I need to get something off my chest: Losing weight for your wedding shouldn’t be just about fitting into a smaller wedding dress (or tux), but rather about making a lifestyle change that will last well into your future. That said, if you’ve been eating well since December (or, let’s be real, January), and you are very close to your goal weight, these short-term tweaks can help you slip into your wedding attire seamlessly on the big day:
1. Stick to low-sodium foods.
The last thing you want on your wedding day is to feel bloated. So, for at least one week prior to the celebration, try avoiding foods high in sodium, such as chips, pizza, cured meats and Chinese food — in other words, most of the foods you should have already been limiting if you’re watching your waistline. Cottage cheese and many frozen entrees that are low in calories and tempting for weight loss can be sky-high in salt, so make sure to watch those options as well.
[See: 9 Simple Ways to Reduce Your Sodium Intake Now.]
2. Pile on the fruits and veggies.
Of course, you should have been following this advice all along. But now is the time to up your game. Besides being good for weight loss, these antioxidant powerhouses are also good for healthy skin and hair — and who doesn’t want that on her wedding day? Just keep in mind that if you haven’t been eating a lot of produce, piling it on now could also make you bloated. Counterproductive, I know. But if you gradually increase your intake, you shouldn’t need much more than one week for your body to adjust.
3. Avoid alcohol.
Let’s face it: With bachelor and bachelorette parties, showers and other fetes, you’ve probably been celebrating since your engagement. And, as a martini lover, I hate telling anyone to forgo a beverage he or she enjoys. But I think you should do just that for two weeks prior to your wedding. That trick can really help you drop any last-minute pounds. Plus, if you want to really feel your best the day of, avoid — or at least limit — the booze at the rehearsal dinner, too.
[See: 7 Health Risks of Binge Drinking You Can’t Ignore.]
4. Get plenty of sleep.
The night before your wedding, you will most likely be too excited to get a good night’s sleep. However, for a couple of weeks before the big day, make a real effort to get at least eight hours of sleep nightly. There’s nothing like plenty of rest to make it easier to stay on track with your healthy eating and exercise goals — plus, it may also help your skin look its best.
5. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.
Being well-hydrated can be key to feeling great. Dehydration can cause headaches, fatigue and confusion for hunger. Try your best to drink plenty of fluids — think water, seltzer, sparkling water, unsweetened coffee and tea — all day long. Fruits and veggies, since they include plenty of water themselves, can also be helpful. If water is too bland for you, try flavoring it with fruit or adding a splash of orange juice to seltzer.
6. Don’t skimp on exercise.
If your wedding is less than two weeks away, exercising now might not make a big difference in your weight. However, it can still do a lot for your mind. Last-minute details in your wedding planning can cause stress, and exercise is great outlet for it. So don’t forgo the gym, spin or yoga class just because you may not see the results on the scale. Didn’t we agree this should be a lifestyle change, anyway?
[See: Easy Ways to Get 10,000 Steps Per Day.]
7. Eat smart on your wedding day.
Not eating before your wedding is a huge mistake. Make sure to enjoy a protein-packed breakfast, such as whole-grain toast with avocado, tomato and two eggs. If your wedding is in the evening, make sure you also have lunch; perhaps a salad with grilled chicken or shrimp. If you really feel you have no time to sit down to a meal, at least try to snack. Have fresh fruit, veggies, hummus, peanuts and Greek yogurt available for you and your wedding party. This is a day to remember, so eat well ~ otherwise, the champagne will go straight to your head.
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