by David McAlpine and Gina Scarpa

This week, on The Biggest Loser: Couples, fans were treated to a few familiar faces.  Three contestants, who were eliminated in the very first week, were brought back for a chance to return to the ranch and get into the competition once again.  Nicole, who has lost an astounding 32% of her total body weight, wins the weigh-in and is back in the game.  Unfortunately, her time there was short lived because at the very next weigh-in, she gained 5 pounds and her competitors quickly sent her back home.  Today, she spoke to RealityWanted in an exclusive interview about her time in, out, and back in the game!

Q. David, RealityWanted: Nicole, after you were eliminated the first time, what did you do at home to lose 87 pounds?
A. Nicole: I was determined to prove to myself that I had the strength + determination to lose weight on my own. Those few days on the ranch gave me the confidence + the jumpstart I needed to take control of my life + change it forever. I got disciplined, developed a routine, exercised hard, and ate right (cooked my own food, measured my portions and packed snacks to avoid temptation!)!

Q. David, RealityWanted: How did everyone act towards you when you re-entered the game?
A. Nicole: I don't doubt that they were impressed by my weight loss, but they clearly were threatened by my re-entrance into the game. They pretended to welcome me back, but hated that I beat their % of weight loss at home, all by myself! Filipe + Sione welcomed me. But the other players were obviously intimidated. One thing is for sure. They amped up their own workouts, each and every one of them, because I was in the house. I motivated them to work harder.

Q. David, RealityWanted: What do you think was the cause of the weight gain during your week back on the ranch?
A. Nicole: Women's bodies fluctuate and retain fluid each month-that's a fact! And it makes it difficult to control what the scale will say. The scale doesn't lie, however. I know I did not lose 87lbs under any stress or emotional strain. I was at home with the man I love, losing weight consistently, every week. So, the change into a stressful environment certainly played a role. I am convinced that it simply was not my journey to be at the ranch-I am truly one of the "at home" success stories.

Q. David, RealityWanted: What went through your head in the elimination room? Did you think you were going to stay over Ron?
A. Nicole: I knew I was going home. No matter whether Ron was sick or who was below the yellow line with me, I was going to be eliminated the first chance they got. I just didn't think in a million years it would happen that week. I am just proud that Sione and Filipe had the COURAGE to stand behind their words and fight for my chance to stay and inspire the remaining players to work even harder, rather than the others, whose COWARDICE + FEAR influenced their decision to keep Ron, not any special alliance.

Q. David, RealityWanted: Do you think the decision to eliminate you was as calculated as you think it was to eliminate Damien?
A. Nicole: Absolutely. Interesting question. Their gameplay is simple-get rid of the competition when they are down! That's exactly what they did to both of us. The crazy thing is, everyone goes home eventually. I only wonder how they will feel when their so-called alliances buckle and backfire, which they always do-this is reality TV after all-and you can't make this stuff up!

Q. David, RealityWanted: Is there anything you learned during your week at the Biggest Loser ranch?
A. Nicole: I learned that the biggest compliment is that they feared me. I must use that to fuel my own workouts until the finale. I find it funny, though....who knew I would ever be viewed as a threat in a game about weight loss! Go figure!

Q. David, RealityWanted: What has been your biggest challenge so far on your weight loss journey?
A. Nicole: Getting what I wished for-a 2nd chance on the ranch! That was the biggest challenge so far. Now, back at home, I am in my routine and continuing to change my life forever so I can have a beautiful future with my amazing fiance, Damien.

Q. David, RealityWanted: What steps are you taking to reach your goal by the finale?
A. Nicole: I am intensifying my workouts! I am stronger and more capable of pushing myself each day. In order to grow and continue to lose weight, I have to consistently switch up my workout, re-evaluate my goals and step up the intensity and duration of each workout to be effective.


The Biggest Loser airs Tuesday nights at 8pm ET on NBC.

(Image courtesy of NBC)

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