I don't want to be a fat bride

Yes you can lose the weight. And so can I.

No fast food.

No fried food.

No pop.

Drink tons of water.

Eating clean.

I've slacked big time on my diet and work outs lately, but that listed above is a start.

Baby steps. Don't look at the big number. Look at your weekly goal which will add up in the end.

You can do it. Just like what Angela Marie said. It's baby steps. I've digressed back but I'm trying to get back on track. I lost 25 lbs in 2 months.

You can do this! You already know you're ready for change just by the fact that you're here asking for help. July is 9 months away so you have time to start eating healthily and exercising regularly. Just don't lull yourself into thinking that you have forever. Take small steps now and watch yourself progress toward your goal

You can do it! You just have to keep telling yourself that

You will lose 5lbs in a week or two just by cutting soda. If you're after the fizzy feeling from those (like me), sparkling water and a couple squirts of lemon juice is really tasty, light and refreshing. AND calorie-free (minus the 1 or 2 cals from the lemon juice).

If you hate working out because you find it boring (like me), bring your smartphone to the gym, hop on that treadmill or elliptical and watch some Netflix. Sometimes that is literally the only thing that will get me through 30 minutes on a machine.

I have a 2 friends who did Weight Watchers and lost 100lbs each. But all of this takes dedication. It's all what you put in your mouth.

I have always been a fat girl. Recently I decided to do Medifast. I have lost 45 pounds since June 25. you can google it for info.

Megan we can do it!! I just started back to limiting starches and sweets. Now I need to get exercising.

I know how you feel. What actually makes it worse is when people say to me "Where do you plan to lose the weight?" And act like I'm not that big. Okay, so I'm not THAT big, but it makes me feel like even losing weight isn't going to make me look better on my wedding day. Like I'd have to get plastic surgery or something! Haha. I'd almost rather people tell me "Okay! You're fat! You gotta lose weight! You'll look so much better!" haha.

How I keep my tiny figure:

NO soda-- perrier or sweetened iced tea if I have to

NO fast food-- seriously never ever, I don't even think about it (a smoothie, coffee, or b'fast sandwich if I have to)

NO big dinners, big lunches instead

NO snacking-- if you're hungry make a meal

if you're planning on dessert, eat a little less dinner

and I'm putting my elliptical machine (when I can afford it) in front of the tv to watch my favorite day time shows so I can even go slow as long as I'm not on the couch

No snacking is a bad idea. You should eat more often throughout the day to keep your metabolism going. But the idea of snack means HEALTHY, like a piece of fruit or carrots or something like that.

I just went on a little jog (finally).

I've gained about 25 pounds since moving back to my hometown this summer, and it has been driving me nuts and making feel a little self-conscious. I've finally kicked the pop and cut back at eating at FH's parents house (Puerto Rican family, his mom can COOK!).

You just have to stay positive and start small. Cutting out soda and fastfood first, followed by upping the water intake and eating better. Let yourself cheat and splurge on some (healthier) favorites. I let myself indulge on strawberries dipped in lowfat coolwhip, yummy!

It's okay if super intense workouts aren't your thing (I HATE running!), try taking brisk walks while listening to your favorite music.

Seriously though, switching to water is the best thing. I find that when I keep myself very hydrated, I don't feel the urge to overeat.

Good luck and keep us posted on how it goes and what you decide to do!

HI almost date twin! You have 9 months, so don't jump onto some diet fad or fast. Slow and steady is your key. Check out my fitness pals ap. Its pretty nice. Get a fitness watch.. Mine was $50 at costco, it tracks my steps, miles, and calories burned. I want to lose 10 pound, but I really want to tone up, so I joined a new gym. I need to find the motivation to go, hopefully the newness will inspire me.

Almost forgot, cut out liquid calories. This is so hard for me because i LOVE wine and girls nights, and drinking a beer with my FI. But i once read a long island has 600 calories. YIKES. Sure a glass of wine may only have 100 calories or so, but can you stop at one? Eliminating one glass of wine a day equals about an extra pound a month.

If you keep saying you can't you won't. You need to think of it as a lifestyle change and not a diet. You should find something you love to do. Start small with walking first and then build on it. Try eating more fruits and veggies. Keep a journal and reward yourself for small achievements. Increase your water intake. Good luck to you and kick that weight to the curb. If you have a smartphone find some apps to help and encourage you.

I agree about a few things the other posters have mentioned... Mainly:

1. Drink water water water! I carry a bottle with me all day long and sip from it when I'm thirsty. Cut out almost all other beverages. I drink tea when I need flavor and milk/juice occasionally.

2. Snacking IS a good idea but with the right foods. Breakfast, something small later in the morning, lunch, afternoon snack and dinner. My favorite things to snack on include seasonal fruit, peanut butter bread, unsalted almonds (my favorite), nature valley bars or a good yogurt. Veggie sticks are good too. DO NOT SKIP MEALS especially breakfast- just pay attention to what you eat. Honestly this is the hardest part but it makes the biggest difference.

Everyone knows exercise is good for them it's just a matter of picking what's right for you.

You can do it! Talk to your doctor about a exercise routine and diet/lifestyle change. I think you'll get the best results in the healthiest way. Good luck and don't lose your motivation!

Check out 3 fat chicks on a diet. Their forums are great

It's all calories-in-vs-calories-out, honey. Find a physical activity that you enjoy doing, whether it's dancing, jogging, jousting, or what have you. (If you find a good jousting class, let me know. ) Do it, regularly, and also keep track of what you're eating. Write down the things you eat. Look up how many calories you're ingesting with each item (you will be surprised). I suggest using either a calorie counter or a nutritionist for this.

Other fast tips:

Stop drinking pop and "juice" that isn't 100% juice.

Eat more fruits and vegetables, preferably raw.

Drink lots of water.

You will be surprised how fast your eating habits will change, just by writing down every single thing you eat, every day. You will find yourself becoming accountable to yourself for what you eat, and that's the way to get and stay slim.

Good luck! We're rooting for you!

Oh, and if you find that you have a problem with something specific--I have a problem with gummy candy--find a healthy alternative. For gummies, I eat dried fruit instead. Chocolate? Eat a square or two of dark (70% or higher) instead. Cake? Check out raw vegan desserts! Yes, raw vegan desserts are also high in calories, BUT they're made with healthy ingredients that your body actually knows how to process. Part of the problem with losing weight is that the body doesn't know what to do with all the modern crap (high fructose corn syrup, etc.) that we tend to put into our bodies.

You can do it, take the steps instead of the elevators, walk to the local markets instead of driving, eat brown(s) nothing white; wheat bread, wheat pasta, etc. Remember to celebrate the Holidays. If you cut yourself off from everything; you will binge.

Since my FH & his family spends the weekends with me; I do "free" weekends.

Now that the holidays are coming Thanksgiving & Christmas; I will enjoy them with family, food and friends.

Good luck