Biggest Loser Million Pound Match-Up

Manda and I started this challenge together January 1, 2008.  It was a new year and we promised ourselves we would turn our lives around and make it our year.  A new year, new opportunities, discoveries, and life changes. 

 

My story:

I am 23 and a mother of 4.  I have an infant, toddler, pre-schooler, and kindergartener.  I got married at 17 and that is when I had my first child.  I am still married to the same man and we have a wonderful family.  When I was pregnant for the first time, I fell into the trap that I could eat whatever I wanted.  I saw the stomach getting bigger, but that was all baby.  I saw my boobs get bigger, but that was milk.  I saw my arms and legs and face get bigger, but that was water retention.  70 pounds later, I realized it was mostly fat.  I was just a teenager at the time and I started feeling really depressed about how I looked.  I was covered in stretch marks and I was HUGE!  I was a fat mommy, a fat wife and a fat 18 year old.  I started to eat more (as if that makes sense).  I started to hate who I was and who I was becoming.  I felt like I wasn't worth it, I felt like it was easier to eat and stay fat because then it was my choice.  I knew that if I started to eat right and exercise I might not lose the weight and then on top of being fat, I would be a failure.  Since I was a child, I was expected to succeed so failure wasn't an option.  I was putting my daughter on the bus for school one day when her classmate cheerfully shouted, "Look!  We both have FAT moms!"  They are in kindergarten and saw it as a neat coincidence.  I was devasted.  I was absolutely crushed.  I cried harder than the day I sent her off to school fpr the first time.

 

The truth came out through the mouths of babes.  Not only was I FAT, I was morbidly obese.  The thought of being morbidly obese made my big tummy churn.  I was humiliated and disgusted of what I let myself become and what I let my daughter see.  I decided to make a change.  I had to do something so I called Manda.

 

Manda is 24 and has been heavy her whole life.  She was teased relentlessly by family and other peers her whole life.  She gave up on herself because nobody else cared.  You notice once you're the fat girl how little people actually give a damn about you.  Fat people are statistically the most discriminated group in the U.S but we make up a majority of the population.  Ironic huh?  Manda was raised in a world that told her she was worthless, until she believed it.  I will never know what made her decide to join me in this challenge, but I will forever believe it was the day we saved our lives.

 

As part of the challenge, we were supposed to write why we should win.  We look at some other teams who have had a harder past than ours, or who weigh more than us, or have more medical issues than us.  Why should we win?  If we knew, we would have said.  The point is self hate is what got us in here in the first place.  If we truly loved ourselves, we could give you a list, heck, we wouldn't be so FAT.

 

The truth is we deserve this as much as the next person because EVERYBODY who is in this challenge, EVERYONE who decided to make this change deserves to be rewarded for their strength and courage.  My husband, mother, and sister still do not know to this day how much I weigh because I am still very ashamed and disgusted with my body.  It will take time and healing to change that.  But every Friday I weigh in with you, my family and I know you feel what I feel.  You cry when it hurts and you smile when there is a victory.  No one said this would be easy, just worth it.  We are worth it, worth a second chance. 

Hey "Losers"!

 

I am so happy to have had the chance to meet so many wonderful people by being a part of this challenge.  We can't wait to see who wins.  We have a couple of fav teams we hope to see on there.  When do we find out?  Is it going to be on the show tonight?  I hope all of you keep your pages up.  We will still be weighing in every Friday and continuing on our journey cause as you see, we have a LONG way to go!

 

Love ya!

T

Hey "Losers"!

 

Frustration is upon us.  Manda is up two pounds this week and I am down 1/2 pound.

Manda 174.

T 200

 

What are we working so hard for?  To lose NOTHING!  Manda is dying for Chinese Food so she has been bustin' her b-bottom to lose.  She has watched her diet and even added an extra workout or two!  I have just accepted I will never be under 200, EVER!  This is why we need a personal trainer!  Obviously, we are doing something wrong.  I need a personal trainer, and a nutritionist, and a drill sargeant, and a plastic surgeon.

 

I have a question...

 

People always say it's a myth that weight training will just bulk up.  Bob and Jillian talk about the importance of weight training.  Manda and I have been using circuit machines and we have been increasing the weights as it gets easier.  Is that right or should we keep the weights low and increase the reps?  I'm lost.  I need guidance.  If I had a clue of what to do, I wouldn't fight so hard to win this thing.  But honestly, I am a complete fitness airhead.

 

Another question...

 

How do you know what your caloric intake should be?  Some websites tell me 1200, others say as much as 2300!  I know it's about calories in versus calories out, BUT it also has to do with where those calories come from right?  I mean, it's better to get my calories from fruit and veggies throughout the day than 1 double cheeseburger at lunch, right? 

 

Another question...

 

It is reccommended that the average person drinks 64 oz of water a day.  But we are also supposed to have 16 oz of milk.  What if I can't drink that much?  Should I make sure I get the milk in or skip the extra calories?

 

One final question...

 

Can I get a trainer now?

 

Love ya!

T

Hey "Losers!"

 

Manda and I have been away awhile but reat assured, we're back! We were still working out and staying kinda on track with eating.  We are both sick of the ay our eight lose is going so we have decided that today is a new day and a new week and a new beginning.  We are devoting ourselves to changing our lives.  We are taking this day is a new start.  We hope you'll join us!

 

Love ya!

T

Hey "Losers"!

 

Today is Weigh Day.  I am now at 200.5, down 2.5lbs from last week.  Manda is up 1 pound from last week at 172.  But she is losing inches!  I think she's getting some muscles.  You should see her on the crunch machine!

 

I am sorry I have been away this week.  It has been very hectic and emotional for me lately.  I am back and i promise to have some exciting things your way!

 

Love ya!

T