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True Confessions Tuesday

[ 37 ] 01/18/2011 |

It’s Tuesday, so you know what that means.  That’s right folks, it’s time for True Confessions!  Pull up a chair, grab a cup of coffee glass of water, and let’s get to it.

My name is Mel and I confess that I’m a reality TV junkie.  You name it, I’ve probably watched it … Survivor, The Amazing Race, Big Brother, American Idol, etc.    Of all of the reality shows though, one particular genre is my ultimate guilty pleasure when it comes to TV watching.  Bring on the weight loss shows!

  • The Biggest Loser (NBC) – The “granddaddy” of weight loss reality shows.  This show has really paved the way over the years for all of the others shows.  It’s amazing to see the transformations season after season when the finale show rolls around.
  • Celebrity Fit Club (VH1) – I will admit that they use the term “celebrity” very loosely with this show.  However, it’s kind of nice to see that celebrities also struggle with weight & health issues just like the rest of us.
  • Dance Your Ass Off (Oxygen) – I love this show!  Dr. H. of The Biggest Loser is the medical doctor for this show as well.  Not only do contestants have to shed pounds to stay on the show, they have to do it while learning a variety of dance routines each week as well.
  • Ruby (Style) – This show may be the most inspirational of all to me.  Ruby once weighed over 700 pounds and has shed more than 350 pounds already!  I can’t even imagine how challenging it must be mentally to know you’ve lost that much weight already and still have so far to go.
  • I Used to Be Fat (MTV) – This is a new show in the realm of weight loss reality shows that just debuted a few weeks ago.  Each week it follows one person (typically a teen who has just graduated high school) as they take three months and try to lose the excess weight.
  • Heavy (A&E) – The newest entry in the weight loss reality show genre.  Did you watch it last night?  Did you join us in the live Twitter watch party?  What did you think? I *loved* it and think it could easily jump up into the most inspirational slot for me. I was literally in tears a few times watching the show!

Even as inspiring as I find all of these weight loss shows, I still have some issues with most of them.  I think they set up a really unrealistic expectation by the average viewer that they should able be dropping massive amounts of weight really quickly.  Why do they do it?  Because it’s not as exciting to see someone “only” lose 1-2 pounds per week.  They want the theatrics and dramatic results each week to keep people watching.

What about you?  Do you watch any of the weight loss shows?  Do they inspire you?  If you don’t, what is you favorite guilty pleasure when it comes to TV.  You know we all have one.  ‘Fess up and link up in the comments below!

I do have one other little confession.  I might have been a bit incredibly  nervous the past couple of days about actually publishing my first post here since becoming a Contributing Writer.   Now that it’s done, I feel much better. :)

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Category: True Confessions, WEEKLY

About Mel: A 40-something Tennessee girl living in Southern California, Mel is currently on a journey to lose over 100 pounds following the Weight Watchers PointsPlus™ program. Mel also blogs at http://www.thedailymel.com and tweets as @TheDailyMel. View author profile.

  • Colleen

    Yay so excited to read your first post Mel, you always keep me inspired.

    I confess I too am a biggest loser fan and I loved the premire of Heavy last night! I do admit though that before I started my journey these shows had no effect on me and I did not go out of my way to watch them. However, now I feel compelled to watch and cry more times than not! Its just that feeling you feel deep inside, their stories, feelings all hit close to home for those of us who have struggled with obesity and still fight the inner demons daily.

    • http://www.melgetsfit.com Mel (@MelGetsFit)

      Thanks, Colleen! You definitely keep me inspired, too. I hope to be a runner like you when I grow up. :)

  • http://twitter.com/FiveKaday Leilla F

    Reality shows are evil, and addictive, which makes them more evil. They set up unrealistic expectations (as you said), and make a game out of people’s health and wellbeing. Some are OK (I don’t mind the Jillian Mckeith shows), but I have a real gripe with shows like the biggest loser. That said, I understand why people watch them (as I said, Evil!).

