Looking to drop 10 pounds before going dress shopping.....

princesspatty83

Ok like the first girl said you should order your dress now because my dress took 6 months to arrive!

I also had to lose weight for my dress since I ordered it 2 sizes smaller. I lost 12 pounds in 2 months without having to excercise. I don't have time to excercise because I work full time and then run my own business on the side. So all I did was change my eating habits. I cut OUT soda and candy and started substituting healthy things into my meals.

Even if it's a drive thru....don't feel guilty. Places like McDonalds and Jack in the Box have salads, wraps, fish/chicken sandwiches. That's always a better choice than a cheesburger with fries and coke :P. Drive thru not your thing? Well, when eating at restaurants substitute your side dishes with veggies, salad, soup.

The whole meal itself doesn't have to be 100% fat-free just try to make a conscious effort. This is all I have been doing since January 1, 2010...and now March 2....I have lost a total of 16 pounds. I hope it works for you!

higginup

Hi,

I had the same problem when I was trying dresses on.  I went in with spanks that were very tight (knowing I would not wear spanks on my wedding day.)  I also looked for dresses that had a corset back and I made sure the dress was very tight.  That way if i lost weight I could tighten the back and still fit into the dress.

Good luck shopping and have fun!!!

lblasey

My plan is to use On Demad Exercies TV and balance cardio and abs. I was really good at the end of Dec and all of January but totally slacked off in Feb. Now that its march I'm back on schedule. I think if you add 10-20 minutes of exercise a few days a week you have plenty of time to see the results and I've already noticed that with exercise I feel much better about my body and will have some of that arm and tummy flab eliminated by my wedding in August. On my lazy days I do a ground ab routine and when I'm feeling more up to it/motivated I'll do the cardio. I love using On Demand because they have lots of variety from dancing routines to hard core routines that really make you sore [but that good kind of sore] the next few days...

If you want, make friends with me on facebook and we can help support each other in the attempt to be fit, trim brides my username is Lynn Blasey

Haugen11

all i can say is drink green tea and work out or just learn to be happy with who you are i didn't lost any weight at all before dress shopping and i'm perfectly happy with maybe losing like 5

althea1016

Go shopping now. You'll more than likely need alterations anyway so its no big deal. As a personal trainer bride-to-be I bought my dress at my current size, have lost 10 pounds and am going for 5 more. The best, healthiest and easiest way to loose the weight is to combine a balanced diet, weight training and cardio. 

Since your diet is about 80% of the equation, you should start there (if you haven't already). Think unprocessed, whole grains like oatmeal and grits in the morning along with some fruit like bananas or blueberries to get you started. Breakfast is the most important meal because you haven't eaten in 6-8 hours because of sleep and you also need to set your self up for the rest of the day. The fiber in the cereal will keep you full and not spike your blood sugar. If that's too heavy, do 2 hard boiled eggs, whole grain toast or english muffin with peanut butter. I usually do a combination of oatmeal and eggs. Lunch and dinner think lean protein, lots of veggies and healthy starches like brown rice, quiona and sweet potatoes. The way I eat (and what I suggest to my clients) is the less processed your food is the better. If you can't pronounce the ingredients in a food item, put it back. Opt for the low fat natural yogurt instead of reduced calorie version with artificial sweeteners. Also think high fiber fruits and veggies at meal times and for snacks. Aim for 1 snack between meals or eating something every 3-4 hours. You'll be surprised at how your body will change and you won't be hungry! Also, lots of water. About 2 liters per day. It sounds like a lot but in combination with your exercise program its what your body needs.

So for exercise, a lot of women are all about the cardio. About 45 minutes working at a level of 7-8 out of 10 (or 70-80% of your heart rate max which is 220 minus your age) 4 days a week should be plenty. Where a lot of women go wrong is not lifting weights or not lifting heavy enough weights. You will not bulk up. I promise. Aim for 3 sets of 15 reps for exercises on each body part. By the 13th rep it should be a struggle to lift the weight. If you don't lift enough weight your muscles won't be fully challenged and you won't be getting all you can out of your gym time. Also, weight lifting, when compared to cardio, has been shown to burn more calories for up to 2 hours post-exercise. Doing weights 2-3 days per week should be good. You can do cardio and weights on both days. If you don't have enough time to hit each body part you can split the work outs up, but make sure you hit each body part 2 times in the week. Again, you will not bulk up!

Most importantly, take everything one day at time. 10 pounds is the end goal, but make a plan for each week of what you need to accomplish. Don't beat yourself up over slip ups here and there. And allow yourself one cheat day. Cheat day doesn't mean french toast for breakfast, a burger for lunch and steak for dinner. Pick one and really enjoy it.

