Chris Haston/NBC
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Health
Slideshow
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Health
Slideshow
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Health
Slideshow
Name: Adam Hurtado
Hometown: Santa Ana, Ca
Occupation: Non-Profit Manager
Favorite cheat food: Before The Biggest Loser, I loved to eat big greasy pizzas
Goal: To weigh 200 pounds and to inspire people to lead active and healthy lifestyles
Starting weight: 402 pounds
iVillage: What was your big turning point-either during the show or before that made you realize you needed to lose the weight?
Losing my mother, Nancy Downey-Hurtado, to the battle of diabetes, obesity, and heart disease opened my eyes to how unhealthy myself and my family had become. I knew that I needed The Biggest Loser to help me change my life. My mother was only 51 years old when she passed away on July 1st, 2009. I realized it was my time to turn my family's tragedy into a positive message to Americans dealing with obesity and its related complications.
iVillage: What is one thing you wish you had known before going on The Biggest Loser?
I wish I knew exactly how many people are inspired by the show. I would have worked even harder (if possible!). I have now fully embraced the social responsibility of being a member of The Biggest Loser family. I look to inspire as many people as possible. It has been a blessing to be a contestant on BL10 and I am so excited to return my blessing to everyone.
Did you watch the show before becoming a contestant? Were you inspired by a particular contestant? Who was it and how did they inspire you?
I definitely watched The Biggest Loser before becoming a contestant. The Biggest Loser has always inspired me. I was very inspired by Michael of last season. His beautiful relationship with his mother was very moving to me. I related to his love for his mother. His weight loss was also extremely inspiring. I always thought of how hard he must have worked to look so good and happy. It kept me going on the ranch and now at home.
If you could have done one thing differently during the show, what would it be?
I would have worked even harder if possible and of course I would have used my three-pound advantage at my final weigh in on the ranch. It would have saved me from elimination the week I was sent home.
What’s the hardest thing to adapt to while living on the ranch?
The hardest thing was getting used to the other unique and eclectic personalities of the 19 contestants I was living with. It took some getting used to living with so many other people but as I adapted to my new family I made some amazing life long friends.
What keeps you motivated when you don’t feel like working out or you want to eat junk food?
I continue to stay motivated by thinking of my mother Nancy and all of the love, care, hard work, and time that she invested in me. She is my angel and source of inspiration at all times.
What’s your favorite workout?
My favorite workout is swimming and running on the beautiful beaches of my hometown, Orange County, CA.
What’s the best advice Bob or Jillian gave you?
To always believe in myself and to never doubt my strengths and will to continue.
What’s your favorite healthy meal or snack?
My favorite healthy meal is any of the delicious meals provided by the new Biggest Loser eDiets meal plan. My all-time favorite is the egg whites with black beans and fresh salsa. Very tasty and healthy!
What’s something viewers at home wouldn’t know from watching the show?I love to spend my spare time in between workouts writing in my journal. I believe it is so important to get your thoughts and feelings out whether it is to a friend or family member in a letter or in your personal journal. It has been a huge part of my weight-loss success.
Watch The Biggest Loser on Tuesdays at 8/7c on NBC.
