Everyone Remembers the "Chubby" Bridesmaid!

For pretty much my entire life I have been overweight.  It doesn't help that I am also 5'1" tall.  I have tried pretty much every fad diet out there to shed those pesky pound for all of the major events in my life.  Slim Fast for prom, Weight Watchers for my wedding....the list goes on and on.  I have gone up and down in size so many times and purchased so many wardrobes that the employees at Goodwill know me by name.  Most shopping trips would end up in tears and nothing purchased.

Me in December 2010 at Disney

I have gone through my life comparing my body to every female I know.  My mom has been "skinny" all my life.  Most of my friends could always wear the clothes that I never could.  I was always the "funny, chubby" girl in my group of friends.  It was always frustrating to hear from people, "But you are such a pretty girl!"  Seriously?!  Who feels pretty with a muffin top and back fat?!  No takers??  I didn't think so!

Not only do I HATE working out, but I also LOVE to eat!  Nothing excites me more than a piece of cake or a Happy Nappi.  If there is food, I will certainly eat it!  I am a social eater and an emotional eater.  I regret eating something "bad for me" as soon as I eat it, but I do it anyway.  To quote Fat Bastard from Austin Powers, "I eat because I'm unhappy and I'm unhappy because I eat."  You would think being unhealthy would cause me to wake up and decide to get in shape, but it just isn't that simple.

Me and Brittany at my wedding.

What would cause me to FINALLY get my act together and get my booty in gear??  My best friend's wedding!!  My very good friend, Brittany, is getting married June 2012.  She called me up one day to give me the wonderful news and ask me to be a bridesmaid!  Since she was in my wedding and I love her to pieces, I just couldn't say "no!"  As soon as I got off the phone with her I sat down and realized that I am currently a size 14 and weigh 185 lbs.  I went immediately to my husband and told him that I couldn't possibly be in this wedding and look this bad!  "Jennifer, you will be a beautiful bridesmaid no matter what size you are," my husband said.  "But EVERYONE remembers the CHUBBY bridesmaid," I told him!  "And NOT in a good way!"  Plus, I will be turning 30 next year and will be the oldest bridesmaid!  What a combination!  I can't let all the other girls look better than me!  That would be totally uncalled for!

What better motivation for me to get in shape than to be in a wedding with 200 guests watching me walk down the aisle to support my friend on her wedding day!  I know what you are thinking..."Haven't you done this before; lose weight because you have a major event in your life?"  Well, yes, I have, but this time is TOTALLY different!  I am not just doing it for me; I am doing it for my husband, my family, and my friend who is getting married.  I owe it to my friend to look good on her wedding day!  I owe it to my family and husband who want me around as long as possible!  I owe it to myself because I want the pretty face to match the rest!

I have until the end of December 2011 to lose 65 lbs. and to be in shape to get measured for a bridesmaid dress.  My goal is to be in the best shape I can when I purchase the dress and to stay that way for my friend's big day and beyond.  I plan to share with you my triumphs and struggles throughout the coming months.  I know the road will be rough, but it will all be totally worth it in the end!  I hope you plan to follow me on this crazy journey.  I am a bridesmaid desperately searching for a tiny yellow dress and I can't wait until my search is over.