Star of Ruby – The Inspirational Weight Loss Journey, this once 750-pound Southern belle, has opened up her life to the rest of the country as she has lost an astonishing 400 pounds on her self-entitled Style Network’s reality show.

This Monday, Rachael teaches healthy kitchen basics as well as how to cook up a meatless version of one of Ruby’s favorite dishes, Pasta Bolognese using portobello mushrooms as a “meaty” alternative to traditional ground meat. This skinnier recipe promises to save on fat but not on flavor.

Check your local listings for exact show times.

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Tune In: Ruby Gettinger on Rachael Ray

In a meeting with Dr. Bradley, Ruby is encouraged to visit a kids’ weight loss camp in the Pokonos. Ruby wants to help these kids curb their weight issues now before they end up in the same situation she is. She takes Georgia and Jeff with her, and they spend three fun-filled days with the campers. Ruby even considers wanting to be a full-time camper herself.

“This place is so awesome!” she says shortly after arriving. “I’ve only been here five minutes and I’m already playing volleyball. This plays means business.”

Everything at the camp translated to exercise, explained Jeff. And the three friends got in a lot of exercise with the young campers. They did volleyball, aerobics, table tennis, dancing, paddle boats and horseback riding. It was one of Ruby’s life-long dreams, and a horse named Moose made it come true! She was nervous at first, asking “Are you sure the horse can hold me?” Reassured, Ruby went on a trail ride and enjoyed it. Saying the experience was “unbelievable!”.

Ruby was also asked to give a presentation to the campers. She met with a co-ed group of students to get to know more about them and what they’re going through. She was nervous about the speech, but Georgia and Jeff knew she’d be inspirational. Ruby wants to get in the kids’ minds, let them know she is them, she is still in their shoes and still trying to beat it. She wants the kids to beat it now while they’re young.

You couldn’t help but feel empowered by Ruby sharing her dream list with the campers. She asked the kids to write their own dream lists and so many went up stood to read theirs:

• Have people cheer for me for coming in first, not coming in last
• Go to school a whole grade without someone making fun of me
• Get to my goal weight and join a varsity team
• Get Presidential Fitness Test under 9 minutes (was at 12)
• Travel to all the continents and break three world records
• Run in local triathlon
• Be a U.S. senator
• Go skydiving
• Cross my legs when I sit
• Be a better daughter and a better sister
• Join Doctor’s Without Borders

“Don’t believe what other people tell you, believe in you,” Ruby encouraged.

Before leaving camp, Ruby has the season’s final weigh-in. Very disappointed, she finds that she’s gained two pounds since her last weigh-in. Ruby wraps the season at 357 pounds. But no less proud of her success so far.

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Ruby Recap – Season Finale, Episode 2.10

We’ve known for a while that her beloved dog Lucy was not well, as her kidneys were failing. Each night Ruby lovingly gave her shots for treatment, and she and friends prepared for the worst. The relationship Ruby has with her dogs is as definitive of man’s best friend as you’ll find. “I don’t think I’ve ever had love like they give me,” Ruby tearfully remarks.

Her roommate and close friend Jeff said that Lucy’s loss would be “like losing a child for her.” In this episode, Lucy does leave Ruby and it’s one of those emotional hurdles that has Ruby questioning if she’ll end up throwing away all of her hard work thus far.

Friends gathered for a memorial service for Lucy, and Ruby’s ex-boyfriend now turned friend, Denny, arrived to help her cope. He said that Ruby always told him that the dogs have no concept of how much bigger she was than other people, and that they just offered unconditional love.

Best friend Georgia was proud of Ruby, as she said this time Ruby “didn’t fall into a big pot of spaghetti, instead she fell into church.” Which is exactly where the two friends went the night after Lucy’s funeral. Ruby is confident that this time she’s going to deal with the pain and the emotions, rather than turning to food.

On the high end, Ruby got to enjoy one of her favorite evenings – Women’s Fat Night. It’s a support group of friends who are each battling their own weight issues. They meet to talk through mishaps and successes and gain motivation and support from one another. Ruby has the bright idea that their next meeting should be an extended one and they’d call it the first Women’s Fat Night Workshop.

In the first part of the workshop, the women shared diet gimmicks that didn’t work, like the sexy stripper workout or the Thighmaster. Then, they each shared a diet tip that has worked for them, like eating more slowly and stopping when you start to feel full. Another woman started a quilt, and for each pound she loses, she adds a square.

Next, Ruby’s doctor, Dr. Bradley, volunteered to host the event in his home and have the OurLife Health chefs attend to show the women how to prepare fast, simple, delicious and healthful meals. They enjoyed sampling the food prepared by Gene and Blair, who recommended the use of olive oil, fresh herbs, and making sure meals were colorful (meaning more nutritious).

Finally, at Dr. Bradley’s recommendation, the women were joined by Sandy Baker, a food addiction specialist who has herself lost 135 pounds and kept it off for more than four years. She taught the women that emotional eating is when you eat instead of feeling. The women vowed to continue to support one another.

