Many
brides and grooms worry about their weight before their big day. Not only
do they want to look and feel their best for their soon-to-be-spouse, but for brides
especially, those hundreds of photographs will tell the tale of their weight for
generations to come. There are some very basic, but extremely important dos and
don’ts when it comes to losing weight or maintaining weight before your wedding. Here
are a few ideas to keep in mind as you prepare for your big day.
Working Out
Do work out regularly to shed or maintain weight in the months prior to your wedding.
Don’t expect that you can hit the gym for a few weeks before your big day and achieve
big results.
Working out requires dedication and a firm understanding of how the body works in order to
be effective. Many gyms offer certified personal trainers to help you develop a routine
that will be of the most benefit to you in the months prior to your wedding. You should
consider incorporating a workout into your schedule several times per week, for about an
hour per session, beginning at least six months before your wedding day. And
ladies—you may see a slight weight gain in the first couple of weeks. Don’t
panic. This is normal as your body develops lean muscle mass (which weighs more than fat
cells). It will pay off in the long run as you rock that strapless wedding gown.
Changing Eating Habits
Do eat healthy, portioned meals in your overall weight loss or maintenance plan.
Don’t reduce your caloric intake to unhealthy levels in an attempt to shed those last
couple of inches.
Your wedding day is one of the most elegant and important days of your life. No matter how
great you look in your skin-tight, sequined gown; you will look rather silly as you faint
into a heap at the altar because you haven’t eaten in three days.
There is no "up side" to developing poor eating habits that can lead to
malnutrition and poor health over the course of time. Telling yourself that you will
return to "normal" eating habits after the wedding is not only dangerous, it is
asking for damage to vital organs that can haunt you forever. It is better to use portion
control and smart nutrition to develop overall healthful eating habits that will last you
a lifetime.
Reduce Stress
Do plan your wedding and make every detail as perfect as you can.
Don’t sweat the small stuff.
No matter how organized you are, you may find yourself under stress as you plan your
wedding. Stress is one of the main reasons that individuals find it difficult to lose or
maintain weight, as stress creates a "fight or flight" instinct in our bodies.
When these two options occur, our bodies move into a protect mode that includes storing
fat.
Instead of worrying over each and every minute detail, try to develop an attitude that
your wedding will be as beautiful as you can make it with the resources that you have.
Make time every week for a de-stressing period that might include a massage or just an
evening alone with a good book and a glass of wine. Give yourself "time off"
during the planning of your wedding to enjoy all of the wonder of the experience.
