Tips on Getting in Shape for Your Big Wedding Day
Of all occasions, the wedding day is when you want to look your absolute best. All those nearest and dearest to you will be watching, the cameras snapping, capturing you from every angle – and you want to be stunning for all of it.
From the time an engagement ring is presented, most women automatically start counting calories. But as the big day gets closer, brides-to-be get busy, schedules get tighter and next thing you know the last dress fitting causes concern because the zipper won’t go up. But don’t fret, here’s what you can do to be picture perfect for the big day.
Set a Realistic Goal
Start with having a realistic goal. If your wedding is in six months and you want to lose 30 pounds, that’s an average of 1.25 lbs each week. The process of losing weight is creating a deficit between calorie intake and calories burned. You can do this by:
- Eating smaller portions.
- Identifying and limiting sources of empty calories in your diet, such as high-fat and high-sugar snacks.
- Incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your daily diet. They’re powerhouses of nutrition and can fill you up on fewer calories.
- Choosing leaner, lower-fat meat and dairy products.
- Eating your calories, not drinking them. Engagement is a time for celebrations and parties, so choose your beverages wisely.
- Exercising – the best way to get rid of calories is to burn them off. Incorporate cardio and strength training into your schedule to shed extra pounds and tone muscles for a picture-ready physique.
Consider Working with a Trainer
If it’s within your budget, consider working out with a certified personal trainer. They provide you with accountability and are able to train you correctly. Not only can a certified personal trainer provide you with an exercise routine, they can help you with food choices and much more.
For those who may not have the budget for a trainer, try participating in group fitness classes. The classes are designed for fun while burning calories and physically improving yourself. The instructors provide options for beginner, intermediate and advanced level participants.
Stick to a Workout Schedule
Whether you are working with a trainer or just walking the neighborhood for exercise, it is important to pick a workout time and stick with it. If you are going to workout at lunch always have your gym bag packed and ready to go the night before and do a quick check in the morning to avoid forgetting key items needed to workout. Also, try having a workout partner who has no mercy to provide an extra push.
Rely on a Support System
Most importantly, have supportive people to provide motivation and encouragement. They can be accountability partners, kindly reminding you when they see you eating a candy bar, “Are you supposed to be eating that?” A supportive network can also help you relieve some stress. Wedding planning can be a full-time job – and you can’t be expected to do it all alone.
Make a Habit of It
Something to take into consideration when losing weight or improving your appearance is the reason behind doing so. Yes, you want to look your absolute best for your wedding day. However what about the days that come after that? Your wedding may give you the initial incentive for losing weight. What will be your reason for keeping it off? Only you can decide that. If done correctly this can be a lifestyle changing process.
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