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

billymadison08 · March 2010

Hey! I noticed your post! I have lost a quick 25 lbs by doing the master cleanse. I think that it has changed not only the way I look...but it has also changed my mindset about what I put in my mouth. Simply google "the master cleanse" or "the lemonade diet." It is a 10 day cleanse where you do not eat anything, other than water, lemon juice, cayenne pepper, and organic syrup (which creates lemonade)...but it is well worth it in the end. I would also recommend that you read the book that comes along with it! "The master cleanser"...this explains deeper how you come off of the cleanse, etc. This is a great way to get waste out of your system, and feel at your highest energy level. Do yourself a huge favor for your wedding and try it!!! (btw-when asking a doctor, they will tell you that its not a good idea because you dont eat anything, but you do get all of your calories and electrolytes protein etc through the lemonade!) Best of luck to you! I am also getting married soon, in September...GOOD LUCK!

MsMonahan · March 2010

I have dropped 22lbs (10kgs) so far for my wedding in April, over about 6-7 months, so slowly.

My best tips are:

no white/processed carbs for dinner. Only eat a protein (like chicken, fish, tofu or meat) with lots of vegetables or a salad. Use a little olive oil and herbs/salt/pepper for seasoning; no sauces.
keep your metabolism fired up, make sure you have healthy snacks at morning and afternoon tea time, eg handful of almonds, small tin of tuna.
Make sure you have a serving of protein at every meal, which will keep you fuller longer. Eg. mix protein shake into your porridge for breakfast, or have eggs with one slice of grainy toast.
Exercise 3-5 times a week. Cardio is best. Cycle, walk or jog if you are able. Even if you walk a bit, then run a bit, it helps.
Do weights or strength exercises esp things for your back/upper arms, eg press ups, tricep dips, pull ups.

It will come off. Good luck!

I ordered a dress that was my old size, and will now have to pay to get it altered. Which is a pain as I told the ladies I would drop 2 dresses sizes at least but they insisted on getting the current size at my time of fitting (in Nov). Although I was right... I still think they were probably right too. They said some women swear black and blue they will lose weight then they come in bigger! So you never know! At least you can always take something in, but you can't always let a dress out depending on how the seams are done/cut.

Oh, and go shopping now, just to get an idea of what you will like and what suits you. Your basic frame and colouring will be the same. A corset back does wonders for your waist, and a simple strapless, a-line dress with a sweetheart neckline is very flattering on most women. Keep it ruched across the tummy, and simple, if you have lumps and bumps. Don't go for anything with a flower or diamante on your hip if that's your biggest point. Enhance your assets. Don't worry too much about legs or tummy as the boning and dress willl often cover those bits. Focus on your arms/decolette/back with your work outs as they are the bits everyone will see, and general weight loss with good healthy eating and exercise.

Good luck!

coventry16 · March 2010

Hi Hun!

I too am getting married this November and want to lose weight before hand. I purchased my dress in January and was told by the seamstress that you can lose up to 2 sizes for your dress. I wouldn't wait too much longer if I were you before you buy your dress, as it can take up to 6 months for it to come in. My 1st fitting for our November 6th wedding is July 10th...so my advice would be to get crackin on finding your dress. As far as great ways to lose the weight, go to www.womenshealthmag.com They are ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC about advice and workout plans that you can even download to your phone or mp3 player and take to the gym. They even have great workouts you can do at home if you don't have a gym membership. Hands down best cardio is their walk/run program. So far I've lost 10 lbs doing it...combine it with some of their weight lifting programs and your golden. There is also some really good workout plans on the lifestyle sections of the knot so check those out too.

mayrayhugo · March 2010

It all goes down to the basic: dieting and exercise. I myself dropped about 30lbs in 2 months following the advice from my nutricionist. She would put me on diets, but I felt like I needed to be on one of those crash diets that make you lose weight like crazy. So she gave me this "psychological crash diet" called the Chicken soup diet. the ground rules are
***You drink lots of water and natural orange juice, as much as you can, no coke, no diet coke, no sugar-added "juices" or other processed beverages. You can have coffee, or tea, with Splenda.

