http://floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/arti...EWS01/805010329

True grit and determination made all the difference for Titusville resident Kelly Fields, a finalist on NBC's recent season of "The Biggest Loser."

Despite suffering a herniated disc and nerve impingement during a run down 44 flights of stairs when the show headed to Australia to compete in a triathlon, Fields, a 1986 Satellite High graduate, stuck it out for seven more weeks. She ended up shedding 109 pounds, or 40.22 percent of her total body weight.

The show offered to have some medical tests performed to see why she was suffering chronic pain after the Australia trip, but Fields, 39, turned it down.

"If diagnosed, I would be disqualified," she said at a Wuesthoff Medical Center-Rockledge news conference. Fields is a registered nurse in the hospital's cardiac catheterization lab. The hospital gave Fields 15 weeks off to participate in the show.

The Biggest Loser Season 6 ranch was an old Japanese college in Calabasas, Calif., an inland town north of Los Angeles. The contestants slept in dormitories.

"It wasn't as glorious as it appears on TV," Fields said. "There was no air conditioning, no heat and for a while, we had no hot water."

Her ex-husband, Paul Marks, 43, of Rockledge was voted off the show in February.

Fields said the gym where the contestants worked out was a makeshift center with a tarp covering it. They jokingly referred to it as "$5 Fitness."

There was no television, Internet or newspapers at the ranch. Time was spent exercising eight hours a day, cooking and eating 800 calories daily, doing laundry and working on the television production.

The only scales on the ranch were those used in the official weigh-ins. In the program's episodes, the weigh-ins appeared fast and spontaneous, but actually took up to five hours to film, Fields said.

After the weigh-ins, the contestants would have medical check-ins and then a high-calorie day to fool their bodies into believing they were not dieting. Fields said the program's trainers believe a person's body will slow down and hold onto weight if it senses calories are being reduced.

The hardest part was the clothing she was required to wear -- a revealing two piece workout suit.

"I cried," she said. "I said my biggest fear was to come out in a sports bra and Spandex."

She also was hoping to get Bob Harper as a trainer rather than Jillian Michaels. She ended up with Michaels.

While applying to be a contestant, show staffers told Fields that Season 6 was for couples. She said "the only other fat person" she knew was Marks, who was always the "life of the party."

They asked if she had a photo of him. She pulled out her camera and showed an image of Marks, then 300 pounds, and wearing a Speedo.

They took a look at the photo and "circled my name," she said.

At the show's finale, she was convinced she would go home with the $250,000 first place prize. She said when Ali Vincent, a hairstylist from Meza, Ariz., came in first, she was disappointed.

"In my head I knew I was going to win," she said. "When Ali did that, it was crushing."

When she returned home, Fields, who admits to emotional eating, said she began crying and "wanted to eat."

She didn't.

Although Fields still has problems seeing herself as a woman who wears a size 6 or 8, she's sticking to the program.

Currently, she said her fridge is filled with yogurt, egg whites, string cheese, veggies, blueberry jam sweetened with Splenda, creamer and water. She exercises 11/2 hours a day on an elliptical trainer, plus she plays tennis. She eats 1,800 calories daily.

"I just think we're worth it," she said. "We're really caring and giving and put everybody's needs before us. I always came last. I said this show was the most selfish thing I've ever done."

That was a good read. I really liked Kelly on the show. She seemed like one of the more genuine and honest people there. Also, I still hold a firm death grip on my belief and stance of her being the woman who lost the most weight "on campus" What Ali did was remarkable without a doubt, however, she did the majority of her weight loss, to her own credit, on her own. Kelly was on campus for the duration; therefore, should get the credit and the title of the biggest loser for a woman on campus.

Thanks so much for that. I liked Kelly. I think she did a fantastic job. It's also great seeing how much work they do. Wow only 800 calories. I thought the trainers didn't like it when the contestants ate so little. I thought it made them go into starvation mode?

