First and foremost, we want you to know that we are firm believers in loving who you are. We also understand and acknowledge that crash diets are NOT safe and we definitely do not recommend that for any of our brides or grooms out there. But, we are human and we know that we are consistently trying to improve ourselves to feel like our best selves. And many people use the time leading up to their wedding to focus on feeling like their best self and oftentimes this includes focusing on how to properly nourish your body and improve your fitness levels.
If you are on this journey, it is important to approach fitness in a sustainable, healthy way. Crash diets can be so tempting, especially when you are wanting quick results. But, take it from me – as I’ve been a victim to crash diets – they lead to burn out, changes in my mood, and long-term cycles of frustration and guilt. We recommend that your wedding fitness and health journey consist of gradual lifestyle changes that keep you energized, confident, and glowing on your wedding day!
Start with a Healthy Mindset
Before you can even jump into a fitness or nutrition plan, the best place to start is in you mindset. The wedding process can be overwhelming and I’m sure we’ve all seen the effects stress can have on our body. I mean, I know I do – my watch reminds me of the impact daily! Being a bride or groom can also have the overwhelming pressure to look perfect and let’s be real – that can take a toll on your mindset and wellbeing. Focus on being the best version of yourself. Whether it is building strength, feeling more energized, finding a balance, or just saying no to your second helping of donut hotels, find YOUR balance.
Set realistic goals: Stay clear of any drastic changes. Drastic changes can often lead to unrealistic long term goals. Create and focus on making small changes and increasing healthy habits. You want your milestones to be achievable and something that will stick and help you remain motivated.
Avoid Comparison: Culture and social media can be our worst enemy. With AI and Facetune there are so many unrealistic standards. Your journey is personal and your progress is your own. Never compare your fitness or health journey to others. Focus on YOU.
Stay Nourished, Not Restricted
We all hear that one of the best ways to lose weight is to create a calorie deficit. White this is a proven method, you will want to make sure that you are not cutting your calories to the extreme that it is a crash diet. A crash diet is extreme calorie cutting or may have ample food restrictions. Don’t over complicate your meal plans. Find and create meals that feature whole foods and a variety of macros. Crash diets are not sustainable and can be very harmful not just to your body, but your mind, too. Focus on nourishing your body with wholesome, balanced meals.
Eat Whole, Nutrient Dense Food: Lean proteins, complex carbs, healthy fats, fruits and veggies. Whole food provides nutrients and will give you energy to power through wedding planner and your workouts.
Eat Intuitively: Listen to your body and don’t restrict. Everything in moderation and don’t create fear foods. Moderation note deprivation!
Water is your Bestie: Drinking water is something that is crucial to a healthy body and lifestyle! So fill up your water bottle and drink a little bit every hour.
Create Healthy Habits
I once read the book Atomic Habits and one of the things it focuses on is consistency over time. The key to any healthy habit is remaining consistent, even when it is tough. It takes time to create habits and time to break bad habits. Adding fitness routines leading up to your wedding day doesn’t mean doing an intense HIIT workout daily, or doing it perfectly. Focus on consistency. Carve out time each day, make mindful choices with your food and focus on creating healthy habits.
Create a Schedule: Consistency is easier when it’s intentionally planned. Wherever you plan your workouts, decide what works for you and what will set you up for consistency.
Have Fun with It: Your workout doesn’t always have to be in the gym. Take your workout outside! Go on a hike with your partner and turn it into a day date! Have fun with cycling, try a new dance class to prepare for your first dance, and keep it fresh and fun.
Celebrate Small Wins: As each day goes by and your routine becomes more and more consistent, celebrate it with a mental high-five. Set backs will happen as you set your schedule, but celebrate getting back on and creating small positive habits that add up.
Manage your Stress and Sleep
Did you know that your recover, management of stress and sleep matter too? Your health and fitness levels are impacted by sleep and stress management. It is important to incorporate a plan to keep your stress low, recover from stressful situations, and get some sleep!
Make Sleep a Priority: You need sleep. 7-9 hours at night is recommended. Create healthy habits for bedtime to allow deep or REM sleep to support recovery, hormone regulation, and mental clarity.
Manage Stress: Planning a wedding can be stressful and this can hinder your overall fitness and health goals. Talk to your circle of people and figure out ways to decrease your stress. Can you hire a wedding planner? Ask for help? Take something off your plate? Figure out how to keep your stress at a manageable level. Staying calm and centered will be a positive impact for your fitness and health journey.
Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life, if not the most important. Everyone wants to look their best at their wedding, but feeling great is even better. Don’t let the crash diet temptation consume you. We encourage you to embrace healthy and sustainable habits that are not just for your wedding journey, but will be a part of your life post-wedding.
Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Tacoma Wedding Planner with over 19 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.