***Fiber-rich cereal with fruit and low fat yogurt in the morning (I found that Bran Flakes with papaya fruit and yogurt were my thing). If you must have it sweetened, please do so with Splenda or natural honey.

***An apple as a mid morning snack. (a pear can substitute)

***Salad for lunch (lots of lettuce, 1 tomato, 1 whole cucumber, 2 hardboiled eggs, a few baby carrots, some broccoli, cottage cheese and 2 spoonfulls of low fat, low sodium dressing). you can exchange the eggs for canned tuna (with water, not oil) if you need a change
***(If hunger strikes in the afternoon (or you get the munchees), a few almonds and raisins or dried cranberries, are in order.
***A bowl of homemade Chicken soup (or deconstructed chicken soup, if you are into that) for dinner: a piece of chicken breast, without the skin, add some rice, 2 diced carrots, 1 diced celery, half a potato also diced, a few cilantro leaves for flavor, seasoned to taste and that was it. I also used to add a few drops of lime or lemon, as it brightens the flavor.
You get all the nutricion your body needs, you get your fiber, your 1200 calories a day and you truly feel like you are crash dieting, but without starving yourself and the best thing is that once a week you are allowed to eat whatever you want (moderately, of course). It allows for variety by exchanging fruits and veggies and you totally must continue with your excersice routine or start one if you don't have it. I speed it up a little bit by changing my 3 day a week yoga class by 3 day yoga, 2 days pilates class.

sdcaldwell · March 2010

I have fallen in love with the Slim in 6 System. It has worked for me time and time again when I need to drop a few lbs. It's a sound nutrition plan and great workout. Basically, white meat, green veggies and lotsa water with some good (brown rice) carbs thrown in. No crash diet will give you the results you want...the ones that last!

101710 · March 2010

Hi there, I just want to say good luck to you and that there has been lots of good advice on here so far. I have a couple of things to add that I hope help you. I've been battling with weight my entire adult life.

I am getting married in October. I currently weigh 165 and in December I weighed 183. My goal is to lose another 43 by October. I use calorie-count.com to track my calories and for all the other tools, but you can use any of the sites these ladies have already mentioned. I lost 50 lbs after high school and kept it off for 3 years. I swore I'd never get big again, but I did. I have tried everything. Every fad, every "new" miracle diet gives me butterflies and I even know better. The slower you lose the longer it stays off...trust me on that one. These fad diets will let you lose 10 lbs in a few days and then you will gain 15 or 20 right back. I promise. I've done it more than a couple of times.

My top suggestions. Drink lots of water (8 oz of ice water = 8 calories burned - just be careful not to drink too much water as it can be deadly - research the right amount for you w/your doc or a good online site). Soup is a miracle worker. Low sodium if possible, and no cream soups. But it is the number one filler for the least amount of calories. Have a bowl for lunch and it will keep you full til dinner, and/or have a bowl before dinner and eat a smaller meal. I have a hard time "being good" when I'm hungry and this tool helps me stay fuller longer.

The main point of my novel is to find the things that work best for you and stick with them. Take bits and pieces of these people's advice and go with them. But don't overwhelm yourself. Counting calories all of the time gets to be a burden, but if you do it for just a few weeks you can keep an estimate in your head and be very accurate without having to write it down. Also, don't cut out chocolate, or pie, or whatever your weakness is, just eat everything in moderation. I saw Skinny cow mentioned as well as weight watchers foods and smart ones (a branch of weight watchers) also make great low-cal desserts.

One more thing. I was absolutely horrified of trying on dresses at my current size, but I knew it needed to be done soon and my excitement about finally trying on wedding dresses got the best of me. It's not as bad as you think. I might be the most self concious person in the world and I got through it, with my mother-in-law in the room even!!

I bought a dress w/a corset back that is about 1 size too small for me. I bought the one off of the floor and got 20% off. I was the only one to ever try it on, so that was a bonus. There is a privacy panel in the back and if I don't lose it (which I will) they can exchange the flap for a bigger one with very little alterations needed.