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Ruby Recap: Episode 2.9

For those of you who love Ruby, she’s releasing Ruby’s Diary September 8, 2009; and it’s a must for any fan! Filled with deeply personal thoughts, fears and insights, many of which were never revealed on camera, this memoir chronicles her journey up to her current weight loss status, about 150 pounds. Ruby’s Diary simply started out as just that: her own private diary. But as her weight loss journey has cascaded into a story of inspiration and commitment, yet also challenge and difficulty, she decided to share her thoughts and emotions with others.

With chapters like, Ups and Downs, Cravings, Southern Hospitality and Charm, Missing More Than Just Food and Tired of Weighting, Ruby’s Diary discusses the comforts of being obese, the foods she misses most, her favorite meal makeovers, her workouts and a cost-conscious seven-day meal plan which was created by her own dietitian, Kate Melei.

But Ruby’s Diary is more than just food, weight loss and exercise. It’s about Ruby trying to take ownership for her life, assuming responsibility for her past and connecting the pieces of her childhood to the person she is today. Ruby’s Diary is not just for the dieting audience. Rather, this book is meant to inspire anyone who is finding their way through a personal obstacle, whether it’s a food addiction, a substance abuse problem or a relationship issue.

Watch for Ruby’s tour dates as she travels all around the country promoting her new book, available for pre-order now.

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Ruby’s Diary: Reflections on All I’ve Lost and Gained

She weighed herself for the first time in two weeks, to see that she’d dropped to 323.6 pounds. Jeff pointed out she was losing at a rate of about five pounds per week – which is definitely a healthy rate of weight loss. However, a few days later she went to visit her nutritionist Helen who also weighed her in and found that Ruby had actually gained about 20 pounds, as she weighed in at 355 pounds. She was shocked and just kept saying “no way.”

Her nutritionist, trainers and even roommate Jeff prodded to find out where she fell off. She admitted to not using the OurLife meals, not using her food journal, and not exercising each day. She expressed her anger at the scale, but recognized that the fault was her own.

The entire situation made Ruby “want to give up,” but she persevered, met with her trainers and they decided to use this slip as motivation to continue working.

She had a disappointing meeting with her psychiatrist, Dr. Brewerton, and it was likely her last. He felt that she was blowing him off, avoiding her and being disrespectful. Unable to resolve the issues, Ruby walked out saying she’d “gone as as far as I could go with him.”

Then she met with Dr. Bradley and expressed a desire to consider bariatric surgery. He referred her to a colleague, Dr. Angstadt. In that meeting Ruby learned that the surgery is “not an easy way out.” He explained that weight loss surgery is 25 percent operation and 75 percent working the program – meaning diet and exercise. The prospect of a psych consult prompted Ruby to tears and she may not follow through knowing what she now knows about the surgery.

This week she was also confronted with a huge temptation – a bake sale at her church. “I’d be lying if I said I don’t crave it,” remarked Ruby standing next to a sea of cupcakes and pies. She told Dr. Bradley her sugar cravings were hard to suppress lately. He said you have to be fair to yourself when you find yourself in situations like that, but also know how to quench cravings responsibly. Watch this video to learn more about the Glucerna diabetic-friendly snacks he recommended.

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Ruby Recap – Episode 2.8

It was the first time the women had seen Ruby since she’d lost the more than 140 pounds. They were astonished when they saw her. One friend, Toni, remarked that she was able to wrap her arms around Ruby for a hug for the first time. And the friends collectively agreed that they were glad to see the progress she’d made and that it meant she’d be able to live longer.

The weekend was about marking more items off of Ruby’s Dream List, a list that includes a lot of things that this woman on a mission wants to accomplish. Whether you’re on your own weight loss journey, or just working to accomplish other life-changing goals, you couldn’t help but feel inspired as Ruby recounted some of the things she’s completed on her Dream List, and even marked off a couple of new events this weekend. Some of these dream goals that she’s completed include:

• Camping
• Driving
• Bike riding
• Wearing high heels (She was always afraid they’d break under her weight.)

This weekend with the girls, she added kayaking to that list. While her friends were afraid she was pushing herself too hard, and Ruby was nervous herself, once she was in the kayak she said it was the “most amazing moment ever. All the fear went away.”

Ruby’s proof positive that you have to make short- and long-term goals for yourself and with hard work and dedication you will achieve those.

Even though the girls were on vacation at Ruby’s trainer’s beach house at Tybee Island, she showed them that there is no rest for the weary. Ruby’s trainer showed up bright and early and took the girls for a workout on the beach with resistance bands, medicine balls and even dancing. Her friends were none to thrilled to be exercising on vacation, but proud to see Ruby sticking to the plan no matter what.

In addition to showing off her new lifestyle to her friends and enjoying a girl’s weekend, Ruby was on a mission to “find a man” for her close friend Georgia. Watch this Ruby video as her friends accuse her of flirting and trying to keep him for herself!

Do you have a dream list? What is, or would be, on yours?

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Ruby Recap – Episode 2.7

Ruby seeks outside advice, which pits the professionals in her life against one another. And as is Ruby’s style, she leans on her support group of friends to help her sort through the trainer confusion.

Never taking these matters lightly, Ruby did what so many people working to lose weight have to do sometimes – think of herself and her needs. The end result is that Ruby fired her trainers.

