So, what did Elpida really think about the Buff Brides experience? We asked her! Find out what she liked and disliked about the program and check out how much weight she lost!
Elpida's Final Stats
Weight: 142 lbs. (from 150 lbs.)
Dress Size: 6 to 8 (from 8 to 10)
Total Pounds Lost: 8 lbs.
Q: What was your diet and exercise regimen during your Buff Brides experience?
A: I went to the gym three to five days a week and met with my personal trainer, Jason, three of those days. In reality, some of the weeks I only worked out two days a week with Jason — it was pretty difficult with my schedule and his, but we did our best. I also tried my best to eat more healthy ... but admittedly one of the biggest challenges was figuring out the "right" amount of calories given my new exercise regimen. I was cutting back calories, but then would not have enough energy to get solid workouts in, so it was almost negating the value of the workouts (from a weight-loss perspective). My trainer would tell me I was not eating enough, and my blood sugar was too low. I found that I also was trying different diets every few weeks to find one that "worked." One thing I would recommend to future Buff Brides is to start with and stick to a diet from the get-go.
I finally was able to meet with a couple of nutritionists, who gave me a very helpful diet given my exercise regimen and weight-loss goals. It really is all about portion control and balance — you read and hear it all the time and at the end of the day it's what works. I also learned things like the importance of eating 100 percent whole wheat, whole grains, brown rice, whole-wheat pasta, and high-fiber cereals — vs. white, French or Italian breads; white rice or pasta. In retrospect, I really wish I would have started on that diet — or a diet similar to Weight Watchers — from day one. I think I would have lost more weight.
Q: What was your favorite part of the experience?
A: Gaining confidence, starting to actually enjoy going to the gym (it gets addictive!), learning how to properly strength train, and how to shape different parts of my body. I am no longer intimidated by the gym. I was also psyched to be able to do real push-ups in the end — not just "girl push-ups!"
Q: What was your least favorite part of the experience?
A: The added pressure during all the wedding planning.
Q: Who was your biggest cheerleader?
A: My husband, Frank, was my biggest cheerleader. However, he had been before Buff Brides as well. He really has taught me the benefits of taking good care of your body — from both a physical and mental perspective.
Q: Do you think you'd have been as happy on your wedding day if you hadn't lost the weight?
A: Yes. In the end, regardless of how much weight I lost or what I looked like, it was the absolute best, happiest, most beautiful day of my life.
Q: What would you have done differently in regard to the program?
A: I would have started and stuck with a good diet from day one. I was frustrated with the slow rate at which I was losing weight, and tended to switch around to various diets hoping one would work. In the end, I learned that diets such as Weight Watchers, which focus on portion control and still allow a variety of foods, were most beneficial for me.
Q: What would you have done differently in regard to the wedding?
A: Nothing. All the planning was so much fun, and it was all worth it on the day itself. It was so wonderful to see so many friends and family members we hadn't seen in such a long time.
