stopping and looking at what my immediate short short goal is, I've become more realistic in my approach and taking it one day at a time. How did you do on last weeks goal of looking more realistic on your fitness?

What fitness words starting with the letter "S" inspire you?

S11E04 - I Did Nothing Wrong

2011-01-25T12:00:00.002-06:00

Original Air Date: 01/25/11

The contestants are given a food challenge to start the week off and are presented with some of their favorite foods. The team who eats the most calories gets to choose which team will have to work with the unknowns for a week. Most teams refuse to eat any calories but Arthur eats a chicken leg which gives him control. He sends the green (Jay & Jennifer) team to the others.

Meanwhile, the rest of the contestants on the ranch let Don know they are upset with him for throwing the weigh in last week. Jillian tries to talk to him, but Don claims he's innocent and refuses to admit he's done anything wrong.

Letters from home are next offered to both the Ranch and the Unknown teams. Whichever group can come closest to guessing the number of calories in various meals they will win the letters. The players from the ranch win the reward. Despite the tears, they are all encouraged from home not to give up. Even Don seems to take the encouragement to heart.

No weigh-in this week.

S.U.P.P.O.R.T.

2011-01-20T10:24:00.003-06:00

It's not an article, it's a support thread. Looking for support or want to give your support to those in need? This is a chance to look for and receive specific support in your fitness goals. Sometimes, knowing others are dealing with the same thing you are, is half the battle.

The goal is to help others succeed by urging them along and giving them positive persuasion. Remind them of their objective and show your reliability. Individually, fitness can be a challenge but teamwork can help us all out.

If you need support in a specific area, leave a comment. Want to offer support to myself or others? Leave that in the comment section as well.

S11E03 - Losing Weight, You're Doing It Wrong

2011-01-18T12:00:00.001-06:00

Original Air Date: 01/18/11
It's week three and the new trainers are finally revealed. Cara is a boxer and Brett is a fitness instructor. Both are upset with Q for taking advantage of his four week immunity, and he's not doing as much work as he should be.

Both groups meet later at a challenge although a partition divides them. Each group is challenged to keep an egg balanced on the underside of a skillet. The last person from each team will meet at a dinner with Curtis Stone. There is also a two pound challenge at stake. Marci and Denise win and meet Curtis Stone. He prepares them lunch and the one who comes closest to guessing the calories will win the two pound challenge. Marci comes closest and wins the challenge.

For the latest challenge, each contestant has a large bucket, and when filled they will be out of the challenge. The final person remaining will have the only vote at the elimination, that turns out to be Irene.

At the Weigh In: Things don't look good for Arhtur who only loses four pounds. But the twins Dan and Don both GAIN nine pounds. Irene opts to vote out Dan.

A-Z Fitness - Really Realistic

2011-01-18T07:04:00.007-06:00

Sometimes in our journey to fitness, we become over excited and tend to make big plans. It's good to think big, but are you being realistic in your goals and ambitions or are you dreaming? Wanting to lose 20 pounds is great, but are you expecting to lose that in a week or two? Shows like the Biggest Loser might make you think it's achievable, but it's not realistic. Let's keep in mind, the contestants on the Biggest Loser are on a fitness ranch, with personal trainers, working out several hours each day. Is that something you will realistically do? Probably not. Also, be realistic in what you eat. Suddenly deciding to cut off every food you like isn't very realistic either. Before long, you'll be craving the foods you've cut off and likely over indulge. As I've said before, it takes baby steps. Make your goals attainable and realistic and you will have better success.

Tips: If you are realistic about your goals and want to do all you can besides joining the Biggest Loser there are other options for you. Join a gym, hire a personal trainer, join Weight Watchers. Weight Watchers is nice because of the support, motivational encouragement from the team leaders and the help in tracking. If these are viable options for you, go for it. Looking for ways to be realistic in your goals without spending money is also doable. Get an ipod and go for a walk in the mornings, or take up running. Perhaps you have a friend who'll run with you. There are various games now available to help keep you active. Having fitness goals can be realistic without having to spend lots of money on a monthly basis. There are also various web-sites designed to help you track your daily calories, some are free.

Remember: Sometimes it's easier when you are not think about your ultimate goal. If you want to be realistic, think small. Being realistic and tackling smaller goals will help keep you focused and give you the confidence to succeed. Being unrealistic or merely planning and wishing to get in shape will only aggravate and disappoint you.

Goal: It's time to review your immediate goals. What are your immediate goals and are they realistic? Remember to think short term, make a realistic goal for the next week. Losing one pound a week can be realistic, losing 5-10 not so much. Try making a realistic weight-loss goal, a realistic exercise goal or a realistic dietary goal. Feel free to share it here.

