Wedding Weight-Loss: Setting New Goals

For this month, I decided to set some goals for myself, and I wanted to share them with you in case you'd like to join me! 

November Goals:

► Lose 10 pounds by December 1.
► Do my weight-training workout from Bonne Marcus two to three times per week. 
► Eat better on the weekends.
► Breathe!

Last week was a busy one for me, both at work and in my personal life. Over the weekend, we celebrated Rene's mother's birthday on Friday, attended a wedding on Saturday, had a training session with Bonne on Sunday afternoon, and then attended a christening Sunday night. 

Here’s a photo of Rene and me from my girlfriend’s wedding last October and then again this past weekend, where I wore the same dress. When I put it on, I definitely noticed that it felt much looser than it did last October. It was great to see the small difference between my size then and now, and it only gives me more motivation to keep it going.

Despite the busy week, I did make time to get to the gym and stick to my diet plan throughout the week — but I ended up falling short again over the weekend. I only lost one pound this week, which I know has a lot to do with my weekend activities. This was a good lesson for me, though, because with the holidays right around the corner, it's only going to get harder. Bonne said the average person gains one to seven pounds between Halloween and New Year's each year — I am not letting that happen to me.

So that’s where my goals come into play. By December 1st, I will lose 10 pounds, not gain anything. I will stop skipping out on doing the workouts Bonne gives me each week. I will do them at least twice a week on my own, then again with her over the weekend. This is so important because doing cardio just isn’t enough, and if I did the workouts throughout the week, I wouldn’t be so sore each Monday after I see her. For instance, this past weekend, my legs hurt so bad Rene had to help peel me off the floor!

The toughest challenge for me will be sticking to my diet on the weekends, but if I want to lose the weight, I don’t have a choice. This past weekend, Rene and I made protein shakes at home after our workouts on Saturday and Sunday, which were filling and super yummy.

I also made smart choices, like choosing the fish and vegetables as my entrée at the wedding and opting for a breakfast wrap with egg whites and vegetables rather than bacon, egg, and cheese. 

And lastly, my goal is to breathe more. For the past two weeks, I have been extremely stressed at work and have found myself getting anxious, aggravated, and annoyed easily. I need to remember to take deep breaths and relax, even if it’s just for a minute. Life is too short to be stressed over work — or anything, especially with all the wedding planning I have coming up!

Rene and I are attending two bridal expos this week, we're meeting with a potential photographer, and we have our menu tasting at our venue. Can’t wait to share all the details with you next week!

—Jennifer Crow