Wedding Blog
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This is going to be one of the hardest things I’ve ever posted about myself on here. As you all (may) know, I’m a plus-sized girl. A couple of weeks ago, I asked for a push from you guys, and so many of you offered great advice and tips that I’m slowly incorporating into my lifestyle. I appreciate it so much!
Weight loss has always been hard for me.
I’ve tried SO many diets, only to let myself down or even think, well, tomorrow is another day. I’ve applied for Biggest Loser, pouring my heart out and dreaming of the day Jillian would make me break down and realize the reason I’m this way. Of course, it didn’t happen, but in watching contestants change their lives in less than a year, I realized I could do it.
Yesterday, on my iPod, I had my music on shuffle and a song came on that I was jamming to in the car. One line in particular really caught my attention. The song is from the musical, Rent (Finale B). The line is, “No day but today.”
All of those times I’ve told myself, “tomorrow,” or, “eventually,” isn’t going to happen anymore. I told Mr. Ballet Flat that I’ve had enough. I’m changing. Mr. Ballet Flat even caught the bug. He told me to throw away EVERYTHING that is junk food. Let’s just say I threw out a whole garbage bag of food last night (it was already opened, otherwise, I would have food banked it). Being the foodie that I am, I purchased this cookbook. I watch her show on Food Network, and while she isn’t my absolute favorite on the channel, her recipes sound promising.
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Another change I made? I went to the YMCA and joined on Monday! So far, I worked out Monday and had my fitness assessment done Wednesday. There was all SORTS of bad news from that. The test was comprised of 3 minutes of non-stop stepping on a (super high) step block, 1 minute of doing as many crunches as I could, and a stretch to the ruler test. I also had my blood pressure, BMI and body fat percentage taken.
Here is my brutal honesty. I want to be accountable here, and these numbers WILL change at my next assessment in a couple of months!
Results? I had the flexibility of a 65 year old (no joke), I got WAY tired after 1 minute of steps, like, I was huffing and puffing LOUDLY (when it usually takes 2 minutes to tire for healthier folks), and I was “poor” in my crunches number. My BMI was 36.6, body fat is 43.3% (hello? my body is almost 50% FAT!) and the only good thing to come of this? My blood pressure was normal 
. Whew! Now, I knew I was unfit, but MAN, this is really bad y’all! I’m only 24!
This will change. They are building a fitness plan for me to do for the next couple of months, and I can’t wait to see what comes of it! I can do this!!
Have any of you been surprised (for the bad) by your fitness/health?
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Oh, Miss B! I feel you on so many levels, and the soundtrack for Rent has GREAT inspiration! And no truer words were spoken…,there IS no day but today. If you screw up and eat something that is “off-limits,” don’t let it throw you off tomorrow.
I am super, super proud of you for getting started…it’s the very first step!
That is great news. I had a “ah-ha” moment this year too, I’ve been struggling with the same 20-30 lbs since college (5 years ago) and I am SICK OF IT!!! This is definetly inspiring and know that I am here with you:) Weight Watchers also has a magazine/cook book out there for 10 bucks, has some great, easy recipes in there!
I applaud you for putting up ACTUAL numbers and for trashing the unhealthy food in the fridge! Not many people would do that. I too am losing weight for my wedding but I am keeping all my luscious curves and will not get smaller than a size 10 - I’d look like a bobblehead if I go lower. Hats off to you. You are an inspiration to us all.
Congrats on taking the first steps to your healthier lifestyle! Keep up the good work!
You can do it!!!!
Just think of it as a lifestyle change and an investment in your health - not a way to lose weight. Once you realize how good healthy eating and exercising will make you feel you will be hooked!!
Best of luck. I look forward to hearing about your journey!
CONGRATULATIONS! Keep going girl!
Hang in there.
PS - I am a huge snacker. I have learned to never buy bad snack foods. So I consist of pudding, jello, carrots and dill, apples and pb, cottage cheese or yogurt with smashed up granola.
Keep it up!
