EmmaBrown

SMILE!

Thanks for the support, guys! It's so great to have positivity from the community. I'm feeling like a total superhero- energized, motivated and capable! Husband to be can't believe the change. I think it's because I'm actually doing something for myself for once, and it's making me feel so much more confidant! I've realised that one of the reasons I was such a big eater was because I was also such a big feeder- I'm a bit of a people pleaser, I guess, always wanting to make sure that everyone has a biscuit, because somehow I think that biscuit will communicate to them that I love them and am useful to them. Nonsense, I know- but a pretty deeply ingrained part of my relationship to food. My sessions with Meghan are helping me to separate out all my negative attitudes to food and my body, and to replace them with positivity and action. And it's working! She's so supportive of the idea of me sharing this process with a community- added accountability and motivation. She even said that she'd be happy to share some tips/ answer some questions, if there are areas that other brides need help with. I dunno- I'll chat to her, maybe ask her if she'll do a quick vid of advice for upper arms (that's the area we're targeting right now, and I saw a couple of other ladies on the forums are interested in help with that too). Will keep you updated- I'm doing two sessions a week at the mo, and feeling amazing. She's given me some exercises to do on the days in between, and I've been so good about doing them all so far! It feels good to form some positive habits.

It looks intense! I just started up with an online PT who's helping me get rid of my wobbly arms and backfat so I can fit in my dress! I'll worry about the bikini bod after that!

I just filled up a bottle now- this thread is a good reminder

Noob is a ridiculous word, isn't it?

At least these boards are a way to get to know other newbies!

This week has felt like a total turning point for me. Just ten days ago, I was feeling gloomy and gluttonous, . I was working so hard at controlling my diet, but had only managed to budge 2 or 3 pounds in a month. Of the 6 stone I’d set out to lose! I knew that diet isn’t the only key- I needed to be moving my lumpy legs but I didn’t know how! For someone as hopelessly unathletic as I am, it’s very hard to break a lifetime’s habits. And the habits aren’t just physical- they’re mental. They go rally deep. Every chocolate bar is another way of communicating to myself that I’m not worthy. Every minute off the couch instead of up and happy and active is a way of saying that I don’t deserve to be healthy and value myself. I knew I needed a change, but I didn’t know how to make it. So many people in this community, as well as friends and family, have helped me, encouraged me and pointed me in the right direction. I really can’t thank you enough. It was here that I found the courage to take the leap and value myself enough to try a personal trainer. It was the BEST THING I’ve ever done for myself (other than cutting an ill-conceived mullet) . Meghan (that’s my lovely trainer’s name) understood completely where I was and what I needed. She didn’t let me wallow, or say negative things about myself- I realise now how much I’ve been bullying myself! Skype sessions at home meant that I didn’t have to step too quickly out of my safe space, and I was able to talk through and address my targets in a way that felt comfortable. Challenging, definitely, but still comfortable. We chatted about my goals, and got to work on them right away. The package I’ve gone for is specifically for brides to be in my situation, so Meghan could help me out right away with targeting the areas I need to (esp. arms and backfat!). But it feels like it’s so much more than that- than just making a few tweaks- it feels like I’m taking charge of the way I feel about myself. Being positive and assertive. If any of you are feeling nervous about taking the leap I would definitely say GO FOR IT!

Just make sure you let the sushi rice cool first- FI tried to make a warm, soggy one, and it was the most gross thing I've ever tasted!

I have! Had my first skype PT session tonight. I feel so energetic and inspired after tonight’s session! Empowered and full of all those endorphins everyone’s been going on about!

Maybe you've just got to try it out to get it- it's a tricky one to explain!

Well done ladies- I'm slowly getting there, too!

Good call on the 'great idea!' thing- I'm going to start doing that!

I feel so energetic and inspired after tonight’s session! Empowered and full of all those endorphins everyone’s been going on about! I’m busy writing up a proper post now, but I just wanted to share that thought with all of you quickly! This is the best thing I’ve ever done for myself. I feel so energetic and inspired after tonight’s session! Empowered and full of all those endorphins everyone’s been going on about! I’m busy writing up a proper post now, but I just wanted to share that thought with all of you quickly! This is the best thing I’ve ever done for myself.

I'd never even thought of using a dummy dress! Brilliant- you could get some really imaginative pics that way!

Linen, definitely. Don't want them all sweltering too much, so natural fibres are a must.