Hope this helps!

jillian.726

You should definetely get your dress to fit now and have it altered later!  I went through this very same thing not too long ago.  I found my dress and told the lady that I was planning to lose some weight so asked if I should go a size lower.  The bridal store owner told me the rule of thumb is about 20 pounds in between dress sizes.  You can only take a dress in, unfortunately it doesn't work the other way around.  In terms of losing the weight, I would highly recommend picking up the book "Body for Life" by Bill Phillips.  A friend of mine inspired me to read it about 5 months ago and I have been following the program consistently ever since.  The book is a great motivator because it explains how our bodies work and since it's laid out in very common sense ideas, it'll seem easy, and it really is.  Also, it's called Body for Life for a good reason, because it gives you the tools to change yourself for life, not a quick fix aggressive P90X program that no one can stick to.  I don't keep track of weight, but I know I've lost inches from every area and I feel better than I have in a long time.  The program essentially teaches you the most effective methods for transforming your body, i.e. weight lifting, HIIT workouts, smaller meals 6 times a day consisting of proteins and carbs.  Pick up the book...I really think it could change your life if you're serious about it.  Good luck!

daniellacobb

This is great advice.  I brought my dress at the Running with The Brides event and it fits now but I want to loose 10 pounds so I look outrageous.  I think making it more about a life style change to eating and exercising then "dieting" is the best way.  Thanks again.

wisnewkm

if you want to lose 10 pounds, give yourself a month to do it...this is a safe amount of weight to lose, and will stay off.  I lost 10 pounds in february by eating 1200-1400 cals a day and cardio for 30 mins 5 days a week.  I like all the suggestions about strength training...i hear a lot of good things about it...my sister swears by curves, which is kind of like circuit training.  the cardio is working for me right now, but encorporate some resistance like crunches and pushups, etc.  and that is doable   good luck!  buy that dress now unless you can wait just ONE month

ampoppe

Look at dresses that have a corset that ties up then you have some flexibilty with less alterations when the day comes.... If you want to order a dress its best to give some time between the when its supposed to arrive and your wedding.

As for losing weight my best advice is jogging/running and setting a fun goal like a 5K or something to get you motivated along with lean proteins and veggies and lots of water.

tb1283

Everybody is sucessful in weight loss in different ways. For some people it's working out, for others it's counting calories. For me, it's limiting carbs. I really wanted to lose some weight before vacation and before standing up in a friend's wedding so I started South Beach diet. I lost 10 pounds in a little over two weeks, and continued to lose about 5 more before reaching a plateau. Keep in mind that cutting carbs helps you lose weight fast, but it can also be easy to put back on when you start eating them again. South Beach teaches you how to eat for a healthy lifestyle and how different kinds of food cause you to gain weight. I've never been a big dieter, but actually learning about what I was eating and how it was affecting my weight really helped me. I'm off the South Beach wagon right now, but felt confident while on vacation and plan to live by the basic principles leading up to my wedding.

betz77

fatsecret.com is a GREAT site for counting cals (and exercise), it offers groups and recipes and support and challenges and is totally free!!  My fiancé, my sister (MOH), and my FMIL are all on it trying to do different things.  I've lost quickly (as has my fiancé),  togeter we have lost a total of 20 pounds in 3 weeks (it's always fast at the start!).  Perhaps we should create a "the knot" group on there for those of us who are here and there.

I totally agree, less than 1200 cals isn't good, try to stick around 1400-1500 and lift some weights (lift those heavy bridal magazines!  ha) 

laura16lynn

Definitely get your dress now! I was lucky enough to get a sample that fit me perfectly (and made me feel hot, even at a bigger size than I have ever been!), and agree with what others have said... If the dress is "it", you're going to know it and feel absolutely beautiful in it, regardless of an extra 10 lbs.! 

I'm doing Weight Watchers right now (they always have joining specials), and it's been great! It's slow and steady, and you definitely have to work hard. I don't believe in any miracle weight loss... It's supposed to be hard if you want to do it the healthy way! My goal is 60lbs., and right now I'm at 21lbs.... 7 months to go!

mkitzman_14

Look at your local recreation center for resources.  I found a weight loss challenge class through my city rec center.  At the class we learn about proper nutrition and even have to weigh in every week.  It has definitely held me accountable.  The class is sponsored by Herbalife and they are world-wide.
It's also important to remember to log your food calories.  In order to loose weight, woman should lower their calorie intake to 1200 calories.  Use websites like Spark People or My Fitness Pal to log your food and keep track of your calories.  These websites also have APs for the IPhone if you have one!  Remember to write everything down and get at least 3 days of exercise in each week.  By watching  my food intake, exercising more, and taking the weight loss class, I've already lost 10 pounds since December 15th!  Good luck!

betz77

Ok...I made a group on fatsecret.com called "the knot"  

Datchie

Check out Chia seed.  Put about 1 teaspoon per 20 ounces of water.  Its a mild cleanser, and you will drop about 10 pounds in 3 weeks-- mostly just of stuff caught up inside you, as long as you also eat well and do some mild excercise.  I bought a dress exactly to size-- and now its too big.  I am having a corset back put in, so that if i lose/gain weight, we can adjust.