I just started a diet and the first day is the hardest. I have been one to exercise my whole life but never really watch what I eat. I decided that this year was the time to take those extra pounds off. Diet is much more important than exercise when it comes to losing weight. I have been eating healthy (doing weight watchers) and have noticed a difference in the way I look but also the way I feel. My favorite thing to do when I work out is join the group fitness classes. They always kick my butt, I’m still able to only do what I’m capable of, and it teaches me new things.
Good luck and keep us posted. Thanks for being so honest!
PS-Maybe not getting picked for the biggest loser isn’t a bad thing, one of the contestants on this seasons show was arrested the other day for throwing flour at someone!
So so proud of you! Go you!!!
Congrats on taking this step to being more healthy! I’m excited to hear about your journey! YOU CAN DO IT! 
Miss BF, you are inspiration to us all!! We are here to cheer you on, I can’t wait to see your progress in the next couple of months!
While I am not plus sized I am totally feel you on the flexibility thing. I got a wii fit and the fitness tests how centered and stable you are huh. That sucked, but at least you have taken the steps to correct what you see is wrong. Congrats.
Miss BF, I cannot say how proud I am of you for putting the numbers up there! Congratulations on taking the plunge and please keep us posted on your progress!!
Congrats Miss BF! You can do it! You are so brave to put those numbers up there.
I am a big culprit of eating because I am bored. I am learning to ask myself “hungry or bored?” before every eating opportunity and that really helps inform how much and what I eat. Maybe it will help you too if this is a problem for you. Good luck! Keep us posted!
You can do it Ballet Flat! A good friend lost 50 pounds 5 years ago and she’s kept all of it off. It took her over a year to lose all of the weight and required changing a lot of her lifestyle; rather, it took adopting a new lifestyle in terms of eating habits and exercise. She’s far healthier now and looks great! So, real people can do this too, just know that it may take longer than it seems on shows like the ‘Biggest Loser.’ But, it’s definately do-able. Good luck!
Congrats! and thanks so much for sharing this with us.
BTW, don’t be that freaked out by your “fitness assessment”– when gyms test you with calipers for body fat, it’s usually higher than normal. To really get accurate, they need to do volumetric tests where you’re immersed in water… hopefully this is a little comforting.
I happen to know that you have made some great healthy recipes because I have repeated them! You’re taking some great steps (things I’m currently trying to do as well) and I wish you the best of luck. You know where to go to find some yummy healthy recipes!
P.S. RENT is fantastic and inspiring, isn’t it?
It’s fantastic that you’re doing this now! Unfortunately, everything gets more difficult as you get older. At 44, I definately notice that I have to work harder to stay fit and flexible, and even to be able to do things that I didn’t give a second thought when I was 24. So you can imagine what it would be like if you waited another 10 or 20 years. DH and I work really hard at keeping in shape. Neither one of us is overweight, but that doesn’t automatically mean that your flexibility, capability or stamina are sufficient to allow you to do the things you want. My family is all pretty active, but his are not at all, and he’s very sadly watching his mom, brother, and sister having increasingly serious health problems just because they can’t or won’t exercise at all. We are really determined not to let that be the case for either of us!
Thank you for sharing! I’m sure this was tough! We all have our battles and it looks like you’re ready to start yours! Good luck!!
Congrats on this decision. I’m glad you’re getting a fitness plan tailored to you– every bit of support helps. Good luck.
You will *love* the “The Food You Crave”! It has some great recipes. One of my other favorites is “The Eat Clean Diet Cookbook” http://www.amazon.com/Eat-Clean-Diet-Cookbook-Great-Tasting-Recipes/dp/1552100448/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1231446865&sr=8-1
I’m not a strict follower of the Eat Clean Diet–I just enjoy many of her super healthy recipes. Tri Color pasta is one of my faves! Eat it with some chicken breast–Yum!
I think it is so great to dedicate yourself to such a goal. Changing food habits is so hard (I know because I’m doing it too!), and there will be days where you are not perfect or are perfectly awful… but in my quest, I’ve found that as long as I make it to my workouts, I’m ok.
Yoga has changed my life, flexibility and metabolism. It’s hard to get started, but once you do, you’ll feel great.
I’m wishing you the best of luck and strength in this endevor!
