What is the best way to firm up/lose weight in 6 weeks?

[SeattleGirl]

I'm not talking about anything faddish; obviously, eating well and exercising are the best way to get in better shape. I have a nautilus machine, a treadmill, a gazelle, and some free weights. I'm coming out of a bit of a depression, and have not been exercising, nor being good about what I eat. My daughter is getting married at the beginning of March, and I really don't want to be looking/feeling this way then.

I don't expect to drop a lot of weight or anything, but even 10 pounds would be great, along with feeling more toned. Anyone have suggestions, other than get off my ass and start doing something (I already strongly suggested that to myself).

Thanks! :hi:

[Longhorn]

1. I'll be watching with interest -- one daughter is getting married 2/24

and her twin sister is getting married 4/28!

I started exercising this week -- strength training on my home gym and aerobics on my elliptical. I'll also start walking about 30 minutes a day when I go back to work next week. I'm not dieting but I'm trying to practice good eating habits such as eating small meals and snacks every few hours and ignoring urges that are not true hunger. At least my mother-of-the-bride dress fits me now -- it will only look better if I can lose a few. :)

[SeattleGirl]

2. Wow! Double congrats to you!

Sounds like you have a good plan for shaping up a bit before the weddings. I love walking -- it's my favorite type of exercise. I prefer walking outdoors -- but there's snow on the ground right now. So I'll have to do the treadmill and the gazelle.

I try not to "diet" -- seems that the minute I say that word, all I want to do is eat.

[Longhorn]

3. Thanks! Congratulations to you, too!

I teach and tutor at a community college. One of the older men who also teaches and tutors had a bypass operation last January and when he came back, I noticed him walking in the parking lot after work. I decided to start walking with him, partly to encourage him and keep him company and partly because I needed the exercise myself! Others have joined us (thank goodness because as much as I love the guy, his talking can drive you crazy! ;)) We've even had students walk with us. We make three laps around the parking lot, about half a mile each lap. It's not as brisk as I'd like but I have to let my friend set the pace. I was only walking twice a week last semester due to my schedule but I'll be working late four nights a week next semester so that should help a lot!

Hard to believe there's snow on the ground in Seattle! I'm in Austin where we're more likely to get sleet and ice than snow and generally only once every two years. So unless it's raining, we should be able to walk pretty regularly.

I agree with you about dieting. If I had known then what I know now, I would never have gone on that first diet when I was up five pounds 30 years ago. I would have started exercising and making better food choices. I honestly believe that dieting is what has caused me to gain weight over the years!

Do you have your dress? I got mine online from Nordstroms for $50! I ordered two sizes and two colors and I can take the extras back to the store for free or mail them back for a flat $5. My daughter just has to decide which color she likes the best. Pretty painless! :)

[SeattleGirl]

4. That's great that you're walking so much.

And how cool that others have joined in. I've tried to get MrSG to go walking with me, and he always says he will, but then he doesn't. Oh well.

I don't have my dress yet. Guess I'd better get to looking, huh?