Amberlee0310

I am getting married at the end of this month. I lost 30lbs in 4 months by going on the Metabolic diet. I was 172lbs when I started in November and now I am 142lbs. this diet is based off of eating a certain amount of foods out of each food group at different times of the day. You really have to change you entire lifestyle though. There is a lot less drinking and everything you eat is completely home made. It's tough but def worth the results. Plus you eat so healthy all the time that your skin, hair and body look and feel better.

Kbagzis

I suggest P90x, its a workout program on DVD. I have SERIOUSLY tried everything... hitting the gym hard, lifting weights, hiring a trainer, lots of cardio and this is the only thing that works. I've been able to lose 12 lbs in the past month. My arms and legs are noticeably more toned too. I'm in the Military and a lot of my friends who are in the Military as well have done it and had great results. Its a little on the expensive side (around $140) and you will need to buy some resistance bands and a pull up bar (another $100 or so). The workouts are an hour long, ranging from kickboxing type workouts to legs and back routines. Definitely well worth it though! Best of luck to you  

ehathewa

I'm trying to lose a little weight too, but not for the wedding - for the honeymoon  

My recommendation is to not go too far, you want a plan that you can stick to and work with not one that you stray from and get discouraged by. 

I have a huge sweet tooth, so I didn't cut out sweets because I never could!  I found mini low-fat ice cream treats as a substitute.  (Check out Skinny Cow and Weight Watchers products). 

In the same vein I have decided to go to the gym at least twice a week.  I did not make a goal of every day, knowing that work and life may get in the way. 

In general I am trying to choose healthier options to eat and controling portion sizes.  It is also very helpful to keep tasty, healthy snacks around.  If I have fresh fruits available to eat, and no potato chips that makes decisions easier. 

mary.dinolfo

The best advice I got while trying on dresses came from my mom.  She told me to pick a dress that looks fabulous on me now.  If I lose the 15 pounds (that I want to lose), great.  If not, I will still look beautiful in my dress as it is today. 

Since I bought my dress I have lost 7 pounds.  It has been slow, but steady.  I try to do a little something everyday.  I bought the Jillian MIchaels 30 Shred workout dvd.  The program is a 20 minute workout.  If you can't fit in a trip to the gym... you can usually spare 20 minutes and still get an awesome workout. (perfect for morning workout) When at the gym I focus on HIIT and pilates.  Its coming off... just slowly. 

Still - pick a dress that looks good on your body type as you are now!!

I hope this is helpful.

Good luck!!! Have fun!!

lingdesigns

I agree that you shouldn't wait TOO long to buy your dress... but at the same time, these shops I went to made me so nervous about getting my dress on time for my July wedding. I bought my dress in November (which I love) but they put on more stress then needed... it came in mid January! While I'm glad I got it out of the way, I also wish I wasn't pressured like that. They don't even start my fittings until April. Thanks guys!
Start shopping around now to see what's out there, what looks good on you, what designers you like. Go to a few shops with your girlfriends or mom. But don't feel like you have to buy the dress now now NOW!
As for losing the weight, the other brides have covered a lot so here are my 3 top rules for myself that I'm trying to stick to other than exercising and watching what I eat: (and you will notice the difference)
1. No more eating or drinking (except water) less than 2 hours before bedtime (or I just stop after 8pm)
2. Cut out all carbinated drinks like soda and juice with a lot of sugar
3. Cut down on beer and wine

hwoychowski

I would start trying dresses on now to see what style, cut, etc. that you like. That will alleviate some of the pressure and help you narrow down what you would like as your final choice. To lose 10 pounds in a healthy way that you will not gain  back right before your wedding do a mixture of cardio, "clean eating" (look for Tosca Reno's books) and light weight training. The light weight training will boost your metabolism so you burn more calories throughout the day and the cardio will burn "instant calories".
If you try cleansing the weight will come off very quickly however you will gain back a good portion of it within a week. The benefit will be that you can try on dresses however the water weight will come right back and this is sometimes discouraging. Make the training and clean eating a lifestyle and you will easily drop a minimum of 10 lbs in 2-3 months and much more by November. Two months will put you in May so you will still have 6 months for the dress to come in (if it needs to be ordered) and alterations.
I have worked in the health & wellness industry for about 9 years now and I see so many people going for the "quick fix" and it sometimes backfires. If you have any questions or would some advice just let me know!

