Shedding for the wedding

Hi. My name is Laura and I have been working with a trainer since September 12 to completely overhaul my eating and exercising habits....

This is the beginning of many successful weight loss stories. They usually include pictures of very petite girls holding up large 'before' pants next to their now-svelte frame. They speak of having tons of energy and making this change "for good."

I am not that girl. I love food- namely carbs and cheese. I have hips that won't quit and I also have lunch lady arms.

It's true I've been working out since September 12 and I have completely changed my eating habits. But, I've only lost 8 pounds. EIGHT. POUNDS.

For those of you that have ever tried to lose an amount of weight, you know that it's probably one of the most tedious and frustrating tasks one can accomplish. If done correctly, it takes a lot of time and doesn't come off quickly. It comes with weird cravings for fast food and irrationally bitter feelings towards anyone in a swimsuit. It involves sacrifice, sore muscles, and a constant battle with buttoning your jeans.  It freakin' sucks.

I get married in 68 days. It's quite literally crunch time at this point to hopefully lose 10 pounds. Can I do it? Yes. Will everything in the previous paragraph be amplified? Absolutely. But-- I have tons of resources that I will use in the next 68 days to get closer to my goal of 25 pounds. I think if I write this out, I will be able to hold myself more accountable to my end goal. Getting to a healthier weight and living a better lifestyle is on my 30 X 30 list also, so I'm really working towards that goal!

I have a fabulous support system. My fiance loved me 8 pounds ago, he loves me now and he'll love me no matter what. He is supportive by offering to go on runs with me to get in extra cardio. He makes a point of keeping healthier foods at his apartment so I won't splurge when I'm there.

I also have my mean and awful fabulous trainer, Jessy. She's supportive, understanding of my struggles, and super nice. Unless of course, she's training me boot camp style and I'm sweating like a pregnant warthog in the Sahara desert.

My friends and family are extremely helpful and supportive also. I can rely on them to be truthful but helpful. My sister set up a workout plan that she is sharing with me and has also told me about several healthy eating apps and tools that will help me in my struggle journey. A friend is starting the couch to 5k program and she has invited me to start it with her. This is happening.

I have no excuses and nothing but support, so it's got to happen!