Since The Biggest Loser isn’t returning until the fall, I’ve had to look elsewhere for my feel-good weight-loss show fix. After watching last night’s Ruby on the Style Network (I know, I’m a season late to the party), I think I’ve found it. The show, about an obese woman from Savannah, Ga. on a quest to get healthy and drop a few hundred pounds, is a nice respite from the continuous competition-based series. It’s really refreshing to see someone trying to get healthy for her own sake, and not because she wants to beat someone out for a million dollars.
Last night’s episode featured a trainer showdown, the likes of which BL has never seen. Ruby, having become bored with her usual workout regime of treadmill, weights, repeat, saw a so-called ”fitness guru” recommended by her doctor to shake up her routine and suggest some exercises that would be less stressful on her bad knees. When she brought up the new ideas from the “guru” (they kept calling him that, and I kept thinking about that terrible Mike Myers movie), her trainers, Erin and Reese, freaked out. Erin even said, “There’s a special place in hell for him, I’m certain of it.” Yikes.
When the gang finally all sat down together, the “guru” said Erin had a big butt (in so many words) and she and Reese were totally wrong about the way they were working out Ruby; then they all got into a mini screaming match. On BL, the fights usually happen between contestants (and sometimes with their trainers), so it was interesting (and kind of exciting) to see professionals get so heated. I understand why Reese and Erin felt betrayed (and that butt comment — are we grown-ups or mean kids at recess?), but I think a different approach to Ruby’s training might be just what the gal needs to feel motivated again. And apparently Ruby thought so too, because she dumped her trainer duo at the end of the episode.
A nonsensical side plot focused on Ruby’s nephew unsuccessfully trying to get a spray tan. The professional results left him blotchy, but Ruby’s at-home treatment left him looking like an Oompa Loompa crossed with a young George Hamilton. I only feel this is worth mentioning for Ruby’s adorable reaction when she saw the results of her handiwork: “What in the helicopter did I do?”
Did Ruby’s charming demeanor instantly turn you into a regular watcher? Have you been keeping up with Ruby all along, or did you, like me, just catch on this season? Are you inspired by the charming southern belle and her solo quest, or do you like a little more competition in your weight loss shows?
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I LOVE Ruby! I’ve been wathin since season 1, ans she’s such an inspiration, and is so charming and delightful to watch!
Pop Watch – is there really no way to delete comments like the one from satokofan? it is so annoying to see them on every single blog post.
As for Ruby, I watched a few episodes last season but could never remember when and what channel it was on. But, I thought she was a sweet character and very down to earth. She hasn’t had enough exposure to become full of herself, I guess.
I love Ruby, and am going to stick with it this season. She’s a total charmer, which is why the show had caught on so well. Under 350 – you can do it, girl!
I watched Ruby last season and was a bit frustrated by the way they kept her on prepackaged meals for so long. It’s actually not healthy to eat so much processed food, and if the goal is truly for her to be healthy, and not only to weigh less, she needs to learn to cook healthy meals on her own. Hopefully that will happen this season?
I was very put off Ruby in the second ep, where she reproaches her ex, Danny, for not wanting to be with an obese woman. Danny being a hunk with a very good body, this was utterly hypocritical of her. If she’d fancied someone as heavy as herself, fair enough, but this was atrocious; if she didn’t want to be with someone her own weight, why should he? Everyone piled on Danny for being superficial, when he’d behaved better than her; he’d at least dated someone heavier than him. The fact that this point was never made and he was characterised as ‘bad for her’ stopped me watching. I’m always put off by bigger people calling others ’superficial’ for not wanting to date them, but going after people with slimmer bodies themselves. She seemed perfectly nice otherwise, but the series lost a viewer then and there.
How do you know Ruby HASN’T had a relationship with an obese man? I’m sure Danny isn’t the only guy she ever dated. And if he was attracted to her, should she reject him because he’s NOT fat? Iola is obviously not fat herself, and she is just spouting reverse discrimination.
I wanted to like this show, and I admire what she’s trying to do for herself, but after a few episodes I just couldn’t tolerate that constant WHINY voice!
i’m a fan. have been since the first episode. there’s just something facinating with her struggle and her personality. it is a more accurate representation of the struggles of weight loss instead of just seeing “before” and “after” photos. the journey is long and hard. and we’re pulling for you Ruby!!
I want Ruby to succeed. I’ve watched only a few shows, but Ruby is likable and real and deserves to be healthy and enjoy being attractive too. As much as I like the person Ruby seems to be, I hate to say that I agree that her voice sometimes does become sort of whiney, which is distracting and unpleasant. If Ruby would watch herself, listen to those moments when this happens, she could easily adapt some other way of expressing herself. It’s just a habit … we all have little habits that are part of our imperfection. I’d hate to see a video of myself on any given day and I know I would cringe to hear myself sometimes. Overall, I’m a fan of the woman, Ruby, and when she stops doing the show I hope it’s because she’s met her goals (made a bit of money too!) and is on with living her life.
