Sean and Ben played the game like true sportsmen last night. Their decision to award the Double bracelet to Tiffany, giving her the chance to win $400,000 should she take out The Biggest Loser title this year, was commendable and looks set to give Tiff the extra focus she needs to lift her game again.
Focus was a good word for what we saw from many of the contestants. Shannan's team were very determined in their training session and it was good to see Nathan and Andrew give up on the 'game play' and focus on what they’re really there for: weight loss. (And how good were those Michelle-weighted shoulder presses by the way?)
It was also great to see some of the couples’ dream outfits. Unless you’ve been overweight, I don’t think you understand the importance of the dream outfits and the significance they hold for us. I know Michelle was shocked that Sammy, who is only 20, has never worn a pair of jeans but there are so many things you can't wear when you're overweight – jeans, knee-high boots, swimmers, wet suits, or a slinky little dress – so to have that outfit up there in a trophy case as an avatar of sorts gives you something very specific to strive towards.
It helps you visualise your journey and it also gives you permission to dream the dream.
I have always been a bit of a dreamer but before Loser, I used to sabotage my dreams with negativity. If something I wanted to do or try entered my mind, little demons quickly set in to remind me that "I could never do that" or "That will never happen to me." This is such a restricted way to live and, in my case, it fuelled a whole lot more emotional eating.
Now when a dream enters my mind I think, "Yeah, I could try that. How will I go about it?" I guess you could call this confidence and I learnt it in the house by constantly being pushed out of my comfort zone. When you're overweight, there are so many things you think you can't do, but by trying them and proving to yourself that you can, you slowly start to believe in yourself. And this self-belief is what helps you go all the way. It's what will get the contestants into their dream outfits and through the challenges that lie ahead.
Speaking of challenges, the contestants face the sand dunes (of death!) tonight at 7PM on TEN. Be sure to tune in and then check your inbox in the morning for my daily update.
If you missed last night's show, you can watch the entire episode at The Biggest Loser TV show website.
I thought that revisiting last night's training sessions might inspire you to work a little harder today and over the weekend!
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Alison Braun is one of the most-loved contestants in Biggest Loser history. Since losing over 55kg during Series 3, she has kept the weight off with the help of The Biggest Loser Club and, more recently, The Biggest Loser Club Meal Replacement Program.