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So, I've been home from the Biggest Loser for almost a year now. When I first arrived home from the ranch, I was in such a competitive state. I was extremely focused on my last weigh-in at the finale. There was some stress that came with that, especially with running my business. I had to rely heavily on my wife to handle it. She took a leadership role at the deli, which allowed me to take on a very extreme workout regime. Obviously, we ended up making a great team.

I think now that the finale is in the past; I'm living a new chapter in my life. When I reflect back on my experience at the ranch I only have fond memories. Don't get me wrong, it was the most difficult and most grueling experience of my life, but so much good came from that process. I made life long friends who I am still in touch with. I speak to Kai and Wylie regularly. And just recently I got to chill and relax or “chillax” with my best buddies Brian and Bobby during our vacation in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

I think about the new contestants and they probably can't wait to go home and see their families. During my time on the ranch I felt the same way, but they need to know that as strange as it may seem to them now, someday they are going to miss being there. And that's when I think of Bob and how important he became to me. I used to see him everyday he was the ranch to me, and he became a very close friend. Finally, I will always look upon the ranch as the place that I finally decided to take control of my life. It is where I found out how unhealthy I was and in the end it is where I found out how healthy I became. I came to the ranch thinking I was a quitter and I left as the big winner.

Bob is no longer nearby to train me. And I miss that, but I think our relationship has changed since our time on the ranch. Bob and I got to work together on a professional basis traveling together working on a diabetes campaign. During that time it wasn't the trainer and the trainee going to the gym, it was more like two buddies going to the gym together for a workout, and I miss that. I know the next time I am in LA we are going to meet for a workout or a long hike or both and I look forward to it.

Maintaining my weight loss presents a very difficult challenge. When I was 407 lbs I thought that someday I'd be worrying about maintenance and how easy that would be compared to losing weight. Weight loss is hard but when you reach your goal. you cross the finish line. Maintaining is a process that doesn't just end. It is a lifetime commitment. I find that eating properly and getting my workouts in are equally challenging. Recently, I was able to pinpoint a lousy habit of mine. I call it my "all or nothing" behavior. It is completely the wrong way to react but in the past if my eating was poor I would blow off my workout. The thought is well I screwed up the day, why bother going to the gym. This is a completely ridiculous way of thinking and I would advise anybody who identifies with this nonsense to stop. Maintenance is a learning practice, I've identified one of my problem areas, and I've corrected it. Now, if I eat too many calories, or something tempting like pepperoni pizza, I still do go to the gym that day. Why sabotage yourself? Instead I'll go workout and end up actually feeling great instead of feeling guilty.

I'd like to share three pieces of advice with anyone that is currently trying to lose weight.

1. Start TODAY!
2. Never ever quit on yourself!
3. Remind yourself that reaching your goal feels awesome!

1. How many times have you said “I am going to start my diet tomorrow or on Monday or the first of the month or after my upcoming vacation”? Stop that! It's procrastination. Now that you've identified that you are really just putting it off, start now!

2. I always started diets completely gung-ho. Only I would quit a week later. When you quit you feel awful, you've let everyone down again but most importantly you've let yourself down. Starting and quitting can play a very negative role on your self- esteem. Each time you quit you feel more and more like a loser, and I say loser not in a good way like the "Biggest Loser". Start this time and don't quit, you will feel so proud of yourself for once!

3. Set that goal weight and reach it, actually reach it! I will tell you from experience. When I was the 407 lb Erik I used to actually daydream about what it would be like to be at a normal and healthy weight. I will tell you when you get to your goal and reach the finish line--it is what you imagined and more, so much more!