This is somewhat of a response to the "Crash Diet" post, but I also thought this deserved a post of it's own. Not only do crash diets not work in the long run, but they also can have mental as well as physical damages.
Of course every bride wants to look absolutely stunning on their big day, but our culture has began to emphasize that being thinner is more beautiful.
Yes, it is important to eat healthfully and exercise, but when it gets to the point of anxiety and obsession, is when it crosses the line. I am a recovering anorexic and my disorder didn't begin until the stresses of the wedding mixed with other life situations became a major trigger. I have been engaged since June 13th 2009, and my wedding is in 3 weeks on June 19th, 2010.
I am now fully weight restored, but when I was in the midst of my disorder, thought thought of gaining weight was unimaginable. If you tell any bride that she needs to GAIN 20+ lbs right before her wedding she will probably freak out. That was me, I did it and I feel good about myself.
The obsession to lose weight is overwhelming and the idea that every bride needs to have a "perfect body" for their day is unfathomable. I have to say that I feel a million times better about myself that I have learned healthy boundaries.
Believe me...it is far too easy for your mind to slip into unhealthy thinking from crash diets. In one year I have almost died from an overwhelming disorder, but I have reached a point of health now where I have never felt better about myself!
I just wanted to offer encouragement to those who have dealt with similar situations to me as well as those trying to lose weight. Your husbands-to-be will love you no matter what. I'm getting married in 3 weeks, and I know now that my fiance loves me for my heart and he thinks I look beautiful inside and out.
