How to feel healthy and happy on your wedding day
Every bride and groom wants to look, and more importantly, feel, absolutely great on their wedding day. Sometimes, this requires adopting healthier habits, including making changes to your diet and starting an exercise routine. Need some help enhancing your wellbeing? Here are nine healthy habits to adopt before your wedding day:
1. Say no to detox diets
Whatever you do, don’t go on an extreme detox diet in an attempt to get in shape. While these diets might only be temporary, they can seriously harm your body. For instance, many detox diets limit your caloric consumption to around 800 calories a day, resulting in an even slower metabolism and malnutrition.
2. Develop your own exercise and nutrition plan
Think about your favorite foods and physical activities that can help you achieve a healthier lifestyle. Maybe you enjoy bike riding, hiking or dancing. Make it a goal to do these activities a few times a week to get in shape, reduce stress, and increase sleep quality. Also, think about all the nutritious foods you love — do you enjoy salads, fruits, and soups? Create a reasonable and balanced meal plan incorporating foods you actually enjoy eating. You’re more likely to stick with a diet and exercise regimen that takes your preferences into account.
3. Set realistic goals
Be realistic, and set quantifiable and measurable health and fitness goals that incorporate meal planning and a workout schedule. If your goal is to sleep better or reduce overall stress, what does that goal look like? If it’s gaining muscle or increasing your stamina, what is a realistic expectation? For instance, don’t expect to gain ten pounds of muscle in a week — that’s an unrealistic goal. However, committing to strength training three times a week might be a realistic one.
4. Don’t cut out any food groups
Are you tempted to embark on a gluten-free, dairy-free, or sugar-free diet? You should think twice. Instead of eliminating entire food groups (unless medically necessary), you should aim to follow a well-balanced diet that incorporates all food groups, even sweets, in moderation.
5. Eat more whole foods
To enhance your overall mental and physical wellness, it’s crucial to fuel up using whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and grains. Healthy snacks and meals include eating carrots and snap peas with hummus or adding fresh spinach and bell peppers to omelets.
6. Drink up
Drinking water keeps you hydrated and your body running optimally. Most people don’t drink enough water throughout the day and are chronically dehydrated as a result. This negatively affects everything from skin to cognition to sleep. Aim to drink at least ten cups of water per day, and try adding in some fruits with high water content, such as melon and berries.
7. Create a trusted skincare routine
While drinking water will help hydrate and improve skin, it’s still crucial that you develop a skincare routine that incorporates high-quality skincare products and involves wearing a daytime moisturizer that contains SPF. An effective skincare routine can prevent acne, treat wrinkles, and keep your skin looking and feeling its best.
8. Eat more often
Eating frequent small meals keeps your blood sugar steady and your metabolism running in tiptop shape, meaning you won’t experience any mid-day crashes or hangriness. Choose healthy snacks that are high in protein but low in sugar to feel your best throughout the day.
9. Stay accountable
You should consider disclosing to your friends and family that you’re trying to make healthier choices. Doing so will help you to stay more accountable for your choices. You can also track your progress and improve your accountability by writing in a personal journal every day or using a diet and fitness app.
Say “I do” to the best version of you!
It’s true — preparing for your big day can be super nerve-racking. But you can easily get in shape and adopt healthier habits by planning a few months in advance. Remember to avoid fad diets at all costs and instead focus on foods and activities you love and that help you to distress and feel your best.
References
- “10 Wedding Diet Tips Every Bride-to-Be Needs to Read,” Good Housekeeping, June 27, 2017.
- “Brides Reveal Their Best Weight-Loss Secrets,” Shape, n.d.
- “The Perfect Wedding Diet Plan for You, Whatever Your Timescale, Marie Claire, April 27, 2018.