I thought that 800 was way to low also but I got to thinking after I seen that she now eats 1800 that it could have been a typo. Lets hope so

I doubt it is a typo. I've heard that to maintain body weight, the calorie intake is around 2000, to lose weight it should be around 1000. Of course this is not a correct number for either as it really depends on your weight, height, other things...but if those numbers are right around the correct amount, then 800 would be what someone on a crash, lose weight fast diet would consume.

I loved Kelly! I also loved Ali and it was just a shame that they both couldn't win at the same time. I really hope Kelly and Roger at least got some amount of prize money.

I know it makes sense it just seems so low in my head. I guess compared to what we "normally" eat it seems real low. I wonder what she could/would eat.

I think I'd go crazy with no tv, newspaper, Internet. I don't know why they would need to get cut off from those "luxuries."

I agree. They say that they have bowls of candy and high calorie food around to simulate real life temptations. I think spending time watching tv and going online are HUGE temptations. The food aspect isn't the only real life challenge...

I still think 800 calories seems low though. I have several of TBL books and they don't recommend less than 1050 for any weight (as low as 150 in the book).

The 800 calories could be a typo, the author kept calling it Season 6 instead of Season 5. You can't believe everything you read in the paper.

Plus, if there was no internet, how were Ali and Mark looking up Austrailian hotels on the computer? Granted, that may have been a one time thing, but still. And what about their iVillage blogs?

I like the high calorie day.

$5 Fitness -

As for the disqualification issue, then why weren't Mark, Trent, Roger and Paul sent home because of their injuries? Yeah a back is worse IMO, but with all the running they made them do, no wonder they had leg/knee injuries.

Still, Kelly did an amazing job - she's great!

Oh yeah! T.V. and internet are definately a huge temptation. Hmm..lets see, get up and go for a walk, or watch reruns of Family Guy while surfing the web? I know which one I would definately pick on most days! (Hint---it doesn't require that I put on tennis shoes!)

Kelly wasn't my favorite person this season as she cried way too much and did her share of whining.

thanks for posting.

Kelly did an awesome job and she should be really, really proud. She looks great!

I am with you there............no candy or junk food, but i need my internet.....i swear i saw a tv on the show...in the room with the couches....i think maybe the auther streched the truth a bit....no heat? no AC? and no hot water? i think that is illegal eh..a health issue....But hey i was not there so what do I know...I guess if I could lose over 100 lbs I could deal with o heat..but I gotta have a hot shower 2 times daily...and my coffee or i do not function...At least 2 cups each morning, 3-4 most of the time

I thing the t.v. room is something they have, they're just not allowed to use it most of the time. Only for special occasions. The no hot water thing, I think, was just a one time deal when the water heater broke down. If I remember right, some of the contestants just opted to take a cold shower, and the ones that wanted to, were bused to a different location for a warm shower.

I'm right there with you on the coffee. I've had poor times in my life when I couldn't afford a lot things, but coffee is the one thing I fight tooth and nail to get. I've got a 4 cup coffeemaker, espresso/latte maker, 12 cup coffee maker and 2 of those one cup brewers. I probably really drink entirely too much. But how much is too much? Actually, does anyone know if they're allowed to have coffee on the ranch?

Not sure about coffee on the ranch......but I am thinking if they didnt allow it, I wouldnt last more then a day or two...oh and even though I know its bad....smoking....if I couldnt smoke, right now I wouldnt make it...one thing I need to work on,but as I said before, one thing at a time.

Bussed to a different location for a shower? What?! They spend 8 hours working out but they can't take a cold shower????

I think the ones' that did opt for the hot shower, did it more for relief it brought to tight, aching muscles. Not so much for the enjoyment of hot water. Although it is always better to have hot water. If I remember right, the one's that didn't, said they were just too exhausted to go through all that just for a shower. If I'm not remembering this right, someone feel free to correct me!

After eight hours of workouts, I'd have to crawl into the closest shower, cold or not. You couldn't get me to take a trip somewhere else to get a shower!!

