(She’s 5 foot 4.)
In 1999, Sweeney decided she’d had enough.
She dropped close to 30 pounds.
“I keep track of my body by how my jeans fitand how I feel.”
Five years ago, she landedThe Biggest Loserjob and started learning from her new friendJillian Michaels.
“This is the best I’ve ever felt physically and emotionally.”
How she lost the weightand made it stick
I put up and shut up.
Dave, my husband, whom I was dating then, finally said, ‘Why do you complain?
You’re beautiful already, but if you want to do something about it, do it.
You pursue your career, but you don’t attack your weight.’
It was loving but an eye-opener.
That was when I turned things around."
Earrings and diamond bracelet, De Beers.
Necklace, Jennifer Meyer Jewelry.
Pink stone bracelets, Ippolita
I put in the work.
I maintain by going to Spin four or five days a week.
I love that I can get a solid butt-kicking in 40 minutes.
I alsostrength traintwo or three times a week.
And I doyoga, which I now enjoy so much, when I can.
I look forward to it."
Left: “I was walking the runway during Fashion Week for aheart-healthbenefit.
I was so proud of myself that night for working hard on my body.”
I’ve learned that anything’s possible.
She was like, ‘Why go back?
Go forward!Be the best you that you could be today.
That might be thinner and more toned than ever.’
Turns out, she was right!"
I went right from the set ofThe Biggest Loserfinale to the hospital and gave birth to Megan.
Labor is the hardest workout you’ll ever do.
It hurts like your 9,000th sit-up.
You think, I can’t do any more.
And they’re like ‘You have to!’
I’m so lucky to have Dave as a partner in all this."
I surround myself with positive people.
We have such a dynamic camaraderie from experiencing so many of the same things in Hollywood.
you’re able to choose to be allies and take care of each other."
I guess I can’t work out today.'
I can doBob [Harper’s]orJillian’sworkoutDVDs at home.
I can do push-ups or walk the dog.
I have too many options at the ready to have any excuses."
Left: WithLosercostars and friends Michaels and Harper.
Carry freshsnacks
“With two kids and two jobs, I have to plan everything.
Pickcool workout gear
“I’m a big believer in wearing cute clothes to the gym.
There are mirrors everywhere!
At that moment I realized how uneducated I was.
I asked her for advice, and she rocked my world.
I wasn’t eating the right kinds of calories.
I didn’t know about healthy carbs such as brown rice and lentils.
I avoid carbs at dinner and usually have a saladI love lettuce.
I’m a rabbit!”
Lose the Emotions
“Looking at myweightin a practical way was a battle for me.
I felt guilty forcraving sweets.
Bob and Jillian made eating common sense.
Jillian says, ‘Don’t be emotional about food; it’scaloriesin, calories out.'”
Dress, Catherine Malandrino.
Earrings, De Beers.
Diamond charm necklace, Sydney Evan.
Double heart locket, Kathy Rose for Roseark.
Bangles, Jennifer Meyer Jewelry.
Finish What You Start
“Once in a while, Jillian will train me onThe Biggest LoserRanch.
She has to finish 20 pull-ups; she’s only done 12.
She needs this for her self-confidence.’
I did it, and she was totally right.
Left: “I did a bungee jump in New Zealand forLoser.
I was scared, but that made me want to do it even more.
It was an amazing feeling.”
I had to master that inclination.
If I need space to sit and read a book or go to the gym, I do it.
No one else can give you that time.
You have to take it and take care of yourself.”
Left: “Dave, Megan, Ben and I took this for my dad on a ski trip.
