Weight = 195

I hadn't really been dieting before this.  The weight had been lost while living in London and having to walk everywhere.  Seeing this photo is what really made me want to stick to a diet in a bad way!  I think the bridal salon had trick mirrors because I thought I looked thin and beautiful while trying on the dress.  Changed my mind when I saw the picture.  This is my dress and I am happy in the photo... my friend just caught me off guard when taking the picture.

Weight = 170

Here I am trying on the muslin version of my dress and getting fitted so they can make my dress to my actual size.  I had hoped to lose more weight by then, but it will still lessen the cost of the final alterations.

I am now working at Curves!  I have been a member for over two years and really committed since August of 2008... right after I went dress shopping and saw photos of how I looked.  Since I was already there 4-5 times per week and they were looking for someone to work part-time, I applied.  Now there is no excuse for missing workouts! 

If anyone is wondering how I've lost the weight so far...

I go to Curves 4-5 times per week and use their Smart Card system.  It really kicks up the workout!

During the warmer months, I ride my bike for an hour about 3 times per week.  I also ride it to and from Curves (a mile each way).  It hasn't been warm for a long time, so Curves has mainly been the only exercise I've done.

I keep a food journal.  This has helped me in a HUGE way.  I never realized how little bites here and there would add up.  I can also look up the calories before tempting to eat something and see how it affects my day.

I have used Alli.  The side effects really are not as bad as people think.  When I am eating a good diet of low fat foods and healthy choices, the pills really don't contribute to losing weight.  They only help on days I eat something with higher fat.  I have not used these for a lot of the weight loss, but I figured it cannot hurt during the last few weeks before the wedding... better to have more help!

Dress Fitting #1

Weight = 156

I have not made it to the goal weight of 140 I wanted to be by the time my dress arrives.  I can still lose some weight before the wedding, but I don't want the dress to look loose on me.  I can still work on toning my arms for some fabulous pictures on the wedding day!