A-Team Biggest Loser Interviews!

Hey Everyone!  I am behind in getting these posted!  I hope you’ll take the time to read these quick snapper interviews with our Biggest Losers of Week 4 and 5 for our team and maybe even visit their blog :-)

Congratulations Cadee and Natalie and thank you for taking the time for us!!

 

A-Team’s Week 4 Biggest Loser Cadee West !!

Weight loss To-Date

Well then end of the Competition. But If I dont get to my weight, I'll keep working out til I do. 

Why BLBE?

Well, I love The Biggest Loser. And when My sister told me about this. I knew this would be my chance to help me lose weight.

Share you favorite healthy snack.

Grapes, Definitely Grapes! 

Do you have an exercise routine?

Actually yes I do. Two or three days out of the week, I go to the track and run my mile. And five days out of the week, I do Turbo Jam. 

Do you remember "the moment" when your commitment to weight loss solidified?

It had to be at least the week before the competition. When my sister told me about this. My whole life I wanted to lose weight, BUT.. I never got the urge to get up and do something about it, until the day the BLBE started. 

When there's a long road ahead, how do you keep up your stamina and motivate yourself?

Well I tell myself that I've waited too long to start doing this, I can't stop now. 

Who is your biggest inspiration?

My biggest Inspiration is my sister. Ashley. Bot her and I were overweight when we were younger and during high school. But once she got out she began to slim down due to her exercising and healthy eating habits. And she inspired me to lose my weight as well. 

If you are a fan of The Biggest Loser, Bob or Jillian? Why?

All of them. They push you to do it. If you say, "It's too hard.' They say, Who gives a crap. Just do it! And That's exactly when I needed to hear.

How to you handle going to restaurants/ eating healthy?

Oh gosh, that is hard sometimes. But I try to find a healthy food. And When I eat my food, I eat until I know I'm full. Not finish the entire plate. 

What's the hardest part of losing weight?

Keeping it off. Because those pounds LOVE to creep back up on you. 

What's the easiest part of losing weight?

Doing the exercises. Which are quite fun! 

What will you do to celebrate once you reach your goal weight?

Buy some new clothes! I would love some new clothes and possibly some more workout clothes. 

Best weight loss advice you ever received?

That if you want to lose weight you can't sit there and say you will, and give a few puny sit ups. You need to give it your all. 

What are your reasons you are on this journey?

I'm tired of being over weight. I want to be healthy for the rest of my life. 

How do you balance life with weight loss?

Well if I don't have time to work out, I try to keep moving, while I'm dealing with life. Even just walking during the day or doing clothes help you burn calories. 

Have you established rewards for certain goals?

Actually, I haven't. But that right there is a great idea! 

Why did you chose to blog about weight loss?

Well, I would blog about my life. But that is quite boring. Haha. I think weight loss would be a bit more exciting. 

Do you share you journey with the "real" world? (friends/family/co-workers)

My family. My family knows about my Journey and are behind me every step of the way. 

Do you find it hard to stay focused during the holidays?

Oh gosh. Well yes sometimes. Especially during Thanks giving. You just can't let that food go to waste. Haha, but. That was then and this is now. =] 

Share some steps you've made to change your life.

Eating healthier, Definitely. If you change your eating habits, that well help you tons. Exercising much more. And not do it for only ten minutes. Do it for a hour maybe two!

Do you follow a specific weight loss plan?

I do turbo jam five times a week. And I run my mile about two times a week. 

Do you have any other related goals, ie: run a marathon?

I don't right now. 

How do you handle food pushers?

I just tell them no. 

Are you encouraging others around you to get healthy?

Yes actually. My mother has been wanting to lose weight so I've been encouraging her. And Ashley as well. She calls me her Jillian.

What are some of your "staple" food items?

Bread, rice, cereal, Pasta. 

Do you have a favorite workout DVD?

Turbo Jam!

What are your favourite 10 tracks on your Ipod playlist.

Oh gosh.
Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger - Daft Punk
Don't stop me now - Queen
Start me up - Rolling stones
Get over it - Ok Go
Gunpowder and Lead - Miranda Lambert
We will Rock you - Queen
Nintendo Remix - Tetris Happy Hardcore Techno
The Joker - Steve Miller Band
On The Radio - Regina Spektor
Ashes to Ashes - Damage Plan.

I love fast up beat songs that will keep me going.

What are your most important weight loss tools?

Water! Lots of Water!

Provide an example of a daily menu.

Well my cereal which is Frosted Mini Wheats, good source of Fiber . Lunch is a Turkey sandwich on white bread (=[ Which I had Wheat) with lettuce, pickles, tomatos and some mayo. Dinner is usually a small portion of pork, beef or chicken. With Brocolli or a salad and water.