Sorry I was so long winded. I hope some of this helped you. Congrats, good luck and if you want to keep in touch and help each other out e-mail me at stargaizur@sbcglobal.net

personaltrainer.ash · March 2010

Hey!! I am a personal trainer and nutritionist from Washington, Mo. I got my BS in this field and I have been training for years, so listen up!

the key to losing ten pounds:
eat 40-50 % calories from carbs. they are the only form of energy your brain uses, so don't cut them out! Stick with green and orange veggies.. salads, carrots, steamed veggies, stir fry, whatever. just watch the ranch and salt... those will ruin you before you start- you can go a few months without ranch and salt!!
eat 40% protein. you HAVE to eat some form of protein to feel full. skinless chicken, boiled, broiled, whatever! lean red meats (3oz portions, about the size of a deck of cards), cheese, fat free yogurt, shrimp, fish, beans, tofu... eat it!!
the rest are discretionary calories. this does not mean you can go have a bowl of chocolate ice cream because it is allowed in your diet, but it means that the oils used in food prep, extra carbs, butter, that falls into here. more often than not this area is filled without any extra snacking... processed foods fill it up super fast. try to get the freshest, least processed foods. that means, do not eat all frozen foods... they are unbelievably high in sodium (which makes the body retain water and look bloated).

Equally as important as diet, is exercise. You will need to do 30-60 minutes of cardio (walking, running, swimming, elliptical, bike, kickboxing class, step class, dancing class, zumba) 5-6 days a week. NO EXCEPTIONS. you can drop pounds by diet alone if you have the pounds to lose, but your body may look the exact same. exercise is the only way to get the 10 lbs off and KEEP it off. once you reach your 10 pound mark, you can keep going, or maintain it with 2-3 days a week at 60 minutes of cardio. that's two kickboxing classes a week. and there are 24 hour gyms, so no time is not an issue. Gyms have childwatch so that is not an issue. if your fiance is supportive, her could watch kids too. if you don't have kids, there is absolutely no excuse. You will feel so good about yourself and you will have so much more energy if you make yourself do cardio. then , when all the wedding plans seem overwhelming, you can remember the 10 pounds you've lost, and know that you will get through the kectic times and you will live happily (and healthy) ever after!!!!!

a good way to get motivated is to join a running group at a ymca or other gym. it adds accountability. or sign up for a 5K (3.1 miles) with your fiance to add a new aspect to your relationship and lifestyle!

personaltrainer.ash · March 2010

ignore the typos please... new laptop

biancolina · March 2010

I live in Italy (I'm american) and I'm doing an awesome program. Most of you may not be able to do the same thing since this is a very European method, but you could do the meal plan!

I hate counting calories and hate the Weight Watchers point system. It works for a lot of people but it's just too annoying and confusing for me.

So I started going to this place here in Italy twice a week. They weigh me, I do 40 minutes in a crazy contraption thats like a personal sauna - plastic jumpsuit, head sticking out. It's called the Vibrosaun, if you find a place that has it in the US I highly recommend it! Then I lie on a bed for 30 minutes with crazy muscle/ fat burning electro thingies on my fat zones (arms, belly, hips, thighs). They measured my metabolism and it was super low (I was only burning 600 calories a day, which means anything I ate over 600 calories would go "straight to my hips" so to speak.

All these contraptions are supposed to raise my metabolism. They told me not to do any excersize out of the oridanry or I'll want to eat more. I just do light stuff with the Wii Fit.

Anyway, the meal plan...No carbs except for 2 pieces of plain whole wheat toast for breakfast. No dairy except yogurt as mid-morning/mid-afternoon snack. No fruit. No carrots, corn, potatoes or legumes. No sugar. Drink 2 liters of water. No measuring or calorie counting!

The weight loss slowed down after I lost 6 lbs the first month so they added skim milk with my morning coffee and cottage cheese with ham as mid-afternoon snack. I just lost another 2 lbs. (8 lbs in a month!)