I'd have to suck it up and go where ever for the hot shower...I can't take a cold shower (no matter what ) so I'd be the first in the van to go somewhere...hot shower,coffe and I know its bad, but a cig is what I need to get going in the morning...other wise may as well count me out on anything productive...

Well, there's cold and there's cold. Yeah, I may be all hot and sweaty, but I don't want to come out of a shower with hypothermia, either.

I'm with ya vibs.........No cold showers for me...

How ya been, the boards seem a bit quiet lately...not many people now that the show is off eh...or am I not just not getting replies?

I totally agree! I don't want to get out of the shower shivering. I would end up being cold for the rest of the day and I wouldn't be able to get warmed back up (it's a thyroid thing).

G if you are chosen to be on TBL, Bob and Jillian will be all over you like white on rice about you

For the shower thing, I'm always incredibly warm. Sometimes I'll take cold showers at home just because it doesn't affect me. I can see everyone's point though. However all I'm saying is that after 8 hours of work outs, my body would be so numb that I probably wouldn't feel the cold too much anyway. But that's just me.

Yes i know, its a bad habbit, I only started about 8 years ago...It bad and I know it...but I was going thru a divorece (I filed cause she was cheating) and I needed something to curve me away from losing it....It was a rough time....she didnt make it easy for me...with my son and all...so i picked up a pack and well...here I am 8 years later...I will stop soon....just wanna get some other stuff right in my life first...my wieght, get my job back on track....Then i will tackle that issue....I have lots of support when I do start to quit so maybe it wont be as hard....

Perhaps you could try that new med that is out, some kind of pills....I seen it on a commercial, sorry I can't remember the name....I'll look it up.......anyway that might help you out.


EDIT....Ok G I found it...Chantix

What I was thinking is that they'd be so hot after working out, they'd want a cold shower. That's how I was back when I played sports, also thinking that muscle cream would work better than a hot shower for soreness.

Trust me, If this if from the Florida Today, it's most likely a typo. There are many, many grammatical errors in our lovely little hometown newspaper. My Husband called up and canceled our subscription after they labeled the Atlantic Ocean, the Pacific. No lie!

Your're kidding! That is just too funny. I could understand confusing a sea or lake, but an ocean? There's only 7 to remember!

Agreed vermon. I'm convinced they've got the H.S. dropouts in the editing room and the college grads out there delivering papers :-D

Thanks for the heads up, vermonster_1!

*Note to self: Only give interviews to reputable news organizations when famous*

I keep finding this goofy stuff here locally about the yellow team... look what I ran across :-D

http://spacecoast.craigslist.org/gms/672832242.html

What a way to promote a yard sale!!!

I guess you wouldn't be up for an ice bath then? When I was running, which is starting to seem like a long time ago now, If I ran over 15 miles I'd treat myself to an ice bath. I'd pick up 2 sacks of ice on my way home from the run. I'd put about 6 inches of cold water in the tub and 2 cans of slim fast on the edge. I'd get in and pull the ice in on top of my legs and check the time. I'd sip the slim fast and after 20 minutes I'd get out. Only thing I really had to do was to make sure my toes didn't actually freeze. My legs would be completely refreshed and the next day no soreness at all.

In theory, that sounds really good, however I don't know if I'd be able to stand it. BRRR...

They should charge more than $1.

I wish I hadn't read this article. I thought the great thing about TBL was that it dispelled all the myths and excuses about losing weight and that anyone who really wanted to really could lose weight. But she says they work out 8 hours a day and you know how many months they are at it to lose those kinds of numbers. That's just not realistic for the average person who has a job/family/life/etc. You can work some exercise into your day but not 50+ hours a week. I really, really wish the contestants workouts would be tracked in detail at least while they're at the ranch so we could see minute by minute what they were doing. I think that would make for very interesting discussions. But now I have to say that the amazing numbers we see posted each week are in fact, just plane unrealistic. And the excuse of, "I just don't have time for it" has validity.