I have become a bit suspicious of moves like this one–to get Ruby a new trainer–when it comes to reality programs. I think a lot of times it’s just a set up for another episode or storyline to keep viewer interest.
Someone mentioned that they hated that Ruby was on pre-packaged food. I have been eating the exact same packaged food that Ruby is on, except here in atlanta it’s called Good Measure Meals (goodmeasuremeals dot com) – This is not packaged food that is processed – you can not leave it sitting on a shelf like some other diet packaged food. This food is prepared fresh and is real food. I have been on the plan for about 2 months and lose about 2 pounds a week without changing anything else – meaning right now I am not working out or doing anything different than I was before starting Good Measure Meals.
While I agree that she needs to learn how to cook on her own at some point I see nothing wrong with her staying on this program, because of the type food it is. I love to cook but just don’t have time. I love picking up my food twice a week and having everything made for me. I only do the 5 day plan, so on the weekends I cook for myself.
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I watch Ruby on and off and I think for Ruby, being the size she was when she started, it was probably hard for her to stay up on her feet and cook meals, even quick 20-30 min. meals for “average” people could really put strain on her body. I admire Ruby for 1)realizing she needed to change, 2)doing it on national tv to the complaints of people like the ones on the board. Obesity is an issue just like drugs and other addictions, it’s just with food. Seeing her slowly lose rather than speed lose like the people on the BL is refreshing. It is inspiring because if she convinces another heavy person to get up and get something started to a healthy lifestyle, the show is worth it.
I love watching Ruby and have been following her from the start of her journey. I live in Savannah and I am so proud of our hometown girl. Food is an addiction and she is learning to beat “the beast” as she says. Yes the food is pre-packaged but it is FRESH and HEALTHY. I’m a member at Ourlife(where she gets the food- and I workout there) and I have had great results with the program- 15 lbs so far:) As far as Denny goes I don’t ever want to see him on Ruby ever again… Dear Denny, your 15 minutes are SO over. YES I loved the trainer battle! All three- the trainers and the “guru” are nuts, her doctor is the only sane one! Best ep yet. So glad EW is following Ruby now too!
I’ve been keeping up with Ruby’s journey. I was GLAD she made the trainer change; the two she had just weren’t listening to her needs and concerns. Sometimes I wish she just had one person dedicated to truly helping her (like the guy profiled on TLC who lost over 400 pounds). I wish someone would introduce her to kettlebell training, which would benefit her a lot.
I love this show and I really love her and her support. They are so funny and loving and supportive. i think it is a nice change to have people around you that are supportive of your weight lose instead of fighting and the sub-plot of money to be won. I love it and am glad to see it back.
Count me among Ruby’s many fans! She is so inspirational…In fact, I just started on the same meal plan that she is using, http://www.ourlifefresh.com. The meals are truly outstanding — all fresh and very tasty. I really feel like I could stick to this plan and finally drop my weight — just like Ruby!
I’ve watched Ruby from the very beginning and love Ruby and her friends. Lola, Ruby’s ex, Danny, was on the show a little bit last year – and was talked aabout a lot. He has a long history of coming and going, and hurting Ruby. So yeah – he’s bad for her. Keep watching!
I enjoy the show, but I agree, what’s up with the whiny voice?? Also, after watching the recent episode with the trip to the gynocologist and the use of the word “Christmas,” I wonder about Ruby’s maturity level. I understand putting off going (I’m guilty of that as well), but there was something about her reaction to the whole experience, as well as that of looking for a job, that I found somewhat weird.
I enjoy the show, but I DVR it, because it has a lot of repetition in it. I really felt for Ruby during the battle of the trainers–they seemed more interested in being right than in supporting Ruby. With all the difficulties of losing that much weight, it’s too bad she had to deal with their egos, too. I wish she’d add yoga to her training regimen. Not only would it be a great balance to her current workout, the breathing and stress reduction would be great for her.
Ruby I have been following you since the first season and can not ever get you out of my head. Your a beautiful person inside and out and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. I have been fighting this disease forever and can completely relate with you. I have tried every diet and nothing has worked. Nutri system, Jenny Craig its all gross food and I just cant seem to keep myself on a diet until NOW. Because of you I decided to get my 563 pound body to try just one more diet before it just simply took my life. I have NEVER tried such amazing food that is fresh! The food is always a AMAZING and timely. The website is so easy. I am from Texas and know that if i can get it, anyone can. I have so far lost 62 pounds and feel so much better. We are in this together now Ruby. You and Ourlife saved my life. I LOVE YOU!!! LETS BEAT THIS!!!!!