Biggest Loser 15 - Getting Into The Olympic Spirit

 

 

 



This week the contestants get to do something most of us dream of - train with Olympians. 

After last week's weigh-in, the remaining players got packed and onto a plane to Park City, Utah, to work out at the U.S. Olympic Training Center.  The first thing they noticed when boarding their flight was that they could walk down the aisle without bumping into other people already seated.  The other big victory...not only finding that seat belt extenders weren't necessary, but that there was actually room to breathe after buckling into the regular belt!

Once in Utah, Dolvett introduced everyone to Apolo Ohno, who jumped right into training and motivating the contestants.  He noticed that Rachel's mental switch was turned back on and advised her to never let it shut off again.  He also told David that his old inner athlete was coming back.  Apolo gave excellent advice for all of us - never just go through the motions in life, tap into your mental capacity and fight for yourself.  I know that's something I need to be reminded of every now and then...I'm sure we all do.

Of course everyone was worried about the weigh-in due to the travel schedule and major changes in routine...especially Bob.  Rachel proved that she was thinking ahead by preparing food from the ranch and packing it for the trip, so she wouldn't have to worry about falling into old eating patterns.  Bobby had a binge night at the beginning of the week, so he worked hard to overcome that the rest of the week - but Bob was still nervous and had a long talk with him. Bob also gave everyone a breakfast lesson to get them back on track.  Those mini frittatas look awesome, and I like how Chelsea plans to make them at home and use them as an on-the-go option before work.

The first challenge of the week is brought to us courtesy of the Women's Curling Team. They give encouragement to the contestants by telling them how hard worked at their second chance to make the Olympic team, and then Ali assigns the challenge.  Each player needs to push 100 pound curling stones into a target and land them in the red bulls-eye.  There are two heats of four, and two from each heat make it into the finals by scoring 3 points.  The person in the final round scoring 3 points first wins $5000.  Bobby and Rachel win Heat 1, David and Chelsea win Heat 2.  Rachel wins the final, and she can feel the pressure of being the number one threat/target in the group.  Now, however, she feels she can handle the pressure.

Bob puts everyone through a grueling obstacle course, which includes players riding piggyback with each other.  Marie can't jump high enough to get on Bobby's back, so she has him get on HER back and she carries him all the way.  Now that's a strong woman - she's in it to win it!

We also get an update on Tumi, who went home last week.  She's lost 139 pounds so far and is enjoying herself trying on wedding dresses, which she didn't do before at her old weight.  It's wonderful to see her reunite with her sister again as well.

Dolvett has a talk with Rachel about her dad, since they had a strained relationship after she quit competitive swimming and her parents divorced.  She was happy to report that after she told him about Biggest Loser, he's been writing her and showing plenty of support. They're on their way to mending their relationship, since they are bonding over athletic endeavors again.

The second challenge involved the bobsled track.  The contestants met the women's team of Jasmine and Lolo (yes - Lolo Jones from track and field!)  and got another lesson in second chances.  Then they all had to race UP the bobsled track, over a mile long, to win a one pound advantage at the weigh-in.  The altitude got to some of them but they all finished.  It came down to Rachel and Jay, with Rachel winning the pound advantage.

At the last chance workout, Jillian worked with Jen on her box jumps.  Jen's fear took over again, but this time Jill was able to talk her through it and get her to perform them.  I can totally relate to the fear, so kudos to Jen for overcoming it!

The weigh-in was held outdoors at night, at the Nordic Ski Jump site.  Five players lost weight, pleasing the trainers who were worried about the scale this week.  Jen lost nothing, but still stayed above the yellow line because Jay gained one pound and Bobby gained two.  Everyone voted to send Jay home, and he was a class act all the way.  I can't wait to see how he looks at the finale, which is coming up in a few weeks.

Next week is - wait for it - MAKEOVER WEEK!  I know we all look forward to this every season, and this time it will be fun to see David once he finally shaves that beard.  Tune in next week with me to see the transformations!

