Get Fit For Your Wedding Day
by Lynn Bode
Every bride wants to look perfect on her wedding day. Selecting a dress
that will make you look and feel great is an important first step. But
what happens when you look in the mirror and notice trouble spots like
saggy arms or unsightly folds in your back? When this happens it’s not
uncommon for brides to try quick-fix diets to help them get in shape.
Unfortunately, many dieting brides make fitness mistakes that not only
prevent them from reaching their goals but also cause unnecessary stress
and sometimes even illness. Those are two things no bride needs! Here
are five of the most common diet mistakes as well as some tips to help
you avoid them.
1. Too much, too late.
One of the most important things to remember if you are trying to lose
weight is to start early. For example, don’t try to lose 20 pounds two
months before the big day. The key is to plan ahead so that you can lose
the weight (or just tone up) gradually. So if you’re dream-wedding day
includes you being in great shape, then include fitness as a “to-do” on
your overall wedding checklist. That way it will be a priority in your
wedding planning.
2. Setting unachievable goals.
Many women get engaged and begin imagining themselves drastically
thinner or more sculpted. Be realistic with yourself. If you’ve never
been a size 6 in your life, then it is probably unrealistic to think you
can magically transform just because you are getting married. And, do
you really want to look so different on your wedding day that most
people (including your fiancé) hardly recognize you?
3. Radical diets or fitness programs.
Brides typically are short on time and long on to-do lists. This leads
many to try unhealthy fitness programs or starvation diets. Don’t be
tempted by diets that promise quick, drastic results with little effort
from you. You should avoid any programs that suggest taking “diet” pills
or eating unbalanced meals (like eating only cabbage soup for a week).
And, don’t be lured into trying dangerous things, like laxatives.
4. Not exercising.
It’s very easy for brides to say “I don’t have time to exercise” or “I’m
too tired to exercise”. But diet and exercise should always go hand in
hand. Consider them to be like yin and yang. Without activity your body
can’t burn as many calories. If you are very short on time, try to
exercise in small 10-minute bursts throughout the day. And, keep in mind
that little things help too, like taking the stairs or parking at the
outer edge of the mall parking lot. Plus, if you are tired from all of
your planning, exercise will help give you back some energy.
5. Skipping Meals
It’s not uncommon to get caught up in your planning and then realize at
9 p.m. (as your head begins to ache) that you haven’t eaten a thing all
day. While it may not be an uncommon scenario, it is unavoidable. Not
only is skipping meals unhealthy, it can lead to binge eating. That
often means eating very fattening foods and/or overeating all at once.
To avoid this, try packing light snacks to keep on hand throughout the
day. Good examples include carrot sticks, cheese strings, peanut butter
on crackers, etc.
Getting in shape doesn’t have to be complicated and it doesn’t require a
lot of time. If you are trying to lose weight or firm up before your
wedding, below are some sample plans to help you get started. Keep in
mind that the most important thing is for a bride to feel good about
herself. And no matter what size or shape, all brides are beautiful on
their wedding day!
Sample Exercise FITscription:
20-30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise (3-5 time per week)
Example: 2-5 minutes of brisk walking, 2-5 minutes of jumping jacks
(repeat for 20-30 minutes)
20-30 minutes of strength training (2-3 times per week)
Example: Dumbbell exercises for both the upper and lower body (like
bicep curls, tricep dips, squats, etc.)
Sample Meal Plan:
Eat 5-7 small meals per day (meals should include protein, grains,
vegetables, etc. to meet the food pyramid daily requirements)
Example: Small, grilled, skinless chicken breast
Slice of whole wheat bread
Slice of cheese
Mixed Vegetables
Glass of Water (2 or 3 would be even better)
About the Author
Written by Lynn Bode, founder of WorkoutsForYou.com Workouts For You
provides affordable online exercise programs to help even the busiest of
brides lose weight, tone-up, sculpt muscles and more via the Internet.
Let our certified trainer help you get your dream-body in time for the
day you've always dreamed about. Visit:
http://www.workoutsforyou.com
for a free sample workout.
|
|
