Hello Paddy! So how are you and what’s life been like for you over the past 12 months?
My life is unrecognisable since The Biggest Loser Finale. I’ve moved back to Ireland, where I get noticed and stopped all the time. I’m UK ambassador for Cybex so I make many public appearances for them. I write health and fitness magazine articles, appear on radio and chat shows and I even have my own book coming out offering motivational support during a weight loss journey. Oh, and in between all that I’ve been dating a gorgeous guy for the past six months!
I’ve also changed career and I’m now a qualified personal trainer. I initially wanted to do it just to have the science and knowledge to help keep me on track: I wanted to know why I should eat this or do that workout. But after The Biggest Loser everyone kept asking me questions on nutrition and fitness and I didn’t want to answer them in case I said something incorrect.
As soon as I was fully trained, I instantly wanted to help others. I really want to give something back, so I researched all the PT prices in Ireland and made sure I was the cheapest. I want everyone to have the chance for some help.
What’s your health and fitness lifestyle like now?
After Finale I was prepared to put on 1 stone, but doing my personal trainer course and being in the zone meant I was able to maintain. I weigh 15st now, which is half a stone more than Finale, but I’ve been training to build muscle, rather than lose weight.
I train twice a week in the gym and a do class once a week, but because of my job I am active nearly all day every day, so that’s great.
As for food, my calorie intake is slightly more than while I was on the show, but that’s because I’m not looking to lose 6st anymore. I eat very few processed foods, but I do have a treat day once a week. The only thing that is absolutely banned for me is MacDonalds. It epitomises everything I used to be and my old habits. If I want a burger I will have one, but from somewhere else.
Like everyone, I still have the odd down day where I let things slide, but I’m instantly back to my healthy ways by the following day. I’m much better equipped now to be able to deal with my emotional eating.
I’m currently trying to lose a few pounds, so I’m back using The Biggest Loser Club diary. It really does work for me. Monitoring my energy in and out to get my daily energy balance helps me know where I am and keeps me in check. I try to eat a good balance of carbs, fat and protein, which the diary helps me with as well.
What was it like going back to The Biggest Loser house this week to meet the contestants?
It was the most surreal experience. When I stood at the gates I had butterflies in my stomach. Since this time last year my life has been turned on its head. When I entered the house last year, I literally said out loud ‘Bye bye fat Paddy’ and that’s exactly what I’ve achieved.
It was great to share my experiences with this year’s contestants and offer them advice. I feel excited for them, knowing what they’re going to achieve and what awaits them. They’re going to get a whole new lease on life, and I don’t think they even know it yet.
Strangely, Gerard actually contacted me after last year’s Finale asking me for advice and saying what an inspiration I was. So it’s really great to see him getting the help I received and I will be keeping in touch with him to make sure he sticks with it all the way.
And what does the future hold now?
Life is great – I’m happy and confident. I think I will be staying in Ireland and will continue to be a personal trainer. One area I would like to get in to is helping obese children through fitness and nutrition. It’s something very close to my heart and I would love to help in some way.
As for the rest of it, I couldn’t ever have dreamt up my life now. If it wasn’t for The Biggest Loser I would still be working in the bank and eating drive-thrus. It’s amazing to think that what was once an aspiration has become a reality.
Find out how Paddy's show partner Wil Graham is doing now since shedding 8st 7lb and being crowned The Biggest Loser 2011.