  • http://twitter.com/FiveKaday Leilla F

    Oh, but nicely written and congrats on your first entry!!

    • http://www.melgetsfit.com Mel (@MelGetsFit)

      Thanks! :)

  • Anonymous

    Yeah for your first post, Mel!!!!! I confess that I DVR the Price is Right. Yep, totally guilty. I’m also addicted to all things NCIS and CSI and have managed to pass that particular gene on to my children. K commented about leaving a fingerprint the other day and about extracting DNA from the bite she took out of a chocolate bar. I was so proud. As for my other, food related, confessions, I’ll have to wait until later to write those, but they aren’t pretty. Dang weekend-long traveling.

    • http://www.melgetsfit.com Mel (@MelGetsFit)

      Thanks, Bari! :)

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  • http://twitter.com/mymadakaja Tami

    I don’t usually watch weight loss shows. I decided I’d watch Biggest Loser this season to help motivate me.

    • http://www.melgetsfit.com Mel (@MelGetsFit)

      Hmmm, I *know* I commented on this earlier, but now it’s gone. Let’s try again. :)

      What do you think of the show so far, Tami? Is it motivating you on your journey?

  • Anonymous

    Yeah for your first post!
    I’m a total BL addict. LOVE IT! Even if it is completely unrealistic it really feeds the fire of “If they can do it, I know I can!”

    • http://www.melgetsfit.com Mel (@MelGetsFit)

      Hmmm, another one I distinctly remember commenting on earlier. I this Disqus must have hiccuped! LOL

      I feel the same way about BL, Heather! Even though I know there’s no way I could lose that quickly since I don’t have 6-8 hours a day to spend in the gym, it DOES inspire me to get out there and do what I CAN do.

  • http://www.whereverimaywander.com Lissa_ShrinkingJeans

    You did it, Mel! Woot! Now, why were you nervous?

    My confessions are not going to be pretty.

    • http://www.melgetsfit.com Mel (@MelGetsFit)

      You know, the “whole fat girl who gets picked last for everything” mentality. ;)

  • http://www.whereverimaywander.com Lissa_ShrinkingJeans

    Pure ugliness: http://bit.ly/geX2Zi

  • http://www.babytealeaves.blogspot.com Christie O.

    i have too many and they are all food related. the latest is the chinese leftovers i just had. i am on vacation and i’m eating like it! however, I just went food shopping because my body’s rebelling. time to get back on track!

  • http://www.babytealeaves.blogspot.com Christie O.

    ps. i agree with you on the reality shows. there is so much editing done that we really gotta get the full picture of what’s happening behind the scenes before we compare ourselves to what we’re seeing. still, i love to be along for the ride on the biggest loser and watch people find themselves and transform their lives. GREAT POST MEL!!!! WELCOME!!

    • http://www.melgetsfit.com Mel (@MelGetsFit)

      Thanks, Christie! :)

  • http://agirlwholovescupcakes.com A Girl Who Loves Cupcakes

    I actually don’t like the Biggest Loser but have just recently seen both Heavy and I Used To Be Fat and liked them both because they seemed more real. Not a game. I loved your first post! Can’t wait to read more from you!

    • http://www.melgetsfit.com Mel (@MelGetsFit)

      Thanks! Glad I was able to point you over to this site. It’s been an amazing source of support for me. :)

  • http://dropdigits.wordpress.com L J

    My guilty pleasure in the “reality tv” genre is thrifty and Trash to treasure shows like Auction Hunters and American Pickers. So many are popping up this season, some lasting only an episode or two. The same way “reality” weight loss shows are being replicated. Oh- and cluttered house shows.
    I did appreciate Heavy and found it relatable and believeable so will watch more. I related a lot to not having the family understanding and support. They may say they are encouraging you and have your back, but only to the point where it means a change in their routines and expectations.
    Right now my home is set up that I really need to sit to watch tv (and no DVR) so I am cutting back on tv time. I enjoy the tv show marathons so I can walk in and out of the room and be entertained but not feel the pounds multiply as I sit still.

