Have you ever wondered what it’s really like at the Biggest Loser Ranch?
I have!
So I jumped at the chance to visit the set and was there to watch when Jared the “Subway Guy” surprised the remaining contestants with a healthy lunch, similar to the sandwiches he ate to lose weight and that he’s been eating ever since to stay fit.
Sitting in the control room I chatted with Jared about his struggles and got to hear a little bit about why this visit was personally so meaningful to him.
Lots of people struggle to lose weight. 15 pounds, 20 pounds. It’s tough. But the kind of major transformation that happens on The Biggest Loser is a whole other thing entirely. Something that you might not get unless you’ve been through such a radical change. The one message that Jared wanted to share with them was that not only could they DO this, but that they could maintain it as well. They never had to be the overweight version of themselves again. It was his sincere hope, and wish, to give them a piece of his wisdom and to share his long term success with them.
Jared hasn’t forgotten where he started. He still carries his “fat” jeans with him, wherever he goes. When he flies, they come with his as a carry-on in a Coach dust case, to keep them safe. I photographed him with the pants (probably the thousandth time he’s been pictured like this – but I get it!) which serve as a constant reminder of where he’s been and where he’s not going back to.
Even watching from the control room, I could feel the emotion in the room when Jared delivered a surprise lunch to the contestants. He gave them a pep talk, answered some questions, and shared his experience. It was an emotional chat for all.
I couldn’t leave the ranch without having a look at the weight room, the kitchen and the grounds where this magic happens. Seeing the contestants was a real shock to me, as the last episode that I watched, had been shot months prior. Some of them were almost unrecognizable.
It drove home Jared’s point about what a massive life change was occurring all around us. Like every episode of the Biggest Loser, it was an inspiring message. If such big change is possible, then smaller changes should be too. Off to the gym with me!
Many thanks to NBC and Subway for the opportunity to visit the Ranch.
Disclosure: I was the guest of NBC and Subway for my visit to the Biggest Loser Ranch. I was not compensated in any way for this post. All opinions are my own, as usual.
Jared in kitchen photo via NBC
What an incredible adventure! I think there should be a show called, “Those last 10 pounds!”
what an awesome and inspiring experience
Ok..this is the coolest thing ever. Does Jared still eat Subway everyday?
I think this is incredibly inspiring. He really has not gained that weight back, which for a lot of us is the most challenging aspect of weight loss. And the Biggest Loser is a great show, I like it more now that the scary lady that used to co-host has left. 😉
Very cool! It still amazes me how much weight Jared lost with Subway.
What an amazing opportunity. Love the BL and the lives it changes. Jared is such an inspiration!
Interesting! I’m fascinated by Jared and his ability to stay on message and keep the weight off. My brother is super skinny and lives on Subway. Maybe there’s something to it.
How cool is that, visiting the Ranch??? What a neat opp. How inspiring to meet the real people who have pushed themselves so hard.
So fun! Has Jared kept his weight off this whole time by eating Subway? Dude, maybe I need to pick up a sandwich!
Every time I get one of those “6 grams of fat or less” sandwiches at Subway, I think of Jared.
Oh, how great you got to meet him and see for yourself that he’s the real deal. At least that’s what I feel reading your post.
Great pictures! Thanks for the sneak peek and the inspiration!
WWhat a cool experience! And so inspiring to see people making positive changes!
Amazing and so inspirational. Weight loss is such a personal and emotional journey and many who say just do it, don’t get that….what a great experience
I really am amazed by the whole biggest looser following! and very impressed he has kept off his weight! what a fun day!!