Interview with Biggest Loser-Couples team Ali & Bette-Sue! (Parts 1 AND 2)

Update: Ali wins! Check this out:

I recently had an exciting opportunity to interview Ali Vincent and Bette-Sue Burklund, otherwise known as Team Pink from this season’s Biggest Loser – Couples. Let me tell you, there ain't no stopping this pair, televised or not. As you may know from watching the show, they are vivacious, spunky, and a total joy to speak with. We chatted the morning after the second-to-last episode aired, during which Ali secured herself a spot in the finale with a total weight loss of 99 pounds – more than any woman in BL history! (Bette-Sue has shed a “Whoa!”-worthy 75 pounds.) Their energy and enthusiasm literally oozed out of the phone as I asked them five questions culled from over 160 ideas submitted commenters on the Lose Big website and the Weighting Game.)

Thanks to everyone who submitted questions – they were all insightful and positive, which is precisely how we need to be when it comes to tackling challenging issues such as weight loss, body image and confidence. As an aside, I was so motivated by all the hard work the BL contestants have put in that I decided to work out twice yesterday – which I never, ever do. Forty minutes on the StepMill in the a.m. and then a power yoga class at 5pm. Oh. My. God. I was shaking and sweating in Downward Dog, praying my arms didn’t collapse on me. Last night, I ate everything in sight and am slightly sore today, which I just know means I’ll be a giant muscle ache tomorrow. I don’t know how these people did it!

Watch Ali in the live season finale on Tuesday, April 15 at 8pm EST. Good luck! You go, girl!

1) How did you deal with emotional aspects of the challenge, such as dealing with food temptations at home or keeping up with your workouts? (inspired by Jennifer and Rick Ryan at the Lose Big page and Kyle at Weighting Game)

Ali: “For me, the week we were eliminated was the week I started believing I could totally do this. It wasn’t about being on that campus; it was about believing in myself and actively going after my goal. My mom and I spent a lot of time talking - about why we put the weight on, which was to protect ourselves. But I was young then and now I’m this strong woman and I don’t need that protection anymore. As the pounds came off, I was able to free myself emotionally and physically, was free to address issues with my mother and in other relationships. But being home [was hard] – that’s where you live your life, at home. Being able to call my mom instead of going to a drive-through helped.“

Bette-Sue: “It takes a conscious effort. I can’t undo 53 years [of emotional issues] in three months. But physically, I’m shocked at how fast you can lose it. An hour of cardio really makes a difference. It’s just not easy. I can very easily see myself falling into old traps, which is scary.”

Ali: “You have to have the courage to admit where you are and figure out where you want to be. A lot of times if you’re not happy emotionally or spiritually, you’re not going to be happy physically.”

Bette-Sue: “Working out has to be a conscious choice. I have a lot of sedentary hobbies – crocheting, knitting, being on the internet. I gotta move! And opening the refrigerator – are you kidding? I love to eat. The problem with me is the lack of planning. My daughter and I have always been busy, busy, busy, and would eat what was fast. Some of our most quality time – I’m not kidding – was spent in the car eating fast food. I was a single mother with two daughters. Now, I keep a little ice chest in my car for fruit because it is so easy to go to Del Taco.”

2) Ali, on the show, you mentioned you had trouble wearing sleeveless shirts because you felt you still had big arms. How are you handling these kinds of body image issues? (inspired by Kay at the Lose Big page and sasa at Weighting Game)

Ali: “I think for the next few years, I’ll look in the mirror [and be unsure of what I’m seeing.] Just like when I was heavy, I never saw a heavy girl - I just saw me. Last night (the final episode before the finale), I thought, ‘Who’s that skinny girl on TV?’ It will take a while to grasp what I look like.

But I’m proud of my arms – I do feel like they are cut. I get to sculpt my body like it’s a sculpture. The changes happened almost overnight. One day I wouldn’t feel comfortable and the next day I did. I was like, ‘What’s that on my arm?’ and they’d say, ‘It’s a tricep!’ I hadn’t had it before because fat was hanging there.

