Many of us are making New Years resolutions to drop 10 lbs or maybe more but the New Years resolution is a double-whammy for many brides. If you’re getting married in 2012, you may be thinking about trying to slim down and get in shape before your big day. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of tips that will help you reach your goal weight that much faster.
1. Track your food. You will be much more successful if you are actually tracking what goes into your mouth throughout the day (tracking in your head doesn’t count). If you struggle with this, there are a number of apps and websites out there designed to make it easier. Our favourites are Spark People and My Fitness Pal (both available as iPhone apps). Research shows that you will lose twice as much weight if you are tracking your food, good and bad.
2. Sample smart. When you go out to sample your delicious food for your wedding, remember to take small portions. You know you are going to be sampling a lot so you don’t need a ton of one thing. Also, if you know you’re going to be sampling a bunch of cake one day, cut down the sugary foods in the next few days to make up for it.
3. Treat your workouts like an appointment. You wouldn’t miss a doctor’s appointment or an appointment with one of your vendors so make sure you treat your workouts the same way. Set aside a time you’re going to the gym or when you’ll do your 30 Day Shred and stick to it. Write it down in your day planner or your phone’s calendar so an alarm will sound when it’s time to do it.
4. Don’t do it alone. Try to set something up at work so that a bunch of you are doing it together. Plan to lose weight with a girlfriend or your mom. Or, you can always do it with “virtual” friends. Both websites mentioned above have fantastic community sections where you can connect with people who are going through the same thing you are.
5. Stay away from fads. When people are desperate to lose weight, they often turn to the latest fad diet so they’ll lose weight quickly. Don’t be fooled by this. The weight could (and most likely will) come back just as quick. The only healthy and sustainable way to lose weight is the old-fashioned way. Limit your calorie intake and exercise. (It’s cheaper that way, too.)
6. Manage stress. Planning a wedding is stressful and if you’re prone to emotional eating, make sure you have a healthy snack on you at all times. Set aside some time for some R&R each and every day. If something goes wrong, call your fiancé, call a girlfriend but for heaven’s sake, don’t call Pizza Hotline.
7. Slow down and savour your food. Remember your food is yummy. You’ll feel more satisfied if you truly enjoy every bite of what you’re eating.
8. Drink your water. Studies have shown that when people drink more water throughout the day, they end up eating fewer calories. Keep a water bottle in your purse at all times and always order a glass of water (or a pitcher) when you’re eating at a restaurant to sip on between bites.
9. Don’t let yourself get too hungry. Plan your day. IF you know you’re going to be away from home for most of the day, make sure you pack something to eat to avoid being tempted to go through the McDonald’s drive through at 2p.m. when you’re starving and haven’t eaten since breakfast. If you wait until you get home, your hunger could take over and you could make bad decisions.
10. Keep your eye on the prize. If you don’t feel like going to the gym, think about your wedding dress. Before you eat that second piece of garlic bread, think of how you’ll have your wedding photos forever. You can do it. You just have to stay focused and you’ll see results.
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