By Brad Morgan
You dream of your wedding day your whole life. Looking perfect is a must, and for many, that means weight loss is a major concern.
Along with getting the dress, booking a caterer, and arranging flowers, quick weight loss is at the top of many brides' minds. Here are some weight loss strategies so you can make sure all eyes are on you - and that you like it! - on your special day.
1. Pay attention to good nutrition.
While it may seem like a great time for a fad diet or to stop eating, resist the temptation. You want to look good, but you also want to feel good. Your wedding is not the time to deprive yourself of nutrition.
Diets that result in quick weight loss aren't always safe, so the key to being fit for your wedding is to start early. You can fit into your dream gown and look good in all your pictures if you follow a healthy plan for nutrition.
* Skip the soda or dessert. By cutting only 200-250 calories a day, you are on you way to weight loss.
* Don't skip meals. This puts your body in starvation mode, when it stores fat instead of burning it.
* Get plenty of fiber and protein. These will help you keep your body healthy and aid in weight loss.
* Eating right can be hard when you are busy, which makes convenience foods so dangerous. Resist the temptation by always carrying good snacks with you.
* Relieve stress with activity - yoga, meditation, walking, playing with your dog - instead of eating. Too often, people reach for sugary, starchy foods when they are stressed out. Do something instead.
* Don't get carried away with pre-wedding parties. Instead of grabbing a calorie-laden, bloat-inducing alcoholic drink, try water instead.
* Cut empty calories (like sugary desserts - opt for fruit instead if you crave sweetness).
2. Exercise is essential.
Worrying about your weight and then deciding to do something about it a few days before your wedding is not going to work.
You have to start the weight loss process far enough in advance so you can lose weight healthily. Don't harbor unrealistic expectations that you can drop pounds overnight.
* Start exercising. You can start slowly by walking around the block every day or going to a fitness class. As always, add intensity and variety to your workouts to keep the weight coming off.
* Invest in a Bride Boot Camp fitness video or program. A lot of trainers have recognized the need for a great exercise regimen before a wedding. Take advantage! They are challenging and rewarding.
* Dance. It is always fun to move to music - you won't even realize you're exercising. But your body will. It also helps you get ready for your first dance as a wife.
* Some particularly effective exercises include:
- Anything cardio. Get your heart going.
- Pushups. If you can't do a traditional form, try a modified one. You'll still get the same terrific results and have great chest and back muscles to show off on your wedding day.
- Lunges. These can be a little hard on the knees, but if you can do it, they are wonderful for your butt and thighs.
- Yoga and Pilates are effective for giving you a leaner, more graceful look.
- Use a stretchy band. These are easy ways to add resistance to your cardio or strength routines, and they help firm muscle.
- Good posture can make you appear thinner. You'll also look more confident and beautiful.
3. Weight loss blunders brides often make
* Not starting soon enough. Many people delay their weight loss program, thinking they have plenty of time. Soon, you are down to a month before the wedding. This is just not enough time to lose weight in a healthy manner. Weight loss doesn't happen overnight, and if you try to make it, you can damage your health.
* Skipping the exercise. Exercise is essential: it helps you lose weight, keep it off, and give your body a more toned, sexy look. You need to do it!
* Drastically cutting calories. When you try to cut too many calories - by skipping meals, for instance - your body responds by shutting down. It no longer burns fat; it stores it because it thinks it is starving. Do yourself a favor: eat!
* Having unrealistic goals. If you have always been about a size 12, you're not going to magically become a size 4 for your wedding. This is fine - it's your body. You can still tone your body and look amazing on your day. Choose a dress that flatters your real body, not the one you wish you had.
If you want to lose weight before your wedding, start as soon as you get engaged!
Have a celebratory glass of champagne after your boyfriend pops the question. The next day, get started on a healthy, safe weight loss program that can help you look your best.