Smokey30

First off you have to burn 500 more calories than you take in to loose 1 pound, so excersize and healthy eating will do way more than any diet. Running, lunges (work awesome to tighten your butt and thighs) are my favorites because of the fast results. As for the eating part try to avoid as many processed, fried and sugary foods as possible. Stick to whole wheat pastas, lots of fruits and vegetables and lean protein that is high in omega 3's like fish. I promise this will work! Also if you are running 3 miles 4days a week you need to eat a little more or you body will not have the fuel to continue. Excersize is key (especially running) because you won't have to be completely perfect will food choices and you will still loose weight!
  As for the dress it depends on where you are getting it. I got mine at Davids Bridal and they told me it would take like 4 months and I had it complete with alterations in 2 1/2 months. However if you are going somewhere where you know it will take a long time then order now and get alterations later. 10lbs really is close to 1 dress size. Good Luck!!!! : )

angsmith505

I would get a dress that fits you now!  its easier to take in than let out.  I do Zumba for exercise and love it and i lost weight really fast just because its so intense!  I picked up my dress yesterday and lost a size so they are going to take it in!

jfarmer1

I think the best advise is to get a personal trainer. He/ she will be able to formulate an exercise regime that will give you what you want. They will be able to push you to your limits safely. Having an appointment with a trainer almost forces you to stay on track. Especially, if you have that weekly weigh in!   But if you are a bit strapped for cash or time, focus on cardio for all over weight loss ( lose 1-2 lbs a week healthily)  and lifting weights for toing up your arms.  Oh and start thinking about your posture. standing up staight gives the appearance of being 10lbs lighter right now. It elongates you silloute, great for pictures, rather that rounding your shoulders.

I hope this helps
Johanna

sseiter

That is exactly what I thought...wanted to lose 10 before trying on. My wedding is in October, but I tried on dresses in January. My dress will not even get in until June. So, I know I will have dropped 15 by my wedding and I bought a size that has enough room for tightening. Good luck!

thefuturemrstozer

OMG!  I did the same and I am getting married in June as well.  Eating smart is the best way though.  One of the biggest things, besides excercise, is eating sensibly, watch out for simple carbs and sugar.  You can count calories all day long, but if your are still eating cr@p it's not going to be as helpful.  Eat lots of veggies, fruits (berries are best), lean meats like chicken breast and fish, and drink lots of water, and green tea.  Green tea not only has lots of antioxidents to help your skin get into tip top shape for the wedding, but speeds metabolism (a little) and helps curb your appetite!! 

Good luck and have a beautiful wedding!!

alisonkathleenj

Dresses def. do run small... I'm usually a 0 or 00... But I had to get a size 2... And now I keep gaining weight... I wouldn't worry so much about losing weight... Worry more about how good you feel! :]

colleenw

I work at David's Bridal and here is the skinny on wedding dresses. It typically takes 3 months to order and sometimes more depending on the dress. There are certain off the rack companies like DB and Group USA sells wedding dresses as well. I agree with everyone that is saying buy now have it taken in. I bought my dress in July and Ive already had to exchange it for a smaller size the manangers will work with you as long as the dress is still around. I went from a 14 to a 10. Keep in mind that with wedding gowns they run small so you will be a size to two sizes bigger because they are made cut to order.

For the weight loss(Im down 30 pounds), this is what worked for me, I count my calories and I eat five to six times a day (smaller portions usually no more that 400 calories in a sitting) and about every two hours. This revves your metabolism and tells it not to save anything to your fat stores because you are continually feeding yourself. I also drink a gallon or more of water a day and this will flush your system. I weigh myself frequently, which is a bit OCD, but you know where you stand. 70% of weight loss is food intake and the rest is working out. For the calorie count if you are eating 1400 calories a day it equals out to 140 for 1300 its 130 etc. Granted I have my bad days where I want chocolate or ice cream but I dont deny myself and with my metabolism revved it doesnt effect me as much as if I wasnt eating so often that being said you cant eat an entire pint either.

I hope this helps

amyreh

I think everyone is definitely right on the dress shopping, don't miss out on the fun now and picking out something you love, but talk to the salesperson and find out how hard alterations would be, some dresses will be easier than others and you will want to consider alternations in your budget. As far as losing weight, I have found that a modified South Beach diet has worked great for me, and get your fiance in on it too! Basically I did South Beach phase 1 to kick things off, and now I follow South Beach phase 2/3 during the week, and pretty much eat what I want (within moderation) on the weekends. My fiance does it with me so I enjoy coming up with all kinds of new meals for us. What the best thing is that it is now a lifestyle, I had gained about 10 pounds, took it off in a few months with South Beach and now it has been over a year and it is simply how we eat. High protein, healthy carbs, and treats on the weekend. I think journaling and calorie counting can work too, but you have to find something you can make a lifestyle, not just a quick fix. If you want recipe ideas, just let me know! Good luck!

Oceanbubbles

Well, I hope it works out for you!!!! Its only 10 pounds so if you stick to journaling your calories and excersize Im sure you can pull it off!! GOOD LUCK!!!

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