Getting in shape doesn't happen overnight. The good news is that by making changes to your diet and fitness routines, you can slim down in a year. So, when one iVillager asked for advice before her daughter's wedding, members stepped in with advice worth trying!

Wedding Tale to Try

I started eating breakfast every single day. I would have either a bran muffin with low-fat butter and an orange or a bagel with low-fat butter. For lunch I had tuna on whole wheat, and dinner was a tremendous salad with low-fat mozzarella cheese cubes stuffed into pita bread. I ate oranges for snacks.

I wore a size two petite wedding dress and I still fit into it today. I now can eat pretty much anything I want, but I found that my whole way of eating changed once I lost the weight.

Running is a wonderful way to get outside, either before you start the workday or after a long, hard day of sitting at a desk. I have met many new people through running as well. I have just about turned around all my friends who did not run and who were struggling with weight problems. It works for everyone. Running makes you feel so good. It improves your energy level and your self-confidence. You can sort so many things out while you are on the road.

I ran the morning of my wedding, June 14, 1987. It was hotter than hell, and I loved it. I felt relaxed and wonderful (and in shape) when I arrived at the church. Good luck! --Dawn

Countdown to Weight Loss