Your post is so inspiring! You sound like you are on the right track & like you will really succeed.
Just remember… you will have little slip ups. You might have a huge margarita at that mexican place, or you might get sucked into a drive thru late one night. BUT keep on keeping on! Those are only little slip ups. Those aren’t reasons to stop trying entirely!
I can’t wait to see your progress! We will be hear cheering for you each step of the way!
YOU SHOULD BE PROUD OF YOURSELF FOR TAKING THIS JOURNEY!
I am so excited for you to start this journey, and commend you on your post!! I don’t even know you, but I’m feeling so proud of you right now. You will LOVE what healthy lifestyle choices will do for your energy, mindset, career, relationships, and eventually, your children. Go, girl!!
You are awesome! I know you will definitely succeed with the attitude that you have! If you ever need any great recipes (I am a total carbaholic), I have plenty of “real food” recipes that my fiance and I have adapted to be healthier and I have seen great results. We have done yummy foods like calzones, pizza, quesadillas and more generally “bad” stuff. That was the biggest thing for me since I’m a craver. Once I learned how to cook the foods that I love in a healthy way, everything else about losing weight became SO much easier!
@Katie: I have a subscription to W/W magazine! I also have one of their cookbooks…they are great!
@Ally: LOL! I saw that article today! :)@chelseamorning: The fullness/bored is definitely a problem for me. I bought a journal that asks me to record when I’m hungry/full, so I have to constantly present myself with the question. I just need to have my wedding binder handy for the bored moments :).
@renaissancetrophywife: Wow…I didn’t know the fat machine could be inaccurate. Thanks for the pointer.@JeepsR4Girls: Thanks! I’m glad you like them!
@Doctorgirl: I tried yoga before. It was SO intimidating, but I would LOVE to be able to do that. I may have to attend a class…they have them at the Y.
@angela: That’s the biggest thing for me. Learning substitutions along the way!
@ everyone else! Your posts are making me smile so much! I’m going to have to print these and keep them in my cubicle for more motivation :). Thank you!
Thank you for sharing this post. I’m also struggling to start. Luckily I found a friend who is in the situation and we’re holding each other accountable. You’re well on your way….that’s a fabulous start. It’s about all the baby steps you take.
BTW, I’ve tried some of Ellie Krieger’s recipes and they’re very good. I highly recommend the salmon cake recipe on the foodnetwork.com, but use less bread than listed.
Good luck! I can’t wait to hear all your successes.
Miss Ballet Flat- kudos to you!!! We’re here for you and I can’t wait to hear more about your journey. As a Bride who needs to lose a bit herself, I find your post inspiring!!
YOu go GIRRRRLLLLLLL.
I own that cookbook! It’s DELCICIOUS - make sure you try out the crab cakes with homemade tartar sauce - delicious!!
oh and I know u have had a million tips, but seriously water is your friend, if you can drink nothing but water you will be making a huge improvement (just do not drink to much, it is hard but possible to flood your kidneys etc. and bad things happen)
Good for you for actually trashing the food! Make it harder to make bad choices and you’ll get a lot closer to your goals.
Other ideas along similar lines: replace subpar sneakers (speaking from experience here, cheap shoes WILL hurt your feet once you start using them regularly). Don’t go to a restaurant unless you know ahead of time what healthy option you will order. Keep high-end shampoo and bath products in your gym bag and do not use them unless you’re showering at the gym! Good luck!
I’ve been doing Weight Watchers since July and have noticed how my mindset has changed SO much. I don’t feel like I’m dieting at all (and still have cheese dip and the occasional brownie). The key is to do something that you know you can carry on in your life forever… not just a diet that will be short term. Good for you for going to the Y and getting started on your journey! It’s amazing how much of a wake-up call those assessments can be!! Good luck on your journey!
I don’t know if I’d have the bravery to put up my numbers - you rock! This has definitely helped inspire me to get moving and lose some weight - not just for the wedding, but to be healthier in general. Thank you!!!
Yay Miss BF! Your so courageous! Keep is updated on your progress! I love Ellie’s broccoli and garlic recipe, it makes broccoli tastes good, I don’t know if it’s in her book tho, It for sure is online!! You go girl!
