Wedding diets and physical appearance is such a touchy subject. I’ve read tales of brides who “force” their bridesmaids to go on diets and lose weight prior to the big day. Sometimes the wedding party uses the wedding as a motivator for them to make certain changes in their lifestyle to achieve their best possible figure before the day comes. And of course, brides always want to look their absolute best as they walk down the aisle. I’m no different. It might sound vain, but my goal is to make Aaron’s jaw drop the second he sees me. Hey, I’ve been a little chubby much of my life and always felt awkward about my body. If I can have one single moment of feeling like the most beautiful girl in the world, I’m going to snatch it while I can. That in mind, I keep telling myself I’m not going to shop for dresses until I’m positively certain I won’t lose another single pound (or gain) before the wedding. Well... that didn't happen. I bought the dress on somewhat of a whim, but that's another story.
I feel really blessed that I’ve had the determination and will power to work off about 40 lbs in a year and a half. No joke. But I’m not satisfied. Hey, the dress can still be taken in! I haven’t been this size in probably 10 years, but it’s just not quite good enough for “wow factor” yet. So what measures am I taking?
First, I have two goals:
Drop 15-20 lbs more
Tone, tone, tone my arms and back… like… meh, idk hot Hilary Swank style?
For the past 6 weeks I’ve been taking an at-work Boot Camp class that mixes cardio and strength in a circuit-training style. I’ve been running pretty seriously for the last year and let me tell you, this is a work OUT! You can work at your own pace, but keep in mind that you only get out what you put in. So push it real good. Through the same gym, Edge Fitness in Sun Prairie, WI, I recently started a 3-week “Challenge.” This challenge combines a serious diet and workout schedule. Not quite as hardcore as P90X, but promises results. I’m just over halfway through week one. I’ve lost a pound or so and I notice a difference.
Week one’s diet includes extremely lean proteins, Omega-3 eggs, liquid egg white, a little cheese and tons of veggies. I’m the type of dieter that craves chocolate the second you tell me I can’t have it, even if I don’t really care for it. So this week, no sugar and no grains, it has been a rough one. I’m already thinking about how I’m going to sabotage myself by eating out once the 3 weeks are over. So if willpower can be willed… please will it to me. Maybe I need to tear out some “hot bride” pics from magazines and post them at my desk with the quote, “Nothing tastes as good as you’ll feel in this slinky dress.”
The working out part of the challenge is a piece of cake for me… mmm… cake… I typically work out several days a week and love to run while catching up on Food Network shows… OK, no more food references. The hardest part is waking up early in the morning for Boot Camp. However, it’s remarkable the amount of energy you feel after you’ve sweat buckets for an hour. It’s an amazing sense of accomplishment. That’s what keeps me going. In addition to 2-3, 45-60 minute Boot Camps per week, I play basketball with the boys at work on our lunch hour about twice per week. And I’m in a run group at work. We’re training for a 5k in November and run together twice a week. Sounds like I should have lost like 20 lbs in the last month, right? Well, now you see why I’m frustrated at this plateau.
What I would like to do:
Add an extra run or 2 throughout the week—one intervals run and one long distance, slow run
Stick fairly close to the diet. I’m not missing out on that much and it will give me a deeper sense of appreciation for quality food and date nights. I may give and go to Olive Garden next month, but it doesn’t mean I have to fall off the wagon for good, ya know?
So, I’m going to start perusing some Web sites and articles to find good wedding workouts and diet tips you can try if you’re looking to shake that few extra pounds before you try on the puffy, white marshmallow. Stay tuned.
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