Diet tips for brides to be
THE wedding day is arguably one of the most important days of a woman’s life and has for some provided the motivation needed to lose the love handles and the double chin.
It stands to reason that if you are spending crazy money on your big day, you at least want to make the event, and yourself for that matter, as picture perfect as possible. That means having the perfect dress and the perfect body — based on your ideal of perfection — to fit into it.
“People want to look fab for the wedding because it is a special day and they want to present their best self because all eyes will be on them,” said nutritionist and fitness expert Donovan Grant, who explained that some women also try to get healthy around the wedding period because they plan to start a family after their nuptials.
Then there is the honeymoon to consider, where most often than not, you are expected to whip out the two piece bikini and frolic on the beach or poolside at a resort you’ll probably never be able to afford again in your lifetime.
Some brides-to-be unfortunately resort to quick fixes and extreme measures to drop the pounds quickly, but if you are a sensible bride, you’ll know that much like a relationship, a healthy lifestyle takes a little while to develop.
If you are planning a December wedding, now is a good time to start the healthy lifestyle phase of your life, which will not only have you looking good on your wedding day, but throughout your new life with your husband-to-be.
Here are a few tips for looking your best on your big day. Let the countdown to a healthier looking you begins:
1. Try to eat more at home. Following the engagement, chances are you will be meeting up a lot more to cement plans for the big day. If at all possible, try to have these meetings at home where you can prepare healthier meals together and if you must go out, at least choose restaurants that prepare healthier options.
2. Get a partner in crime. You are going to have to wage a war on fat if you plan to trim down for the wedding day. The fight will no doubt be easier to win if you have a partner to hold you accountable and become an exercise buddy. Your future husband could take on this role as he assists you in reaching your fitness goals.
3. Eat breakfast. With all the planning you’ll have to undertake for the big day, it is very easy to forget to eat or just load up on junk food. Breakfast is the easiest meal to prepare and will help to fire up your metabolism. It also sets the stage for a day of healthy eating.
4. Let your circle of friends know. Inform your friends of your new lifestyle so that they can choose healthier meal options for get-togethers to discuss wedding plans. If you have a say in the planning, ask that they choose healthy venues for showers, parties and outings associated with the wedding. When you do go to these events, try and focus more on the activities and conversations more than the appetisers.
5. Get sufficient sleep. Planning a wedding is stressful, but not a viable excuse for missing out on sleep. Too little shut-eye can leave you even more stressed out and hinder your weight loss efforts. Aim for at least seven to eight hours sleep each day, so you can be at your very best every day.
6. Invest in a personal trainer. It might add to your expenses, but if you can afford it, investing in a personal trainer will ultimately pay off. They can help to keep you focussed on your goals and give you tips on how to look your fittest for the big day.
7. Drink a lot of water. Water helps to keep you hydrated and temper hunger pangs so you won’t be tempted to overeat. Consider, too, the glowing skin you’ll have on your big day, by constantly replenishing with H2O.
8. Purchase a goal outfit. This could be the dress you plan to wear to your reception dinner or a swimsuit two sizes smaller that you definitely want to model in when you and your husband hit the coast during your honeymoon. It doesn’t matter what your goal outfit is, just as long as it inspires you to do whatever it takes to fit into it by your big day.
