Biggest Loser

Weight loss 12/31/12: +3.5 lbs
Weight loss 1/7/13: .4 lbs
Total weight loss so far: 81.4 lbs

I will quickly address the weigh in information above. The 3.5lb gain was disappointing but not surprising. I had spent two full weeks eating terribly. I was a little bummed because I was completely on point from 12/31-1/7 but only saw a small loss. I didn't work out which I am sure played a part. But I won't beat myself up because a loss is a loss...

Now...on to the reason I felt like blogging tonight...

I decided to watch the first episode of the new season of The Biggest Loser. Now, I have seen this show before and can never decide how I feel about it. I have had friends and family tell me how inspiring it is to them or how motivated it must make me feel. Unfortunately...it has neither an inspiring or motivational effect on me...

The show frustrates me. I mean, don't get me wrong, what these people accomplish is amazing. They drop such a large amount of weight in such a short period of time and it is incredible. But honestly, I find myself more annoyed with the pity and tears and the unrealistic concepts of the show. As they announced who would be chosen to participate this season, I realized that I weighed more when I started Weight Watchers than ANY of the women chosen. The men weigh significantly more but I found it odd that all of the women were under 300lbs. I am not in any way saying that a woman should weigh that much...I just don't know that they properly display the level of obesity that women can hit.

I hate how sorry these people feel for themselves. I have had my fair share of pity parties and have shed more than enough tears about my weight and body image. But these people whine and cry about how hard the workouts are...how stressful it is to be on the show. Well, NO SHIT?! What the hell did you expect. This show has been on for 14 seasons...were you living under a rock? Did you legitimately believe that shedding 20lbs in a week was going to be easy? Give me a damn break!!

I also don't appreciate the unrealistic display of exercise and diet. Sure...anyone could lose weight if they lived in isolation, eating only what a nutritionist approved, and had time to work out multiple times a day for hours on end. But lets be honest...who has that in real life? I have to face the world, restaurants, friends, parties, and the grocery store. I have to purchase my food. I have to work full time and find time to get to the gym while balancing my other responsibilities. I am not complaining or trying to emphasize how hard my life is...because its not. Yes, I have to work hard to make positive choices. But I don't feel underprivileged or at a disadvantage.

I think what I would love to see are people losing weight in a realistic and positive manner. Being taught how to eat and work out in the ways that a normal person has to learn. Learn how to find time to work out or choose the right kinds of food on my own or by doing my own research. I want to watch someone struggle with making healthy choices when eating out with friends instead of choosing to give in to the appetizers and margaritas. It may not be as entertaining or dramatic...but it would be real.

I am going to step off my soapbox now and reiterate that I am not attempting to downplay any person's accomplishments with weight loss. I didn't post this so someone can argue with me about how negative I am and how inspirational these people are (if you are inspired by The Biggest Loser...fantastic! Take that inspiration and run with it...my opinion just doesn't line up with yours). I just need to remind myself that I am not a failure for taking over a year and a half to lose 80lbs. I am learning to live and learning to choose to be a healthier and happier person.