We caught up with our 2011 Champion to talk about how his life has changed since winning last year’s series.
How is life after Loser?
It’s great… amazing. Brilliant! My life is unrecognisable from when I started this journey. So many positive things and opportunities have come out of it for me. I’m now the UK ambassador for Unicef and have run a half-marathon for them. I also completed the Fisherman’s Friend Strong Man Race in Germany back in April last year: at 20km it’s the world’s longest and most difficult obstacle course. I used to have a fear of heights, but The Biggest Loser taught me to face my fears, so I’ve since done a bungee jump. And I’m also doing my advanced personal trainer award, because I want to learn how to shape my body.
What did you spend your £25,000 on, and did Paddy really take you on his winning runner’s-up prize holiday?
I bought a car with the prize money and also put some towards my new flat. And yes, it’s true, Paddy stuck to his word and took me on his trip to Abu Dhabi. It was pure luxury and a well-earned break.
What is your current weight?
I am now 14st 7lb. I weighed 16st at Finale, and while that was my goal for then, I have since readjusted it. Each time I reach a goal, I create a new one. First I aimed for 15st and now I am hoping to reach 14st. But that really will be my ultimate goal. That would put me into a really healthy weight range.
Maintaining such extreme weight loss can be hard. You’ve not only maintained that loss, but continued your success. How have you done it?
I just kept going. I was worried once the show finished I would lose my focus, but I realised afterwards my focus wasn’t winning the show – it was winning my health and happiness. For the first four months after the Final, I relied heavily on The Club. It was my comfort blanket. I knew it worked and would continuing working even without the show. I’m now still using The Club religiously to help me reach 14st, and I will get there!
What is it about The Club that works for you?
I’d recommend it to anyone. I honestly believe it’s fantastic. It’s amazing for weight loss, but it also helps you be in the best shape you can possibly be. It’s so in-depth, even to the nutritional breakdowns, which I think are great, as then I know exactly what I’m missing from my diet.
And what is your regular diet and exercise regime like now?
I train for one hour every morning, five days a week. Two or three of those days I will also train after work. I’m also back playing rugby again once a week. I realised when we went to Twickenham last year for our challenge how much I missed it, so it’s great to be back on the field again. As for my diet, it’s still quite healthy: cereal in the mornings and a mid-morning snack of fruit. Then a sandwich on brown bread for lunch, yoghurt in the afternoons and then perhaps some tuna, sweet potato and spinach for dinner.
So still no treats then?
Oh no, I believe that if you want something you should have it. I don’t go without at all – I just know I need to compensate for whatever I have. So if I have a slice of cake I do an extra 40 minutes in the gym and if I have a takeaway I’ll have a very good day the next day. Thanks to The Biggest Loser and The Club, I’m equipped with the knowledge to be able to have a treat and know what to do.
So who are you tipping to win this year?
Oh, that’s such a hard one. I’d say three people stand out for me: Sarah, Kevin and Paula. I’m not saying they will win the show, but I reckon they’ve got it in them to reach their goal weight, and that itself is winning, isn’t it?