Provide an example of one of your work outs.

Running on the track. If I can on the first lap I like to try and run the full lap. Before I run the straight aways and either walk/jog the corners.

Share a former bad habit and what you replaced it with.

Eatin when I was bored. So now when I'm bored I either work out or I find something to fill up my time with.

How long have you wanted to lose weight?

Since I was a freshman so it's been about five years now.

Do you/did you have any health-related issues due to being overweight?

It's sometimes hard for me to breath because of how much I weigh.

 

A-Team’s Week 5 Biggest Loser Natalie !!

 

Weight loss To-Date:

on BLBE 15.8 lbs , total 35.2 lbs

Why BLBE?

I'm crazy competitive!

When there's a long road ahead, how do you keep up your stamina and motivate yourself?

My competitive side won't let me stop! Also when I'm at the mall I always buy an extra pair of pants a size smaller. This has worked so far, When I started my Weigh loss journey I was a 32 in jeans, now a 28 and I have a pair of 27 inch pants staring me down in the washroom!

Who is your biggest inspiration?

Melinda, my best friend, she has lost over 80 lbs, and is competing in a 10 km race in April!

What's the hardest part of losing weight?

Exercising. I am not one of those peppy people that jumps out of bed and right in to there runner. 

What's the easiest part of losing weight?

The food part. I live alone, so my house is filled with only healthy things.

What will you do to celebrate once you reach your goal weight?

New bikini from Victoria Secret and one cheese burger. mmm.

What are your reasons you are on this journey?

Well, I know all the health reasons, but I'm only 22, so I hate to say it I'm doing it for vanity reasons.

Have you established rewards for certain goals?

No, I used to with new clothing , but now I just see that as a necessity,I went a while where I was mooning every one on the street with pants too big!

Do you share you journey with the "real" world? (friends/family/co-workers)

Yes! My goodness I could not imagine not blabbing about my journey. My dads cute though, and when ever I bring it up, he tells me I'm perfect and to not get an eating disorder. I then have to remind him that I love food still, just healthier kinds of food!

What are some of your "staple" food items?

sashimi, eggs, oatmeal, lean beef.

Do you have a favorite workout DVD?

Turbo Jam!

How long have you wanted to lose weight?

Is forever a good answer ? I have been a yo- yo dieter not by choice but in 2006 my mum was diagnosed with cancer, and I ate my emotions for 2 years. My mum passed away in March 2008, and I was finally able to focus on me, and the affects that emotional eating was having on me in October of 2008.

A-Team’s Week 3 Biggest Loser Julie!!!

Well well well challengers, we have a real serious inspiration and success story among us and her name is JULIE!  YOU HAVE TO READ THIS and check out her blog!!  Julie has lost almost 150 lbs thus far!!!  Here’s are little Q&A Interview with her!

Blog Address: http://dutchbeingme.blogspot.com

 

Do you remember "the moment" when your commitment to weight loss solidified?

After joining WW in November of 2005, I lost about 25-35 pounds during the first year. I wasn't really motivated to do it, I just knew I had to lose the weight. Then on October 4, 2006 my mom was diagnosed with Breast Cancer and it became all too real that if I didn't change anything in my life, I would be a statistic as well. After learning her prognosis (which very good as it was found in very early stage), I made the decision to get moving and get healthy. Thus far in my weight loss journey I have lost almost 150 pounds and have become a WW lifetime member. Also, my mom – after going through chemo and radiation treatments in early 2007 – has now been cancer free for almost a year and a half.

AATW:  Wow Julie, that’s absolutely incredible!  I am so happy to hear that your mom is doing so well!

 

When there's a long road ahead, how do you keep up your stamina and motivate yourself?

I have set reasonable goals for myself. I don't remember what all of the goals/rewards were along my journey, but I had them at least for every 25 pounds or when I hit a new "decade" for my weight. 

 

What's the hardest part of losing weight?

Getting back on track after having a bad meal, day, week. I've experienced them all, but getting back to the plan for me is always difficult. Sometimes I have the motivation, but there are always things that distract and deter me from the plan that I am trying to follow. The temptations are difficult to overcome…  

AATW: I agree 100%!!

What's the easiest part of losing weight?

Stepping on the scale and seeing that you've had a great loss for the week. It's a rush, a "high" perhaps, that helps motivate me into the next week.  

 

Why did you choose to blog about weight loss?

