Aubrey Cheney

Aubrey Cheney was thin for most of her life, but as she watched seasons of The Biggest Loser go by, she noticed that she was packing on the pounds herself. Having the opportunity to participate in the current “Couples” season, she and her sister Mandi quickly proved to be a strong team. But after her elimination in week 12, it was time for Aubrey to go home, where her real life made it a struggle to continue in her progress. TVGuide.com caught up with the mother of five to see how she’s doing now and why Bob was “the best.”

TVGuide.com: During the first part of this week’s challenge, Tara took offense to everyone giving her all the blocks of weight. Were you ganging up on her or was she just being oversensitive?
Aubrey Cheney: We were absolutely ganging up on her. We’re all there for the same reason and that’s to change our lives and become healthy. But we are also involved in a game, and the game aspect is when there’s someone who’s standing between you and a healthier lifestyle or $250,000, then your first instinct is to eliminate them, or slow them down as much as possible. That’s what we were all trying to do.

TVGuide.com: You started out training with Jillian but ended up Bob. Who do you prefer?
Cheney: Bob was the best, hands-down. Jillian has a wonderful track record, she knows her stuff, she’s a genius when it comes to weight loss, fitness, health and nutrition, but I think there’s just personalities that work [better together]. Jillian and I, we’re both really strong personality types. It’s not that we really butted heads, it’s just that I felt like I was doing it for her more than I was doing it for myself. And during the up-down challenge, when we went to teams and I didn’t have a choice, we got flipped over to Bob’s team. That was the best thing that could’ve happened because Bob really showed me why I was there. And that was for myself.

TVGuide.com: When you first returned home from the ranch, you struggled and regained weight, but you picked yourself up again. What advice can you give to other moms in your situation?
Cheney: Organize a schedule. That would be the No. 1 thing. There’s always an hour or two that yeah, you could be doing housework or laundry, but you could also be going to the gym. See when your slow time of the day is and take that time. You can always do a little laundry while helping with homework.

TVGuide.com: Mandi said it was your idea to go on the show. What convinced you that you needed to do something about the weight?
Cheney: My husband and I have watched every season of The Biggest Loser since it started, and during that time I gained over 100 pounds. I did have three kids during that time, but I was just thinking, look at all these people, and every season I watch and I’m heavier and heavier and heavier. I didn’t feel like I was getting depressed, I didn’t really feel like I was losing myself in any way, but when I looked in the mirror or when I saw family videos or pictures that other people had taken, I realized that I was humongous and it was something I had to do. I think I was blessed enough to be accepted on The Biggest Loser before my weight really [caused] any self-esteem issues. Because I was confident in myself, I felt good about myself, I just needed my body to catch up with my mind.

TVGuide.com: What’s your go-to healthy snack?
Cheney: My favorite snack of all time, always has been, always will be, cauliflower and Ranch dressing. I’ve just changed the Ranch to nonfat or low-fat ranch. It’s not the best thing in the world, but at least it’s vegetables!

TVGuide.com: How many total pounds have you lost to date?
Cheney: I’ve lost an additional five pounds from my “where are they now,” so to date, it’s 73.

TVGuide.com: Are you going for the at-home prize?
Cheney: Heck yeah! It’s a far cry, but I’m trying.

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