by Gina Scarpa

 

This season, on The Biggest Loser, the trainers aren't just working with adults who need to lose weight and get healthy, they're working with kids too. Jillian Michaels was paired up with Sunny Chandrasekar, a high school junior with a lot on her plate. The AP student also loves singing and tennis, but felt she didn't have the energy for it all and wanted to make a change both physically and mentally. We chatted with Sunny today in an exclusive interview to find out more about her experience on The Biggest Loser and the difference she wants to make for others who can relate to her story.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What was your motivation for doing The Biggest Loser?

A. Sunny: When I applied for the show, it was a choice that I really made completely on my own. I had watched the show in the past and was a fan of how it transformed people's lives. I had tried various things to combat my weight and get healthy. I thought this might be the right opportunity for me. I tried out and I was pretty nervous about it!

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: I think you and Jillian are a great match. What has your relationship been like with her?

A. Sunny: I really like my relationship with Jillian. She's really fun to be around. She really knows what she's doing so the advice she gives me, I can really use that in my life. It's helped me to change my habits and make good choices. When she did come to visit me here in Rochester, she helped open the door of communication with my mom that I didn't have previously. That's so much less stress on me which has helped my overeating.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Tell us a little more about that line of communication with your family and how they've felt about your appearance on the show.

A. Sunny: Throughout my experience on The Biggest Loser, my family has been important in every way. It hasn't been easy because unlike the contestants, we were continuing on with things that teenagers do, such as school. There's a lot of pressure on me for classes and activities, like singing and tennis. But my family has really helped me to manage my time.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What's a typical day like for you now?

A. Sunny: A typical day is pretty hectic. I go to school and straight from school, I go to the gym and meet with my coach. After that, I may have a class like singing or tennis. I come home tired and have to get started on my schoolwork. I have a really hectic schedule but learning to manage my time has helped me. In the past, I was a chronic procrastinator. I would get things done but I would waste time. Now that I've started to manage my time, I can get more done.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: How has being on the show changed the way you eat?

A. Sunny: Well, when I started The Biggest Loser... my whole family is vegetarian. It's hard to believe because you wouldn't think that would lead to how healthy we were. It turned out we were carbotarians. By adding protein and fresh fruits and vegetables into my diet, I feel better and it's helped to make me feel healthier.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Do you have a favorite healthy snack or meal now?

A. Sunny: I really love portobello mushroom pizza! That's probably one of my favorites. It's something I can have for dinner or lunch. By using mushrooms, low fat cheese, and yummy vegetables, it's a really great recipe.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What do you feel girls your age can learn from watching you on the show?

A. Sunny: I feel like there are so many teenage girls who struggle with being overweight and not feeling confident. It's really not about what you see in the mirror, but rather, how you perceive yourself. If I can go on the show in front of America and make a change and become healthy, I just want other girls to see that it's something that can be done. They can love themselves no matter what size they are.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Has being on the show influenced what you want to do later in life? Do you want to incorporate what you've learned on The Biggest Loser to make a difference for others?

A. Sunny: Yeah, I have started thinking about that. When I started the show, I wanted to be pre-med and I feel like, with my experience on the show and being able to gain my health back, I can really use that for how I educate myself in the medical field. Maybe I can do something in the field of obesity, I don't know. I haven't really thought that far ahead yet!

 

 

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

 

(Image courtesy of NBC)

 

 

Follow Gina @ginascarpa