[lady in gray]

Good afternoon,
I have been checking this site out for a week or so and hoping to find a kick in butt.
Not sure about this diet thing but hope I'm doing it right.
I have cut down my plate size, cut out things like cheese and dips, snacks have changed from chips to carrots, and my sweet tea has been replaced with water .... etc.
I'm getting married in a year and tried on 1 dress and hated what I seen.
so here I am.
Running this race blind.

[Buffinlovin]

I am right there with you...My fiance and I have been engaged for several years, and both of us feel uncomfortable going down the aisle looking like we do. I haven't even tried on dresses yet because I know I will get severely depressed about what I see. It may sound vain, but I want to look great at my wedding, and I finally made the choice to do something about it.

It sounds like you have a great so far, with your portion control and switching to water! One of the biggest and hardest steps for me to take was to cut out all sugared beverages, and switch to only water (if I need something with flavor, I use 100% unsweetened cranberry juice, or fresh lemon). I'd also recommend some form of journal/diary to write down what you eat. I was surprised at how much I was actually eating after I'd write down a day's worth!

You can do it!!!!! This place is a great inspiration, and I look forward to hearing your successes!!!

[lady in gray]

Thanks for the idea about the diary, going to try that tomorrow.
I have a question... do you think I did the right thing by just jumping straight in or should I work my way into it slowly?
I guess I'm just afraid that I will get burned out really fast and give up too soon.

[Buffinlovin]

Originally Posted by lady in gray

Thanks for the idea about the diary, going to try that tomorrow.
I have a question... do you think I did the right thing by just jumping straight in or should I work my way into it slowly?
I guess I'm just afraid that I will get burned out really fast and give up too soon.

The hardest step to take is that first one =) The biggest thing is you don't want to change too much too fast, otherwise you will get burnt out. It's like your body wants to rebel at all the changes and it can be too much to handle.

It's great that you are changing your portions! Stick with that for a while, let yourself get comfortable with smaller portions, and more water. As you get more comfortable with that, maybe walk around the block once a week, then twice a week, etc. Remember, it's not so much about diet as it is about lifestyle change. Choosing healthier options when available, eating only when necessary, not out of boredom or emotions.

If you haven't chosen a specific diet to follow, I'd recommend looking through some of the diet forums here. I personally use weight watchers, which gives me a point value for the day with additional points I can use through the week, and the ability to earn more points by working out. With this method, I can calculate the points for a particular meal, and if I want to have something that doesn't necessarily fit into the "healthy" range, as long as I have the points for it, I don't feel like I'm going off my diet (I just need to be able to manage the rest of my points for that day/week). So for me, this diet feels like I can stil lhave what I want, but I can eat more when I make better choices....if that makes sense lol!

If that isn't your thing, there's calorie-counting, which sounds like a pain at first but it is eye-opening when you realize how many calories you really eat. Especially when you factor in nibbling or snacking. If you are trying to cut out or lower certain things, there's low-carb, south beach, Atkins, etc. So many choices. The best thing would be to find something that fits within your current lifestyle.

You can do this!! Be proud when you make a healthy choice, and don't let yourself fall off the wagon if you stumble (trust me, we all stumble now and then)...there was a quote in another thread (and I find myself using it very often...I really wish I knew what thread it was from so I could credit the person that said it lol!!!) that went like this "if you stumble while climbing up a mountain, are you just going to throw yourself off? No, you're going straighten out and keep climbing." I wrote that on the first page of my food journal, and find myself saying it out loud whenever I'm feeling like it's not worth it, because it IS worth it! YOU are worth it!!

[lady in gray]

THANK YOU SO MUCH...
I think the hardest part of this is remembering why I started.
ME!!!
Everyone needs to hear the they are worth it and we can reach our goals.
You're wonderful and I am so happy that I found 3FC.

[Sheena82]

Hi lady in gray,

I'm new here too, after lurking obviously!! Good for you on starting out, its tough doing this, at my highest weight i was 196lbs, it does get easier, you'll feel your appetite adjusting and you'll get stronger with each step you take. I was terrified of being hungry and finally figured out i wasnt as hungry as i thought i was!

I've found that not neccessarily changing things drastically works better than a massive diet and exercise overhaul. I eat the same sorts of things with the exception of sugar but in smaller portions. If you find something makes you hungry or not as full as it should, consider reducing your consumption of it. For example I dont really eat bread anymore as i figured i'm always starving afterwards! I can eat it but i prefer things like brown rice, lentils etc work better for me, everyones different and you'll figure out what works for you.

Starting can be daunting but there are so many people here who really are inspirational, those who've been plugging away at it and achieved amazing results, those who have maintained etc. i've had quite a few stops and starts, i actually put on weight before my wedding But **** i had a brilliant time anyway! we ended the evening with a steak and a bottle of rioja and i dont regret it! Regardless of how much you weigh your wedding will be wonderful!

Good luck!! Am sure you will look stunning x