"Biggest Loser" viewers hardly had a chance to get to know Lauren Lee. Just three weeks into the competition, the quiet 26-year-old said so long to the ranch after her red teammates voted her out. But Lee's determined to make a big impression off the show.
During a Tuesday morning visit to TODAY, Lee explained how she's channeled her short time on the ranch into what she hopes is a long term success with a "positive, happy" outlook and plenty of pounds behind her.
"I've lost a total of 56 pounds," the ousted player who originally weighed in at 246 said.
Sixteen of those pounds were lost while she was still on "The Biggest Loser," which is why she was surprised to be the one sent home on last week's show.
"I was very surprised, but I guess my team decided I could do it at home, and they believed in me more than I could believe in myself," Lee said.
Well, if that was the reason -- rather than the more likely scenario in which they booted her off due to strategy or alliances -- then it turns out they were right. A couple of weeks ago, Lee completed a half-marathon and she's still running toward more goals.
"I always knew myself as an athlete, but I'm getting it back," she explained. "I love running, so every chance I get, I'm out there on the street -- just me, myself and just running. I hit the gym ... a couple hours a day. (I'm) going strong."
And life's good for the strong "Loser."
"Oh, my goodness, it's just a whirlwind," she said. "I have a different view on life now. It's more positive and happy."
See how Lee's former fellow contestants are faring with their own weight-loss goals when the next episode of "The Biggest Loser" airs Tuesday night at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.
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