Biggest Loser 15 - Yellow Line Is Back, A Former Contestant Returns

It seems like forever since we last checked in on our Season 15 contestants, even though it's only been three weeks. 

So Biggest Loser provided us with a recap of the season so far in the first few minutes of tonight's show.  But that's OK - since they also gave us a 2 hour episode tonight. Seems like old times!

There are other reasons that tonight feels like a blast from the past as well.  A Season 8 favorite comes by to talk to the current contestants, and someone who was eliminated gets to return to the game.  Oh yeah...and the yellow line is back!

After the recap, we jump right into Alison bringing the eliminated players to the scale, vying for a spot back on the ranch.  She also informs them about the yellow line, which means they'll need to vote on who goes home.  The person with the highest percentage of weight loss gets to rejoin the competition.  Hap and Matt, who had just been eliminated, have already weighed in.  It looks like Matt won't be going anywhere, until Bobby gets on the scale and posts over 27 percent weight loss and knocks him back out.  Bobby is back, and Bob is thrilled since he had just lost two players...one of his favorites is back, someone who Bob thought wasn't quite ready to go home anyway.  They talk about Bobby's adventures since he was last on the ranch, then get back to work.

Bob also puts David through a tough circuit workout over and over again, and David responds by beating his time each round and showing great improvement. Bob asks him about his current wife, since so far most of the story had been about the first wife who passed away.  David talks about what a gift Melissa has been in his life for the past 9 years, and how strong she is coming into a grieving family, helping them move on while also allowing them to remember the wife and mom who is no longer here.  Bob arranges a video chat so David can tell Melissa how much he's learned on the ranch and how much he loves and appreciates her.  He vows to love her even better, since now he has really learned how to love himself so he can spread more love to his family.

Jillian works Tanya out, noticing how she always starts out strong in her workouts but waivers near the end.  Tanya tells Jill about her mom's abuse, and how her mom always pointed out what was "wrong" with her.  Jillian teaches her how to embrace her potential, and Tanya sees how she needs to "parent" herself instead of looking for approval from others. 

When we check in on Matt and Hap, we discover they've continued their friendship and support at home.  Hap travels a lot for work, so he shows us how he eats healthy on the road.  Hmm...I'm going to have to take a grill on the road with me as well.  It's such a great idea, and keeps you away from the greasy fast food when traveling.

Everyone meets Ali at the beach for the challenge.  They have to dig kettlebells out of the sand and carry them up the hill and hang them on a post. Each is worth one point, and the first to get to 10 wins a $25,000 home gym from Planet Fitness.  The person coming in last gets a one pound disadvantage at the weigh-in.  There is one golden kettlebell worth five points, which Marie finds, but it isn't enough to beat Jay for the top prize.  Tanya is last and receives the dreaded pound, but she vows to overcome it.

Season 8's Abby Rike comes to visit, and all of the contestants remember her story of losing her family in a car accident and struggling to find her way back.  She tells them not to compare their journey with anyone else's, and that it's necessary to deal with your own hurt to become whole again.  She has remarried and is approaching her 2nd wedding anniversary.  She also kept the weight off until suffering a back injury, and is working her way back to her previous fitness level with the help of the Biggest Loser Resort.  (I hope I can make a trip to one soon!)  She mentions how sweat and tears are healing waters...and David can definitely relate.

Dolvett takes the players to the race track, where they work out with driver Carl Edwards.  And what a surprise...they all have Subway for lunch!  The step workout looks brutal but they still all have fun doing it with Carl.  Back at the ranch, Rachel tries on her old size 8 jeans that her mom sent...and they fit!  As she celebrates her accomplishment, Marie meets with Jillian to let her know she's decided that she's in this competition to win it.  Jill promises to make her prove it - and delivers.

