NEWSAli Vincent's Biggest Loser Blog: Is Bigger Really Better?
April 28 2010, Published 10:28 a.m. ET
Each week, Biggest Loser champ Ali Vincent brings you her unique perspective on the show — only on OKmagazine.com!
Be careful what your affirmations and mantras say!
Everything’s bigger in Texas. For years I, as many other Americans and probably those who don’t even know where Texas is around the world, have heard that saying spouted at least once or twice in their lifetime. I can only imagine whoever came up with that campaign slogan for our largest state is kicking themselves right about now. Yes, Texas is all about being proud to be the largest state, and I can understand that.
I also know and believe that our subconscious mind HEARS EXACTLY what we say. So it does not surprise me that Texas has one of the highest obesity rates compared to other states in the U.S. I mean think about it — Americans want to have something that we can attach ourselves to, whether it’s part of being a member of a winning team, from a state that has a team in the Superbowl, coming from a state that has the most Olympic athletes, most brave Americans serving our country, from a state the has the most eco-friendly programs. I don’t know what makes you feel proud; all I know is that is almost a requirement of being American, or at least human.
We also have the issue of always wanting "more." I remember the first time I went to this restaurant in Texas that served a whole apple as the garnish on my plate for dinner. At the time I thought it was great, so much food for so little money! The problem was after eating at that restaurant time and time again, I ate more and more of what was on my plate, until the time came where I no longer took home leftovers.
Sure, at first it was fun and the food was great, but over time my subconscious thought process from when I was younger to "finish everything on my plate" found a way to do what it had always been told.
My wish is that we all start thinking about what we are telling ourselves subconsciously or what we just let sneak into our thought processes by hearing it over and over again.
The Biggest Loser has realized the impact it has on the American people and also has begun to understand that if they don’t take action, who will? Strength is going for something even if the odds are stacked against you. I am proud of being a part of the Biggest Loser family, and I love watching along with you the difference they are creating.
It would be easy to just sit back and continue to create the amazing results for just those on the show at the Biggest Loser campus — but that is not what it’s about. It’s about getting out there, hitting the streets and advocating for yourself — you too, can do it!
It takes a lot of courage to come out to participate and tell the truth in front of the world to see. Take it from the young girl who mustered the strength to stand in front of her whole school and say she never thought she was worth feeling good about herself. You and I know kids are not always nice but you get to the point in your life that the possibility of ridicule is worth the possibility for change. As she stood and started to share with Jillian Michaels, tears started forming in my eyes because we got to witness a moment in her life where she stood up for herself and refused to not be seen anymore. Abby continue to do what you are doing. You have made a huge difference and will continue to.
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And to see all those that responded to the radio call out, what an amazing experience. I have to tell you I use to be so scared to run. I wanted to do a 5k so badly but didn’t think I could, so I never even found out what it would take. I am so proud of all the people that came out to do the Biggest Loser 5k. I loved how all the contestants put themselves out there to be in the moment with all these people.
From Daris letting his group know that he had a personal goal for the 5k but would be back to finish with them, to O’Neal showing and being there communicating the real feelings behind being scared, to Koli running back and forth just sharing and talking with everyone. It was an amazing opportunity for everyone involved especially the people of Texas.
Now they have memberships at 24 Hour Fitness (my gym). Keep your eyes open and your twitter on because this summer I am going on the Mind, Body, Sole tour with Famous Footwear doing exactly what we just saw this week on the Biggest Loser. Come get started with me — you never know when I’ll be in your neighborhood!
What an amazing week! Unfortunately, with each week's end we say goodbye to another contestant we have fallen in love with. There was no question this week who was going home after both O’Neal and Sunshine fell below the yellow line. O’Neal has made such a difference in so many of the contestants lives and ours as well, you will be missed Unc!
I hope that this week has inspired all of you out there who want something more to have the courage to stand up and start. It is so important to check in and make sure our thoughts and thought processes are aligned with our goal. What are you letting yourselves believe based your affirmations/mantras? Are they benefiting you or just something you are use to?
Until next week,
Ali xo
Since becoming the first female champ on The Biggest Loser, Ali has found a new life as a motivational speaker and author. Her new book, Believe It, Be It, is currently available at bookstores everywhere. For more, be sure to check out her Twitter page and her personal site.
