Powell Q&A: What Do We Look for in Show Contestants?

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I cannot believe that after a year of hard work (or FIVE years, to be exact), many months of anticipation, and a heckuva lot of blood, sweat, and tears, season 5 of?Extreme?Weight Loss is officially a wrap. Ohhh man…this surely is bittersweet for me. So many incredible friends made and lives changed, and while it took a LOT out of Chris’ and my personal life to spend so much time with these wonderful peeps, I wouldn’t change it for anything.

With this season now in the bag, naturally I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting, not only on this last year, but on the past years/seasons as well. Chris and I both feel incredibly blessed, I must say. We got front row seats to some of the most incredible transformations I’ve ever seen, and are absolutely honored we got to be a part of each and every one of them.?I am so proud of our peeps’ individual journeys, as well as?all of the hard work and sacrifice they put into making their transformations of a lifetime?each with a unique story and background that makes their stories of triumph that much more inspirational.

A question we are often asked is, “How do you choose your?contestants for Extreme Weight Loss?” This may be one of our most frequently asked show-related questions, so?Chris and I decided it’s time to dish?on just what goes into the “I Choose You!” process. Check out the video below!!

For more videos like this, as well as more fun Powell Pack vids,?subscribe?to my YouTube channel?here!

Do you have a question about the show you would like to see answered? Leave it in the comments below!

Xoxo,

Heidi

42 Responses

  1. I was wondering. If you would take on someone who has very little money. I am a single mom of 4. I survive off of goverment assistance. After leaving an abusive marriage i cant seem to figure out healthy affordable and fast meals. I live in phoenix too. Feeling frustrated i just dont know how to even start. Thanks for what you do.

    1. Hi Leslie: While Heidi wishes she could personally work with everyone who needs her help, she’s not able to take on clients right now. Because of this, she and Chris have made their carb cycling program – the same program they use on EWL – available for all of us to use to achieve our transformation goals. You can learn about the basics of carb cycling here: https://heidipowell.net/9060. Their program will teach you everything you need to know and do to achieve your goals, including lots of awesome recipes. You can do this!

  2. I so love your show. It brings tears to my eyes every week! I hate it when the season ends and forward to it each year. Keep up the good work. We need more angels like you

  3. Hi Heidi and Chris!

    Just wanted to start off saying thank you for all you guys do. You are both truly inspiring and the people you help are also very inspiring.
    My little sister and I are wanting to do this together. Combined there would be like 250-300lbs needing to be lost. Would there ever be a chance for us to do the show together? And when could we audition?

    Thank you so much.

  4. Hello,

    I have been obsessed with the show for so long now. It inspires me every time I watch it. Thank you for all you both do!
    I was curious, will there be other chances to participate in the show? Like will there be another chance to audition soon?

    Thank you!

  5. I love your show. It is so inspiring to see the people you work with fully transform their lives. I know the folks you select are very special and lucky but what I’d like to know is if you have something to share with us people at home. A step by step plan that I can follow. I have about 50 pounds to lose…please advise and HELP!!! My struggle is life…working and trying take time for me!!!

    1. Hi Roxanne: Yes! Chris and Heidi have put their entire carb cycling program (the same program they use on EWL) in their book, “Choose More, Lose More for Life,” and you can learn about all the basics here: https://heidipowell.net/9060. You can totally do this!

  6. Hi Chris and Heidi, I’m big fans if your show and watch it to gain inspiration. I would love to try to be a client on your show but my question to you is how can you help a person that has alot going on in their home and I say that because I have a 30 year old daughter that is special needs and needs me home. I would like to get healthy and lose weight in order to help her also. She’s small in stature about. 5’1″ and 170 lbs. I want to help her get healthy also. I have diabetes, have had thyroid issues, blood pressure issues too. I don’t want her to struggle with that too. Can you please give me some ideas? Unless I can take her with me and we do a mother and daughter show? That would be neat and different. Thanks for your inspirational shows.

    1. Hi Yvonne: You can begin your own transformation journey today with the same program Chris and Heidi use on the show, and you can find out about the basics of their carb cycling program here: https://heidipowell.net/9060. And please discuss this program with your healthcare team first, and then follow any modifications they might recommend. You can do this, and you can teach and help your daughter along the way too!

  7. It has been amazing to see each of these transformations. I am struggling through my own transformation but any time I need a motivation boost I turn on the show! I own my pitfalls recommit to the process and move forward. I appreciate all of these people being courageous enough to share their life with the world. Here’s to smart choices and accountability each step of the way! My question is can you offer any advice to someone who feels like they don’t have a good support system to go through this? I remember Kelli feeling the same way but I’m not sure I have the same results as her… P.S. Hannah’s Chis and Heidi impressions are hilarious and great!

    1. Hi Brittney: A good support system an be an awesome transformation tool, and if you don’t have one right now, talk to co-workers, friends, family, and/or anyone who would also like to embark on a transformation journey, and since you’ve already begun your journey, you can lead the way for them! And remember, you can be your own #1 cheerleader too. You can do this!

  8. Good morning, Heidi!! You and Chris are such an inspiration to so many. I have struggled with my weight since I was a victim of incest at age 8. I have always turned to food for comfort. After watching your show and following you on FB, I was able to lose 100lbs. Shortly after, I got pregnant with my third child and gained nearly 70lbs back. My son is 9 mos old and I am struggling to lose the remaining 50lbs. I enjoy working out while watching Extreme Weight Loss on Hulu and wanted you to know how much you have inspired me to be healthier. I live just east of Boulder, Co and when I see you and Chris at CU, I want to run up there to give you a giant hug! I’m also trying to get help for my husband. He has been obese since middle school, was a successful heavy weight wrestler in high school and currently takes about 150,000 steps per week according to his Fitbit, but cannot lose weight. There seems to be a mental block and he struggles with food addiction and over eating as well. He is a good husband, father and provider and we have a relationship like you and Chris. Lots of unconditional love and have been committed to each other since college. He has been sober now for 15 months but is still battling his demons and food. Thanks for reading this! You are an amazing woman and I admire what you have been able to accomplish in your life. Thank you for being you.

    1. Hi Brie: Thank you for your post! Chris and Heidi have put their carb cycling program (the same program they use on the show) in their book, “Choose More, Lose More for Life,” and you can learn about the basics of their program here: https://heidipowell.net/9060. You both can totally do this, and what an awesome support you can be for each other!

  9. I am so thankful for the feelings you both inspire in people! I have a question, sometimes the show doesn’t always show everything about a contestant. Do you find that some of these brave men and women need to give up their jobs to complete a successful transformation?

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