Trae Patton/NBC
Name: Migdalia (Miggy) Cancel
Hometown: Pemberton, N.J.
Occupation: Chef
Favorite cheat food: chips, chili and ice cream
Goal for 2010: To weigh 150 pounds
Starting weight: 240 pounds
Elimination weight: 195 pounds
NSD: What was your big turning point-either during the show or before that made you realize you needed to lose the weight?
My turning point was at a family reunion. I realized the risk I had of dying or being ill. With two brothers—one had a heart attack, the other a stroke; and a mother, cousins, nephews with Diabetes, heart disease, cholesterol, and blood pressure problems, I was next. I felt in my heart I was on track to worse. I did not want to die and said that I have to do something now!
NSD: What is one thing you wish you had known before going on The Biggest Loser?
I wish I would of researched a little how the show really worked. I had seen episodes, but I work long hours (and never missed the finales), but didn’t get to see whole seasons or full episodes. I felt lost, vulnerable and out of my comfort zone. It was one of my biggest challenge not really knowing what I was getting into. I have no regrets, but my view and goal was to lose weight.
NSD: Do you think it's harder or easier to be on the show with a family member as a teammate as opposed to competing by yourself?
I think it was easier with my daughter. Adjusting to others was hard, but with my teammate, that gave me strength. I felt broken when I lost her, of course. It was hard. As family, we test each other and push buttons. It's more personal when disagreements occur, but we kiss and make up and still have that unconditional support no matter what. We are family till the end.
NSD: If you could have done one thing differently during the show, what would it be?
I believe I was being me. I wouldn't change who I am, but would not have shown my feelings or opened up to other contestants. That was my biggest mistake.
NSD: What's the hardest thing to adapt to while living on the ranch?
Personalities.
NSD: What is one thing that keeps you motivated when you don't feel like working out or you want to eat junk food?
Knowing how much more I will have to work out to burn what I ate something I shouldn't have, plus it would be a step back. I would only be cheating myself, no one else. I have to take responsibility for my choices.
NSD: What is your favorite workout?
Running
NSD: What's the best advice Bob or Jillian has given you?
Do not stress. (Not easy to do.)
NSD: What is your favorite healthy meal or snack?
Raw veggies with garlic hummus
NSD: What's something viewers at home wouldn't know from watching the show?
That Migdalia daughter and Migdalia mother are not as hard or mean as people thought. We are warm-hearted but strong, caring, but strict and we do cry. We do want to—and will—lose the weight, not only for us, but for our kids and family and for all those we inspired or even can just relate to our situation.
Name: Darrell Hough
Hometown: Ann Arbor, MI
Occupation: Web press mechanic/pressman
Favorite cheat food: pancakes
Goal for 2010: To weigh 200 pounds
Starting weight: 413 pounds
Elimination weight: 338 pounds
NSD: What was your big turning point-either during the show or before that made you realize you needed to lose the weight?
The realization that I was looking at having to take an early medical retirement due to health issues and the fact that I wouldn't be able to provide for my family.
NSD: What is one thing you wish you had known before going on The Biggest Loser?
I wish I would have known that I had in me what it takes to be successful with my weight loss. Frankly, I didn't think I could do it.
NSD: Do you think it's harder or easier to be on the show with a family member as a teammate as opposed to competing by yourself?
Definitely easier, by far having someone from home with you is the way to start this journey.
NSD: If you could have done one thing differently during the show, what would it be?
I would have pushed myself harder while on the Ranch.
NSD: What's the hardest thing to adapt to while living on the ranch?
No communication from home.
NSD: What is one thing that keeps you motivated when you don't feel like working out or you want to eat junk food?
I look back to the day I started on the ranch and use the gains I've achieved in the past few months to inspire and push me forward. Keeping my goals in mind and time spent in the gym, I can't sabotage my goals for a cheat. To be quite honest, I now enjoy and look forward to working out.
NSD: What is your favorite workout?
Stairmaster
NSD: What's the best advice Bob or Jillian has given you?
Bob made me realize there is only one thing in life that you truly own and that is your body. It is time to start acting like you own it and take care of it.
NSD: What is your favorite healthy meal or snack?
Chicken stir-fry with lots of vegetables
NSD: What's something viewers at home wouldn't know from watching the show?
I enjoy motorcycles.
Watch The Biggest Loser on Tuesdays at 8/7c on NBC.