Here's my menu right now:

Breakfast (everyday): Milk with coffee or unsweetened cocoa powder and 2 pieces plain whole wheat toast.

Snack: low fat yogurt (morning) + cottage cheese and ham (afternoon)

Lunches & Dinner: Protein (beef, poultry, eggs, fish/seafood) + a side of cooked veggies AND a side of raw veggies (like salad or fennel). This is important!

TIP: EAT FENNEL! It's the Italian woman's saving grace and a natural diuretic. Eat it raw, boiled, baked. Drizzle with oil, salt and pepper. The most dietetic food ever. Also run out and buy fennel digestive tea. Drink it after dinner while you're watching tv instead of heading for the food. It de-bloats, helps you digest and keeps your mouth occupied! If you really can't deal eat some yummy flavored low fat yogurt.

Anyway, I've lost 8 lbs in a month, which is right, I still have 4 months til the wedding and they predict I'll lose over 22 lbs doing this. Eventually they will change up the menu and add carbs ONCE a week (like for weekends).

I totally recommend this diet, nothing has ever in my life worked for me like this. I've always struggled with my weight and this is the first time that people are shocked when they see how much I've changed!

Hope this helps!

KiknMike2010 · March 2010

I'm in the same boat, except my wedding is in June and I don't have a dress yet! But I have an appt at David's Bridal on March 14th and I'm pretty confident I am going to find something there, even if it is off the rack! But I wanted to drop a few pounds before I went in...and since February 1st, as of today I am down 20.6 lbs!

It's all about flour and sugar. Cut those out for a little while, and you will be amazed at not only your weightloss, but also the way you feel - totally energized. You'll sleep better too! Remember to drink lots of water too.

Good luck, and congrats on your wedding!!!!

biancolina · March 2010

I also agree with 101710 above. Soup is great!

I was told I could use sugar substitutes, but I avoid them at all costs (including foods with sugar substitutes). They bloat me and give me all kinds of stomach issues. I went to the gastroenterologist to check out my problem with is basically IBS, the first thing he told me is to never use sugar substitutes - they do a number on your system as well as blow you up like a balloon.

I also don't agree about ice water. Could be Italian old wives influence that's gotten the better of me, but Italians are anti-ice water. Only lukewarm, unless it's summer and you can't deal.

Also, I agree with personal trainer above. AVOID PROCESSED FOODS. Why are europeans so skinny? Because they DON'T HAVE frozen meals and Skinny Cow and canned soup. It takes just as much time to grill a turkey burger as it does to nuke a frozen meal!!!! Instead of Campbells, buy fresh or frozen veggies, throw them in a pot with a low sodium boullion or some chicken. Find time to cook as fresh as possible, it does not take that long!

And my last tip is a hard one, but try to avoid going out and eating huge portions. Stay home as much as possible! And avoid alcohol like the plague!

Go try on your dress. I had already started to lose weight on my own before going but you need to go asap. They'll take it in if they have to!

spuccerella · March 2010

FLAT BELLY DIET! You lose 4 pounds in the first few days, and then STICK WITH IT. it is slow to come off, but it is a good way to calorie count. Try the 28 plan if you don't want to buy the whole book.

efcool · March 2010

Regarding dress shopping, go ahead and go shopping. Like others have said you can have a dress altered down. I got mine to fit me at the time I ordered it because I was planning on losing 20 pounds, but you know how things go. I just had my first fitting this afternoon and I had lost all 20 pounds. It will be less than $200 to have the dress altered down. It would cost more to alter it up, and it might not look great because of the extra fabric that would have to be added.

As for losing weight, definitely watch your calorie intake, and what kind of food you are eating. I had help losing those 20lbs -- I ordered my dress 8wks postpartum -- but eating right helped a lot too. Also, get some exercise. Its amazing how much some physical activity for 30 minutes a day will raise your metabolism. I've been doing Wii Fit every morning and I like it because it helps me keep track of my weight. If you want more of a workout, try Wii Active. It has preset workout routines that you can adjust (add/subtract workouts) and it will make you sweat.