During the makeover show, I was trying on clothes that were way too big for me. I think part of me, it’s because I’m working so hard every day and paying attention for the first time in years to what I’m putting in my body, so to go in a store and pull a size I’m not comfortable with, I don’t want to be disappointed [if it’s too small]. But now it is fun – in Australia, I ran into a store a pulled an outfit in 15 minutes. That hasn’t happened to me in years. I loved that blouse and felt so beautiful and fun. It was so rewarding. It wasn’t about the body and clothes, it was how I felt, when I walked down the stairs and the boys said, ‘Woohoo, Ali!’ I have this permagrin. I don’t want to apologize for my grin but I can’t help it. I’m I awe. I forgot what it felt like to feel good about myself. I’m presenting to world the way I always felt.”

Click the "Read more" link below to see the rest of the interview.

3) At the ranch, it was evident that the two of you had issues from long ago that needed to be worked out. How has BL made your relationship stronger? (inspired by Paloma, Alicia and Ella at BL)

Ali: “I think we realized the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. It gave me an opportunity to realize there’s a lot of responsibility put on a mother by a daughter to look a certain way. I got to look at my mom as another woman going through the same struggles and battles I am. It’s kind of bizarre how similar we really are. Very enlightening. I’ve been disappointed by my mom in the past, as has she with me. But I was putting too much on her – making her responsible for me. Moms don’t get the credit if things go well, but if things go bad, they get the blame. I now get to enjoy my mom and think of her as a friend. I want to try to support her as a person and love her and respect her as my mother.”

Bette-Sue: “In a perfect world, there’s a time when [your relationship] changes from parent-child to adult-adult. But it’s hard. I have all my guilt from when I was gone too much, working too much. And as much as I would love to butt out of my daughter’s life, you think you know what would make them happy. I don’t think we’re so different from ‘Mother-Daughter USA.’ They show that clip of us crying a lot - which was totally unexpected, that intervention. I thought I told my daughter all the time how much I loved her but for whatever reason, she heard it differently. [At the ranch], I got to just listen. I really genuinely am thankful to NBC for that.”

4) Any favorite exercise/training tips for us fans to incorporate into our routines? (inspired by Elizabeth at the BL page and Denise Love on WG)

Ali: “It’s the stuff you did in PE! I always felt like I had to drive to a gym but I can do lunges, squats, jumping jacks, jump rope. It’s just as effective, if not more, because you’re using your body weight, rather than going from machine to machine. These are the exercises you can do anywhere – in your backyard, a hotel. Oh my gosh, if I had just stuck to that PE stuff all along…”

Bette-Sue: “Just move. Get off your butt and move. Take the dog for a walk. I didn’t like going outside before - I live in Arizona and it’s hotter that snot outside (She cracks me up! – Leslie). But when you lose weight, it’s not quite as hot. Be conscious of how much you’re sitting down and how much you’re moving around.”

Ali: “Also, your fat burning zone is not that really hard, hard cardio. It has to do with heart rate.”

5) What activity have you most enjoyed doing post-Biggest Loser that you couldn't do before? (inspired by 4kidsmom at BL)

Ali: “I can do a pull-up now. But I never wanted to do a pull up before! Arizona is a big, beautiful, ‘outside’ state and everyone’s a hiker. I had huge anxiety about hiking before but now…there’s not any adventure I won’t go on because even though I might not be the first one up the mountain, I will get there.

Also, going shopping! The other day, I tried on a bathing suit and thought, ‘Oh, my gosh, I haven’t worn anything like this since high school. I felt sexy. Arizona is about pool parties and lakes and I’ve always avoided going. Now I don’t have to deny any invitation because I can wear a swimsuit.”

