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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 don't think you look quite as good as you could?
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 fianc�) 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 avoidable. 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:
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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)
- Sample Meal Plan:
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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)
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