by Gina Scarpa

America really came through for Amanda Arlauskas this season on The Biggest Loser.  First, the voted her onto season 8 at the season 7 live finale.  Then, when she landed in the bottom two the week before the season 8 finale, America voted for her again to have a spot in the final three, alongside Rudy Pauls and Danny Cahill.  Amanda weighed in at the finale at 163, losing a total of 87 pounds  and 34% of her body weight.  She finished in third place and was happy with her journey and the end result.  Today, Amanda spoke to RealityWanted in an exclusive interview about her experiences on the show, her bond with Bob, and whether or not she reached her goal on finale night.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What made you decide to try out for The Biggest Loser this season?
A. Amanda: I have watched The Biggest Loser since season 5, and always loved it.  I remember thinking how badly I would love to be on the show but that it would never happen.  I decided to originally try out for season 7, and made it far in the casting process, but wasn't chosen.  After that initial let down, I told myself it wasn't meant to be.  But as I watched season 7 and thought how badly I still wanted it, I contacted my casting director and went through the process one more time.  Thankfully, the second time, I made it!

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Tell us about your partnership with Rebecca and what that friendship meant to you on the ranch.
A. Amanda: Rebecca was not only an amazing partner, but an amazing friend.  She and I were so similar that it was scary.  I initially saw her fierce competitive side and that's why I wanted her on my team to compete with me!  We formed an amazing bond and were the support system that we both needed. 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: As we all saw, you and Bob formed a very tight bond.  When did that bond begin and do the two of you continue to stay in touch?
A. Amanda: I really became close to Bob around week 3 on the ranch.  That was when he noticed me really struggling and knew that I needed some help and support.  He put his all in to me and wanted to make me as successful as possible.  Throughout my time on the ranch, he was not only a trainer, but a mentor and friend as well.  I really appreciate all his love, time, and effort that he put in to me because he helped me to become the best me possible.  Bob and I do keep in touch.  He is busy working with the new season, but we do have a "texting relationship" and always exchange texts a few times a week just to check up on each other!

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What was the most difficult part about the transition home from the ranch?
A. Amanda: Originally, I was super excited to go home but that was just the honeymoon phase.  Going home was very difficult because all of a sudden you're taken out of this bubble and put back into real life.  There are family, friends, food, social events, and life happening all at once and it's a lot to take in!  Being a 20 year old girl, I wanted to go out and have fun but I had to remind myself that my journey on The Biggest Loser wasn't over yet, and that I had to remain focused.  It was all about discipline, and knowing what was best for me at the time.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Did you set a goal for the finale and did you reach it?
A. Amanda: My goals for the finale kept changing as I realized the time it was taking for my body to lose the weight.  My latest goal was 150 lbs, and although I didn't reach it (I weighed in at 163 lbs), I still plan on working hard and keeping up with my healthy lifestyle to one day achieve that.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Whose weight loss/new look surprised you the most at the finale?
A. Amanda: I was so happy for Abby.  I think she looked absolutely amazing, healthy, and happy.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: How do you plan on maintaining your weight from here on out?
A. Amanda: Living a healthy lifestyle is just a part of who I am now.  I still have about 13 lbs to lose to get to my goal weight so I plan on continuing to work out 2 hours a day and incorporate healthy eating.  I never wanted to go back to the old, unhappy me.  My motivation for keeping this weight off is looking at my most recent pictures and seeing how my face is just glowing with happiness!

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Is there anything you'd like to say to the people who voted for you and supported you this season?
A. Amanda: I truly appreciate everyone's support!  I couldn't have made it on the show if it weren't for America believing in me and supporting me.  To all those that continued that support throughout the season and helped vote me in to the Final 3, I truly cannot thank you enough!  It means the world to me to be backed by so many across the country.  I will forever be grateful to The Biggest Loser for changing my life, and to the fans that helped make that happen!


(Image courtesy of NBC)

SEE ALSO
The Biggest Loser 8: Finale Recap


Follow Gina at twitter.com/ginascarpa

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