The Real Prize

A lot of people are talking about some of the contestants of The Biggest Loser quitting because they felt a twist in the game was “unfair”. After hearing so much about it, I decided to watch the episode to see what all the fuss was about. I was shocked at what I was seeing. Amazed that the contestants kept saying it was “unfair” for those who were sent home to have a chance to win it all. I wonder have any of these remaining contestants seen the show before. As long as I can remember, past contestants were brought back. Then to see that the contract clearly states that these things can/will occur makes me wonder did they bother reading what they signed? I also wonder do they not realize the amazing gift they were given to be selected to be on the ranch? They took advantage of every opportunity, from training with some of the best, learning from a great nutritionist, transforming their bodies, and of course the trips. In return, they should inspire the people who want to lose weight. Instead, by walking off the show I feel as though it was a slap in the face to everyone involved. It was an insult to the trainers; Allison; past, current and future contestants; additional support crews; staff; the fans…


With that said. The reason for quitting was cited as “unfairness”, they felt as though they were the best because they were the final five and they didn’t want their money or spot taken from someone who has been voted off the ranch. To me this sounds cowardice, bringing people back to compete with those who are on the ranch still…Think about it, who has the true advantage? The people who have been tearin it up at home or those living in a sheltered life on the ranch with the best trainers. In my opinion if you want to be the best, you have to beat the best. Just because you made it to the end of the “game” doesn’t make you the best. It means you played the game right, especially this season.

Helen Keller once said "We could never learn to be brave and patient if there were only joy in the world." I think Helen Keller is saying that without situations that test not only our physical but mental strength you could never truly appreciate the true joys in life. In this case the joy would be being the last one standing no matter what the circumstances. Whether you made it all the way to the end on the ranch, or won a spot after being sent home. Victory is still going to be sweet.

I have seen and heard many people talk about how unmotivated they feel about this season. We are all looking for someone who we can relate too- someone who is just like us. Seeing people walk off because they felt something was “unfair” is a slap in the face to those who auditioned and are sitting at home watching the show wondering why they weren’t chosen, knowing that they would be grateful for every minute they had there. There are many people who offer support and motivation for people who want to lose weight, but we don’t have our own tv shows. Perhaps instead of associating weight loss success with being chosen to be on a weight loss show, we should encourage at home weight loss. Thousands of people do this year after year, no cameras. Just regular people getting their sweat on.

If you are looking for extra support, there are people who lost a lot of weight and want to share their journeys with you, they want to help you. Check out your local gyms, they might have weight loss challenges that you can do. These are great because you are with a group of people. You get support and accountability. Same thing as you would get from being on tv, but with no cameras. The prize, the ultimate prize…health.