WEDDING WELLNESS

Whether

YOU’RE

THE BRIDE,

the bridesmaid, mother of the bride, or even a wedding guest, there’s a good chance you’ve heard the phrase “shedding for the wedding.” This typically translates into losing weight to squeeze into that beautiful wedding gown. I’ve decided it’s time to change this phrase and approach this a bit different, so I’m calling it “wedding wellness.” Wellness is all encompassing and translates to not just looking your best, but more importantly feeling your best.

Ok, so maybe it’s not your big day, but there’s no shame in wanting to look and feel your best. Weddings are big events with a set date, meaning we’ve got a deadline. But I’m talking wellness here, so we will focus on the big picture. The big picture of a one-day wedding event is a lifetime of marriage. Just like a lifetime of marriage, wellness is a lifetime of making healthy lifestyle changes. Cheers to wedding wellness!

I’ve provided some tips on eating, sweating and de-stressing to give you a balanced approach to your wedding wellness plan. These tips are not quick fixes, but rather lifestyle changes that will allow you to look and feel your best every day — not just the big day.

Eating

EAT WHOLE/REAL FOODS,

rather than processed foods that are filled with ingredients our bodies are not familiar with processing. Real food doesn’t have ingredients; real food is ingredients. As a nutrition coach, I have seen a lot of success with clients following a primarily plantbased meal plan, which means limiting meat, dairy and eggs. (For information on plans such as this, contact me for details.) Focus on getting in a variety of foods — choose plenty of vegetables (especially the non-starchy ones), fruit, beans, nuts and seeds, and whole grains that are filled with fiber.

Watch portions by eating smaller meals, more often. This way you won’t get so full and stretch your stomach. Focus on eating slowly and thoroughly chewing your food before you swallow. I tell clients to chew 30 times before swallowing food (get your food as close to liquid state as possible before swallowing). Our goal is to understand when we are full and this will trigger your stomach to tell your brain you’re full. Following these guidelines will lead to positive results.

SWEATing SWEAT, HAVE FUN, STAY CONSISTENT

Schedule time to get in a good sweat session at least four days a week for 30 minutes. I’m giving you full reign here to choose something that you enjoy. If you enjoy it, you’ll stick with it and I want you to create a sustainable plan that becomes a habit. Choose something that will get your heart rate up a little for 30 minutes. Go to the gym and try a class, do yoga, go snowshoeing, or walk the dog. Whatever it may be, schedule it for four days each week and check it off each time you get it done.

Most importantly, have fun and stick to it, remember that results don’t come overnight.