Shedding for the Wedding: Meet My New BFF

Before I tell you about me, let's talk about you. Hive, your outpouring of support and encouragement for my initial shedding posts overwhelmed me! I was nervous to share and you dispelled my fear. Your comments ran the spectrum of weight loss options, from quick fixes to long-term lifestyle change. Diet, exercise, how-to books and motivating pictures - oh my! Please accept my gratitude, I've read all the feedback twice over and it means a lot to have you there on my journey. From the bottom of my teacup heart, thank you!

Image via The Tea Cosy

When we last left off, I was debating the merits of Weight Watchers vs. Jenny Craig. WW received the vast majority of positive feedback and I agree wholeheartedly with the concepts they teach. Based on my needs and lifestyle, I chose the road less traveled. Allow me to introduce my new BFF, Jenny!

{ She's really real! } / Image via Jenny Craig

I made an appointment for the very next morning after deciding it was time for a change. My first impression of the center was warm and welcoming, such a relief! I was really afraid to be brushed off for wanting help or told that my goal wasn't enough weight loss to enroll in the program. Instead, the sales consultant empathized and shared her similar experience. As a salesperson myself, I appreciate someone savvy in the craft. I'm also the biggest sucker for a pitch that delivers what I'm looking for. So guess what happened?


The free session walked through the founding principles of the program and how I would be supported in body, mind and food. Best of all, the approach was to start and then wean off their branded meals. Portion control, burning more calories than ingested, and upping activity level - I can do that!


If you're thinking what I'm thinking, my first and only question was cost. Let's face it, I'm a soon-to-be bride with little disposable income. And we all know . . .

Image via cafe press

The JC route is not for those faint of budget, for sure. The enrollment fee and weekly food cost set me back a few hundred dollars. Ouch! I'll be honest - I drove away with a hint of buyer's remorse. What was I thinking?!


After I got home, the feelings settled and I got to work cleaning out our fridge. Transformation complete, our freezer filled up quickly with the JC meals.

 { Anyone else love Trader Joe's? } / personal photo

I know, weirdness to see all that boxed frozen food as my nourishment augmented with fresh fruit, veggies, yogurt and juice. How did it come down to this? Curiosity won out and I prepared my first meal.

{ Breakfast hot pocket, yogurt & juice } / personal photo

Mr. Hot Tea saw my tiny plate of food and said, "THAT'S IT?" Yes, dear. That's it. And so my new relationship with food begins. Let's just pray I don't turn into a ravenous mess!

Image via lolcats

How do you cope with a major lifestyle change? Are you fearful or hopeful? Or both?!  What have you done to prepare yourself to successfully achieve your goal?