Certainly does. This new puppy sucked up the forty minute morning gym-time I'd managed to squeeze in this spring. Now, I walk and walk in the morning "c'mon--pee, already..."

I was really hoping that Kelly would have won; she was my favorite even though I did like Ali alot also. As for the cold showers, I would have to get in the first shower so that I could fall into bed asap. My sleep is my addiction. LOL

I also thought it was weird how she said she was disappointed when Ali won because she knew in her head she was going to win. How's that? She should've known she barely lost 40% and didn't stand a chance. And it's not like Ali was her only competition. If Ali hadn't won, Roger would have. Kelly finished last of the final 3 and was beaten by 3 of the offed players too. I give her a lot of credit for keeping up the effort through some serious pain but don't make out like you almost won.

Here's the thing. Of course those of us who are gainfully employed, go to school, have a family, have a TV, the INTERNET, a TELEPHONE, etc. will probably never lose 20 pounds in a week. That's just a sad reality we will have to live with. However, we do all have the opportunity to lose 1-2 pounds a week (which is what is recommended by the "experts") and change our lives. It would be so much more satisfying to go somewhere and lose all the weight you ever hoped to lose in just under a year (counting time on the ranch and time at home) but it isn't realistic for 99% of the population. I am thrilled that I am currently changing my life, feeling better, and losing 2-3 pounds a week. I will be able to lose as much weight as the contestants, however it will obviously take a little longer. I also consider it a time to make a lifestyle change, so that when I do reach my goal weight, I will NEVER be this big again! Don't give up just because you can't work out for 50 hours a week. We can all do it, just at our own pace.

I thought exactly the same thing. You knew as soon as you saw them come out that it would be between Roger and Ali. And...as soon as she weighed in against Roger, it was over already. It was over for Kelly before Ali even stepped on the scale so it's not like she had a chance after losing to Roger. I mean, would it have been less disappointing or painful if Roger had won?
And, I want to add, let's not forget, Ali and Bette-Sue weren't voted off by the majority. They were voted off by Kelly and Paul (during the all vs. Kelly/Paul episode) because the intended targets, Mark and Jay, had won immunity, so they went after the allies. In a way, it seemed Kelly's decision came back to haunt her.

I am going to see Kelly Fields give a question/answer talk tonight at 5:30pm. It is being sponsored by the hospital she works for. When I called to reserve my seat the PR person was so surprised by the response. I live up the street from where the talk is to be held. And not too far from the hospital she works at ( I work at the competing hospital). Been alot of big brush fires around the area and the PR lady said they would call if it were cancelled, but fires are now contained (after a almost a week) and the show will go on. I am so excited to hear what she has to say.

I just came from a talk with Kelly Fields tonight. What a wonderful and gracious lady. Such an inspiration. She was telling us she did 1100 to 1200 on the ranch and was doing 800 at home since she was limited in her workouts. She looks great! Her back is much better now after treatment and she is back to running which she told us she loves now.

Kelly Fields gave a talk with lots of question and answer time tonight. It was sponsored by the hospital she works for. She looks fantastic. What a lovely, humble lady. She talked about her going to the open casting call trying to get on the show, the process once she and Paul were accepted, working hard on campus, and what it has been like to be home. She answered all questions. She has a great sense of humor. She updated us on Paul- he is home and getting ready to get back to work. He was a very sick man! I really enjoyed it. She had nice things to say about all the participants at the ranch and what a wonderful experience she had.

I was hoping that they ate more than 800 on the ranch!!

Did anyone ask how much weight Paul lost?

Karma is a beautiful thing, isn't it?
She was just lucky enough to get to the finales. Paul deserved a lot of credit for her getting there as he did carry her.

Did she talk about what it was like being trained by Bob first and then Jillian?

I know she mentioned in the article above that she had wanted Bob as her trainer (and for the first week or so she and Paul were on Bob's team before Bob and Jillian decided to train together) and I was wondering whether or not she thinks she could have done better (won the entire thing) with Bob training her? Personally, I think Jillian did an amazing job with her.