So, what did Erika 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 and how many inches she lost.
Erika's Final Stats
Height: 5' 5"
Weight: 146 lbs. (from 158 lbs.)
Dress Size: 10 (from 14)
Total Pounds Lost: 12 lbs.
Total Inches Lost: 5 inches off waist, 3 inches off thighs, 2 inches off hips, 1 1/2 off arms
Q: What was your diet and exercise regimen during your Buff Brides experience?
A: During Buff Brides, I made sure to always eat breakfast. Breakfast means exactly what it says — break the fast. You need something to start your metabolism in the morning. Normally I'd have fruit and egg whites. Also, I made sure that I carried snacks with me everywhere. In my line of work, every minute is a dice game. You could have the best intentions for lunch and then find yourself at a crime scene for six hours straight. I had to snack on veggies or fruit if I was in the field and couldn't get to my lunch. Dinner was normally another vegetable and a meat. I had to learn portion control and to eat slower. I was actually full, but my stomach had not notified my head yet. I thought I was still hungry, so I continued to eat.
Bride-to-Be Tip: After you eat, wait 20 minutes before you go for a second serving. You probably won't need it. Also, drink water, water and more water. I cut soda out completely during the process. Well, maybe not completely, but I wasn't drinking a six-pack every day. Yes, I was a soda junkie. My name is Erika and I am addicted to soda. ... Do they have a Soda Anonymous group? I think I need it.
Anna, my trainer, and I decided that we would schedule a training session every day (Monday through Friday). I don't work a normal 9-to-5 job. My five days a week with Anna would normally turn into two or three times a week. What can I say? Duty calls.
Q: What was your favorite part of the experience?
A: My favorite part of the experience was meeting some of the other brides. They were farther along in their training and their wedding planning. I was able to get training and planning tips at one meeting. Plus, I could see the results of the program really working.
Q: What was your least favorite part of the experience?
A: My least favorite part of the experience was not knowing whether my mom was going to make the wedding. It had nothing to do with the actual training, but I wanted to quit the program. I love my trainer and we had an awesome time in the gym. But there was a time when the doctors thought my mother's cancer had returned. Between going to the primary care physician, oncologist, radiologist and surgeon, I felt as if I was being pulled in 40 different directions. Often I was too tired to do anything, let alone work out. I felt as though I should be spending time with my mom instead of worrying about weight that I could lose at any time. After speaking with my trainer, we decided to put the sessions on stand-by until I got a definite answer from the doctor. During this period, I sabotaged my diet by eating everything that was put in front of me. I learned that I am an emotional eater and I let the Devil Dogs and Twinkies soothe my worries.
After it was all said and done, I had to work twice as hard to keep on schedule. Trust me, Anna made sure I worked twice as hard for the days I missed.
As a side note, Mommy is fine. Her test results were benign and she looked beautiful at the wedding.
Q: Who was your biggest cheerleader?
A: I didn't have a biggest cheerleader. I had an entire squad. The cheerleading captains were Kwyne and Anna (my trainer). They kept me on my toes through the good and bad. Kwyne worked out also, so we were both watching our diets and exercising. And he understood when I didn't want to go to the movies because I was too tired to move. Not a day went by when I couldn't call Anna and cancel and she understood. If I fell off the wagon, she pushed me right back on it. She is a hard pusher! To all her other clients, I feel your pain. I'm here for you if you want to curse her out, without her hearing. I've done it a gazillion times, although I almost got caught once.
The rest of the squad consisted of the ladies at work, the other trainers at the gym, my friends who are dying to see me on TV, my mom who told me not to quit and also my mascot — my dad, who told me I was "puffy." Talk about motivation!
Q: Do you think you'd have been as happy on your wedding day if you hadn't lost the weight?
A: Definitely. The wedding was about Kwyne and me, not about weight. I never lost sight of the true meaning of marriage. I could not have asked for a more perfect wedding with or without the weight.
Q: What would you have done differently in regard to the program?
A: I would have asked more questions about nutrition. I had access to two of the nicest, funniest nutritionists ever, Tammy and Lyssie Lakatos. I e-mailed them in the very beginning of the program, but never followed through with them. There are some things I still don't understand about carbohydrates and proteins, body weight, muscle weight, etc. But I'm learning. I should have e-mailed them every day and camped out on their doorstep to gain more knowledge. Hey, it's not too late! I have a sleeping bag. Watch out Tammy and Lyssie!
Q: What would you have done differently in regard to the wedding?
A: I would not have changed a thing about our wedding. I think it was the best wedding I have ever been to. No, I'm not biased ... I can be an independent viewer. The weather was perfect, the site was perfect. What can I say? The entire weekend was perfect.