At the weigh-in, Tanya and Tumi fall below the yellow line.  Everyone votes to send Tumi home, since they consider her a bigger threat and feel she'll do well at home.

Next week the remaining contestants go to the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Park City, Utah, where they'll train with Apolo Ohno and other athletes.  But will the scale be kind?  Tune in and find out!

Biggest Loser 15 - Tricks and Treats

After missing last week's Biggest Loser due to work and catching up on it a few days ago, I was more than ready to watch tonight's show when it aired.  And I'm definitely glad that I could - because there was a lot of action this week!

We begin where last week left off...with Tanya, who had just been saved from going home by Dolvett.  She feels the pressure to step it up this week, since the team save was used on her and the next person to fall below the red line would go home.  She wants to do her part to make sure the red team is safe from elimination.

Of course, the next item on the Biggest Loser agenda is the first temptation of the season.  Alison leads the players to a pumpkin patch, informing them that the pumpkins are filled with tricks (candy and pumpkin pie) or treats (cash or immunity for the team).  If someone's pumpkin contained food they had to eat it, or else their team would not be allowed to continue on to play for the immunity.  Several rounds went by before immunity was discovered, causing thousands of calories to be consumed by all three teams.  The blue team, however, took in the least amount of calories AND found the immunity. 

Bob was happy that his team would be safe at the weigh-in, as long as none of them gained weight.  He was also inspired by his team member Holley, who is trying to get back into the Olympics as a weightlifter - just in better shape than the last time.  He wanted her to see women in the 165 weight class lift, so she would realize that she would be even stronger and able to lift more as she lost weight.  Holley also got the chance to lift, proving to herself that she is gaining muscle as her weight goes down and she will still have the power she needs to get to the Olympics. 

In the meantime, the white and red teams worked out furiously to stay away from elimination.  Only the blue team has a save left, so this week someone would definitely be sent home.  At times some of them felt ready to pass out or throw up, but after a short rest they were able to get back to the workout and keep going.  Nobody wanted to be the 2nd person to go home this season.

We also got to catch up with last season's teen ambassador Biingo, who has lost even more weight and kept it off.  His mom is thrilled that he's so active now, because he doesn't sit as much in front of video games anymore. And Biingo's whole family has lost almost 300 pounds with his motivation and encouragement.  It's great to see the whole family become healthier!

Finally, it's time for the moment of truth on the scale. The blue team goes first, and since all of them lost weight they keep the immunity.  All of the teams' numbers are on the lower side (it seems like this season the numbers are much lower overall) but the red team is the one with the lowest percentage of weight loss.  The person below the red line is Ruben, so he automatically goes home.  I'm glad Tanya squeaked by again, but I'm also disappointed that Ruben's time on the ranch was up.  He vowed to continue the hard work at home so he would be soulful AND sexy by the finale.

Next week, it looks like Tanya has a critical breakdown...and it also appears that someone will finally have a big loss on the scale.  I wonder who it will be?  We'll find out in a week!

Extreme Makeover or Olympics? No Brainer!

Extreme Makeover Weight Loss Edition aired a new episode this past Sunday, but I didn't watch.  Yes, I know...I usually don't miss an episode but I had good reason.

The Olympics.

By now you know just how addicted I am to the Olympics, and since they only come around every four years I decided to watch them instead of EMWLE.  I know ABC will re-air the episode; the Olympics only air once and they're done.

Besides, I'm being inspired on a daily basis by determination, perseverance and good sportsmanship.  Athletes coming back after having children, losing 50 pounds and performing better than ever.  Runners competing without legs.  People who fall, yet get back up and keep going.  And athletes who honor each other for their efforts, no matter the results on the scoreboard.

These athletes show us just how much the human body, mind, and spirit can do if we let it happen.  We all have that greatness in us, as the commercials that run during the Games keep reminding us.  We can be motivated past the point of reaching our goal weight - we can go beyond what we ever thought possible.

