Prevention spent time on-set at The Biggest Loser: Couples, taking pictures and talking to some of the participants about their emotional journeys. Here, four of them--Ali Vincent, Brittany Aberle, Kelly Fields, and Jay Kruger--take us through the twists and turns, share their healthy realizations, and offer their best strategies for not just getting, but thinking thin. Plus, expert tips to help you get in the weight loss head space, too.

I was once a nationally ranked synchronized swimmer, a high school cheerleader. But when I quit sports, I quit setting goals and I quit dreaming. For the past 10 years, my weight had dictated my life. It was my excuse if I got passed up for a promotion, it was the reason I was alone. I hid under my fat; it protected me from dealing with anything I did wrong or any issues I needed to work on.

When I started losing weight, it made me look at myself a little closer. I learned the only way I could move forward was to acknowledge the role I played both physically and mentally in my weight gain--and forgive myself for letting it happen. As long as I keep telling myself the truth, I'll be successful.

Stats Age 33 Height 5'5'' Weight Then 234 Weight now 149* pounds Lost 85 pounds *As of press time

You have a pretty face. That's what people always told me, but I never felt that way. I've been overweight since I was 8 years old. My parents divorced the year before. Food became my companion, a constant in my life whenever I felt lonely or sad. It's not easy for me to open up; if I don't let anyone in, I can't get hurt.

When the show started, I realized that for my team to do well, we had to get to know each other--our beliefs, our history, our goals. That experience changed me in so many ways: I faced my fears and learned to let my guard down. It made me feel good about what I can accomplish. When I look in the mirror, I can't believe that's me. I see a confident person, someone who for the first time believes she is beautiful. 

Stats Age 22 Height 5'6'' Weight then 221 pounds Weight now 170* pounds Lost 51 pounds *As of press time

"I focus on the future" Before coming to the ranch, I was diagnosed with high cholesterol and high blood pressure. I thought I would always be heavy, that I'd never walk with my head held up. In less than a month, my counts were back to normal. I got a second chance, and I refuse to waste it. I'll still have tough days, but I now have the tools to get through them. I plan to live life to the fullest.

Nurture self-esteem It takes time to boost your body image--noticing the changes helps. Spend 5 minutes a day looking in the mirror, or measure your waist, thighs, and arms once a month and note the numbers in a journal. --Kearney-Cooke

Start small and be realistic Every week, set a goal for weight loss (lose 1 pound), one for cardio (run 5 extra minutes), and one for strength (do an extra set). Achieving even one is progress, and reason to feel good about yourself. --Ann Kearney-Cooke, PhD, a Cincinnati-based psychologist

I spent my adult life doing for others. I did for my ex-husband, Paul. At home, I do for my mom, and as a nurse, I do for patients. Doing for me, though--it didn't seem necessary or too important. I never felt like my own needs warranted any priority; like it was almost selfish to make time to take care of myself. But I wanted to be healthy, and I wanted to look good. It took a while for me to even feel comfortable with that, but what this experience has taught me is that I am worth it--and I deserve it, just like everybody else. 

Stats Age 39 Height 5'6'' Weight then 221 pounds Weight now 192* pounds Lost 79 pounds *As of press time

"I value my health every day" I love helping my family and doing my job, but to be a better daughter and nurse, and a better person all-around, I'll need to keep my health and well-being at the top of my to-do list. This means I won't always volunteer to take on extra hours at work; that also means I need to nurture my personal life. I'm stronger today than I've ever been--inside and out--so I know I can do it.

Lose weight for your whole life

Name five things in life you value most, such as your family or community. Now think about how getting healthy relates to those values--you'll be around longer for your family, you'll be a role model or inspiration to your community--and you'll realize the importance of taking care of you. --Kearney-Cooke

I was the funny fat kid growing up. I'd make jokes at my own expense; it was my way of protecting myself. Decades later, not much had changed. That is, until my daughter was born with a rare overgrowth disorder--it means she'll be at least 6-foot-2. I don't want her to be overweight, as well, and go through what I did. I need to set the right example. Being heavy for so long, though, it's hard to picture yourself any differently. Even now, I don't see myself as "thin." But I look at the sizes on the clothes I'm wearing and it blows my mind. And there's no denying how wonderful I feel inside. This is who I am now, and I plan to take advantage of it.

Stats Age 32 Height 6'1'' Weight then 293 pounds Weight now 201* pounds Lost 92 pounds *As of press time

"Eat to live, don't live to eat" Before, I ate constantly; but now, I find other things to occupy my time, like exercise. Going back to my old way of life would be an insult, a slap in the face to everyone who has supported me. I've come too far. I won't do that to them--or to me. 

Know what works for you Keep a list of your personal tips, and use it when you start to struggle. If calling a friend stopped a binge in the past, write it down; if a spoonful of peanut butter satisfied your sweet craving, note that, too.  --Lyssa Menard, PhD, an assistant professor at Northwestern University