I decided to start blogging because of 2 reasons. First, I found that it was helpful to me to write out my thoughts, my feelings, and struggles that I was going through. This is something I learned through counseling from years ago. Second, I learned quickly through the Weight Watchers Message Boards (of which I am a regular on) that I am not the only with struggles along this journey and that others are going through the same things… but maybe can't verbalize or share it as well.  Ultimately, I now want my blog to be seen in order to help others achieve their goals and realize that they are not the only ones that struggle… even after reaching their goal weight.

 

Do you share you journey with the "real" world? (friends/family/co-workers)

Yes, I am a very open person when it comes to my losing weight. If I didn't share… after a while, I would hope that they would have caught on. About sharing my blog with my loved ones, this was kind of a difficult decision as I wasn't sure how much I wanted to share with my family on the struggles that I was going through. But in the end I found that their encouragement and celebrating with me along the way was well worth it.  

AATW:  I remember the exact same struggle!

Are you encouraging others around you to get healthy?

I do, or at least I try, in many ways. First is the blog. I hope that through my words I can encourage someone who might be struggling with their journey. Also, I go to a local health club and encourage friends that go there to come to classes with me… I *love* kickboxing.  

What will you do to celebrate once you reach your goal weight?

When I reached my goal weight for WW, I celebrated by going out and getting my nose pierced and a tattoo. I had long wanted to get my nose pierced, but was always afraid of doing it because I was fearful of what others would think of me. I now don't live so much in the moment of what people think, because it is more about what I think of myself – and ultimately how I treat myself – that matters. The tattoo that I got was a butterfly (symbolizing "new life" and kanji symbols that mean "achievement" or "accomplishment".)  The link of the pictures of this reward is on my blog at: http://dutchbeingme.blogspot.com/2008/11/and-reward.html I am now working to get back to my goal weight (the holidays deterred me from maintaining this goal) and ultimately reach my personal goal weight. When I reach that weight, I think a trip is going to be in order – I think to NYC.  :-)

AATW:  What an amazing tattoo!!  How appropriate!

If you are a fan of The Biggest Loser, Bob or Jillian? Why?

I am a fan of "The Biggest Loser" and watch it every week. My favorite trainer is Jillian… although I don't know if I'd be able to handle training with her. While I think they both get to the "heart" of issues surrounding weight loss, I think she can identify through her own experiences. 

What are your favourite 10 tracks on your Ipod playlist.

My favorite workout tracks on my iPod change often (new song monthly… if not weekly). Right now they are:- "Let it Rock" by Kevin Rudolf- "Poker Face" by Lady GaGa- "Yeah!" by Usher- "Paralyzer" by Finger Eleven- "Womanizer" by Britney Spears- "Disturbia" by Rihanna- "Keeps Gettin' Better" by Christina Aguilera- "Hot N Cold" by Katy Perry- "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" by Beyonce- "SexyBack" by Justin Timberlake

Thank you so much Julie for taking the time in sharing your answers with us all.  I hope that all of our challengers will visit you and share in all of your inspiration and success!

~Angie All The Way

A-Team’s Week 1 & 2 Biggest Loser Interviews

Hey Everyone!  I am pleased to provide you all with the first of a special weekly post which Lynn and I will do for our respective teams which is an interview with our teams’ weekly Biggest Loser!  Since this is our first post, we will be posting our interview with Shari, the A-Team’s Week 1 Biggest Loser and also our interview with Natalie L, the A-Team’s Week 2 Biggest Loser.

Let me just say that there is a lot of helpful and inspiring information to be had right here in this post!  Take a read, leave a comment and visit these guys on their blogs!

A-Team’s Week 1 Biggest Loser:  Shari

Weight loss To-Date:

20.3 (15.3 since starting BLBE)

Why BLBE?:

I thought it would be really fun and get to share my experience with others.  I also thought it would be a great motivator for me -- which is something I struggle with.  Since this challenge spans further than the point where I usually give up I'm hoping it pushes me over the hump!

Are you encouraging others around you to get healthy?

Yes, but it's hard.  I have some stubborn folks around me!   I have convinced a coworker to join the corporate fitness center with me.  My daughter is along for the ride but doesn't have much choice.  :)

What are your most important weight loss tools?

Scale, measuring cups, Points Tracker and friends/bloggers.

What will you do to celebrate once you reach your goal weight?

A day at the spa.  I'm already talking with the owner of the salon I go to.  We're going to work on a perfect package :)

Why did you chose to blog about weight loss?

It helps me stay accountable and seeing things in 'writing' helps me celebrate my successes and get past my failures.  Also, the feedback I get on the comments makes me smile to know others out there are celebrating my successes and telling me it's ok when I mess up.  Since I don't have a lot of support around me (well they do support me but they are small so they really can't relate with how hard it is) it helps to see all the other ladies who have struggled and gain inspiration from their successes.

