After seeing photos of herself just moments after getting engaged, Haley Smith decided she needed to make a very big change before her wedding day. Picture: Carters
SHE SAID yes — both to marrying the love of her life and to forming a healthier relationship with her body.
Haley Smith, 24, a blonde and bubbly postgraduate psychology student from Amarillo, Texas, weighed 125kg when Matt Smith asked her to be his bride in July of 2015.
It was seeing her proposal photos that pushed Haley to change her diet and fitness habits so she could finally feel comfortable in her own skin.
Haley Smith and Matt Smith on their proposal photos. Picture: Haley SmithSource:Caters News Agency
“I saw the pictures and cried my eyes out. I didn’t even recognise myself,” Haley told Caters.
Haley not only hated how she looked, but she despised the discomforts her heavy weight caused.
“I was fed up with getting chafing on all of my body parts that rubbed and sweat,” Haley told Caters.
“I couldn’t sleep, had aches and pains all over my body, high blood pressure, poor complexion, heartburn and got headaches practically every day,” she said.
Haley Smith was so shocked by her proposal photos, she decided to lose 50kg before her wedding day. Picture: CatersSource:Caters News Agency
That’s why Haley — who once avoided going to the beach so she wouldn’t have to show off her body — wasn’t going to let her wedding day be the same.
“I decided to make my engagement year the year I made a change,” Haley told Caters.
When childhood sweethearts Haley and Matt tied the knot on Oct. 8, Haley modelled her lithe new physique in a form-fitting white off-the-shoulder gown.
A newlywed was shocked into losing almost 50kg after embarrassing proposal photos left her in tears. Pictures: CatersSource:Caters News Agency
By working out five times per week and by doing both cardio and strength training, Haley lost 49kg.
The stunning bride credits her husband’s unconditional love with helping her achieve her dream body after years of emotional eating and a lack of body confidence.
“He even loved me enough to propose to me at my highest weight when I was feeling unlovable. He has seen me at my best and my worst,” Haley told Caters.
Haley works out at least once a day. Picture: CatersSource:Caters News Agency
The couple plans to go to New Zealand for the honeymoon — a trip Haley said she’d never imagined she’d be fit enough to go on.
Haley Smith’s bridal shoot, looking fit, healthy, and very happy.Source:Caters News Agency
Matt and Haley on their engagement shoot this summer. Picture: Caters.Source:Caters News Agency
“A year ago, I wouldn’t have been able to hike on a glacier, go mountain climbing, feel confident snorkelling and many of the other activities we have planned. It’s going to be a trip of a lifetime,” she told Caters.
This article originally appeared on the New York Post.
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