Le Beau and I are lagging when it comes to the physical preparation for our wedding.  And by physical preparation, I mean getting into shape, looking good and feeling great.  Although our engagement was pretty much solidified over New Year’s, it wasn’t until recently did we really take notice how much we are not improving ourselves healthwise.

Don’t get me wrong. I love him in every form, and he loves me too. But when you can barely finish a flight of stairs without panting or groan whenever you pick up a slightly heavy load, it starts to become embarrassing.  I’ve not really been the most active person ever, but I used to be fitter than this.  This has to be the worst shape I’ve ever been in.

So the No Meat Challenge comes in.

Earlier in the year, my good friend Adah already started doing this. I couldn’t join her mainly because work commitments would put me in situations where food consumption (of each kind, too) is required, like client calls, business lunches, et al.  Now that we have roughly six months left into our planning, I have no other excuse to postpone it.

There were some blogs that defend why they don’t want to lose weight for their wedding and I absolutely respect that opinion.  I agree with it too.  To me, because I am marrying the love of my life, I want to be at my best. This is not it.  Besides, for me, it’s not that much about losing weight.  It’s more about feeling good, being able to keep up with the things I want to do with my husband-to-be.  This form will not be able to do all those things.

There are only two rules to our No Meat Challenge:

1. No meat except fish.  I wish I can say we can exclude that, but there really is no way to not consume sashimi and sushi.  There really isn’t.  And I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one feeling this way.

2. No rice.  As an Asian woman (lol), this would probably be harder than skipping meat altogether.  This rule require us to be more creative, so you can count on us stocking up on cereals, whole wheat bread, and other carb alternatives.  I managed to pick up a good bag of vegeroni pasta, too.  I’m not sure how veggie is this vegeroni but I’m trusting my gut on this one.

Of course, just like any other fitness trainer would advise, the diet will not work without proper exercise. Early in the year I have committed to complete at least four (4) hours of exercise.  Off the top of my head, my favorites would easily be yoga and HIIT.  I might be able to squeeze in some running and biking too, when given the time.

I’m actually excited and nervous at the same time for this challenge: excited because I now have a compelling reason to duly follow through, nervous because I am a sore loser.  I have a feeling Le Beau will kick my butt on this one.

There is no goal weight.  There is only a goal feeling.  And I mean that too.  I intend to spend a long life with this man.  A VERY VERY VERY LONG LIFE.  I want a very very long life with this man.

Even though thousands of people already do this, I’ll do my best to keep you posted of my progress.  On Friday, I’ll post my meal plan for this week.  Hopefully as the challenge progresses, I’ll have a set grocery list to share with you.  Mind you, items that will be listed on the list are all sourced from the Philippines.

Wish me luck! And if you have a fitness goal, I wish you so much luck too. <3

Photos from Ditz Revolution, Atlantic Seafood Market, Clueless Curl