Getting in Shape for Your Wedding

 

   Having worked in the wedding gown business, I can tell you that approximately 95% of my brides, while trying on gowns, said they wanted to lose weight or get in shape before their wedding.  And I'm pretty sure I'm not exaggerating that number.  That certainly doesn't mean they all needed to, but upon getting engaged, something fires in our brains telling us that we have just got to trim down to look our best come wedding day.  I admit it-- I did the same thing when I got married!
    So what to do about it?  We can't deny that the biggest get-fit rules are 1) eating healthier, 2) eating less, and 3) exercising.  Need something more specific?  Here are some rules of thumb from celebrity trainers and registered dietitians, as featured on MSNBC and David Zinczenko's The Abs Diet for Women :

• Start your diet and exercise regime upon getting engaged--- don't wait until the last minute.
• Make your fitness goals a priority.  Treat your workouts like a part-time job that you must attend daily.
• Do weight training along with cardio.  Lifting weights will keep your body burning calories long after your workout, and will tone muscles like arms and back that will be seen in your wedding gown.
• Pair eating less calories with exercise.  Don't use just one or the other.
• Cut out high-sugar juices and sodas.  Reach for water instead.
• Be sensible.  Losing too much weight or doing it too quickly will make you lethargic and irritable, unable to fully enjoy your engagement experience.
• Watch your alcohol intake.  There are plenty of events going on making it easy to party your way through the engagement, but most alcoholic drinks are filled with empty calories and also make it easier to inhale way more of the wrong foods.
• If you've waited until the last minute to start losing weight, restrict calories and avoid salt for only a week or two.  Be very wary of crash diets or diet pills, both of which can do more harm than good.
• Try adjusting to a plan that you can continue for life, not just a fad diet.  Restrictive diets and over-the-top exercise plans set you up to gain it back quickly as soon as the honeymoon starts.
• Focus on health and nutrition.  Your body will be much better off if your are properly nourishing it.  You want wedding guests to say you look "fit", not "sick".
• Start taking a multivitamin if you don't already.  This will benefit you big time, especially on a diet, and an increase of folic acid gives your body a boost should you decide to become pregnant in the months after the wedding.
• Cheat once a week.  Take advantage of date nights or dinners with friends, making sure to enjoy your engagement!

Comments

[Heather Ahrens]

Great tips! Keeping in shape not only helps your body it also makes you happier.