Bette-Sue: “I live by these amazing cliffs. My husband would say, ‘There’s this amazing view’ and I’d say, ‘Are you kidding me? I can’t even walk up the asphalt to the mountain!’ Now I’ve been to the top of that mountain. This summer, I can go out and ride on the tubes on the lake with my grandchildren instead of just being a cheerleader. And I can shop at normal stores. No more ‘fat lady’ stores. I bought a size12 pair of jeans –“

Ali: “- and she looks good!”

Bette-Sue: “That big ‘W’ on the butt no longer represents ‘Walrus’ – it’s for ‘Wrangler.’ And we bought a motorcycle and I can ride on the back.”

Ali: “And mom buys everything pink now!

Bette-Sue: “It has been an amazing journey. This has altered our relationship in the most amazing way. I wouldn’t trade it for the world. If this was a MasterCard commercial, that’s the part that’s priceless.”

April 14, 2008 at 08:59am | Permalink | Comments (72)

Comments

Can't wait to read the rest. I love Bette sue. Very sassy!

Posted by Meribeth on April 14 at 10:34am

Ali, I am so proud of you and this show the (BL) has been a great inspiration to me. I walk about 2 1/2 miles a day and some days I just exercise in the gym. I have even started to dance again, I have not lost the body weight yet, but I have lost a lot of inches. I do feel better, but you have really been a great inspiration to me because the weight that you are now is what I used to weigh in high school which was along time ago. Continue to do a great job, and Good Luck.

Posted by angel on April 14 at 12:56pm

Welcome to everyone who came over from the Lose Big blog! We hope you stay a while and poke around :-)
x,
Leslie

Posted by Leslie on April 14 at 01:04pm

I hope you win, Ali!!

Posted by carol on April 14 at 05:04pm

Yay, thanks for getting an answer to that Q ... i was dying to know how she was dealing with those image issues... it would be such a shame to look so great and have worked so hard and then still not be able to fully appreciate it. i'm glad they are both so happy now.

Posted by sasa on April 15 at 09:39am

Wow great interview. I have to agree with Bette-Sue that working out and eating right is a conscious effort.

I am interested in seeing how Ali looks tonight on the show as well as seeing if Bette Sue is close or even can win for the "At Home" people.

I am very excited for watching tonights finale

Posted by Fitness Guy on April 15 at 11:24am

I have always had a problem with self-esteem, and not feeling good about my self. The two of you have really inspired me to want to be better. I would like to know how you start liking yourself? I have always thought that I am ugly and just plain fat. I only weigh 175, but it was something that is in my head. How do you learn to like yourself? curlysue192006@yahoo.com
Best of Love
Alissa

Posted by Alissa on April 15 at 02:37pm

I love watching BL season after season, but this season is most inspiring because of you two!. Ali, I am the same weight you were at when you first went on the ranch, and you have truly inspired me, because I can see it is possible! And you did a lot of it at home which is amazing!. I hope you win tonight!!
love,
Lisa L.

Posted by LISA on April 15 at 04:20pm

Great interview! I was so excited to see that Ali won tonight. Very, very cool (not to mention a great inspiration to women everywhere)! :)

Posted by Zandria on April 15 at 10:29pm

Ali and Bette Sue-you are both AMAZING. I never watched the show before-I think I try to ignore the truths of my own demons being in my face, and I avoid the fear of the struggle I have to conquer. But in avoiding living a life I dream of I have made myself miserable. Ali I cannot express enough how inspiring you are-I tear up several times each episode over you and your success. They are tears of great happiness for you, while also a mix of emotion and fear to fight my own demons that I realize you clearly understand. My heaviest weight is the same as your start weight and I am just under that now. I have a long road ahead and I am going to work to make each day better to work toward my goal. It will help me to think of you in my journey to gain a life I have never had. Thank you for being so inspiring and amazing-not only do you look amazing but the emotional and mental happiness and strength you have tapped into is phenomenal. God Bless you and a long life of happiness! Best wishes, Julie

Posted by Julie on April 15 at 10:35pm

CONGRATULATIONS ALI!
I screamed and shouted with joy when you beat out Roger tonight! YOU GO GIRL!!! I want to follow in your footsteps! You are such an inspiration! I weigh almost as much as your starting weight, and hope to reach your finish weight in the near future. I am starting right now to be my own biggest loser! Thanks Ali!

