When it comes to love and weight loss, you can't beat transformation experts Chris and Heidi Powell.
For five seasons on ABC's "Extreme Weight Loss," the Powells have been astounding viewers with the body transformations they've orchestrated, with Chris on camera, and Heidi, more often that not, working behind the scenes.
This week the show returns to its usual summer time slot with the first of three special episodes entitled "Extreme Weight Loss - Love Can't Weight." The season premiere is tonight (Tuesday, June 23) at 9 p.m. EDT.
"We're helping engaged couples lose weight for their wedding," Heidi Powell tells HNGN exclusively.
Anyone who's planned a wedding knows just how stressful it can be and dropping a few "lbs." for that perfect dress or tux on your special day is nothing new. Dropping half your body weight is usually a pipedream for most, so when you add that pressure to the mix - these couples will reach their breaking point.
"Things did get rocky with one of the couples, but because there are challenges and struggles they became so much stronger," adds Heidi.
While the Powells are on hand to share their expertise on weight loss and navigating wedded bliss, some more of the nuptial pressure is relieved courtesy of the show's "Wedding Dream Team," comprised of David Tutera (planning), Rocco DiSpirito (catering) and "Duff" Goldman (cakes).
However, the Powells are yet to have a "big day" all their own. HNGN caught up with Chris and Heidi to get the lowdown on the special episodes, family and how they make it all work.
HNGN: So you get to work as a couple on these new episodes?
Chris: It's so cool, because obviously with the former show we had a lot of experience with individuals on a weight-loss journey, and every once in a while a couple. Now you'll be seeing a lot more of Heidi, and I think the executives and producers were like - wait - she's a lot better than you are. We need to get her on camera.
Heidi: I think two is just better than one, that's all it is.
Chris: Well, she does belong next to me because she has been by my side since day one and was doing the transformations behind the scenes anyway. This season has been awesome because we've spun off "Extreme Weight Loss," and now it's "Extreme Weight Loss: Love Cant Weight."
Heidi: We're helping engaged couples lose weight for their wedding so it's a 6-month process split into two phases. Phase 1: the couples stay together and we help them get stronger together. Phase 2: we separate them and one comes home to Arizona with us while the other goes to their hometown so they become stronger as individuals. The first time they see each other after that point is on their wedding day.
Isn't that bad luck?
Heidi: No, it's bad luck only just before walking down the aisle.
Chris: We follow all the traditions - no worries about that.
That can be dangerous because a lot can fall apart in six months of organizing - right?
Heidi: It is dangerous because things did get rocky with one of the couples. But through challenges and struggles they became so much stronger and are forced to work at their relationship and issues over the phone, text or email. They have to communicate, and it's not like they're just sitting in a room next to each other like they have been doing for so many years.
Chris: You also have two individuals who are preparing to spend the rest of their lives together, but they're also going to rehabilitation together. Most of the folks we work with are food addicts, so now they're getting "clean" and going through this rehab process together. Typically - with many individuals we've seen going through this process - relationships fall apart or people get closer. That's why Heidi and I really wanted this hands-on opportunity to work with couples and take them through the weight-loss journey, along with a huge exploration of each other.
Might you do the big TV wedding one day?
Chris: You never know. It might happen. I believe in my heart of hearts I owe Heidi a wedding.
Heidi: You don't owe me anything.
Chris: A proper wedding. We're going on our fifth year of marriage this June, and - you're right - we definitely skipped a few steps in there because we wanted to focus more on the marriage than the wedding.
Heidi: And I'm glad we did that because it worked out perfect.
Chris: We are so much closer now than we were then. I know without a shadow of a doubt that we'll have a formal proposal and wedding in the near future. I don't know when or where, but it just might happen. It's on the record now.
Heidi: Just don't disappoint me!
What do you two do for date nights?
Chris: Those are so necessary.
Heidi: To be honest, we don't do a ton of date nights because we are so busy; I say the time we spend together most is our workout time. It's so important we have time without the kids where we can do something bonding. In addition, we set aside one overnight getaway without the kids, every few months. Sometimes you have to do that - leave the kids and do your own thing. We work a lot, but it's important to take time away for us. If "we" aren't strong then our family isn't strong.
Chris: We do have a hotel we get away to in Scottsdale, Arizona; it's an amazing space. It's almost like a tradition now, and when we drive onto the premises the decompression begins. It's always been our getaway, and our own little heaven. We'll go there for a day or two - no cell phones, no kids - just us getting to know each other.
And then you can't wait to get back to them?
Chris: Absolutely. But, honestly, mostly we'll lay in bed watching funny videos of them. Sometimes I don't want to change a diaper or put Cash to bed, I just want to watch the funny videos of them - and then eat a cheesecake.