Yay! Keep it up, and YES, you can do this! You are so brave for posting such a touchy subject. More kuddos to you and cant wait to follow you through this journey.
Here’s the thing - us skinnier girls aren’t necessarily any healthier. I just started 2 programs - 100 pushups, and Couck to 5k. You can google them both, I alternate programs. Eventually I plan to add in 200 situps, but for now, the running and pushups is ab workout enough. I will love a gym membership when I can afford one, but for now, I am on my own.
Let us know if you find a good plan or program to increase your flexibility because so far, I haven’t found anything!
One last piece of advice - figure out what kind of exerciser you are. I am a girl who after trial and error has figured out that I.Need.A.Plan. Someone else’s to follow (hence my ability so far to stick to the 2 previously mentioned programs). My boyfriend, on the other hand, needs to have variety and the freedom to pick what he does every day or he gets bored and quits. It varies person to person. Good luck, and keep us in the loop!
Congratulations on making this big commitment to yourself, and for doing it so publicly!
I was at the higher end of the plus size scale for most of my life, topping off at size 22, and I’m now around an 8 or 10 (Canadian sizes!) I went through some very strict eating and exercise plans for periods of time where I had plateaued and needed to get over a metabolic hump, but for the most part, my shape changed slowly over several years, during which time I explored all kinds of sports, exercise styles, classes and recipes. Once I started treating it as an exciting arena to learn and play (like wedding planning!) I became more or less hooked. Being very strict and rigourous at the beginning will probably get you some good wedding day results, but don’t forget to be happy with whatever progress you’ve made by the big day:-)
And remember, change feels invigorating in the first few days, but it’s important to stay honest with yourself EVERY DAY. Otherwise, you might find your resolve weakened six months down the road. Developing sustainable, healthy eating and exercise habits that work for you takes time. Good luck on your journey, I really wish you all the best!
Awesome! I just say RENT on stage two nights ago here in Cleveland. Keep up the good work, you sound like you’re on the right track!!! Just think of what Angel went through every time you get discouraged!
Your post really inspires me. You can do this! Try to remember how much love and support you have from your Weddingbee friends.
You are so brave for sharing this! Mr. PN lost nearly 100 lbs over a year and a half. I personally witnessed his struggle and I can only imagine how difficult it can be. You are taking amazing and BIG steps to change your life. Today is the day!
I highly suggest http://www.thedailyplate.com. It is a great resource to track food and exercise. Also, drink 8 cups of water a day!
Congratulations!!!! I have found that no matter my diet, a regular exercise routine is essential to being healthy and dropping the sizes. You are going to love the YMCA (I can’t get enough!) and will be so happy with the results. I know you can do it girl!
Congrats for taking the next step. Just remember- if you have 1 bad day, don’t let it turn into 2 and then 3. Pick yourself back up and remember that you are worth it! Good luck!
So proud of you girl. We all are rooting for ya - you can do it! Go team Flab to Fab! Thanks for the honesty, I am getting measured on Saturday and plan to share that, too. Accountability is key!
I wish I would hear from a future bride who is accepting her body the way it is and not trying to lose a bunch of weight before the big day. I’ve spent half my life dieting and every time I go on one I end up heavier after a few years. I decided I wasn’t going to succumb to the dieting pressure so I could look great on one day just to end up at least 20 pounds heavier when I’m trying to have kids in a few years. My fiance proposed to me the weight I am now and thinks I look perfect. He’s delusional, yes, but if he loves me the way I am why should I try to change? Am I the only one who feels this way?
I understand your thought process, but I believe that there is such a thing as wanting to be a better you for your future… for yourself, for your family… for your overall well-being. While it may seem that brides want to make this change because of their wedding, oftentimes the wedding was just the catalyst to make them realize they need a change for themselves… I know many friends that have made a change in themselves around their wedding, but it was a lifestyle change, not a short-term diet just for one day.