Thank you to all of the athletes participating in the Olympics for giving us hope and courage to do our own personal best.  Whether you win a medal or not, you rock for showing us what we can be capable of if we put our minds to achieving it. You all deserve an award - just for being the best you can be!

London Olympics Inspiration

As many of you may know, I'm an Olympic-aholic.  I watch as much of it as I can, while still getting other things accomplished.  There is just so much to be learned from the Games and the athletes who participate in them.

It's been this way ever since I was a little girl.  Winter or Summer, it doesn't mattter.  I imagine what it would be like to be one of those athletes and participate in the different sports.  Since I don't know how to swim, I'm fascinated by the swimming races.  And what would it be like to dive off of a 10 meter platform or perform on a balance beam? 

There are life lessons here as well.  Every athlete's story is different...some deal with setbacks with grace and class, teaching us how to overcome adversity.  Others show us how to stay focused when so many different things are going on around you.  And I smile every time an athlete thanks and praises God for their Olympic expereince, good or bad.

This time while watching the Olympics, I'm working out at the same time.  Sometimes I'm doing my step and kettle bells, other times I do something that somewhat resembles one of the sports I'm watching.  My arms, back, and abs are sure getting stronger as I sit sideways on my step, rowing along with the competitors!

So let your inner athlete come out to play during the Olympics - it's so much fun.  Who knows...I may still learn to swim yet!!!

Biggest Loser 13 - There's No Whine on the Biggest Loser Plan!

I think Dolvett might be up for sainthood after this episode - even though he's still very much alive and even if he's not Catholic.

I'll start off by saying that even though this week's show was shortened due to the State of the Union address, NBC sure packed a lot into that hour. Unfortunately, it was mostly comprised of whining, crying, complaining and moaning. All in the season of NO EXCUSES!

Let's move past the muddy battering ram challenge right into the heart of the episode. Both Bob and Dolvett had to deal with people who would rather complain than do the work they need to do to lose the weight. Bob's problem child was Gail, who seemed to be giving very little effort combined with a whole lot of talk and tears. Bob's explanation of her crying fit over her shoelaces becoming untied would have made Tonya Harding proud. (Now, how much fun would it have been to have Bob Harper at the 1994 Olympics to whip Tonya into shape?) No matter what Gail was asked to do, she gave every excuse in the book, plus a few that she probably invented herself.

Now, I do understand the fine art of excuses. I've made them myself in the past...obviously they, along with fear, played a part in my obesity. But even in my worst season of excuses I didn't act like this. (Or like Conda, who we'll get to in a moment.) How long can a person go on complaining before they're fed up and finally just do it? Most of us have a lower threshold for our own B.S. than Gail or the other two players do, thank God.

Now to poor Dolvett. He had two whiners on his team. Nancy managed to sass him every chance she got, including giving Dolvett the business because he'd never given birth. Really - she went there. I've been through childbirth, which included 21 hours of labor and anethesia that somehow wore off on one side of my body but not the other. (The anesthesiologist put the epideral in crooked, so it sent most of the meds to my right side and not my left. It was an interesting labor!) Yes, it is a lot of work and takes all of your strength. But that only makes me realize that if we can do childbirth, we can do anything. And after both giving birth and hard training, you have something precious to show for it. In one case, your baby - in the other case, your health!

Then there's Conda. (In the Olympic realm, she would be the one trying to club her opponent on the knee instead of just working her butt off for the title.) I'm trying to like her...I really am. I'm sure there are some deep issues within her that are making her act like a spoiled brat, and that we will find out more about them soon. But have you ever heard someone talk to their trainer that way? Mouthing off, shouting NO! at him when he asks you to do something, even if it's only going to take two minutes...and complaining to the producer that Dolvett is picking on her. He was right to make her go outside until she was ready to come in and do the work. He needed to focus on the rest of his team that wanted to be there and were giving all of the effort. She finally apologized when he asked if she had something to say to him, and like the class act he is, he even apologized to her as well. I certainly didn't see anything he did that he needed to say he was sorry for. But he did what was needed to get her back to work.

