I have heard and noticed that people have made many comments about gaining "mucho" weight during their marriage. Some have gained significantly, some have gained through age, and others have gained from illnesses and diseases. I can, honestly, say that marriage tends to add poundage to the hips, thighs, and abs. Unlike, some married couples, I have lost weight as a newly wed.
My husband, Isaac, is a naturally athletically built man. He is a nature aficionado; he loves working out, but he has injured his shoulder due to the physical demands of his job. He inspires me to maintain a healthier lifestyle. Since his workout routine have decreased, I made mental note that I, too, can decrease my motivation to workout. During the first few months of our marriage, I myself have lapsed, but not from injuries, rather, guilty from overeating-food gluttony.
It's hard to be tight, tone, and acquire a perky, yoga butt. I remember my bachelor days in Murray Hill, Manhattan: my yoga teacher, Vicki, fascinated me with the concept of a "yoga butt." Vicki's toned, slender body was healthy slender, not scary thin. I always thought woman where classified in three main body groups: thin (like bones protruding), average (borderline overweight), and fat (technically obese- according to BMI charts).
It was rare for me to see a women toned. I hardly found a healthy, firmed gal with defined, arm biceps, a perky butt, toned abs, and strong legs. Yoga gurus and active participators changed my perspective on a healthy body.
Yoga attendees are strong and healthy people. I thought being "pretty" meant having the thin frame Hollywood. Sadly, many Manhattanite women still strive for the gaunt, emaciated look. I intellectually knew that celebrities portrayed an unrealistic portrayal of the average women, but emotionally didn't accept my own belief system and rational conclusions.
The pressure to be thin and skinny are still evident today, in fact, the thin craze mindset and hysteria have rubbed off on brides-to-be. More brides are feeling the pressure to look "thin" in their wedding gowns. A bride's dread of looking "fat" in her wedding album is motivation itself to diet excessively. I, unlike, the modern bride, gained a lot of weight before my "I do's".
I even popped a bridal gown button on my BIG DAY! Luckily, my two sister-in-law's helped cover the tiny, budding hole. After settling in as a newly bride, I became unaware of my toxic, addictive eating habits. For reasons abound, I began to cope with stress and low self-image with comfort foods, my favorites: chips and tortilla cheese dip, fries, and snacks. One day, out of sheer bravery and fear (of hurting me), Isaac sat me down and told me I had an addiction. I, at first, was very defensive, and thought him controlling, later realized that I did have a problem.
I created my own version of the "Biggest Loser" weight loss / toned program. I look forward sharing my tips, routine, and healthy recipes-Italian style with you.