@AbbieOinCO: Okay, but would they still make those healthy changes, or be inclined to, if they didn’t think it would pay off with a smaller dress size? I doubt it. I happen to have an extremely healthy lifestyle, I work out at least five days a week (because I like the way it makes me feel) and eat veggies all the time (because they’re yummy) and don’t eat much sugar or fried food (because it makes me feel like crap). My body is not built to be thin, all I have to do to see that is take a look at my family. After 15 years (I started dieting when I was 11) I have accepted this, so I do healthy things because they feel good not because they’ll make me thin (because they won’t).
If anyone who wants to make these changes had a crystal ball that would tell them that even if they do this in a year they’ll weight the same or more, would they still do them?
Aww Honey! Good job! I’m so excited for you! I’m just starting back into serious martial arts and fitness myself (after a couple years’ hiatus) and lordy, as I shared with Ms. Meatball previously, I’m SORE. To be brutally honest, sitting down/getting back up/walking (LOL) these past few days has been an experience replete with wincing/teeth gritting/groans, but…the soreness has also been a great reminder that I’m taking steps toward my goals. You should be proud, Sister! Great big hugs of encouragement and congratulations! Keep up the excellent job!
Way to go, Miss BF! That took a lot of guts. “No day but today” is an amazing mantra… I’ve adopted a version of it for my New Years resolution this year.
So, so, so proud of you! I’ve never had the confidence to share those numbers, I think I maybe should.
I’m way inspired!
Thanks Miss BF!
Really happy for your new start, Miss BF! I’m so excited to read about your journey. You are doing great!
That’s so great that you decided to make this decision! (And so brave to say it publicly!) I recently decided to change my eating habits/lifestyle and start “clean-eating”. I highly recommend it! Mainly you just learn to stop eating processed foods and learning to cook/eat food in it’s natural form. Clean-eating magazine (i don’t work for them, just a huge fan) is a great source for understanding how to eat clean. I feel great and my skin is looking better and better these days. =)
PLEASE don’t worry about the body fat composition score too much… at a thin 5′10″ when I was running half marathons regularly, I was 1/3 body fat, and my brother’s girlfriend, who has an ADORABLE (trim fit and muscular) body and plays competitive college volleyball started having eating disorder issues after the team did body fat analysis and she had the highest percent (not much lower than mine)… Fitness is individual to everyone and your personal changes should be your major gauge. Kudos for you for getting healthier, but remember that your fiance loves you at the size you are (and at 20 pounds less and at 20 pounds more)
Oh good - your bp is normal. That’s fantastic. It’s one of the biggest predictors of heart disease (even bigger than cholesterol). So, your BMI is high & you have a high percentage of body fat. With moderate exercise and healthy eating habits, those will improve. Good for you for deciding to become healthy!
@msbelgianian: Ooo that sounds wonderful! I will definitely try that recipe
@linzerella: Another great recipe to try! I’m ALL about the seafood
@sally: Water is great! I stopped drinking the soda a few months back and there is no turning back now.
@West Coast bride: Wow!! Props to you on your new lifestyle!
@Mrs. Pinot Noir: That’s so awesome that Mr. PN did that! Congrats to him!!
@Christina: Christina, that’s wonderful that you lead a healthy lifestyle and accept yourself for the way you are. I’m fine with my body for my wedding. My dress came in, so I’m locked in at my size. To clarify, just to let you know, this is more of a new years resolution, rather than a wedding weight loss project. I’m very unhealthy, so this is nothing to do with my looks in a dress. I’d like to live a few extra years, too.
@Kat: As weird as this sounds, soreness is the BEST part of working out. I love feeling my muscles and knowing they exist.
@Krista: Yes, I’m definitely thankful for my bp.
Good for you! You *so* can do this! One day at a time!
Kudos to you Ms Ballet Flat!! I hope the best for you and I love your “no day but today” spirit! I’ve had my gym membership go unused for so long …
Congrats Miss BF! I’m really excited for you and I know you can do this. I’m in the same boat and you’ve totally inspired me to get moving instead of putting it off for one more day.
woohoo! i’m so proud of you. you’ve made the hardest step. i joined the gym (started on jan 1) for the first time since college (and then i didn’t go on a regular basis). so far i’ve been fri, sun, mon, tues, wed. i skipped thurs. due to an out of town meeting and this morning b/c i was just exhausted from traveling. tomorrow i have my evaluation/training session and i can’t wait. wed. i had a swim evaluation/lesson and was totally inspired!! mr. onion is going with me. we get up at 6-6:15 am and are at the gym by 6:30.
i don’t have a weight loss goal (although 5-8 lbs would be great), i just want to get stronger and healthier. we can do this together! here goes….