Before the weigh-in, Conda was heard already making excuses before she got on the scale. If she had a bad number, she was going to blame Dolvett for giving her a hard time all week. Now THAT is ridiculous. Everything he did was to help her - she was the one holding everything up. I know some people like Conda, and unfortunately you probably do too. Everything that goes wrong is someone else's fault other than their own. They often blame the very people who try to encourage them. Luckily for the Red Team, Conda pulled a good number on the scale. Her 10 pound loss was not in spite of Dolvett...it was BECAUSE of him. (Time to send a message to the Pope - Dolvett should at least get some special blessing for putting up with this!)

It had to be beyond frustrating for Bob when his team hit the scale. Megan worked her butt off and lost only two pounds, while Gail did very little and still lost five. And you know it was even more mind-boggling for Megan! I predict that next week the scale will make it up to her. At least I sure hope so.

The elimination for the Black Team came down to the two people I thought it would. Earlier in the week, Chris broke down and said, among other things, that she wanted to go home. Fear makes you do funny things, especially when you usually keep to yourself and you're thrown into a house full of strangers who overwhelm you. But I don't blame her team for being nervous that she would leave. After all, Joe already did and they didn't want any more problems like that. Gail, as previously mentioned, complained a lot and didn't do the work. By one vote, Gail was sent home. She seems to be doing OK at home, even with tendonitis in her hips. Good thing she's swimming a lot.

By the way, congratulations to Buddy and his wife on the birth of their son! Now here's a man who flew home, witnessed his son being born, flew back in time for the weigh-in...and still lost 10 pounds! Talk about no excuses!

Next week the Aqua Team comes back. If they've lost at least 50 pounds at home they get to come back on the ranch. I'm really pulling for them to make it. I'm ready to watch people who want to make the most of their opportunities and really want to be there. How about you?

Biggest Loser 12: There's No Team In "I", Or So We Thought

There's no "I" in team.

There's also no Team in "I", or at least that's what we think when Biggest Loser goes to singles and the yellow line looms in the minds of the players.

They certainly started out thinking that way. Once Alison made the announcement that each player would be on their own and there was going to be a week long penthatalon, everyone started strategizing. It is partially a game, after all. The first event had the contestants ranking each other according to who they most thought would win this season, and everyone had their own system for coming up with a list. They ranged from putting the "least threatening" players first to ranking them alphabetically. (Really, Sunny? Couldn't you put a little more effort into it?) The kicker was - the results of this event would not be revealed until the weigh-in.

As the contestants moved through each event, they received points according to where they finished and stood on a championship-style podium...except this podium had 7 steps. I bet there are a few athletes that wished they had that at the Olympics. What type of medal would you give for 7th place? Paper? Aluminum foil???

On the day of the final event, the players got to meet Apolo Ohno, the most decorated American athlete in the history of the Winter Olympics. He brought them lunch (Subway of course) and talked to them about how they inspire him and his weight problem as a kid. Looking at him now, it's still hard to fathom that his childhood nickname was Chunky. (And of course we're all looking at him now, because...well, just LOOK at him!) That just makes his victories in life that much sweeter and inspires everyone to overcome the labels that were placed on them at various times in their lives. You are more than a cruel or stupid nickname...don't let yourself be defined by it.

Apolo led the last event, a one mile run similar to what the contestants did on their very first day. (Thankfully they didn't all have to run together carrying a pole this time.) Apolo ran with them, accompanying each of them on the last leg to the finish line. Bonnie was the last to finish, and after Apolo ran out to join her so did everyone else. It was really nice to see players put aside "the game" to genuinely care about somebody else. Maybe all they needed was a glimpse into the heart of a champion to have it rub off on them. Apolo has always been incredibly gracious in both victory and defeat, and I'm happy to see this season's contestants get it and finally apply it to their own experience.

