By: Linda Vongkhamchanh

Oct 27, 2009

Name: Abby
Hometown: Mabank, TX
Occupation: High school speech, debate, and theater teacher
Favorite Cheat Food: Chocolate ice cream
Goal for 2010: Be at a healthy weight and feel great
Starting weight: 247
Elimination weight: 201

NSD: What was your big turning point—either during the show or before that made you realize you needed to lose the weight?
I had reached a point where I was tired all the time and something had to give. I was sick of feeling so bad all the time. When I saw the casting call for The Biggest Loser I thought, “What do I have to lose?” During the audition process, I did so much soul searching.  I concluded I was ready to make changes in my diet and I was going to have to move more. I had to rejoin life. 

NSD: What is one thing you wish you had known before going on The Biggest Loser?
I wish I had known about my gait issue so I could have avoided a stress fracture so early on the ranch.

NSD: If you could have done one thing differently during the show, what would it be?
The show is very much a metaphor for life. You can look back on decisions you made and make different ones in the future, but you can’t change the past. Though I wasn’t perfect, I made the best decision I could at the time with a pure heart.   

NSD: What was the hardest thing to adapt to while being on the ranch?
The hardest thing to adapt to while being on the ranch was the schedule. In between workouts and preparing meals, there were interviews, medical tests, morph photos, more interviews…. and of course, cameras everywhere and people everywhere. In the beginning, I was completely overwhelmed.

NSD: What is one thing that keeps you motivated?
My biggest motivation is how much better I feel. I wake up with energy and look forward to my day.  What more could I ask for? 

NSD: What is your favorite workout?
I love outdoor workouts, especially hiking. The view makes all the work worthwhile. Spinning is also tons of fun!

NSD: What's the best advice Bob or Jillian has given you?
Decide what you really want and make choices accordingly, regardless of what people think.

NSD: What is your favorite meal or snack?
I love breakfast!  I’m not the greatest cook, but I make a mean egg white scramble with asparagus, mushrooms, onions, tomatoes and a sprinkle of low-fat cheese. Add a half of a whole wheat English muffin and half an apple, and voila, a well-balanced meal to start the day.

NSD: What happens behind the scenes of the show that no one would know from watching it?
There are so many great people behind the scenes. The casting folks, sound and camera crews are a fun group of people.  In addition, the beautiful interview sites you see on TV look so crazy with the lights and cameras.

NSD: What did you do for fun while you were on the ranch?
Fun... in addition to sweating, of course, the most fun times were the bonding times we had laughing and getting to know one another. There are some funny, talented people on the cast!

Tell us what you thought about tonight's episode in the comments section below.
 
 

 
Watch The Biggest Loser on Tuesdays at 8/7c on NBC.

More on the NeverSayDiet:

• Last week, Dina went home on The Biggest Loser
• 6 health advantages of being overweight
• 5 healthy ways to eat pumpkin (you didn't know about)