“What in the helicopter did I do,” was the Rubyism that came after she attempted to help her nephew get a home tan. Instead, Ruby enlisted the professionals at her tanning salon to help out the kid. She also talks about how tanning is something she often does for herself because it makes her feel thin. That statement is so much more than a superficial fake tan – it’s doing something that you enjoy, for yourself, that helps you keep the goal in mind. It’s a non-food reward for your successes.

Think of what that treat could be for yourself, and use it as motivation to reach your weight loss goals right alongside Ruby!

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Ruby Recap – Season 2 Episode 2

One big moment in last night’s premiere was the pizza party that Ruby hosted. You might be thinking “why would she do that?” She brought temptation right through the front door, to the dismay of her ex-boyfriend Denny.

“I have to live in the real world,” says Ruby. “Everywhere I go I’m surrounded by food.”

Watch the clip now, and continue reading the recap.

Ruby’s former boyfriend Denny returned to treat her to a Rascal Flatts concert. Ruby and friends packed up for a road trip to see the show in Charleston. Her friends were on the defensive as they didn’t want to see Ruby’s heart broken again by Denny. When asked if he was trying to get back with her, Denny denied it. Then, toward the end of the evening, Denny starts coming on to Ruby. To which she responded “It was bugging me bad! I was like, get off me!” Denny stood by the fact that he only wants to help Ruby, and she made it clear to him that she no longer has feelings for him.

An unexpected hurdle was that Ruby had to climb what she thought were “10,000 stairs!” We can all be proud of Ruby as she climbed every last one of them to get to her seat. It was a reminder that she has a long way to go and that she can’t afford to turn back.

Watch the clip.

Ruby also faced her toughest challenge yet – the loss of her father. Calling him her hero, and crediting him with loving her unconditionally, Ruby struggled to make peace with her loss. She met with her psychiatrist and discussed her grieving process. She says the three weeks after his death she went completely off her program – no exercise, no journaling, and even lacking a desire to get out of bed. Worried that this would leave her unable to return to her program, as the premiere episode progresses, we see that Ruby’s going to be able to do it!

See more Ruby videos and check-out Ruby’s new diet, Ourlife Health.

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Ruby Season 2 Premiere Recap

Now with the assistance of Dr. Bradley’s team of physicians and registered dietitians, Ruby’s and Dr. Bradley’s plan can be experienced by anyone who is looking to lose weight in a convenient and healthy manner. The Ourlife Health weight loss program is a meal delivery program that makes fresh, calorie and portion controlled meals and delivers them to your door each week. These meals, like Tequila Shrimp Salad with Lime Cilantro Dressing, Fresh Atlantic Cod with Asian Soy Glaze and Grilled Veggie Pasta Bake, are the same meals that Ruby dines on as she continues on her mission to lose weight. Thus far, she has lost 150 pounds, having previously followed Hourglass Weight Loss and now following the Ourlife program.

While the Ourlife program is a comprehensive program offering exercise and counseling in addition to the delivered meals, it is currently only available in full access to those who live in the Savannah, Georgia region. Fortunately, the program will be expanding its online services in the coming months so that these complete services can be available to anyone around the country who is looking to lose weight.

Don’t forget to tune in to Season 2 of “Ruby” starting July 5 on the Style Network.

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Ruby’s Diet is now Ourlife Health

The first season introduced us to this darling Savannah, Geogia resident whose weight had gotten so out of control she was told she’d die if she didn’t make some dramatic changes. The docu-series follows Ruby’s daily life, introduces us to family and friends, and shows how Ruby is slowly but surely making those important life-saving changes. Not only does Ruby works with a crack team of doctors, nutritionists, and trainers to help her better understand how to manage a healthy lifestyle, but she also works with a therapist to confront the deep issues that have prevented Ruby from making these changes.

Season two opens on a tragic event, as Ruby must deal with the sudden death of her father. The first true test of her new self, it’s with determination and her constant support network that Ruby’s able to persevere and not let this event keep her from crossing below the 350 pound mark. Former flame Denny returns and treats Ruby to a Rascal Flatts concert, a trip that sends her back to Savannah more determined than ever.

Prepare to meet an all-new Ruby and one ready to take on exciting new experiences this season. They might be things that many of us take for granted, but in season two we’ll see Ruby ride a bike for the first time in decades, visit the gynecologist, shop for new clothes and even participate in a breast cancer walk.

If you’re ready to make some big changes in your life just like Ruby, then join Ruby’s Walk Across America. It’s her way of helping Americans take those all important first steps toward a healthier life. In fact, you can join Ruby in two Walk Across America events this summer, and walk alongside the Style Network sweetheart.

• July 11 in Los Angeles: 10a, rain or shine! Oceanfront, adjacent to Santa Monica Pier
• July 18 in St. Louis: 10a, rain or shine! Kiener Plaza at the corner of Market & Broadway

Ruby continues to inspire a nation in the season two premiere July 5 at 8 p.m. et/pt.

Check-out more from “Ruby” season one.

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Ruby Season 2 Premieres on Style Network July 5