When it came time for the weigh-in, the results were revealed for the first event and the total of all five. You know Sunny was regretting her alphabetical plan when Antone won and received immunity. Boonie was last and received a one pound disadvantage. She wound up below the yellow line with Becky.

In true Olympic spirit, Bonnie sacrificed herself for Becky, her former teammate on Anna's Blue team. Not only did she want her friend to keep going, but she really wants to see a teacher take it all the way. (Both Becky and Sunny are math teachers.) Her unselfish act caused plenty of tears on the ranch and here at my house. These are the moments that really matter - not whether you beat someone at a challenge, but how you treat them. Winning is still something to strive for...as long as you treat people well along the way.

Next week the players and trainers have Thanksgiving dinner together at the ranch. Even though you know they will consume healthy versions of our holiday favorites, I'd love to see Apolo back to lead a Turkey Trot. Hey, I'm all for some Apolo every week!

Biggest Loser "Shocker" Thoughts - AKA Rulon, You Were Given The Right Color Shirt

Rulon Gardner...Yer Yella!

Yes, I realize this sounds like we're back in the Wild, Wild West slingin' guns. But there's something to be said for the fact that Rulon was given a yellow shirt to wear this season, given that this is the word many people have used to tell someone they are chicken.

Rulon has been chicken pretty much all season on Biggest Loser. Sure, he always talked a good game, but when it really mattered he didn't follow through. He ate whole bags of chips and other junk food, didn't support his fellow competitors, and used his Olympic title as license to do whatever he wanted to do. He thought that the same rules that all of the others had to follow didn't apply to him. As soon as his friend Justin went home (who, by the way, deserved a different color shirt because he is a fine, stand-up guy) all hell broke loose. Whatever respect he did have for anyone else went right out the window, because his buddy wasn't there to call him out. He was really lucky up to this point that he didn't fall below the line, because his fellow contestants would have been more than ready to boot his keyster out the door of the ranch, never to be seen again. At least one player from BL11 has spoken out about what a jerk Rulon was to all of them. Rulon himself said last night he was not there to make friends and only wanted to win. I can understand focusing on your goal, but there is so much he could have learned from the others, and they could have learned from him, if he only would have opened his mind and heart to the possibilities. I really tried to give him the benefit of the doubt when I could, but I just can't anymore. (Maybe he should join Charlie Sheen on the road for the Winning Tour...because at this point neither of them are really winning.)

It has also been reported from a variety of sources, including Diets in Review, that a contestant this season would be disqualified for violating Biggest Loser rules. Part of this report also mentioned that when this person left, very little would be revealed on the show and the real reason for leaving would not be told. Well, I and many others have come to the conclusion that this person is Rulon...especially the way last night's episode played out. I still think that the truth should be revealed...if for no other reason than for future contestants to benefit from the lesson and know what NOT to do on the ranch.

Now whether he was disqualified or really left on his own, it doesn't look good for Rulon. This post is not meant as a bashing, but as a wake-up call for Rulon. (Or, a major call-out like he needs from Justin!) You may be an Olympic champion, but a gold medal does not entitle you to treat other people like they're nothing. Take a cue from other former Olympians who do good in the world with the fame they've attained. Heck, take a cue from your buddy Justin who is paying it forward! You need to dig down deep - much deeper than what you told Bob and Jillian. There's more to the story than what you let on. Figure out why you are pushing people away, or you are going to wind up one very sad, lonely, unhealthy man.

Tomorrow I will post about the more positive aspects of last night's episode...but for now I can only pray that Rulon gets his wake-up call before it's too late.

Body By Marie...With A Little Help From Jake

I wonder...do any of you still have this piece of exercise equipment in your house? It's the Body By Jake Ab And Back Plus. I've had it for years; when it first came out I ordered it from the infomercial, knowing that MY abs and back were in serious need of it. I worked out on it faithfully, and saw great results. Then once I was pregnant with my son, I stopped using it and haven't touched it since.

