We started this section to feature Biggest Loser Alumni as a celebration of how far they have come in their journey.  Losing weight itself is an emotional journey - it tests your faith and will to the extreme when you are sharing your journey with millions of people worldwide. 
 

Read on...you may learn something new about one of your favorites!

Heba Salama - Season 6

For my second Loser blog, I decided to future someone who is a BIG WINNER!

Heba Salama, BL Season 6 At-Home prize winner arrived on the ranch the season's heaviest female.  However, rather than being defeated by the prospect, she took the challenge head-on, just as she does in other aspects of her life.  As a result, she took home the coveted prize - not only $100,000 but actually losing the highest percentage of weight out of all contestants.

From the day I met Heba and everyday I have spoken or spent with her since, I have not stopped laughing.  She is a naturally witty person and has this way of making the most casual, everyday observations into hold-your-stomach kind of funny!  She was the first person I befriended in the house; our first "talk" was in Sandy's office while icing down after a tough workout.  In that moment, I got the sense that we would be friends for a long time.  We spent a lot of time that first week burning calories together.  Alas, when it came to the elimination weigh-in, we both found ourselves in the most undesirable position - below the yellow line.  BOY! Did we cry!!!! My "spidey-sense" told me that Heba and her husband, Ed would be safe from elimination.  So, off camera we gave Heba and Ed their mission - WIN THIS DAMN THING! 

In the two years since, I have seen Heba grow into this woman who has a savvy and a presence that commands attention.  She and Ed have launched their website Ed and Heba.com and continue to serve the community through childhood obesity prevention and other wellness initiatives.    

My nickname for Heba is "Diva Hustler"... she is committed to staying one step ahead of the game; she works hard for what she wants, and does so with grace and dignity.  For this reason, this month we celebrate HEBA SALAMA - wife...entrepreneur...friend....

 

Starting Weight: 294

Elimination Weight: N/A

Finale Weight: 156

 

IN HER OWN WORDS....

I was working in the Pharmaceutical industry, married to a chef.  I had an overactive social life, and first began to really gain weight when I went to college and gained the Freshman FIFTY.

What prompted you to audition for the show?

I knew I wanted to get healthy, someday start a family, and get my life on track.  When I topped off my clothing size at a 24, I knew I was having major problems.  We went to a casting call, and let it all hang out!


What surprised you most about The Biggest Loser ranch?

What didn't surprise me would be a better question.  I was first sad to see that the scale didn't BEEP in person :)  But honestly, the level of seclusion was pretty shocking to be honest. I am a pretty outgoing person, and we were on social lock-down!


What was your most memorable moment while on the ranch?

Wow, I really don't have one.  But I would say that working out that last week with just Vicky and Ed was pretty memorable.  We left it all in the gym that week, and knew that this was coming to an end, it was so hard to leave the security as much as I was ready to get home, I was scared.

What were you doing before being on the show (career, school, etc.)? How has that changed since?
 

I was in Pharma sales, and now I am working on finishing our cookbook, opening a business, and doing public speaking for educators in our area.  We have stayed busy as wellness ambassadors for a few local companies, and have really enjoyed being able to give back to our community. I don't miss the corporate 9-5, that's for sure!

Do you keep in touch with contestants from your season?

Yes!  We have had visits from Brady, Vicky, Amy C, Stacey and Adam and have seen other contestants from other seasons as well, it's like a whole new family....we love it!

What is the best thing that has happened as a result of being on the show, besides losing the weight?

I have had the chance to really make a difference, and I love that.  I knew I wanted to use my voice in some way, and I now have a platform to do that!

What have you found to be the hardest part of maintenance?

Getting in the amount of working out that it takes ME to maintain is VERY hard!  The eating part is MUCH easier. 

Tell us about something you are most proud of about yourself since appearing on the show.

I successfully fought the demons, and was able to stay healthy, and it wasn't easy!

What has been the most unexpected part of your weight loss journey?

Having the struggle of your mind catching up to your new body is certainly the hardest part for me!

Tell us a fun fact about yourself…

I am racing TEN races in 2010....that should be fun for everyone else to watch - haha!  I am gearing up and ready to go as Ed and I challenge ourselves once more!
 

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