Last Weeks Goal: What small steps did you make this week to change the quality of your food? I made a point to put out fruit this weekend, and I bought myself several packages of gum to lay around the house. Having a quality food within easy reach can sometimes make or break your decision to eat an unhealthy food.

What fitness words starting with the letter "R" inspire you?

A-Z Fitness - Quality Control

2011-01-12T06:47:00.004-06:00

Last week we talked about how much you eat, the quantity. This week we're talking about quality. It's the kind of yin-yang of healthy eating. Watching your quality will help you focus on quantity, watching your quantity forces you to keep better tabs on your quality. So why watch the quality if you are watching quantity? Remember the old saying, 'you are what you eat'? If we put nothing but junk into our body, we shouldn't expect our bodies to perform well. Watching calories is fine, but if all the calories are a result of doughnuts, McDonald's, beer and nothing more, we won't feel satisfied, we won't feel refreshed and we won't feel motivated.

Tips: If you are unsure what changes you can make, don't be afraid to ask for help. If you are like me, you'll likely have many friends who are into fitness and will consistently offer suggestions for quality foods to try. Or perhaps post a comment in an open forum like twitter, facebook or something similar. You'll be surprised to find how many people are willing to give you great ideas for food substitutes. As an example, I just posed the question "Looking for suggestions to change to better quality food when snacking. 100 cal bag of chips fine or something else be better?"* I received back the following list of suggestions; Raw carrots, broccoli, an apple with natural peanut butter, stove popped popcorn, protein shake, parsnip chips, the entirety of the fruit and veg chart. So even if you can't think of a better quality food to substitute with, there are others who'll gladly offer suggestions.

Remember: Choose foods that will give you lasting energy throughout the day. Snacking on carrots rather than chips will keep our bodies satisfied. Craving something sweet, there is nothing like the natural goodness of a fresh fruit. Sometimes people are prone to eat less fruits and vegetables even if they are watching what they eat. True, chocolate might taste better but it certainly won't have the lasting effects healthier options will have.

Goal: Do your utmost to watch the quality of what you are eating. Is there a food choice you can substitute this week? Try a piece of gum instead of eating a snack. Cut up some fruit for dessert instead of eating a cookie. Changes start with small steps, and slowly changing the quality of what you eat will have lasting effects.

Last Weeks Goal: What did you notice when taking note of portion sizes consumed by yourself or others? Did you make the effort to keep tabs on this, if so you likely took some interesting notes. What were your observations? Care to share?

What fitness words starting with the letter "Q" inspire you?

*This question was posted on twitter so I had to keep the message short, thus the grammatical errors.

S11E02 - Doughnut Stompin'

2011-01-11T12:00:00.001-06:00

Original Air Date: 01/11/11
Irene is really upset about her mother going home, but more bad news comes when Alison tells the contestants those with the mystery trainers beat their weigh-in percentages. As an incentive, the contestants on the ranch are told if they beat the other teams percentage they will all win immunity for the week.

But the other team plays dirty pool when they send the contestants at the ranch a box of donuts. Arthur realizes he's very tempted to grab one so everyone decides to stomp on the box of donuts. Arthur takes the remains to the dumpster, though is still tempted, despite them being stepped on and mushed.

The challenge for the week has the contestants making a bridge across water with air mattresses. The winner of the challenges gets a three pound advantage. The contestants from the ranch lose, but win the weigh in anyway. All teams are safe for the week.

S11E01 - The Mystery Trainers

2011-01-04T12:00:00.001-06:00

Original Air Date: 01/04/11
11 teams arrive on the ranch and discover Bob and Jillian are not the only trainers this season. 5 teams will have the option of working with the new trainers, and receive four weeks of immunity. Each team work together towards completing 5K on a treadmill. The order the contestants finish will determine who gets to pick which set of trainers they want to work with; Bob & Jillian or a mystery two.

Choosing the Unknown Trainers:
Yellow (Justin & Rulon)
Grey (Moses & Kaylee)
Pink (Denise & Sarah)
Red (Jaquin & Larialmy)
Brown (Ken & Austin)

Teams with Bob & Jillian:
Aqua (Marci & Courtney)
Green (Jay & Jennifer)
Orange (Ana & Irene)
Purple (Hannah & Olivia)
Blue (Jesse & Arthur)
Black (Dan & Don)

At the weigh in: The Orange team falls below the yellow line and the rest of the teams decide to send home Ana and keep Irene.