There Are No Excuses -- During their 30 days at home, Shanon lost a respectable 15 pounds, Laura seven, Cathy eight, Aubrey a measly two, Carla a whopping 20 and Sione a screaming 25 (7.16 percent of his body mass). At 25 pounds lighter, Sione also secured immunity for Team Blue. He explained his success best by saying he used to be full of excuses why he couldn't get to the gym, but he still managed to fit in three hours of TV every night. You got it Sione, there are no excuses. The Biggest Loser League says instead of cheating on your diet, post five reasons to stick with it instead.

Losing Weight is Two-Pronged -- Aubrey wept after her two pound reveal, explaining she spent hours in the gym each day at home, but had trouble in the eating department. Considering she's a mother of five, there are a lot of Goldfish crackers lying around her house. But Jillian wouldn't sit in on her pitty party. If you want to lose weight, you can't spend a few hours sweating and then go eat a pizza. Calories in, calories out applies to all of us.

$5,000 or a Two Pound Advantage? -- Which would you pick if you won this week's Challenge? Mandi and Aubrey flung their bodies around and around a steel pole to unwind enough rope to reach the finish line first. They chose the two pounds, but they should have taken the cash. They lost enough at the weigh-in to stay above the yellow line.

Love Your Body More Than Food -- Jillian worked on Team Green's Laura a bit, getting her to verbalize she has to love her body more than she loves food. Contestants need to realize a psychological shift in attitude if they're to be successful in losing the weight and keeping it off. Skinny tastes better than fat, even the Ben & Jerry's-kind-of-fat. Did you hesitate on that one? Uh oh.


Don't Miss Trainer Gems

• Trainer tips were a product placement and anti-mocha campaign. Cheerios cereal was highlighted, and I agree it's a great choice and is in my pantry provided it's on sale. Otherwise I buy the generic box of toasty-Os. Oh, and Jillian stated if you drink one mocha latte a day you'll gain 42 pounds in a single year. Think non-fat latte or a regular cuppa joe.

In the end, Team Brown's Mike and Ron fell below the yellow line again this week, but they were saved by Joelle's resented lack of effort at the ranch. Her emotional and physical check-out cost both Joelle and Carla their reservation on the ranch, and their friendship. They haven't spoken in months, but continue to lose at home. Carla looks so much healthier down 87 pounds to date, and Joelle's lost 57 pounds. Okay, just as I forgive myself for a crappy day at the gym, I'm giving Biggest Loser the benefit of the doubt this week. Let's hope next week's 100th Episode celebration adds some sparkle back into the show. See you next week.