DIET COLUMN

In this week’s episode of the Biggest Loser we are introduced to 11 new teams that are about to change their lives. Among those teams we have the heaviest female (Carla), the heaviest contestant (Daniel) and the oldest (Jerry and Estella) and youngest contestant (Mike) to ever compete. A few firsts for The Biggest Loser.

Jillian and Bob arrive and the teams are made. Before anyone even gets to training we see Jerry from the white team have a health scare as he passes out while the athletic trainer is taking his pulse. Jerry tells his wife, Estella, that he’s feeling out of it and passes out. We find out that Jerry had a drop in his blood pressure causing him to pass out. Thank goodness he’s OK!

The teams head off to their first challenge where they are to race from one end of a downtown Los Angeles bridge to another. But don’t forget about the 250,000 pound sand pile blocking their path! The contestants must arrive at their team colored flags and it’s not until both team members have arrived that they can race back. After three rounds the final two teams will compete for a worthy prize of immunity at the next weigh in. I know from experience that immunity is like having a golden ticket! We see the yellow and black teams compete neck-to-neck in the final round. The black team wins the challenge by the skin of their teeth! Literally! A hand is what got the black team across the finish line first! Great work!

Working out with Jillian and Bob is no walk in the park and the teams experience their first workout in the Biggest Loser gym. There’s puking, sweating, crying and screaming. All sounds that one would typically hear on a regular day on the ranch! Jillian dares her team to quit as Bob reminds his team that today is the day to take action in their lives.

During the first few moments of the weigh-in, Ali decided to deliver some crucial news. There will be NO elimination tonight. That’s right! No elimination. But by the look on Jillian’s and Bob’s faces, we know another twist is about to be revealed. There’s no elimination because nine contestants below the yellow line are going home tonight. Whaaaat?! After everyone weighs in, we see some record breaking weight loss! The brown team blows away the competition with a 6.60 percent, putting them above the yellow line and safe from elimination!

After an emotional discussion among themselves, the nine teams head into the elimination room to tell Ali who will be heading home. Leaving the ranch tonight were: Shanon, Sione, Laura, Aubrey, Nicole, David, Carla, Cathy and Estella. They have a chance to return in 30 days if their teammates are still in the game. An episode full of twist, turns and lots of emotion! To the at home contestants remember, “it’s not how many times you’ve been knocked out, it’s how many times you get back up!”

Alright we are now officially down to the Final 4, Michelle, Ed, Heba and Vicky, and you can definitely feel the pressure the contestants are under throughout episode 12. This episode began with Michelle coming to terms that her mother Renee had just been voted off, and that she would now have to continue her weight loss journey on her own. We see the remaining Blue team members celebrating the fact that they had escaped elimination and all had a chance to be finalist.

As in every episode there is a ton of working out, but this week seemed different. There wasn’t any of the usual whining, or complaining, about the workouts, all contestants seemed to have only one goal in mind, “Becoming a Finalist.” I personally am impressed with the determination and dedication each contestant seemed to show this last week.

Bernie’s Biggest Loser Families Week 9 Recap from Diets in Review on Vimeo.

Don’t miss any of Bernie’s weekly Biggest Loser recaps. You can also stay up to date on all the Biggest Loser news, videos and recipes by signing up for the Biggest Loser Updates newsletter.

Bernie’s Biggest Loser Week 8 Recap from Diets in Review on Vimeo.

Episode 8 was packed with so much drama and nail biting twists that I actually found myself covering my eyes and all-out screaming at my TV at some points. This undoubtedly had to be the most action-packed episode to date. In Episode 8 we see all the contestants return for a chance to get back on the ranch. Participants were asked to weigh in and Phil had lost an amazing 68 pounds. followed by Ed who wasn’t far behind at 58 pounds lost. However, contestants weren’t being allowed back on the ranch based on weight loss, instead Ali announces that a challenge will take place to determine who returns.

Bernie’s Biggest Loser Week 7 Recap from Diets in Review on Vimeo.

Let me just start off by saying, “Good for Bob!” He pulled his team aside, mainly Vicky and Brady, and asked if there was game play involved in Brady’s 2 lbs. weight loss last week. They concluded that his weight loss was attributed to Brady not eating as often as he should, not sure I’m sold on that conclusion, but oh well.

Contestants then played a game modeled after an amazing book called “Eat This, Not That,” which shares with people the calories behind some of the food choices we make. It was very insightful, and I personally enjoy the book, so I’m glad to see it mentioned on the show.

Now for the DRAMA!

Biggest Loser Week 6 Recap from Diets in Review on Vimeo.

If it wasn’t evident before it most certainly is now, the game play is officially here! Episode 6 started off pretty normal, each team took a field trip. Bob’s team went to an ab strengthening acrobatics class, while Jillian’s team went to a ropes course. Coleen confronted her fear of heights, while back on the Blue Team Heba realized just how hard aerial acrobatics can be.

This week’s challenge tested contestant’s balance by having them race around a circular balance beam. For every completed lap by a team member a point was given, first team to 25 won. This challenge was a complete blow out!