More than two weeks ago, when I went out shopping for an outfit to wear at Joey Fala’s wedding, I unfortunately had to look at my body in the mirror while trying on clothes. I was not happy with what I saw!

In fact, I had gone to the doctor for a well body checkup that morning and was shocked to learned that I weighed the most I ever had, except for when I was pregnant with my son Stephen.

I had been thinking about it for some time, anyway, and decided to go on a diet. I had seen the testimonials for the weight loss app, Noom (“Lose the weight for good”), and decided to give it a try. I have been religiously recording every single thing I eat and my weight daily. The app calculates the total calories I consume and how many calories I have left in the day. My goal is to lose 20 pounds, which is how much I’ve gained in the last 20 years.

The good news is that in the last two-and-a-half weeks, I have lost six pounds. But I knew it was going to be a challenge coming to the wedding and going on tour, so I even bought a travel scale to weigh myself daily while on the trip!

Last night’s Rehearsal Dinner was a wonderful opportunity for me to meet Joey Fala’s family—I’m so glad he seated me at the table with his uncles and aunties, and his parents, Joe and Patsy Fala. The food was served family-style, and we savored each delicious taste of this wonderful feast:

Grilled peppers in a cream sauce • Romaine caesar greens with grated fresh cheese • Pommes frites (French fries) • Cooked spinach • Beef bourguignon • Baked chicken with fingerling potatoes • Baked fresh salmon over lentils • Lemon tart • Chocolate mousse with fresh whipped cream • Bread pudding with caramel sauce

I’m afraid I only took photos of the dessert, but believe me, each bite of the main courses and starters were savory and tasty.

But people, especially Joey’s uncle André who is a medical doctor I was sitting next to, noticed the small quantity of food I was putting on my plate, and I explained that I was on a diet. He complimented me on how much discipline I had in trying everything, but putting only a tablespoon of each delicious dish on my plate.

Alas! I still went over on my total calorie intake and weighed a half pound heavier today. I’ll keep trying!