What's the hardest part of losing weight?

For me, it's definitely staying motivated and sticking with it. I start off so well but it seems that about 2 months in, I give up.  I started my most current weight lost journey in Oct.  However I gave up once the holidays hit and gained much of the 12 pounds I lost.  So now I'm back at it since the New Year and hoping this challenge helps me make it past that 2 month mark.  Anyone reading this has the authority to kick my bottom if you see me slacking off! (Emphasis added by yours truly :-D)

Do you follow a specific weight loss plan?

I follow the WW plan but don't go to meetings.  I just do it on my own.  Once I get a good distance into my weight loss, I'm going go the counting calorie path.  I'm so familiar with WW so I didn't want to introduce too much at once.

Do you share you journey with the "real" world? (friends/family/co-workers)

They know I'm losing but they don't know specifics.  I would be horrified if they knew how much I weigh.  They know I'm part of 2 Biggest Loser competitions, but that's about it.

Share a former bad habit and what you replaced it with.

I've replaced not eating breakfast with eating a healthy bowl of oatmeal at the office.  I've been inspired by your yummy oatmeal and have come up with some pretty good combinations too!  I've also given up sugared sodas for diet soda or water.

AATW:  Awww thanks Shari! :-)  Thanks so much for taking the time out for us!

A-Team’s Week 2 Biggest Loser: Natalie L

Weight loss:

For BLBE - 10.2 lbs, and 30 lbs total.

Why BLBE?:

I love the support, and in reality, I'm really competitive. (Think Monica on Friends)

Share you favorite healthy snack:

Feta filled jalapenos. I love spicy food and they are only 25 calories each! 

AATW: OMG I just got those at Costco and they’re great!

Do you have an exercise routine? If so, what?

Mondays- Treadmill for 30 mins, and 15 on the rowing machine. Tuesdays- Thursday- Mixing it up with different workout DVD's like Turbo Jam or Fit to Strip

Fridays- 30 mins on the stairmaster, and laps in the pool.

I take the weekend off, and every day I try to do as many "girl" push ups as I can consecutively.

I also live on the 10th floor of an apartment building, so I take the stairs about 90 % of the time.

If you're a fan of the "Biggest Loser" show, Bob or Jillian? Why?

Jillian. I really think the tough love way of training is great. I know if she was my trainer, I would be giving it 100 % in order to avoid her wrath! teehee.

How to you handle going to restaurants/eating healthy?

I always check to see if the menu is online before hand, so that helps me plan well before hand. I also love soup, so I usually will get that as an appy , and then when I get the entree, I cut it in half. My friends are now used to be attacking chicken burgers with butter knives.

How do you balance life with weight loss?

Well, I go to school full time, so I find my self sitting at lot, whether it be in class or the library, so it is actually really nice to come home and stretch and then work out .

Do you follow a specific weight loss plan?

I am doing WW's at home.

Do you have any other related goals?:

At the end of this competition I want to be able to do 100 "girl" push ups consecutively. When I started I was able to do 30, and now , 60!

AATW:  Ummm, you = rockstar, me = wimp :-D

Are you encouraging others around you to get healthy?

Yes! My friend Corine has become my workout buddy for 3 days a week. I love having some one to push you, when needed! Also my best friend who has been loosing weight for about 7 months now , has lost more than 80 lbs!  Now that I'm getting healthy, we chat alot about  different work out ideas, foods ect. I have a lot of great support.

AATW:  Oh Wow! Please tell Corine, I said congratulations please!

Provide an example of a daily menu.

B- I love my breakfast "burger", Which is two pieces of WW toast, a poached egg, slices of tomato and a drop of light mayo and pepper,  and a mug of light hot chocolate, made with water. Yum...
L- Greek salad, or Soup.
D- Sashimi ( oh the perks of living by the coast!) and a small side of rice. ( I love carbs)
S- Grapes, or I like slices of red pepper with a low calorie dressing as a dip.

Share a former bad habit and what you replaced it with.

Grazing. Late at night, it was so easy to just stand in front of the fridge and pick at things , simply because I was bored. Now, when I'm bored I do little mini work outs with 5 lbs weights, and then go and read my text books in the bath. It helps my muscles relax and Its pretty hard to snack while sitting in a tub of water.

AATW: Thanks so much Nat for taking the time out for us and sharing your success so far with our challenge and providing us all with some inspiration to kick off the hardest part of the week for most = the weekend!

BLBE Challengers, show the love and leave a comment for our lovely A-Team Week 1 and 2 Winners!