Life is a journey and a miracle, but definitely not a fairy tale. If it were, Daris would NOT have eaten his way to a 2 pound weight gain on last night's BL episode. He did, however, do a fantastic job running the marathon in just over 4 hours, and I bow to him on this accomplishment. The entire episode actually left me dazed and confused. Koli, I thought, did a fantastic job of staying focused on the task at hand, which was to train hard and try to stay above the yellow line. Unfortunately for him, he still fell below. Ashley and Michael both did well at home with both their eating and their working out and they both managed to lose good numbers (go Michael with a 29 pound weight loss) and get themselves a spot in the finals.
When I woke up this morning and told Mitch how disappointed I was that Daris ate the way he did, he reminded me that's its rather unrealistic to think that most people can really change their way of life in just a few short months, after living a different way their whole lives. He's right and that makes me really sad. It is quite clear that Daris still needs a lot of help changing his brain so that he can go home and NOT regain all the weight he lost. I am not at all punishing him because he "slipped." We all make mistakes and we all deserve second (and third) chances. Still, I did not vote for him. I don't think he has what it takes to keep it off. It's a shame because that young man transformed himself from a huge clown into a really nice looking young man. The brass ring was dangling right in front of him but he didn't really even try to grab it.
Koli. I do NOT want Koli to win. He's a great athlete and a great contestant. I don't know if he can maintain the weight loss or not, once the quarter of a million dollars and bragging rights are either his or not. I think he has a very strong will and IF he wins, he will probably want to remain a role model and in the public eye. Even if he loses, he does have some great support via Sam and Stephanie, so the more I think about it, the more I think he might stay fit and healthy after the show. Still, I didn't vote for him, either. He got too cocky and too aggressive once Sam left.
The very first week, I really saw a handsome face under Michael's 50o plus pounds. Sure, he is quirky and has felt sorry for himself TOO much, but I still think he's a good guy and I think he can win. Ashely, gorgeous Ashley--she has been the quiet warrior since week one. No drama queen, no need to be the center of attention, she just keeps plugging away and gets more beautiful each week and I think she can win, as well. While neither of them could reach their goal weight by the finale, that might make for an interestingly different ending. I got pretty tired of people having to be severely UNDER weight to win!
Now I am trying to figure out if the fact that Ash and Mike started out so large, was the key to their making it to the end. Each week they did have big numbers to lose, though Ashley didn't always put up the big numbers at the weigh ins. This morning I have a lot more questions than I do answers, that's for sure.
Having never really had an eating disorder, I realize that I don't understand a lot about the mentality of the contestants. That said, I DO have to watch what I eat EVERY single day and DO have to exercise A LOT to maintain the weight I am at. I know that fitness is my business and I have an advantage, but this was a choice I made. Every day I make choices, just like everyone else. Each and every one of us needs to get to the root of our issues and deal with them in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Each and every day we need to do the work it takes to keep us "in balance."
I am anxious for feedback today. Please leave a comment or an email and let me know your feelings about last night's episode and who you see winning, next week.
The only thing I know for sure is -- I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE EVERYONE BACK AT THE FINALE! Regardless of who wins, we get to see all the contestants and how they did at home. Don't forget, we also get to see Shay!
May the best man or woman jump up and down surrounded by confetti and pure elation.
5 comments
Rita
OMgoodness. What a show last night. Ok....Here is my "take" on what I would like to occur. I do NOT want Koli to win. First and foremost, he has developed quite an attitude and I am not totally happy with that aspect of him. Yes, he is focused, but I feel that he wants to prove a point that he can win it and then he MAY revert back to his old ways. I was always cheering for Michael and I am so proud and amazed at his progress BUT..........I feel he has the "poor me" syndrome. I do feel that his family will support him to continue on his journey BUT he comes from a family that loves to eat and that may pose a challenge for him. Making healthy, portion-control meals will definitely be an issue. I am astounded by Ashley. I really never thought that she would be able to complete all the challenges that were set before her. I was shocked that she completed the marathon. She has steadily progressed each week. So.......I am leaning towards her to be the BL. Oh, Daris!! I was mortified that he gained 2 pounds. I watched in horror as he taped himself "bingeing" in the late hours of the day. Can he keep that weight off and change his mindset? That is a very important concern that I have. I truly wanted him to be the BL, but now I am unsure. So........I must rethink my decision about the final BL. In any event, this has been quite a season. As I mentioned before, this is the first time that we are watching this program and I am looking forward to the finale. I truly admire all the contestants and I do hope that they will continue to live healthy and active lives. Bravo to everyone!!!
Carole
Bonni, Bonni, Bonni.... Once a cheerleader.... always a cheerleader! I applaud your consistency... And your enthusiasm... I also find it contagious!! THANKS for inspiring us "to do the work it takes to keep us “in balance”. " It IS ongoing and rewarding!!
Lisa
OK, here's my version short and sweet: Koli, Great losing 13 pounds but I didn't like the ugly selfish side of him this week. Koli, YOU ARE OOOOUT OF HERE! Daris has been my absolute favorite along side Miachal. I voted last night for Daris to stay (3 times shhhh) because i don't want Koli to win. Truthfully Daris doesn't deserve to win because he ATE HIS FACE OFF! He blew it Unfortunately Daris, YOU ARE OOOOUT OF HERE! Michael & Ashley are both AWESOME! May the best person win.
Judy Amberson
Don't watch the show, but exercise and eating right (like pilates) is a journey-one always has to work hard to keep motivated, and stay on track. It ain't easy! Just wonder how long those folks keep the weight off.
Carolanne
OK - As usual, I have a slightly different take on BL and the contestants. Koli - he did not go home! The idea behind this week was to send them HOME for 30 days so they could get acclimated to their regular lives again. IMO Koli cheated and I think BL should be more clear in the future that contestants need to remain in their hometowns for the 30 days. I've disliked Koli since the week he stabbed Stephanie in the back and she went home. Daris - Oh Daris - he's got such a long and difficult road ahead of him. With the kind of motivation he had to lose weight and stay on the path that would have put him in the finale, he was still unable to do it. He's going to need lots of help and maybe a different approach to stop his night time eating. I can certainly sympathize with his late night cravings as I just emailed Bonni the other day complaining of doing that very same thing myself and sabotaging my weight own loss efforts. I feel so bad and frightened for Daris that he may fall back into his old habits and be unable to complete the amazing journey he's started. I think he is a very special young man with a very serious food addiction. I did vote for Daris (3x by phone and 10x by email)over Koli because I just can't get behind Koli's selfish attitude. Mike is a great guy and I was so happy to see him get below 300 pounds. He could win the whole thing, but I don't think he will. Ashley, I think will be our winner this season. Now I never would have picked her week 1 (or 2, or 3) but she is indeed a warrior, strong and determined. Daris had some really lovely things to say to Ashley while she was standing on the scale last night. I can't wait to see them all at the finale next Tuesday night. Set your DVRs - You're going to want to watch it more than once!