Foods to Avoid Before Your Wedding Day – Including Some Texas Favorites
You’ve spent hours searching for the perfect hairstyle on Pinterest. You’ve invested hundreds of dollars in a makeup artist who works magic. And your day-of attire has been lovingly tailored to fit like a glove.
Everyone wants to feel beautiful on their wedding day, but here’s the big secret: When it comes to your wedding day appearance, what’s inside matters just as much as what’s outside. In other words, you’ll want to watch what you eat and drink in the days leading up to your nuptials!
Why You Should Avoid Certain Foods Before Your Wedding
Most people know the foods that don’t agree with them, but it’s easy to ignore your gut when you know you have plenty of time to recover on the couch. But on your wedding day? Nobody has time for energy crashes and water retention!
Simply put, you have to feel your best if you want to look your best. As your wedding day nears, that means cutting out foods that cause sluggishness, bloating, and acne. (Your makeup artist is a whiz, but that doesn’t mean you should test their skills with an unwelcome blemish!)
And, of course, you’ll want to maintain the perfect fit for your dress. You don’t want to bust a seam because of bloating, but you also don’t want to eat so little that your dress feels loose. This is not a time for crash diets or fasting cleanses; just mind your sensitivities and stick to healthy foods!
Foods to Avoid Before Your Wedding
The wrong food choices can have a major impact on our bodies, so it’s wise to pay attention to what you consume as your wedding date closes in.
General Foods to Avoid
Here are some foods to avoid to help you look (and feel!) your best from the rehearsal to the honeymoon.
Sugar
You saw this one coming, right? Sugar causes inflammation in the body, inside and out. Plus, it can confuse your appetite and increase unhealthy cravings. And for the diet soda lovers, this rule goes for artificial sweeteners as well. After all, they’re created to trick your brain into thinking it’s sugar — so you’ll end up with the same cravings either way.
If your sweet tooth won’t quiet down, opt for healthy fruits instead. A banana, a handful of berries, or an apple with peanut butter can stop the craving (and provide valuable nutrients). You can also have a delicious glass of cold orange juice — just make sure it doesn’t come with added sugars hidden in the ingredients!
Alcohol and Carbonated Beverages
What’s a wedding week without a bottle (or two…or three) of champagne? While you might love the idea of going out for a “last hurrah” with friends, alcohol weakens the digestive system and can cause discomfort and bloating. Not to mention the dreaded hangover you want to avoid!
As for carbonated beverages, sodas and sparkling waters increase gas and bloating — not to mention unbelievable amounts of sugar (see the last point!). Like alcohol, carbonation can impact your digestion, too. Just wait until the reception and you can go to town! Rum and coke, anyone?
Spicy Foods
Who doesn’t expect a little spiciness during their wedding week? In this case, it’s best to leave the spice for the wedding night! Delicious as they are, spicy foods are not your friend — especially when you want to feel your best on the biggest day of your life.
Acid reflux, heartburn, bad breath, and indigestion are just the beginning of the side effects — spicy foods can also mess with your sleep quality. It’s best to avoid it unless you want to show up to the ceremony, sleep-deprived and popping Tums like candy.
Cruciferous Veggies
We know what you’re thinking: “So I can’t have healthy food either!?” That’s not what we’re saying! You can (and should) enjoy a rainbow of fresh and cooked veggies before your wedding, but it’s best to leave out cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, bok choy, cauliflower, kale, arugula, brussels sprouts, and cabbage.
While healthy, these veggies are extremely high in fiber and can make you gassy (especially when consumed raw). Enough said, right? That goes for any high-fiber diet, so be mindful of your intake during your wedding week.
Fried and Processed Foods
How can anyone expect you to manage pre-wedding stress without a healthy dose of french fries and doughnuts? While convenient and delicious, fried and processed foods are often packed with sugar, trans fats, and other nasty ingredients that will make you feel less than spectacular on your big day.
Yes, they make your tastebuds happy. But fried and processed foods are hard for our bodies to break down, which will manifest in the form of low energy levels and an upset stomach. No thanks! Plus, depending on how your body reacts, it can also make your wedding gown feel a bit more snug around the middle. So maybe save the guilty pleasures for the honeymoon and beyond!
Coffee and Other Sources of Caffeine
Coffee is more than a guilty pleasure — for some, it’s a lifeline to the living. Caffeine regularly appears in bridal emergency kits, and it’s for just that: emergencies. While caffeinated drinks can help you keep your eyes open, they are dehydrating and lead to a killer headache when you crash.
Instead, try some hot herbal tea. Pick some caffeine-free teas, like those with lavender or chamomile, which offer the added benefit of a de-stresser! By getting a solid night’s sleep, you can also help kick caffeine cravings. And if you have to squeeze in a cup of joe, remember that it is not a replacement for good, old-fashioned H2O. Be sure to hydrate with extra water!
Granola
Wait – it’s a trap! Granola is often considered a quick, easy, and healthy choice. Unfortunately, it’s too good to be true. Store-bought granola is packed with carbs and sugars, which will cause your insulin levels to spike and lead to even more cravings. Plus, they can wreak havoc on your waistline.
Instead, opt for a healthy trail mix, containing vitamins, protein, healthy fats and fiber. If you need your granola fix, head over to Pinterest to find a DIY recipe and control your intake. And if you want, a pinch of dark chocolate won’t hurt!
High-Sodium Foods
Salt is good for you, but only in moderation. When consumed in high amounts, it can cause some gnarly side effects. For soonlyweds in particular, sodium can cause you to retain water weight and feel bloated. That means that once-comfortable wedding dress may feel a little too tight. Limit your salt intake and snack mindfully — don’t go near the chips!
Texas Favorites to Avoid
Texas is home to many scrumptious delicacies, but some aren’t a good fit for your wedding week. So as you’re counting down the days, it’s smart to begin cutting some of these out of your diet (for now, at least!):
Sweet Tea
This Southern favorite is chockful of sugar, so it’s best to avoid it as your wedding day nears. Swap it with water, (unsweetened) herbal tea, or fresh-squeezed juice without additives.
Fried Foods
Unfortunately, you’ll need to take a break from greasy faves like fried chicken, okra, hush puppies, and apple fritters. Otherwise, you might end up with skin breakouts, digestive problems, and discomfort.
Fatty Meats
Barbecued meats are a Texas staple, but you may want to put down the ribs and opt for BBQ chicken instead. Fattier cuts like beef brisket, steak, and pork belly will cause bloating and may risk how your dress fits on the big day.
Fast Food
Who doesn’t love grabbing lunch at Chick-Fil-A? While you might value convenience during your busy wedding week, fast food will leave you feeling worse for wear. Skip the drive-thru and opt for fresh and healthy meals.