    Congratulations on your first post – you did a great job.

    • http://www.melgetsfit.com Mel (@MelGetsFit)

      Thanks, LJ!

  • http://www.abalancedday.com Adrienne

    I’m confessing to not working out since last Wednesday. I went to the gym yesterday but the lady who teaches the classes wasn’t there and I didn’t have my headphones so I went back home. *holds head down in shame**lol

    • http://www.melgetsfit.com Mel (@MelGetsFit)

      We all have times like that, Adrienne. No need to be ashamed. :)

  • http://christy.shrinkingjeans.net Christy_TheSistherhood

    I confess that I haven’t had time to confess (for shame). I also confess that I’m thrilled beyond words to see your picture and bio at the bottom of this post. For real. I love you, Mel!

    I’m also addicted to reality shows, but I sadly haven’t had time to watch any lately. I do however make time for Grey’s Anatomy and Private Practice every week. Without fail.

    • http://www.melgetsfit.com Mel (@MelGetsFit)

      Love you, too! xoxo

  • Tracy

    Mel – you know me – addicted to all kinds of TV. Since I started traveling I’ve given up on some of it, but I keep my old-trusted shows around. Including TBL. I don’t necessarily get to watch entire episodes anymore, but most of it you can catch in the last hour anyway! :)

    I’ll have to try and find Heavy!

    Thanks for sharing and glad to read your first post! :)

    • http://www.melgetsfit.com Mel (@MelGetsFit)

      Sis, you are one of the few people I know who may be more addicted to reality TV than me! I don’ t know how you’re surviving while you’re traveling so much. LOL

  • http://thesassymama.blogspot.com Heather

    Love your first post, love you!!

    • http://www.melgetsfit.com Mel (@MelGetsFit)

      Thanks, Heather! Love you, too! xoxo

  • Pleasingal

    Count me in as a reality TV show junkie! My husband thinks I’m crazy to watch…but I just love’em! Love your post Mel and hope to see plenty more! :)

    • http://www.melgetsfit.com Mel (@MelGetsFit)

      Thanks, M. Nice to see you over here. :)

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  • http://fatosity.com Heather

    Congrats on your first post! I’m uncomfortable with the spectacle nature of most of these shows but still watch a couple. I’m definitely a reality show addict too but I love the design or cooking competition ones. There are too many to keep up with now! Oh and Project Runway too.

    • http://www.melgetsfit.com Mel (@MelGetsFit)

      Thanks!! I watched Design Star the first couple of seasons it was on. I think I’ve seen all of the Next Food Network Star seasons, too. Yes, I clearly have a problem. LOL

  • Terri

    Told you I’d show up some time or later :)

    While I do have TBL DVRd right now I have only watched the last hour of the first episode. I know it’s there, I’ll probably watch it this weekend, but if I don’t, no biggie, so I guess that doesn’t make me a weightloss TV junkie. I’ve never heard of the other shows you’ve mentioned.

    I have a HUGE problem with “reality” TV shows. I cannot stand the meanness in them. There is so much coniving and backstabbing and hatefulness toward each other and I see enough of that in REAL life to not want to waste my time watching it on TV.

    I’d rather watch HGTV and drive M mad with all my house buying and decorating ideas. But to confess….I never missed an episode of 24, I’ve never missed an episode of True Blood, I’ve never missed an episode of Fringe, and I’ve only missed one episode of Leverage. The DVR is my friend on the weekend since I rarely watch the programs when they’re actually on!

    Hugs!

    • http://www.melgetsfit.com Mel (@MelGetsFit)

      Yay!!! So glad to see you here. :) Given your line of work, I can see why you would want to avoid reality TV. LOL Now that I’m in school, the DVR is definitely my friend. I pretty much watch everything on the weekends, too.

      xoxo