Bridal Fitness and Nutrition

This healthy exercise and nutrition guide will help you get in shape for the wedding day and beyond.

Of course you want to look fabulous on your wedding day – who doesn’t? Unfortunately, a gorgeous gown and killer accessories can only take you so far. The true pathway to looking and feeling amazing is paved by a healthy fitness and nutrition routine. We’ve outlined the basics to get you started toward a healthier you.

Advice for Looking Great on Your Wedding Day

Lifestyle Changes vs. Restrictive Dieting

The key here is simple changes you can incorporate into your daily routine that will gradually improve your health and the look of the body. In other words: no crash dieting. Extreme caloric deprivation is not only dangerous, but it sets you up for failure since it’s impossible to maintain.

If you’re looking to lose a lot of weight, you’ll need to get cracking at least six months before your wedding day (or as soon as you read this!). Even if you’re just looking to tone up and drop a few pounds, start today. Why wait?

When it comes to losing or maintaining your weight, forget fad diets and off-limit foods. There is only one simple rule you need to know: To lose weight, you must burn more calories (energy/exercise) than you take in (eat). It’s all about calories in versus calories out.

Nutrition 101 (the Calories-In Part)

Get a general estimate of how many calories a day you’re burning, then build your meal plans around an equal amount of calories (to maintain) or slightly less calories (to lose). A handy free tool can be found at Dailyplate.com. Here you can enter personal stats like height, weight, and weight-loss goals, along with the various types of physical activity you do each day (not only at the gym, but also activities like cooking, cleaning, walking up stairs – they all count). The tool will then calculate the number of calories you should eat based on your goals.

Here are some simple guidelines to help you maintain your caloric goals, keep your energy level up, and get all the nutrients you need:

Eat five to six small meals a day

Give up the notion that you must starve yourself to lose weight. Your body is designed for survival, and part of its survival mechanism involves holding onto body fat to be used in times of food shortage. Skipping meals or eating a very low amount of calories causes your body to go into starvation mode, which slows your metabolism. Three large meals do not provide your body with the constant flow of nutrients and energy it needs to increase your metabolism and burn fat. Strive to eat five or six small meals evenly spaced throughout the day.

Portion control

Understand that the size of your stomach is about as big as your two fists. So at one meal, you should never eat more than two fists full of food. Here’s a general idea of the correct sized portions:

• Protein: a deck of cards or the meaty part of your hand with the fingers cut off.
• Carbohydrates: make a fist and cut your hand in half (or about one cup).

Focus on fiber and protein

Food without protein or fiber has little to no nutritional value (that’s what they mean by “empty calories”). With every meal you eat, you should aim to get about 10 grams of protein and about 5 grams of fiber, for a total of at least 60 grams of protein and 25 grams of fiber per day. This doesn’t mean you have to bring out the calculator every time you eat. Getting your daily amount of protein and fiber is easy if you’re eating five to six small meals a day consisting of foods that have at least a few grams of fiber and protein. Check the nutrition labels on the foods you buy.

Carbohydrates and fiber

Forget the notion that all carbohydrates are evil. Complex carbohydrates rich in fiber are “good carbohydrates,” absorbed slowly into your system, giving you a steady energy supply. They can be found in whole grain breads, pasta, and rice, as well as beans, fruits, and veggies. The fiber in these foods also helps promote satiety, making you less likely to overeat.

Carbohydrate tip

When it comes to carbs, aim to have at least three servings of vegetables and two servings of fruit per day. Avoid any grain products with the word “enriched” on the label and pasta products with “semolina” in the ingredients; instead, opt for those with whole grain, stone ground, and whole wheat. Same goes for items containing high fructose corn syrup (sugar) in the first three ingredients – skip ‘em!

Protein

Protein is necessary for muscular growth and aids in weight loss by:

• Requiring more energy to digest than other foods (i.e. burning more calories and helping with the calories-in versus calories-out equation).
• Helping to preserve lean muscle tissue while you lose fat.
• Slowing down the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream, reducing hunger and making it easier for the body to burn fat.
• Promoting satiety – helping you feel full so you can stop eating sooner.

Other easy nutrition tips

Having difficulty sticking to this eating plan? Here are some small steps you can take to achieve your caloric goals:

• Stay hydrated: Drinking lots of water helps you stay hydrated and may also make you feel full (sometimes hunger pangs are actually a sign that you’re thirsty). How much should you drink? Multiply your total body weight by 75% – this is the total number of fluid ounces you should take in each day.
• Substitute sugar-free/low-fat versions of your favorite snacks.
• Substitute low-fat or fat-free dairy for whole-fat versions.
• Switch to diet sodas.
• Replace sugar with Splenda in recipes or other items you usually add sugar to.
• Limit alcohol intake – not only is alcohol empty calories (all sugar, no fiber or protein), but it usually leads to poor eating decisions or skipping workouts. Try your best to avoid it.

Exercise 101 (the Calories-Out Part)

Establish an exercise routine you can live with. If you’re currently sedentary, don’t attempt to dive into an hour-a-day/seven-days-a-week routine, because chances are, you won’t stick to it. Instead, increase your energy level with achievable goals: 30 minutes for three to four days a week is a good start for those who haven’t hit the gym in years. If you’re already pretty active, commit to taking it to the next level either by adding a few extra minutes to your workouts or increasing the intensity of your routines.

Regardless of your current fitness level, you should strive for an exercise routine that combines cardio, strength, and flexibility.

Here are some things you’ll want to incorporate into your fitness schedule. Depending on your current fitness level, working up to this routine may take more or less time:

Cardio

• 3–4 cardiovascular workouts a week for 25–40 minutes.
• Pick activities that you enjoy and try to change it up.
• Remember: Exercise should be fun so try to find something you enjoy. Take a fast walk, jog with your dog, go swimming, ride your bike, or play tennis.

Strength

• 3–4 strength workouts a week for 30 minutes.
• When strength training, you should work until fatigue – meaning the last repetition of each exercise should be extremely difficult.
• Don’t forget to include core and stabilization training; try incorporating physioballs, BOSU, and discs into your workouts, or take a pilates class once a week.

Flexibility

• Stretching will help you increase flexibility.
• Flexibility training can help avoid muscle imbalances, postural distortion, and injuries.
• Stand tall, shoulders back, walk graceful, and don’t forget to smile – this is your day!

No time?

Let’s face it: We’re all pressed for time – especially busy brides-to-be. The most efficient way to get all your cardio, strength, and flexibility training in is through interval or circuit training. By doing short bursts of cardio and strength with minimal rest in between, you can get the most of your time.