Posted by Dollie Twigg on April 16 at 12:26am

Interview doesn't answer many of the questions that viewers had.

Posted by hum on April 16 at 12:32am

Ali I have watched you and prayed for you all season. You are my hero, I am so proud of you. Tell me how it feels to be the first WOMEN BIGGEST LOSER. I love you and hope the best for you. PS I also love your mom, she is a good person to have on your side.

Posted by bess on April 16 at 01:41am

Congrats Ali on your win and being the first Woman Biggest Loser!! and GO PINK! I'm from Arizona and it's such an inspiration to see you both having done it. I live probably w/in 10 miles of you and I've come up with all the "it's too hot" excuses too. You've really inspired me. Thank you.

Posted by Kathleen on April 16 at 02:09am

Go Pink ! Ali and Bette-Sue, you two are such an inspiration. Being overweight is such an emotional situation and many times, so much not just about the extra pounds. Also, eating can be an addiction (chocolate and cake are like crack for me!)and it's the only substance you can't "just give up". You have to learn how to manage it. Ali and Bette Sue, you two have addressed the emotional reasons for your eating and have been hugely successful because of it. Ali, you were such an inspiration to watch week after week as you transformed yourself, both mentally and physically. You looked absolutely amazing last night, and I think of all the Biggest Loser seaons I have watched, you have transformed yourself like no other ! Best of luck in everything you do and I know "there's no stopping you now!" Much Love,
Stacy

Posted by Stacy on April 16 at 08:28am

Don't have a comment, but would like to know how much time did u actually spend exercising on Biggest Loser's ranch?

Posted by Eunice on April 16 at 09:33am

I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN A FAN OF THE SHOW-PINK TEAM IS MY VERY FAVORITE!YOU BOTH WERE AWESOME-YOU WERENT FAKE YOU WERE REAL.ALI BABE CONGRATS WE(THE WORLD) ARE PROUD!YOU ARE WORTHY!IT GAVE ME GOOSBUMPS WHEN U WON-I COULD FEEL UR HAPPINESS.GOD BLESS TO YOU BOTH.BETTISUE-YOU ARE ONE OF A KIND I LOVE YOU TO DEATH-YOU ARE DEFINATELY A SHOW FAV!AGAIN CONGRATS

JENNY FROM INDIANA

Posted by JENNY FROM INDIANA on April 16 at 10:00am

Allie you an inspriation to me. we both weighed the same and when i saw that you could do it i told myself i could too!!! you and i have the same reason why we eat and i want to thank you for inspring me to lose weight!! thankyou from the bottom of my heart. i have lost 25 pounds already and my goal is to be at least 150. again allie thankyou you are a wonderful woman and an inspriation to us all!! congrats on winning!! you deserve it!!!

Posted by gena on April 16 at 10:23am

WAY TO GO ALI! I am soooo happy for you
and Kelly. Just to make it to the top three was awsome but to beat out the 4 guys who ganged up on the 2 of you at the stadium Challenge! YES, IN YOUR FACE BLUE TEAM! LOVE you all thanks for the inspirtion! I was on a weight plateau and going crazy but I know I will keep losing because of all the hard work EVERY MEMBER of Biggest loser Season 5. God Bless! ENJOY LIFE ALWAYS! TRIXIE_BLUE

Posted by trixie_blue on April 16 at 10:25am

Ali CONGRATULATIONS!!! You Look Great, I knew that if any woman could become the first Female Biggest Loser that you could!!! You had the drive and you could tell it was in you heart to accomplish what no other woman has ever done on that show!!! Great Job you deserve it!!!

Posted by Lauren on April 16 at 10:52am

thank you ali for showing me the way!

