"My husband and I decided to dive into Shed for the Wed a few months after getting engaged, knowing that the wedding date would soon be approaching. I was hesitant at first. I wouldn’t say that I ate unhealthy, but I was extremely picky when it came to healthy foods. Quinoa- no thanks. Kale- not interested unless it’s fried in ALL the fat.  I knew this was going to be more of a lifestyle change than a “wedding diet”. My then fiancé and I met with Alexandra to talk about our goals.  She was incredibly understanding and open to tweaking parts of the program to fit our lifestyle. We got started the second week of January and never looked back.  

We were given weekly meal lists that were ALL delicious. They were a mix of comfort foods (the healthy version, of course), salads, and snacks. We were given documents that guided us when we were eating out, which was extremely helpful for two people who like to take a few meals off from cooking.  We definitely had our favorites from the weeks, but never felt that we were starving ourselves or working EXTRA hard.  

We started to see results within the first few weeks. My better half was losing about 5 pounds a week. I wasn’t far behind- around 2-3 pounds a week. As we started to get further along in the process, we weren’t seeing the pounds fall off as rapidly, but were still thrilled about the progress. 

We completed the typical two months of the program and then lived the “Shed for the Wed" life until the wedding. We kept eating our favorite recipes and continue to cut out the foods and drinks Alexandra had told us to.  After 3 months on the program, my husband lost 25 pounds and I lost 19. This was an amazing feat because I have tried EVERYTHING. We have now been married for 2 months and still use the recipes and guidelines. It has become a way of life for us and we are forever grateful to Alexandra and Shed for the Wed." - Kaitlyn S. (Bride in Chicago, Il) 

"My wedding was the perfect excuse to take back control of my health. While I’ve always liked kale and quinoa as much as I like macaroni and cheese, I needed a system (not a diet) to help me make smarter choices and eat intentionally leading up to the big day, and beyond. And Shed for the Wed did just that. Not only was I provided with delicious recipes, but also helpful information and lots of motivation. This is not a crash diet course, it’s a different way of eating. And with that, it’s completely adaptable to your lifestyle: you are given a certain number of cheat days, resources on how to eat out at restaurants, and recipe options you can play with to best fit your preferences. It sets you up for long-term success, but also short-term as well. Over the course of 2 months, I lost 13 pounds! 

Week 1 was the most challenging week for me, as I had to learn to curb my cravings (white sugars) and snack smarter. Thankfully, my friend at work and I were doing Shed for the Wed together, so she kept me on track. Having a buddy throughout the process was very beneficial, to not only share the experience with, but to hold each other accountable as well. 

But even without a buddy, Shed for the Wed sets you up for success. Alexandra was always there to answer questions right away, and the Facebook group was a safe place to ask advice (and share pictures of the yummy food) from Alexandra and other Shedders. Plus, the recipes were so good that my now-husband was happy to eat whatever I was making.  

Just a few weeks into the program, I felt different—good different. I was losing weight, my energy levels were up, my skin was clearer. By my wedding day, I felt so good in my body: slender, strong, confident, glowing. I felt beautiful." - Jamie H. (Bride in Detroit, MI)

"After trying and giving up on several fitness and health programs, I met Alexandra and learned about Shed for the Wed. I was getting married and Shed for the Wed sounded like the program I needed. At the beginning of the program, I was the heaviest I had ever been. I was stressed with wedding planning and other things going on in my life. I was always tired and wasn’t making great choices when it came to my nutrition. Shed for the Wed helped me create a plan and set reachable goals. The meals were delicious, and the motivation and encouragement I received from Alexandra was just what I needed. She was always there when I needed advice quickly (especially when I would go out to eat). I definitely had my ups and downs during the program but couldn’t be happier with the end results. I lost 12 pounds, have so much more energy, became more comfortable in the kitchen and with food in general, and most importantly, I went to my first dress fitting feeling confident! Shed for the Wed didn’t just help get me ready for my upcoming wedding, it helped me become a healthier person. I now have the right strategies to maintain a healthy lifestyle!" - Nicole F. (Bride in Chicago, Il)

"I have lost 10 lbs!! I have lost an inch in my chest and half an inch on my hips. I definitely feel better and have more energy.

My favorite recipe was the lettuce wraps, they were so good! I also loved most of the salads, the egg muffins, edamame fried rice, zucca caprese, brown rice stir-fry, and the smoothies. While I can't keep up with all of them, I prioritize based on my schedule and what sounds the best/easiest that week.

Sometimes I struggled and wanted to eat pizza :) but overall my attitude was good.  Overall, this program has been great. I love receiving all of the recipe ideas each week. I wish this could go on forever!" -Sara S. (Bride in Kohler, WI)

"(Writing this as I eat my overnight vanilla chia pudding at work HEHE).
 