You are perfect just as you are. A healthy lifestyle is a good thing, but remember to be safe, and don’t shame yourself into unhealthy weightloss goals or diets that just don’t work.
Love your body as it is, don’t wait to love it when you lose weight. You are perfect just as you are.
Too many brides get sucked into the “fitness” trap and I’m not saying exercise isn’t a good thing, but I think wedding websites can incite a lot of pressure in brides, and the last thing a bride needs is more ways for her to feel bad about herself.
You are perfect just as you are. Your fiance wants to marry you just as you are.
Good luck with your goals, but don’t forget to love yourself unconditionally, too.
I think it’s wonderful that you are focusing on the idea that we weight loss doesn’t have to be a wedding goal. Sure, you will look hot for the wedding, but you will also still have to continue your journey after the wedding is over. I think I’m realizing that now. I don’t have the wedding to motivate me, and people still “care” about me, but there isn’t that “oh my goodness, how are you! how is the wedding planning going?” happening anymore.
So I feel kind of boring right now. But, I started tracking my calories again with the new year and it feels terrific! Yay for starting out the new year on a good note!
Miss Ballet Flat, I’m amazed at your honesty posting the results of your fitness assessment, and I look forward to seeing those numbers improve with your next assessment. I know how difficult it is to eat healthy when you live in a place with such great tasting (but not great for you) food. I grew up in Louisiana, and since I moved to Colorado (which is supposed to be the “thinnest” state in the Union) - I feel the pressure to get and stay smaller.
PS I believe the thinnest state thing about Colorado - maybe it’s because so many people hike & bike & ski. And they definitely don’t eat like Southerners do!
We’re all with you and want you to be healthy and feel comfortable in your own skin. Good luck!!
Ok. I hope I’m not the first to point this out but while 43% probably isn’t where you want to be it is NOT 50%!! 7% is a very large difference. I think you are doing the right thing and doing it very well - just, good heavens, don’t add such a large amount to the part of you, you want to change. I am not sure that made any sense… but hopefully you got my point. So proud of you! Good luck!
so so so proud of you! You will inspire many, showing that you can be a healthier version of the beautiful person you are already are!!! I know you can do it!
I have heard you talk about your weight loss/healthy cooking on WC on the nest. I lost some weight for my wedding but wish I would have done more. The pictures are good but when I see them I regret not working harder/eating more healthy to feel my best for my wedding day. You don’t have that long to go so really put everything you have into it. Not only will you feel better and look better but you will start your life with your DH on a healthy note. Get into those habits now so you can continue them after your wedding. It is hard to see all of those yummy things on WC but I have come to realize I just can’t make those things in order for DH and I to be healthy. I will plan maybe two nights a month to make something that is not good for us so I have something to look forward to. It sounds like you have made some good steps to getting healthy and I really hope you keep them up. It will be worth it in the end.
[...] a few (or many few!), and I think that’s really cool. I have tons of respect for women like Miss Ballet Flat who are trying to be happier and healthier in their [...]
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Mrs. Ballet Flat, New Orleans
Age and Occupation: 24, Geographic Information Systems Analyst
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 26, IT Analyst
Engagement Date: March 16, 2008
Wedding Date: May, 2009
Blogging Since: September 25, 2008
Venue: St. Charles Borromeo Church/Jefferson-Orleans North
About Me: I absolutely love wedding planning, spending time with Mr. Ballet Flat, various crafts, watching football, baking, pop music, bargain hunting and ice cream. My idea of a great date night is dinner and clearance shopping with Mr. Ballet Flat! I currently live below sea level in the suburbs near New Orleans, where I make maps all day, everyday for my job. I'm slowly becoming more and more obsessed with anything New Orleans related for our wedding, and I can't wait for the big day!
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