by Gina Scarpa

 

This week on The Biggest Loser, Courtney was feeling the pressure as the sole member of the red team. She hit a plateau in her weight loss that she couldn't understand and was unable to deliver on the scale. She was automatically eliminated at the weigh-in, along with her trainer, Brett and we spoke to her today about her journey in an exclusive interview.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: How did you end up first meeting Bob at a finale for The Biggest Loser?
A. Courtney: I got so lucky because a season 7 contestant saw my picture and profile on Facebook and said to me, "You are so beautiful inside and out. I think that you need to be seen by casting directors for The Biggest Loser." She then, in turn, gave me one of her family/friends tickets for the live finale and I met Bob at the after party. He said, "This girl will be on The Biggest Loser someday!" That moment helped change my life!

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: You were determined, from the beginning this season, to be with Bob and Jillian. Did any part of you consider taking the four weeks of elimination?
A. Courtney: I was VERY determined to be with Bob & Jillian. I worked my butt off in the first 5K to make sure that I had a choice on who I was going to be training with! I did consider for a split second to take the immunity, because that's the most cherished gift you can get in the game, but a huge dream of mine was always to train with Bob and Jill. I also knew that if I worked my butt off every single day and did what I was supposed to, that I would in turn have immunity anyway from my hard work! I'm so happy with our decision and I wouldn't have it any other way.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: It seemed that you did end up becoming closer with Brett. Can you talk a little bit about your relationship with him and Cara?
A. Courtney: I did become much closer with Brett. He is a great trainer, but not only that, a great friend and mentor. He has helped me so much and he has been a friend to me since being off the show. He has helped me in so many ways and it's that genuine part of him that I love and appreciate. I think all 4 trainers are wonderful people who I would be honored to work with!

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: When your mom left, how were you feeling and how did you deal with not having her on the ranch?
A. Courtney: The first few days after my mom left were hard because let's face it - she was my biggest support system I've had since the beginning of the journey. But I knew I could do it without her and I also knew I had my new family (the girls and all of the other contestants) there at the ranch to support and love me. It also helped me realize I had to stand on my own, no matter which path that might be - ranch or no ranch. I knew that my mom was there in spirit! I knew she was at home working hard and that's what I was going to do at the ranch. I love my mama and I'm so blessed to have her, near or far!

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: You said that you should've spoken up to Jen in the episode where you didn't purchase Brett as your trainer for the week. Do you feel like she coerced you into doing something you didn't want to do?
A. Courtney: I don't blame Jen for any of the decisions that we made. Yes, I did not speak up after we changed our decision to not have Brett for the week... because originally, that was the first thing I checked, thinking that is what I needed most... but it's not Jen's fault. I was having a really hard week that week with my mom leaving the week before & Justin leaving the night before we got shipped away. It was two of my best friends and biggest supporters just GONE. Had the situation been different, I would have spoken up. I think we all know I'm very opininated! Jen just spoke up about her feelings on the situation and I didn't. It came back to bite us in the butt even though we really did work so hard that week we were in Ojai. I think the bottom line is you learn from mistakes you make and move forward with life.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: It was a very emotional episode last night, when you and Brett both left the ranch. Why were you at peace with the fact that you were leaving when so many other people were upset?
A. Courtney: I was at peace because I knew that I was going exactly where I was supposed to be going and things would be exactly how they're supposed to be. I feel like there's only so much a person can really have control over and the rest is up to God. I knew there was a bigger purpose for me going home when I did. I knew I could do it at home and even though there are many struggles, many ups and downs, and many roadblocks, especially because I still hadn't figured out my plateau at that point. I knew I would be better because of it. I have no regrets and I didn't want anyone else to feel bad about it either. I love every single one of those people standing in that weigh in, trying to have my back and have me stay. All of their kind words meant more than anything to me.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Did you ever figure out why you were in such a plateau towards the end of your time at the ranch?
A. Courtney: YES! I was definitely overtraining and under eating! And I honestly didn't even realize it. Bob, Jill, and Brett all told me that too the last week I was there, which is why I switched up my routine, but my body just took a little longer to respond to what I was doing to it. When I got home, it took me about 2 weeks for my body to level out again and I've been losing weight steadily again which is amazing! I knew I'd figure it out...and only time can tell those things. Unfortunately, time is not something that is on your side while on the ranch so my journey continues at home which is totally fine!

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: You are such an inspiration to so many people and fans are loving you this season! What does the outpouring of support mean to you?
A. Courtney: The support that I've received from people has been so incredibly overwhelming. I feel so blessed and lucky to have all of these amazing individuals be so inspired by not only me, but our entire cast on season 11. One of my biggest goals with going on the show next to getting my life back and being able to just live was to be able to help inspire and change at least one person's life. I knew if I could do that, my life would feel whole. From the outpour of support and love and all of the stories that I've heard, I think that I've helped do that and I have such an inner peace because of it. To everyone out there who has loved and supported me through this... THANK YOU SO MUCH! I am so grateful for each and every single one of you!

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: How are things going in preparation for the live finale?
A. Courtney: Things are so great! I know it might seem weird, but for me...I'm so much more focused on the day after the finale; five years from now and the rest of my life! The finale will be all about looking gorgeous, feeling amazing, & putting a great number up on the scale to WOW America. All of that will be so amazing, but what's going to really be the best gift is when I just start LIVING my life. I am so excited!

 

The Biggest Loser airs Tuesdays at 8/7c on NBC.

 

(Image courtesy of NBC)

 

Follow Gina @ginascarpa