All and all, this program is fantastic. The meals have been amazing, really well thought out, EASY(!), and delicious! I found with every meal I was enjoying cooking more, discovering new recipes and also, not craving as much (or as much of "the bad stuff"). No one liked to come over and hang out with me anymore because all we had in our fridge was veggies and fruit, but hey, you win some you lose some. Hah! Also, I was teaching people new recipes. When I went home for the 4th of July, I taught my whole family all about zoodles and they went nuts! My dad calls me every week to tell me about a new zoodle recipe he's discovered, it's hilarous. 
 
I've lost 6 lbs and 1 inch (around my waist). I definitely felt better after month 1. A LOT better. The decrease in drinking alcohol was key for me. Even cutting out a weekend of drinking, I went into a new week feeling fresh and rejuvenated. Getting on that track made me feel healthy and happy. I'm also way satisfied with what I'm eating and the portions. I'm not craving a lot throughout the day, which is big. I was totally afraid after only having a smoothie in the morning, I would be dying by 10 am, but I'm happy and satisfied!
 
As always, thank you, thank you. Everything you provided us was incredible and awesome. I have learned a lot about cooking, eating right and myself! I'm excited about continuing this lifestyle and feeling great. You're the best!"

- Maggie C. (Maid of Honor in Chicago, Il)

"WOW. Amazing experience, really. For the last 10 years, I have always been in good shape, but constantly putting the wrong things in my body. This program not only helped me get leaner than I was, but it made me feel better overall. I never realized how important it is the eat the right foods, but now that I know what it feels like, I don’t want to turn back! Albeit difficult at times, it was worth every minute. I feel like a new person, and I have learned better eating habits! Can't say enough good things!” - Sharbel S. (Groom-to-be in Chicago, Il)

"Overall I lost 8 pounds! Which I am really happy with. I fell off the bandwagon with summer and I think overall that if I was a bride I would have stuck to it and lost more!! My lifestyle isn’t at home and I am not a cook. So I liked the plans that were the easiest and liked less ingredients.  While I was doing the program I really had improved energy and I tasted the flavor of foods a lot more, especially fruits and veggies. Some of my favorite recipes were the green smoothie bowl and the salmon teriyaki-ish! When I cheated my body felt awful!

The menu of how to eat at restaurants was really great! I was also challenged with the water intake but it was a good challenge :) 

Shed for the Wed is a great program and Alexandra provides A LOT of value." - Megan T. (Chicago, Il)

Other praise for Alexandra

Agreeing to participate in the program was one of the best things I could have done for myself.  Although I am not overweight by any means, I knew that I needed guidance making better choices to improve overall health and wellness. By the end of the program, not only did I feel healthier, but I was particularly amazed by the change in my overall mood. Although I understood that food is interconnected with psychosocial wellness, I never knew that this program would have such a significant impact.

Changing habits takes self discipline and consistency. For this reason, I could not have been as successful without my coach Alexandra.  She is extremely knowledgeable, warm, motivating, and responsive 24/7. She is focused on making sure that you reach your goals and receive the full benefits of the program. Alexandra was always willing to spend time with me to address questions, fears, or suggestions to adjust the program based on my food preferences. I could not have asked more from the service that I received.

I would recommend this program to anyone who wants to improve their overall quality of life. I am extremely impressed by the quality of the service and the benefits this program offers. Give it a try! You will love it!

- Christina P. (Bridesmaid in Philadelphia, PA)

One of my big goals working with Alexandra was learning to cook. As a spinning instructor, I know how to take care of my body, but I wanted to take my fitness to the next level by nourishing my body inside and out. I went from not knowing where to start in the kitchen to cooking every week! 

I used to look in the mirror and feel bad about myself, I knew I wasn't eating right. After doing SHED for life, I feel amazing! Friends I haven’t seen in a while immediately comment on my new slender self! I’m finally treating my body the way it deserves and it feels so good to be guilt free! 

Now that I’m finished with the 8 weeks, I already can’t wait to go through the SHED program again!" - Kristen S. (New Orleans, LA)

I felt full and satisfied after all of the meals. I still have the occasional craving but I never feel deprived.  I definitely feel more energized and healthy, and I feel like my body is getting tighter in some places. I finally feel like I am on the right track. Everything you guys do is great, and really supportive and insightful. It really makes a difference to have you check in with us and the education is really great too.

I have a whole different perspective on food and what I am putting into my body. I really feel like my body is thanking me for that. I have learned that a plate of broccoli is just as satisfying as a bowl of chips (except I don’t have a horrible guilty feeling after). I am actually craving veggies. I learned that I can eat half the portions of what I was eating before and feel just as full. I learned to slow down and really enjoy the food I am eating. I learned that by cooking my own food 7 days a week that I really do enjoy eating it more and knowing exactly what I am eating is great. I was trying really hard to cut out whole grains before this program because I tried the Paleo diet, and I realized that they really are not unhealthy and do give me the energy I need. I think that when I was depriving myself of them before this program, I ended up eating more (not necessarily healthy foods).

This program was so much more than I thought it would be, and I am so glad I did it.  The support and information is so helpful and most importantly the variety of recipes keeps me from getting bored, which makes me less likely to eat out or eat bad foods. Can’t say enough good things! Thank you Alexandra!

- Trina N. (Chicago, Il)