Posted by kim on April 16 at 10:55am

thank you ali for showing me the way!

Posted by kim on April 16 at 10:55am

First of all: I am super excited that my question was answered here. Thank you so much!

Second: I love this post.

Third: Super duper Congrats to Ali. You are a freakin Rock Star! I hope to someday be able to do what you have done. You have inspired me, and I think I am well on my way! Cheers and Kudos to you!!!!

Posted by Paloma on April 16 at 11:01am

Ali - You have show all of us women that anything is possible. Even when you were sent home, you never lost sight of the goal, and didn't let a little thing like being eliminated stop you. You believed. You made it happen! You are an inspiration to us all.

Posted by Vicki on April 16 at 11:56am

Ali, I started watching this season from the beginning. I never missed an episode. From the very beginning you and your mom (Hi! Betty-Sue) were my favorites. You both were the mother-daughter team I wish I could be with my mom. There are some issues we need to deal with and I feel that you gave me the courage to go forth and take charge and face them. I saw you lose the weight and how excited you were all the time. You seem to have a life that is full of energy and zest. If you see this yourself please write me and let me know how you are doing. I am really going to start thanks to you and your mom's inspiration.

Posted by Rhonda Watters on April 16 at 11:57am

Ali, I was so proud of you last night when you won that show!!!! I too, am working on losing my weight and getting in shape. The day that your mom and you got voted off of the show and you said that you were going to be the biggest loser, I believed you whole-heartedly!!!! And look at you!!!! YOU DID IT!!!!!!

Posted by Tilesha Walker on April 16 at 12:50pm

I have watched every episode of this show every season and I can honestly say that Ali is the toughest women that I have ever had the honor to watch on this show. Great Work and write us a book for us still trying people.

Posted by Sonya on April 16 at 12:54pm

Ali, I'm so proud of you!!

Q: What was Jillian saying to you at the end of the show, after you won?

I loved what Jillian had to say to all of us women during the show, regarding her hopes of having a first-ever BL woman. It was all about believing in the IMPOSSIBLE! Actually, with diligence and work, nothing is impossible.

What is next for you?

Posted by Maggie Kelly on April 16 at 01:14pm

Way to go Ali!!!! You look amazing. I love that you got to come back and show the "big" boys that they had better watch out for a determined woman!! Good for you.

Posted by Sherry on April 16 at 02:03pm

Ali! WTG I was watching the 2nd to the last show w/my husband. While we where wating for you to do your weigh in I told my hubby "she how Ali looks, That's what I want to look like". And when you got on the scale and it said you where 135 that is when my jaw dropped, that is my goal weight and I have 23 lbs to go. You are a major modivator for me!! And last night you rocked the house. You look smoken!

Posted by edie on April 16 at 02:18pm

WOW! You just did what so many woman around the world can and will do. You have shown us that we too can do it. I dont have much to lose but even at the it seems hard. So thank you for showing me it is worth going for.

Posted by Mandy on April 16 at 02:30pm

Congrats Ali and Mom -- Ali you are just beautiful, so proud of both of you, such an inspiration to me. I am 60 and have started by biggest loser project now!!! Love you so much because you are always so positive and upbeat and just a joy to watch

Posted by Carol - Valley Springs, CA on April 16 at 02:54pm

I am so glad you won ali you look so beautiful i was amazed when you came back on the show!!!

Posted by shelly on April 16 at 04:29pm

I am so glad you won ali you look so beautiful i was amazed when you came back on the show!!!

Posted by shelly on April 16 at 04:29pm

I am so glad you won ali you look so beautiful i was amazed when you came back on the show!!!

Posted by shelly on April 16 at 04:29pm

I am so glad you won ali you look so beautiful i was amazed when you came back on the show!!!

Posted by shelly on April 16 at 04:29pm

I am so glad you won ali you look so beautiful i was amazed when you came back on the show!!!

