No Dumping Zone

A very interesting thing happened this week on the “Biggest Loser.”  An eliminated contestant had the opportunity to return to the ranch.  There was a weigh-in and the person who lost the most weight at home was able to come back into the competition.  Nicole, who was eliminated early in the game, was the one who lost the most weight.  She lost a whopping 87 pounds, on her OWN!  She was so successful that her weight loss percentage was second to Tara, one of the strongest athletes in the house.  At the weigh-in, the remaining contestants were shaking in their tennis shoes.  As soon as they had the chance to get Nicole’s ear, they all dumped on her.  People frantically filled her in on the drama and tension of the house.  They talked to her about strategies, alliances and broken alliances.  In addition to winning the opportunity to enter the game again, Nicole had immunity for the week unless of course she gained weight.  Everyone vowed to step up their game to compete with someone who didn’t have the luxury of nutritionists, doctors and trainers and was still able to lose almost 90 pounds.

Nicole trained with Bob and even though she was out of her routine, she pushed herself to work out hard with the other members of Bob’s group.  Their last chance work out was at Muscle Beach, Venice, California.  They definitely got sweaty and sandy.  Yuck!  The pressure was on and the first weigh-in with a new contestant had everyone concerned.  Since Nicole had immunity, she weighed in first.  She stepped onto the scale and as the dramatic music filled the gym, everyone waited to see how her first week would play out.  When the scale showed plus five pounds, everyone was surprised, albeit relieved but surprised.  How could such a strong competitor come back to the ranch and gain five pounds?

The obvious answer and the one the trainers gave, stress!  Wow!  Of course, that’s exactly what it was.  We’ve all heard of cortisol, the “stress hormone” and how it can make you gain weight.  As I’ve struggled with weight pretty much all of my adult life, I believe I can add a little more insight into the mysterious five pound weight gain.  The weight of the all that garbage her opponents put on her was showing up on the scale.  Nicole’s competitors dumped a huge load on her.  And boy they didn’t let up.  On an early morning jog, where she thought she’d have peace and quiet, Tara caught up with her and manically talked her ear off.  The mistake I noticed Nicole made was allowing it all to happen.  Many times we are too cordial to say, “Excuse me, this is a ‘No Dumping Zone’.” These people weren’t even her friends, they were her competition and in no way, shape or form should she have allowed them to put the weight of the “game” on her.  I know it’s difficult when a family member or a friend needs an ear, but we must protect ourselves from illegal dumping of garbage!  If you wouldn’t allow someone to dump trash on your front yard, you certainly shouldn’t let them dump their troubles in your lap.  There’s a fine line between helping out a friend and taking the “weight” of their problems on.  Be watchful and remember to keep the balance between friendship and unlawful dumping.