Best of luck!

meganDandjustinL · March 2010

Wii Fit. It's worth all of the money. It's fun, so you don't even notice that you're working super hard. I love it, and it works great.

karypetersen · March 2010

I am getting married in June and a month and a half ago I joined a kickboxing class at a Fight Club in my hometown. I have lost 2 dress sizes in just that short amount of time. I go about 3-4 times a week and sometimes up to 6x a week. It has been the best thing I ever decided to do!!

alisonholloway · March 2010

i bought a dress that' s a size smaller than i am, but that also has a corset style back. so, if i don' t lose the weight, the corset will lace up further apart and if i lose it, then it' ll be closer. it' s easiest.

segerpark · March 2010

Hey I'm Stephanie and my fiance and I are getting married June 5th too. I Agree with the whole decreasing calories and gaining more back plus some as well. Its Been a roller coaster for me recently. I am actually scared that I've put more weight on since I got my dress. Guess it is really time to buckle down.

mikki8781 · March 2010

I bought my dress to the size I was in November(My wedding is August) they def can alter it down. As for losing pounds I have lost 9 pounds in a little over 3 weeks I highly recommend The Fat Smash diet, the book is in the book store, it is the Celebrity Fit Club trainer, it is very easy to follow has 5 phases and it basically retrains your eating, I have done it multiple times and have always had success, and ITS HEALTHY! Its not a crash diet by any means, it just retrains your brain on how to eat healthy. I also go to the gym twice a week to do a little cardio and weight training to tone up, plus Zumba (which is sooo fun) Good luck!

jkrider01 · March 2010

-Concentrate on eating lots of fresh fruits & veggies - try to get at least 60% of your protein from non-meat sources (while still getting appropriate amounts of all 9 essential amino acids that form complete proteins, obviously).

-Apples or mini carrots are a GREAT snack!

-Limit SODA, BEER, and sweetened FRUIT JUICE.

Not sure what your current activity level is but INCREASE it. If you don't do anything, you'll be amazed at what a daily 30-min bike ride will do for you (speaking from experience).

If you already exercise regularly, try adding a weight-bearing exercise, concentrating on your core. (Think situps with weights or throwing hay bales... if you have horses - haha)

As for the DRESS - do NOT buy it small. Buy your dress to fit your body and have it altered later. If you can find a lace-up dress (corset top) then you'll have a little extra room for sizing than you would with a zip-up.

Good luck! I'm sure you'll look beautuful

lilsissy · March 2010

Don't worry about your weight so much, you'll be surprised when you try on dresses how beautiful you'll look no matter what your size. I have found that because wedding gowns are so tailored, they actually look better on women with a little bit of curves.

Just go and enjoy the experience, the sooner you do it the more dresses you can try before you have to decide. And that's the fun part : )

Leslie&Ryan · March 2010

I hired a nutritionist to help me learn what I'm supposed to eat and when. Below are the three most important rules to follow (in regards to calories) if you are serious about losing weight and keeping it off:

1) track EVERYTHING you eat.

This will help you identify where majority of your "trouble" food is coming from and where you need to cut back, along with where you can increase. Maybe you are not getting enough good protein?

2) make sure you do not eat majority of your calories at night. Rule of thumb:

meal 1: 30% daily calories

snack: 10% daily calories

meal 2: 30% daily calories

snack: 10% daily calories

meal 3: 20% daily calories (and no later than 7pm if you are in bed by 11pm)

Eating every few hours is key to keeping your metabolism up and running correctly. If may be hard at first and you will be not interested in eating... but it WORKS! Also, LOTS of water!

3) cut out alcohol!! After tracking my calories for the 1st few weeks I found out that 60% of my calories was coming from booze. OUCH! If you are a drinker, and you really want to lose weight for your wedding, take it out as much as you can, or limit it to the weekends and only a few. A little sparkling water in a glass of chardonnay is a good start- and you can convince your self its Champaign.

Other foods to stay clear of while you are in the "Losing Zone" vs. "Maintaining Zone"

High Fat Meats: Red, Lamb, certain fish

Anything with processed Sugar- look at the label on the back of what you are buying. If sugar is listed in the top three- DO NOT EAT. Soooo bad for you!

