by Gina Scarpa

 

Last season, on The Biggest Loser, Helen Phillips shocked the world (and herself) when she dropped 140 pounds in time for the live finale.  The mom from Michigan lost over 54% of her total body weight and walked away with the grand prize of $250,000.  Now, months later, Helen has managed to maintain her healthy lifestyle.  Today, she spoke to RealityWanted in an exclusive interview, updating fans on her progress and dishing on the newest season, which premieres tonight on NBC.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What has life been like since you won The Biggest Loser last season?
A. Helen: It has been really great!  I’m still maintaining my healthy lifestyle.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: How have you managed to maintain your weight since you’ve been home?
A. Helen: I just realized that this is the way that I choose to live.  Once you reach your weight loss goal, the journey continues.  There’s always going to be maintenance.  I didn’t think it was going to be easy but I take time for myself and I prioritize.  I eat the same foods that I did on the ranch but I don’t put myself through the grueling workouts like you saw on the show.  I go jogging or  I bike.  If I don’t want to go to the gym, I just do some outdoor activities that I enjoy.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What is the hardest part about transitioning from The Biggest Loser back into your everyday life?
A. Helen: The temptation!  You’re surrounded by it!  I’m a sweets fanatic so I shop the perimeter of the grocery store, where the deli meats and produce are.  I allow myself things.  If I want cake, I’ll eat once piece.  I won’t eat it for three days, though!

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: When you think about all that you accomplished while you were on the show, how you feel?
A. Helen: As a matter of fact, just thinking about it brings me to tears sometimes.  I went back to the ranch recently to speak with Bob and Jillian.  I had such a full sense of accomplishment.  The ranch is a powerful place.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Do you stay in touch with them, to let them know how you are progressing?
A. Helen: Yeah, I talked to them I love to see how other contestants are doing, too… especially the ones this season.  I want to contact them and give them advice but, of course, I can’t.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Does the theme of this new season, second chances, hit close to home for you?
A. Helen: Yes, absolutely!  We all deserve second, third, fourth chances.  I used to do so many crazy, fad diets.  I was a yo-yo dieter.  I’d diet and then I’d gain 30 pounds back.  You’re going to fail but you have to learn from it.  If you do badly today, then stop.  You can change things.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What was the biggest obstacle you faced when you came to the ranch as a contestant?
A. Helen: I thought, “I made it to the ranch.  This is the answer.”  Really, it was just the beginning.  It’s all up to you.  It’s hard… it’s the hardest thing these contestants are ever going to face.  You have to step out of your comfort zone.  You’re faced with reality and it hits you hard.  It’s a good place to take the baggage that you’ve been carrying… the pain, humiliation, loneliness… around and let it go.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: There are a lot of people, I’m sure, who watch The Biggest Loser and want to be part of the show but are too afraid to try out and go for it.  What is your advice to them?
A. Helen: Put the snack food down and get off the couch!  It’s gotta stop somewhere and it’s gotta start with you.  Be inspired by the show.  Start making changes to your lifestyle and if by the end of the first week, you notice some changes, by the end of the month, it will be even more!  You don’t have to be on the ranch to do this.  You can do this at home but you need support.  You have the ability to change your life.

 

The Biggest Loser: Second Chances premieres tonight at 8pm ET on NBC.

 

(Image courtesy of NBC)

 

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