Hilton Head Weddings | Hilton Head Bridal Show - the Destination Wedding Guide for Hilton Head Island, SC

By SARAH PETERMAN

Between the cake tasting, finding the perfect caterer and added stress of planning for your big day, it’s easy to pack on a few extra pounds. Here are a few tips to help you stay in shape for your wedding without depending on eating only grapefruit for the last few weeks of your single life:

Eat healthy — emphasis on the eat.

While starving yourself may seem like the best option to shed pounds quickly, it won’t do you any good. This will slow down your metabolism and could result in additional weight gain. Limiting alcohol consumption, unnecessary carbohydrates, fats and sweets can help you to slim down. Eating more fruits and vegetables also helps you obtain essential vitamins — which can help not only your figure but your complexion, hair and nails, too!

Use portion control.

Instead of denying yourself favorite foods for months before the wedding (especially with all of the tasty tasting you’ll attend), eat smaller portions.

Eating smaller meals and healthy snacks throughout the day can help you feel more satisfied, which makes you less likely to overeat or eat too many of the “bad” foods. Nuts, low fat yogurt, a piece of fruit and soy crisps are all great snack choices.

Get your sweat on.

If going to the gym isn’t already a part of your daily life, it may be overwhelming to add one more thing to your schedule at this time in your life. However, try to incorporate some sort of exercise into your daily life. You’ll have lots of meetings and appointments to attend to in the coming weeks. Choose to park your car in one of the furthest spots from the door. Take the stairs instead of the elevator.

If you simply can’t motivate yourself to work out, consider hiring a trainer or joining a class. Think of it as another necessary appointment for making your big day go off without a hitch.

Stay hydrated.

Doctors recommend four liters of water a day. Keeping lots of fluids in your system can help wash out toxins and give you a healthy glow.

Avoid foods high in sodium and saturated fat that will make you bloated for a few days before the big day. Even if you’ve been working hard for months, retaining water can make you look several pounds heavier.

If you set specific goals for yourself and work hard to achieve them, you’ll certainly see results. While being in shape for your wedding is important, don’t let it be one more stressor. Enjoy yourself as you get in shape for the biggest day of your life. 

SOURCES: weddingbasics.com; instyleweddings.com