Getting married in 3 weeks, and i would like to drop a few pounds. I know that I should be in it for the long term, and afterwards I probably will be. For now though, I want to be a slim(ish) bride!

Would love a buddy, or supporter to help me stick to it for 3 weeks...21 days...504 hours...surely I can give up bread and pasta and oizza and potatoes for 504 hours!

many thanks for your time

Best Wishes

Jo xxx

First of all: CONGRATULATIONS!! :jump:

Well, this woe (way of eating) isn't really ideal for a "quick fix" but if you truly want to look and feel your best on your wedding day, you're going to have to be willing to endure some days of feeling "not so good" first. Detoxing from a high-carb lifestyle can make you feel downright MISERABLE. :( But if you will just stick it out, it will be worth it and you may just find that this is really the best way to eat ALL the time!

I strongly suggest that you get the book and read it so you will understand how this woe works. Then remove all the "white" from your menu: no bread, no potatoes, no rice, NO sugar, no pasta, no cereals. Do NOT buy into the rubbish that this is a "bacon & eggs diet!" Nothing could be further from the truth! You NEED to eat lots of veggies -- salads, broccoli, green beans, spinach with your protein. And ditch the sodas; try to drink ONLY water for the next 3 weeks -- at LEAST 8-10 glasses per day. Your skin will absolutely GLOW and the weight will shed more quickly.

I can't be a "buddy" for you, but if you will come here daily for support, you are sure to get it. Please be patient; you WILL probably feel horrible for 2-3 days, but this is normal; your body is craving the foods you just took away. Stay strong because by day 5, MOST people feel a LOT better!
Good luck & let us know if you have any questions.

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Summer

Jo, my advice to you is to concentrate on eating as healthy as you can in the next few weeks. Cutting out the starch is a good start; however, if you are wanting to make this a long-term commitment, you need to choose a plan, get the book, and read it.

Eat 3 meals a day, have high-quality protein (not processed meats), eat fresh vegetables, and don't skimp on the vegetables. I can't guarantee you'll drop any weight, but you'll be healthier, and you'll be better able to cope with the stress that always comes with wedding preparations.

I wish you a lovely wedding day. Even if you don't lose any weight, you are bound to be a lovely bride, just because of the joy on your face and in your heart.

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Nita

Thankyou both so much for the taking the time to reply. It means a lot. I have taken on board your suggestions - I'll try my best with the water!!

Welcome, Jo, and congratulations.

Hope you'll make yourself at home here.

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How exciting! If you lose weight, will you have to get your dress resized or anything? Just read the book and start induction. Stick with fresh foods, I'd stay away from the 'low carb' bars or shakes, they stall some people. If this is your first time lc, you might lose more, my first time, i lost like crazy- but nothing is guaranteed. I can be your buddy, we can check up on each other. Good luck!

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Goal 1

congratulations, jo, and best wishes, both on your healthier eating as well as your upcoming wedding!

as far as the buddy system, you've got a whole bulletin board full of 'em right here! i know sometimes people are looking for a 1-on-1 thing to help them stay accountable, but i've personally found that the collective imput and wisdom of the fine group of folks here is invaluable.

do remember that to maintain any of your losses, you will have to continue to moderate your carb intake after the big day. otherwise, it's right back where you started! and if you are interested in maximizing your losses, i would add to the suggestions you've already gotten that you select a plan (like atkins), get the book and follow it closely. stick with natural foods as much as possible, add some movement to your routine, and suck that water down like there's no tomorrow!

and never, ever look at it as "giving up" anything. while you do have to exert some effort to lose weight, there is a difference between effort and struggle. after some initial discomfort in changing your habits, i think you'll find that you gain so much more than you "give up" that in the end, it doesn't feel like a sacrifice at all. that's certainly how i feel about it, anyway.

good luck with everything! peace out.

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