Posted by shelly on April 16 at 04:29pm

CONGRATULATIONS ALI,

YOU HAVE BEEN SUCH AN INSPIRATION TO ME. I'VE LOST 34 POUNDS AND HAVE 40 MORE TO REACH MY GOAL

Posted by MaryAnn on April 16 at 05:01pm

Hey ali and bette-sue,
i love ya'll guys. me and my aunt and my mother wanted Ali to win. You have been my inspiration to me that i'm going to start to lose pounds. but can you give me some ideas how to lose weight. my email is Charmed0186@aol.com. please email. thanks.
shirley.

Posted by shirley on April 16 at 05:48pm

They gotta give that Bette-Sue her own teevee show. She's a pistol.

Posted by Jimbo on April 16 at 11:56pm

Wow! Congratulations! Ali, you looked better than anyone in all the seasons. You motivated me so much, that I started working out today. I spent around 20 years off and on in the gym, but then I got pregnant, and put on 70 lbs. I have lost 40 lbs, but I would like to lose 30 more. You are truly an inspiration to every woman across America. I got excited and jumped up when you won. You truly deserved it.

Posted by Ann McCarty on April 17 at 12:15am

Congrats Ali!! I was rooting for you from the start. My husband thought you and Mark should not have had a second chance but I was all for you coming back. Bette Sue was a riot. I loved the way she treated Jillian sometimes in the gym. I love you both and hope for the best for you and your mom. Congrats again and keep on working at the weight management. It's not easy some days but I believe in you and what you have accomplished thus far and can make it and do anything. YOU GO GIRL!!!

Posted by Tonya on April 17 at 10:06am

Mark has been the most inspirational person this season and looks like he has had an internal change and will be the person who will sustain this weight loss in the long run and not only lead a healthy lifestyle but will also inspire and change lot of people around him.

Posted by Divya on April 17 at 01:27pm

Ali, you are amazing. I am a personal trainer (for over 25 years) and specifically work with weight management groups now. You can absolutely achieve what you achieved without drugs - it is achieved by hard work and dedication to eating right and getting healthy.

Posted by paula on April 17 at 03:52pm

I knew you could do it, Ali! You did what has never been done before. You became the first female Biggest Loser....In spite of the odds...In spite of the fact that men lose weight much more easily than women do. Mark got stick thin (156 lbs compared to his brother's 190 lbs) and you still would have beaten Mark too. I've reached the conclusion that you are a machine, and I am so proud of you. I cheered when you won. Now all the future Biggest loser female contestants can't give the excuse that they are "just women" (and Jillian can't complain like she did on the episode when Brittany was upset). You and Kelly set the bar so high for all future female Biggest loser contestants. The way that you transformed your body is nothing short of amazing, Ali, now go enjoy your 250,000 dollars. You deserve every penny!

Posted by aliciaarol on April 18 at 04:36am

You Go Girl! My high weight was Ali's high weight and while I certainly didn't lose at the same rate, Ali - you've been an inspiration. I've looked at you and realized that if you can do it, so can I!!! And I am :) I totally cried when you won - I believed you could do it, but the pure JOY on your face just made me lose it! Keep on keeping on. You're da BOMB!!!

Posted by Kristin on April 18 at 03:22pm

what happened to all the excess skin?

Posted by Jo on April 18 at 04:02pm

Ali u are great, we are very proud of u, im so glad a woman won. I have severe back problems and i cant exercise like u did, but i need to get moving as much as possible and try to make myself healthier, wish my mother would try to help me like ur mom did, u have a great mother,good luck with ur future gurl u deserve it.

Posted by Rosa on April 19 at 09:26am

I love you ladies! I'm so happy for ALi, she deserved it. It was awesome and motivating to see her transform! I wanna look just like her when I grow up!

Posted by Jill on April 19 at 01:23pm

Ali
You did so well!! You were so fun to watch on the show!! Congraudulations on being the 1st female biggest loser!

