Wedding Workout: Getting Fit for Your Big Day
There is no denying that everyone wants to look and feel their best for the day of their wedding. For many, this means losing weight or getting into better shape. Any form of self improvement can seem impossible, but it is mostly about motivation and dedication. So get yourself a gym membership or personal trainer, and start developing an “I can do it” mindset. Learn how to develop healthy eating habits and a workout routine to reach your fitness goals in time for your wedding.
Setting A Goal
First things first, start your journey by setting realistic expectations. Never hold other aspects of your wedding over your head as a reward for meeting your goal. For example, purchasing a wedding dress 5 sizes too small. It’s hard to lose weight in general, much less when you are dealing with everyday stresses, topped with planning a wedding. Have small incremental goals that are achievable, versus one overall goal that feels distant. Two common goals that brides often have in mind are weight loss or muscle toning.
Weight Loss
Here is the kicker about weight loss that people don’t like: you can not spot burn fat. Meaning, no matter how much you target that ‘trouble area’ just above your hip, there will never be a noticeable difference. The only way to effectively lose weight is to improve your body as a whole. For weight loss, you should focus on eating a nutritious diet and correct portion sizes. You will also need to do cardio, whether it is running, stair climbing, swimming, or another exercise of your preference. As you burn fat, you will also want to incorporate some weight lifting to tighten and tone.
Muscle Gain
If your goal is to achieve an overall more toned appearance, working on muscle gain is a great route. You are still likely to achieve some fat loss, but in the end you will have some noticeable muscle definition. It is important to note that when gaining muscle, your weight will go up because muscle is heavier than fat. So don’t let the scale scare you! You will need to eat enough to fuel muscle growth, namely lean protein. Cardio is less important, but you can improve your stamina by going for a fast-paced walk once a day.
What to Eat
Believe it or not, eating well doesn’t have to be miserable. Food can be delicious, healthy and fun to make. Try different seasonings, marinades and various cooking methods. It is also easier if you cook meals in advance, by setting aside time to meal prep once a week. Despite what many people say or do, it is important that you don’t try to stop eating sugar or carbs cold turkey. Not only has this method been proven ineffective, but it can cause a spike in cravings and lead to binge eating. Allow yourself a treat here or there! Just eat two cookies, instead of an entire sleeve.
For inspiration, consider these five filling and delicious meals. Not a fan of a particular protein or side? Switch it out with a healthy alternative you prefer. It’s that easy!
- Baked or grilled lemon butter garlic salmon, asparagus or broccoli, and a sweet potato.
- Baked or grilled chicken, rice of your preference, and green beans.
- Bison, beef or turkey stuffed peppers, with avocado, black beans and rice – avoid or be sparing with the cheese and sour cream!
- Shredded fajita chicken with peppers and onions, black beans, avocado, and your choice of quinoa or rice.
- Honey garlic shrimp, brown rice or quinoa, and lemon sugar snap peas.
Meeting your goals is about progress, not perfection. If you mess up, make a conscious choice to be better going forward, rather than continuing the downward spiral. It can be difficult, but often times this means avoiding situations that tempt you, until you feel like you have full self control. So opt out of that weekly happy hour for a few months, until you feel confident in your ability to make good decisions.