The Biggest Loser: D.C. style

On election day it was only appropriate that The Biggest Loser took their show on the road to Washington, D.C. for last night's episode. And the setting provided the backdrop for the overall theme -- using the reality show as a platform to help Americans live healthier lives.

"The Biggest Loser is more than a reality show," trainer Jillian Michaels said. "It's a movement and what we;re doing is lobbying people who can help us affect change."

Michaels and fellow trainer Bob Harper along with the remaining contestants got to meet with two members of congress -- Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) and Robert Casey (D-Pa.).

Daniel shared his story about struggling with weight issues in junior high and high school, holding up a pair of jeans he wore in high school -- a size 54.

"There are a lot of problems with childhood obesity," he told the congresspeople "My grades started falling. I went from 'B's to 'C's and 'D's and then to failing. On top of that, there were self confidence issues and self worth issues. Depression. As that happens the weight continues to go up because of emotional issues."

Jillian spoke about other issues.

"We've seen in the last 50 years obesity rates skyrocket, especially in youth," she said. "As Americans we have no concept of what we're eating, what's in processed foods. We wouldn't imagine that it would be OK for those things to be in our food supply."

There are two issues here.

First is education. It involves more health and wellness education in school and particularly more physical education. Granted, when up against more testing and other standards, gym class seems low on the totem pole, but all the math skills in the world won't help the next generation if they aren't able to physically leave the house.

Second is reforming the food industry -- which is much more complicated and intricate than can be addressed here, let alone in The Biggest Loser. But there is room for companies to make a profit, for regular old junk food to still exist and for healthier choices.

My favorite moments from last night's episodes included Bob and Amanda walking around Washington D.C. talking about avoiding temptations. When you pass an ice cream cart, for example, instead of giving in and having a 200-plus calorie snack, you can, say, pop a five-calorie piece of gum, like, oh, show sponsor Extra Sugar Free Gum.

For the record, under no circumstances will a stick of gum make me not want to eat ice cream. Ever. 

My other favorite moment, I have to admit, was the elimination round. Tracey and Liz were up for elimination and Tracey was the one sent home.

With apologies, frankly, I just didn't like Tracey, for the same reasons the other contestants voted her off. She dove into the game-playing from day one and seemed more concerned with winning than with her health. As if she didn't quite get the bigger picture. The others didn't trust her and so off she went.

"I played the game. No one likes that," she said. "Loving yourself is really hard. I love the new me. She smiles a lot more. She's happier. ... I can do things now that I was scared to even try."

Perhaps she did end up learning the lesson in the end.

Which, for all the ways she annoyed me on the show, still ends up being rather heartwarming. In a way.

--- Amy Moritz
Follow Journey to the Finish Line on Twitter at www.twitter.com/amymoritz