Jade Week 1: Newly Engaged & Determined to Lose the Weight

On our recent trip to Florida

Two years ago I finally lost that stubborn “5 more pounds” and felt super confident and content at my new 145 pound body. I signed up for a 5K, starting eating healthier (and a lot less), and then signed up for a half marathon. I was the fittest I had ever been and it was easy. I could essentially eat whatever I wanted because I was working out so much! Fast forward two years to a busy career filled with a lot of travel and sitting and somehow the weight creeped back up. Ugh — So annoying. I know how it happened but I’m still mad at myself that I let it get this far.

Four months ago I got engaged to my boyfriend of almost ten years. He’s seen me at every weight — heavy, skinny, somewhere in between and doesn’t really seem to care one way or another. But I know that I feel more confident and happier when I’m at a healthier and leaner weight and I know I want to start our married lives together as happy as can be.  But, as I’m sure any newly engaged girl can attest, I actually gained more weight after we got engaged! I blame the daily congratulatory dinners, drinks after work, impromptu desserts and parties. As much as I loved them and appreciated them, I was working out less and eating a lot more.

Our friends eat out a lot and honestly, I don’t love to cook. I also work from home, so getting out of the house to grab lunch or dinner is nice and a great way to unwind. Unfortunately, that leads to not making the healthiest choices and sometimes over-eating. It’s a pattern that will be hard to break, but I’m hoping to make good strides with and become a better cook!

Here I am at a slimmer weight- more active and more confident

Now, one month until my engagement party to formally meet my fiancé’s entire family and nine months away from our wedding, I am ready to get back into shape and look fantastic for our big day and our new life together.

How will I do it: I know what works best for my body — cutting out most carbs (breads, white rice, white pasta, sugars) and sticking to a heavy work out regime. Last time, I stuck to a half-marathon schedule, running four times a week, with accelerated miles each week and small weight training. This time I want to mix it up a little more and put the weight loss into overdrive — especially with the engagement party coming up so fast.

Bootcamp class

Ideally, I’d like to lose ten pounds this month. I know, I know, that seems like a lot, but my body has done it before. Ultimately, for the wedding, I’d like to be down a total of twenty pounds, ten fast and ten more a little slower and over more time. I’m hoping to lose it all by the holidays so that I only have to maintain for the next four months and my final dress fittings won’t be a gamble on whether or not I have lost weight.

Current Stats: 162 lbs. 5’7, athletic body type, BMI: 25.4

Dream Weight: 140 lbs.

Wish me luck and perseverance in the gym!