Even to this day, I struggle to see old photos of myself as an obese woman. So I can only imagine how confronting it was for the contestants to sit through Shannan and Michelle’s ‘old times’ slideshow on last night's episode.
That’s because you don’t just see your size in those old photos but you also see all of the old feelings on the inside. You see everything you’re hiding and all the excuses you used to make. You see that you’re existing not living; you see how the weight is controlling your life. When I look back on my old photographs I see a hollow, sad person – someone I don’t know any more – even was I was smiling.
For me, the saddest photo in last night’s slideshow was the one of Cam. He was so big he was having problems standing up. Compare that with the Cam we know and love today and the transformation is truly remarkable: he’s a great example that it’s never too late – you can change your life at any point!
But Shannan was right to give Cam a pep talk on respect earlier in the show. The little tizzy fit he had while moving the furniture (the contestants’ training session last night was to clear out the house furniture only to have to put it all back again) was a sign that the old Cam is still within and ready to strike when under pressure. Cam is really going to need to watch this tendency and control it when he goes home.
I was so impressed with Tiff for conquering in the escalator challenge and winning the final Walk of the competition, which sounds rather deadly I have to say! There’s nothing like a bit of girl power, especially at this stage of the game.
Last night’s challenge was also a good reminder of why incidental activity is so important to a healthy life. When I’m out and about, I can’t believe how many people are crowded in lifts and on escalators – I feel like shouting at them, take the stairs for goodness sake! And if there are no stairs, at least walk up the escalator rather than just standing there.
One of the downsides of Loser is that it has made me very competitive. Now when I’m in a multi-level carpark, for example, I love racing up the stairs while everyone else is waiting for the lift and I take great joy in beating them by getting to the ground floor first. See, it helps to throw in a bit of competition to your everyday life!
Speaking of competition, I am anxious to find out what the Walk has in store for Tiff tonight. It looks like we are about to witness Loser’s final, explosive twist. Be sure to tune in at 7PM on TEN and check your inbox in the morning for my daily update.
If you missed last night's show, you can watch the full episode at The Biggest Loser TV show website.
Being a glutton for 'before' and 'after' photos, I've shared Shannan and Michelle's slideshow below.
Register for The Biggest Loser Club newsletter and get weekly diet and exercise tips, free recipes, inspiring success stories, special offers, and much, much more!
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.