Fitness plan

Discipline is the biggest key to losing weight! Cut back on any junk food- start walking 20 minutes a day if you don’t work out it should melt off!!

I was hoping to lose 30 pounds in 3 months- but I’m doing well so I’m hoping maybe 35? I’m floating around the 15-20 lb lost mark right now- it spiked up almost immediately after I ended my 30 day diet so i just hopped right back into my diet today, I want to see the number decreasing- not increasing!!!

Good luck to you!!

I think the key to an exercise plan is finding something you enjoy. Whether it is zumba, running, biking, weight lifting, spinning, fitness classes, whatever it is that will make you stick to it. I've had success doing a few different things (running, dvds, etc.) but the key to actually making progress was consistency. In November I found my gym, I personally do group fitness classes and I LOVE them. It's a small gym with the same people and same trainers. They really get to know you and it's amazing. Most of the classes I go to are a combo of strength training and high intensity interval training (HIIT), and I find that combo works wonders for my body. But everyone is different so find what YOU enjoy.

For diet, I personally think that you again have to find something you can stick to. Try to make it a lifestyle change vs a restrictive diet. You won't stick to it if that's the case. I've tried tracking on my fitness pal and I've tried intermittent fasting (not knocking either many people have great success with these) but it made me too obsessive about food and I was miserable. I try to eat as much "real food" as possible. Fruits, veggies, meats. I've upped my healthy fats and decreased my carbs and that's working for me (again as long as I'm consistent). The trainers at the gym refer to my "diet" as lazy keto, more carbs than a straight keto diet but still focusing on fat. I would encourage you to track everything you eat for a least a week, I didn't realize how much I was eating. A couple weeks of tracking and I got my portions down to what they should be. Now I just track for a couple days every few weeks to make sure I'm still doing ok eyeing portions.

Wow you guys thanks!
I heard writing down everything you eat or drink helps. I don’t know how mug that’ll actually help. I guess so you can see what all you are eating! And y’all are right. Junk food has got to go and eating out too! Maybe a cheat day once a week?

I’ve had a ton of success with weight watchers. It’s the only thing that’s worked for me becuase it isn’t restrictive and it’s taught me how to make better choices without making me give up the things I love.

I also agree with finding some sort of activity you enjoy. I’m lucky enough to live in a city with ClassPass and was able to try out a ton of studios and different types of classes until I found one that I love.

Nothing works better than eating clean and adding weights into your workouts. Try to eat a lot of whole grains (think unflavored oatmeal, whole wheat breads & pastas, quinoa, brown rice) with fresh veggies & fruits as snacks and lean proteins (chicken breast, ground turkey, lean ground beef, salmon, white fish). Healthy eating can seem scary because there are so many "diets" out there, but if you stick to basic foods, you can't go wrong. Keep on eye on sugar and salt intake. A lot of "diet bars" have tons of sugar. Lara Bars are good snacks, despite high sugar content, because they're made with 100% whole foods like dates, nuts and spices.

Exercise can be cardio or fun workouts that incorporate weights. While exercise is super important, changing your diet will make the biggest change in your weight. Some say it's 80% diet 20% exercise. And if you do go the clean eating route, don't be afraid to have a cupcake or cookie or cheesesteak every once in a while. After a few weeks it really becomes a habit and lifestyle

My goal is about the same, to lose 10-15 lbs before my wedding. I started using MyFitnessPal, and it has been so helpful. I have a daily caloric intake goal, and I meal plan around that. I allow myself no more than two cheat days per week where I can have maybe a beer and a burger or steak, but I try not to stray more than a couple hundred calories over my daily allowance. The other days, I stick with pretty strict meal planning. I make sure to allow myself room for a healthy snack or two throughout the day, and I try to exercise 3-5 times per week. I have a bad knee, but I walk and do some strength training. It was tough the first week or two, but I've started feeling stronger and more confident. I also make sure to only weigh myself one per week. Hope this helps!

View Quoted Comment This is so good to hear! I’m 4 months away and went for my fitting yesterday. My dress doesn’t fit! My seamstress says she can let it out or I can lose 5 pounds. I signed up with weight watchers this morning. Haha.

Start now. Eat healthy, Hit the gym, go for walks/runs and cut back on Alcohol and soda.

I agree with pretty much everyone! It's about finding balance and what works for you--as well as eating cleanly. I personally adopt an 85/15 lifestyle and fairly keto during the weeks. I also do fasted cardio 3 times a week, a long walk 1-2 times a week lagree at least twice, yoga once, and arms/abs at home twice a week. Since I started doing those workouts, regularly, I've lost 8 inches all around, since the end of May (I had to go in for an additional fitting yesterday, as my dress is being custom made, and they were impressed!)

I personally don't weigh myself--I go off inches and how my clothes fit. Find something you love and stick with it!

Cut off sugar especially in coffee. Mon thru Thursday cut off sugar, do not eat fast food, and only drink water or protein shake high in protein to help control your hunger. Also, start controlling the food portions, walk 20 min at least, per day, no questions asked. Then on weekends you can basically eat what you want. Hope that helps.

Hey, Julee! Welcome to WeddingWire!

First and foremost, the best way to lose weight is to do it safely! Good on you for getting started early! You've gotten some great advice above- find something that you enjoy! You have some time for trial and error, so try out a few different things. I never thought I'd find a routine I liked until I tried kickboxing. A year later, I'm infinitely more confident, I feel strong, I look strong, and I'm two sizes smaller!

Drink a lot of water. Watch not only what you eat but how much as well. Weights are great and will not make you look huge. Cardio only does so much. Did I mention to drink water?!

Have fun figuring out what you enjoy, even if you start with YoutTube videos and then decide to join a specific gym! Let us know what you land on! You got this!

Do not go on what you weigh. Its about how my
Much you are skimming off in inches. Im getting married next year. I work out 3 to 4 times per week and I basically weigh only about 2 to 3 pounds less only because I lift weights. But i see the difference in my body and the clothes that I wear. Do not worry about the scale.

Eat better and exercise, that's really all there is to do. Stick to non-processed and as minimally processed foods as possible and eat more protein. Don't skip meals. Do workouts that focus on strength as well as flexibility and stability. Cardio (walk, jog, hike etc) at least 2 times a week. Oh and LOTS of water!!

Try not to focus too much on what the scale says. Go more by measurements. As you lose fat and gain muscle, you may actually gain weight (or lose weight at a really slow rate), but actaully be getting thinner. Muscle weighs more than fat, so don't let the scale get to your head!

You got this girl!