That is...until this week. (It's about time, since my son is 11 years old now!) Everything is still in good working order, so I have it all set up to use in front of the TV. I've been using it while I watch the Olympics, watching the athletes for motivation to push me while I work out. Seeing those sets of abs will make anyone want to work on theirs! Since my husband and his friend have started doing P90X, some of that equipment is hooked up as well, and I've been doing a few of those exercises. I am so sore...abs, back, arms...everywhere. But, it's a great feeling. It means that I'm getting all of the muscles working that I've neglected for so long. Not only is my body getting stronger, but my mind and spirit are benefitting as well. I'm feeling more confident than ever before.

I'm so glad I dusted off that old machine and got started with the ab and back exercises again. I let too many healthy habits fall by the wayside for too long, and now that I've started back up again, I'm teaching my son that exercise is an important part of our health. Taking care of me is helping my family as well as myself. So...what equipment do you having lurking around your house? Take the books and clothes off of it, dust it off and start using it again. You will be very happy that you did!

Motivational Monday...Pursue Your Dream

Let me start off with my weigh-in first, to get that out of the way. I weigh exactly the same as last Monday...189.8. I worked very hard this week, but yesterday I really celebrated for Valentine's Day. I'm sure that's what kept me the same, but I didn't gain! That is definitely a victory, and shows that you can celebrate sometimes on a holiday and then just pick up where you left off...as long as you don't overdo it. I did enjoy some of those small victories though...more of the clothes that I tried on that used to be tight are now swimming on me. That shows just how far I've come in on this journey, and keeps me pumped to continue. I am ready to make this week rock!!!

For Motivational Monday...I turn again to the Olympic athletes, from all of the countries around the world. You already know that the skiing inspires me, because I want to get back to it myself. I have always loved figure skating and that is still my favorite to watch. I really do enjoy all of the sports in the Olympics, because I learn from each of them. I discovered how tough the biathletes are, as they pressed on in heavy rain and snow to live their dreams. I cheered as a Canadian skier won the gold, inspired by his older brother who has cerebal palsy. I've watched skaters (figure and speed) fall and pick themselves back up to continue toward their goals. And of course there is Apolo Anton Ohno...competing in his third Olympics, training harder than ever and down 20 pounds to improve his performance level. He already has a silver medal for the 2010 Games...and has the chance to become the most decorated American Winter Olympic Athlete. He never, ever gives up...and I admire that.

So...as you watch the Olympics this week, discover which athletes inspire you, and why. They can help motivate you toward your goals too!

Food Is Fuel

Last night on The Biggest Loser, I learned some valuable lessons from the Olympic athletes who helped train the contestants for the week. So many of these competitors have been through a lot to get to where they are. They bounce back from injuries, and overcome what others would perceive as disabilities to accomplish great things. We can overcome all of our obstacles as well, as long as we adopt the attitude of champions, who know they can do whatever they set their minds to.

The other very important lesson I learned was actually something I already knew...but really finally clicked last night. The contestants were shown what the different types of athletes eat at the Olympic Training Center. The daily caloric intake varies, depending on what sport they are in. Some need more carbs or calories, some need less. It all hinges on what foods fuel their bodies best for maximum health and performance.

This demonstration reminded me how I need to think of food as fuel. It is not something to be used to relieve stress, make myself feel better, or just fill my empty stomach. A lot of the comfort foods I was used to are junk and definitely don't make my body perform at its best. I have to choose the proper nutrients to energize myself so I can get all of my tasks completed, including exercise, to the best of my ability. I need to ignite the fat-burning furnace within my body. I know I've been pretty good about it, but when I had a stressful week I still reached for the junk food more than I should have. I really needed to make that click in my brain, and now it has.

I need to fuel my body for maximum performance...I may not win a gold medal at the Olympics, but I will still be the winner of my own life!