Must. Resist. (This looks amazing.)
Credit: Google Images
By this time next week, I’ll be up in Boston, just days away from getting married. There are so many things to do that it feels like every time I cross something off my list, two more pop up.
Finding time to get to the gym is getting increasingly harder, and while I’m still eating the right things, I’m probably not having enough of them.
Planning even a small wedding is complicated — there are lots of moving parts, whether it’s a party for 60 people or 600. Trying to stay organized helps. Figuring out what needs to be done and when lets me sleep at night (at least a little). And the most important thing is that I’m marrying a wonderful man — everything else is secondary.
But I’m certainly feeling stressed, and diving head first into a pint of ice cream isn’t an option. Or, at least, not an option for me. I’ve done a lot of hard work over the past few months and don’t want to wreck it now.
I once saw a great sign that said “Stressed is desserts spelled backwards.” Trust me, it’s tempting to trade one for the other, but the temporary enjoyment of indulgence will just backfire. Not only will I feel guilty, but the post-sugar crash will make me feel worse. Even though Easter candy is now half-price, I just can’t.
I’m trying to find other ways to relax, and going to New York Health and Racquet Club helps. Whether it’s getting on a treadmill and running out my aggression — I’m running a mile 10 minutes faster than I did a month ago — or taking a yoga and meditation class, I’m finding outlets that make me feel better… or, just too tired to worry.
Having other brides to commiserate with has been great — we’re all in the same boat with time ticking away, reaching for our goals and supporting each other. Building a support network is so important when you’re making a big change in your life, whether it’s losing weight, planning a wedding, quitting smoking, moving to a new city, whatever. And that support can come from total strangers — there’s almost always an online community included in weight loss, exercise, and other programs. Sometimes you just need a place to ask questions and get feedback — and have people cheering for you on the good days or reassuring you on the bad ones.
By the way, NYHRC is about to launch the next edition of the “Fit to Say I Do” bridal fitness program — It’ll be taught by the incredibly motivational and fun Genieve Gordon over five weeks, starting May 13. If you’re interested, email gfdirector@nyhrc.com for more information.
You won’t see this column next week — but I’ll be back on May 7th for a recap (and a review of our wedding cake).
Progress Report
Starting Stats (as of Jan. 29)
Weight: 209.5 pounds
Body Mass Index (BMI): 36
Chest: 48 inches
Waist: 41 inches
Hips: 48.5 inches
Current Stats (as of April 22)
Weight: 183.5 (26 pounds)
BMI: 31.5 (down 4.5 points)
Chest: 43.5 inches (4.5 inches lost)
Waist: 37 inches (four inches smaller)
Hips: 42.5 inches (down six inches)
Amanda Art is Metro’s social media manager. Over the next few months, track her weight loss progress as she readies for her May 3 wedding. Follow Amanda on Twitter at @NYNewsgirl.