Choose Oil vs. Butter

Besides the above, everyone is 100% right about exercise and weight training. I personally don't like to run, so I walk at least 4 miles a day and do some dance cardio a few times a week. I've already lost three pant sizes.

I too ordered my dress at the size I needed if I were to wear it the day I ordered, but I already know I'll need to bring it in. So don't fear getting the dress and losing weight. Think of it as a challenge. Buy a dress with a corset back for more flexibility.

Good luck!!

cdream05 · March 2010

I bought mine a size smaller then I am now but only because it was 30% off to buy it off the rack. Now I am gymming it and tryinggggg to change my eating habits!
I looked @ sparkpeople but it looks confusing... what do u do just enter in what you eat?

Good luck girls!

angelaerin · March 2010

HCG diet!!!! try it, it is tough, but it is amazing and really works!

SheilaD7 · March 2010

I agree with the posters advice- go find your dress sooner than later! I ordered my dress in October and it should be arriving this month, but I wanted a little cushion of time in case it didn't.

I'm doing a combination of P90x for strength and toning along with running for cardio.

I have an athletic build (and I have a large chest) that changes when I'm in super kick-ass shape so I went with a dress that has a corset back. I hope I'm in kick-ass shape by October!

I was warned about the final weight drop in the two weeks before your wedding (everyone I know lost 5 or more lbs without trying...) and in case that happens to me I need some assurance that my dress will fit like a glove. The corset back gives me more leeway.

solielmoonv · March 2010

I am on the same mission as you except on a larger scale. I want to lose 60 by my wedding day which is 8-15-10. I have already lost 21lbs in 6 weeks doing it the healthy way. I completely overhauled my diet and stopped eating bread. For 2 weeks I cut out all carbs and ate only veggies and lean protein. No rice, bread, pasta, fruit, potatoes, corn, peas, or carrots. Just lost of healthy greens and chicken or fish. I also log everything in an iphone app called lose it. If you don't have an iphone go online and google food diaries preferably ones that also calculate your calorie intake. I work out almost everyday and eat every 2-3 hours small calorie meals. Once the 2 weeks are up you can have whole grains. If you want to find out more on this email me at solielmoonv@aol.com. In a month you will have lost the 10 lbs. This has changed my life and the way i look at food and what I put into my body. My fiance has lost 22lbs! Healthy is the way to go!!

eebjvs11 · March 2010

Go shopping NOW... my dress takes NINE months to come in - I will have lost almost 30 lbs by the time I put that dress back on but it's ok, they can alter it, they have to alter it anyway!

kmarkey06 · March 2010

they can alter a dress up to two sizes too big! so go now!!! you need to order that dress, it takes Months to come in!!

about the weight... portion control! and no alcohol during the week (lol hard for me not to have my wine with dinner!)

whenever you want to snack, find healthy foods instead to snack on. i LOVE celery with peanut butter, the peanut butter fills you and the celery is negative calories.

and whenver you go shopping (grocceries or wherever!) park far away, make yourself walk just that little bit further, and take stairs vs. elevators.

niki_vb28 · March 2010

My advice is to start running. My wedding is June 5th and I will be running in my first relay marathon on May 1st. I am currently doing a 10k-10 week training program and am on week for. I have already dropped 7 lbs! The simple solution is to burn more than what you put in your mouth. I do 3 miles 4 times a week and eat 1200 calories a day. Good luck!

khaas77 · March 2010

Davids bridal allowed me to buy a dress at my size at the time (and on sale)and then put a note in my acc that I could exchange it for a smaller size as long as I did it in enough time to get alterations done. I first ordered my dress in Nov...it came in 3 weeks! I have till the end of March to return and reorder it. I am already down 1 size but I am hoping to make it 2!

mssa27 · March 2010

that is a good advise! and i like the calorie counting! i will start trying next week and will tell you guys how it went. because this week i finish with the Special K die.hopefully it works!

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

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

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