Kristi McCart

Ive steadily gotten heavier throughout my life, but I didnt realize I had an actual problem until I had my first child 19 months ago. When I was breastfeeding and pumping, I was eating so much more than normal without gaining anything. But as soon as I stopped, the pounds piled on, and I quickly surpassed the weight Id been when I gave birth.

I stepped on the scale one day and thought, Holy crap, what have you been doing for the last 16 months? Honestly, I just stopped paying attentionto my diet, my health, and my needs. As a new mom, Id started focusing solely on taking care of my son and my husband. At the same time, I launched my own law firm, and I had zero time and energy to give to myself.

On top of that, I've had an unhealthy relationship with food since childhoodmy parents are divorced, and traveling between two households that were run very differently meant I never knew exactly when my next meal would be. Now, I live with my husband, who doesn't have a great diet. He can guzzle Mountain Dew without gaining weight, but when I eat like him it's a different story.

Kristi McCart On Why She Went On The Biggest Loser

Ive also always thought of myself as a healthy fat person, because I've never had high blood pressure or cholesterol or been diagnosed with any serious issues. I feel like a drunk driver who has never gotten caught. I've never hurt anybody else and I haven't hurt myself by overeating and being inactive, but I know its going to catch up to me. Ive struggled with getting pregnant for the second time, and I wonder if my current weight issues have contributed to that.

I saw a post on social media a few months ago about auditioning for <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/a27456426/the-biggest-loser-usa-network-tv-return-2020/" id="bbcc8828-c6e3-3019-a290-c63093e84dda"> The Biggest Loser </a> , and thought, Okay, its time to really do this." I wanted to take control of my health. But part of me was hesitant because I had a young child and signing up for the show would mean being away from him for up to 11 weeks while filming. I had to have a hard conversation with my husband about that. I told him, If I do this, youre going to have to pick up all the slack at home. Feeding, watching the baby, organizing care, cleaning, everything, alone.

He was completely supportive. Youve wanted to lose this weight for years, he said, and in five minutes he had me convinced this was the right thing to do for me and my family.

Still, being away from my baby and my husband hasnt been easy. Im only two weeks into filming right now, but this is the longest I've been away from my son. I dont know what milestones he's is hitting without me. We're not allowed to have cell phones or use social media while we're filming, so I have zero contact with him.

Its incredibly tough, but I know my husband and so many friends and family members are making sacrifices so that I can be here, which makes me feel even more motivated to do them justice and give it my all. Im ready to own my health the way Ive owned every other part of my life. Ive been laser-focused on my career and my relationships, and now I'm going to bring that drive to getting healthy on The Biggest Loser.

The Biggest Loser will air on USA Network for its 18th season in January 2020.

Contestant: Kristi McCart Age: 32 Hometown: Riverview, Florida Occupation: Family law and estate planning attorney Starting weight: 264 pounds

'The Biggest Loser' Contestant Kristi McCart: ‘Spending Weeks Away From My Young Son Is Hard, But I Need To Prioritize My Health'

Politics

Local

World

News

Celebrities

Music

Movies

Entertainment

Sports 

Fashion

Beauty & Health

Relationships & Weddings

Food & Travel

Lifestyle

Domestic

International 

Business

Explore categories

Checkout our authors for the latest content across entertainment, sports, business and more. Be first to receive exclusive updates with your free subscription straight to your phone | Pulselive Kenya

Authors | Pulselive Kenya

| Pulselive Kenya

Read the latest news across entertainment, sports, business and more. Be first to receive exclusive updates with your free subscription straight to your phone | Pulselive Kenya

Breaking News & Top Stories | Pulselive Kenya

Pulse Kenya is the most followed news and entertainment platform in Kenya. It informs and engages young Kenyans around the clock and provides updates by the hour.

Pulselive Kenya

Search for the latest content across entertainment, sports, business and more. Be first to receive exclusive updates with your free subscription straight to your phone | Pulselive Kenya

Search Results | Pulselive Kenya

Watch the latest videos across entertainment, sports, business and more. Be first to receive exclusive updates with your free subscription straight to your phone| Pulselive Kenya

Kristi McCart

Articles written by the author

'The Biggest Loser' Contestant Kristi McCart: ‘Spending Weeks Away From My Young Son Is Hard, But I Need To Prioritize My Health'