Posted by Megan on April 19 at 06:11pm

Wow!!

Posted by Kari on April 19 at 06:14pm

Ali - OMG!!!!

I am SO proud of you! You are truly my inspiration! You and your Mom was a joy to watch. I actually cried when you two were voted out. I was FURIOUS with the yellow team. But then they allowed SOMEONE to come back to the show and I KNEW it was going to be you. You worked so hard. You have a lot to be proud of and I hope you know how much of an inspiration you are for me and many others. Congratulations sweetie and ENJOY LIFE!! You deserve it!

I know you probably get a lot of requests for communications but if you are into it, I would LOVE to hear from you and be friends. My email is Debra.Stewart@suddenlink.net :)

Much love to you and Betty Sue!
XOXOXOXOXO

Posted by Debbie on April 21 at 09:45am

Thank you Ali, for inspiring a country of women who have allowed themselves to be told time and again that they are not good enough, simply because they are overweight. Body dismorphia is such an issue with so many because we don't fit the size 0-2's that are forced down our throats by hollywood and the media. You are honest about the emotions behind your weight gain and allowed us all to share in your wonderful transformation!!! Thank you!
I, along with many, have battled weight issues my whole life, tore apart at school for being the fat kid and internalized the pain from those formulative years, and started destructive patterns that haunt me to this day. I have cut myself off from my friends, whom I haven't seen in over a decade because I am so embarassed about being so fat, but you have inspired me. I am exercising now and keeping a food journal. I thought I would rather kill myself then be fat forevermore, but you have inspired me to save myself! How many times per day did you exercise to lose 1lb per day?

Posted by thefathermit on April 21 at 04:03pm

Ladies, I too know the feeling, the euphoria of losing all that weight! It's exhilarating,and it's the biggest high you can have legally w/o drugs!! I had Gastric Bypas and lost 150lbs! I wish I did it YOUR WAY!!! We've achieved the same goal, but more HEART went into yours!!! You BOTH ROCK!!!!! Marialana xoxoxo

Posted by Marialana on April 21 at 04:44pm

Way to go Ali!!! You are an inspiration to all woman out there.I knew you could win the Biggest Loser

Posted by katya on April 22 at 11:49pm

Way to go Ali. We knew you could do it. You are inspiration to me I started working out at a Gym and it's paying off. Keep up the hard work. God Bless you Deena

Posted by Deena blades on April 23 at 10:59am

I totally agree with the suggestion that Ali should write a book! She seems to have made that mental switch in her head where (1) she cares enough about herself to put her health first, and (2) she has learned how to attack life with excitement. Rather than sit back, she is living her life and all of her dreams now. I would LOVE to read what she had to say about her thinking before and after. I think that weight loss ultimately becomes a mental challenge within yourself, and she figured out how to push through. I think Mark did too. I would love to read a book by any of these people...maybe even a compilation of writings by BL people who have lost & kept off the pounds. Just an idea!

Posted by Shannon on April 23 at 06:48pm

Congrats Alli!!! So glad to see a woman win!!!Biggest loser has inspired me to get off my big hiny.Ive lost 15 lbs so far and im still going strong!!!!

Posted by Sissy Smith on April 23 at 08:24pm

Congratulations ladies. You are both truly my heroes.

Posted by Karen on April 25 at 03:48pm

Thank you Ali!

You have given me new drive & hope.
Please know what a gift you have given others who are obese. You will never know just how many you will inspire and help.

From one of in a multitude,
Super job well done!

Thanks,
Ellen

Posted by Ellen on April 27 at 10:58am

Conngrats Ali on being the winner of the biggest loser, I was so happy to see you win and beat out Roger. I look forward to meeting at the Washington Dc Health and Fitness Expo next year.

Posted by Harriet on April 30 at 12:56pm

I wish I knew what exercises Ali did to get those toned arms. That is one of my goals to be able to wear sleeveless an be ok w/it.

Posted by thinerme on May 01 at 12:02pm