Beauty

Fitness & Health

Weight Loss Dos and Don'ts

Follow these expert tips when getting in shape for your wedding. By Stephanie Gray

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Looking gorgeous on your wedding day is no doubt on your mind and that includes fitting into the dress of your dreams. If you're thinking about upping your cardio or adjusting your nutrition plan, read our expert tips from nutritionist Elisa Zied author of Nutrition at Your Fingertips before you start planning to shed some pounds.

Don't Skip Meals
When you know you're in for a big meal (say it's a shower or the rehearsal dinner), you may be tempted to skip a meal to "save" calories for a guilt-free indulgence. The problem is that this usually backfires. Not only will you end up over-eating, but any excess calories will be stored as fat. Instead, plan on eating five to six small meals a day to stay satisfied and keep your metabolism fired up.

Don't Slash Calories
Drastically cutting your caloric intake is impossible to sustain, and your body won't be getting all the nutrients it needs. Let's not forget the lack of energy and irritability that accompanies low-calorie diets. The lowest you should go is between 1,500 to 1,600 calories a day, says Zied, who says the best way to cut calories is to trim in small steps, like eating less on your plate or swapping a bagel for a whole wheat muffin. 

Do Snack
It's actually beneficial for you to have snacks throughout the day, especially before you go to a party or dinner. Snacks keep your metabolism up and help prevent overeating. Choose a snack that includes protein and carbs like an apple and nuts or cheese and crackers, suggests Zied. You'll be less likely to dive right into the deep-fried foods if you're not starving.

Don't Drink Excessively
Alcohol tends to go hand in hand with the events that surround your wedding. Unfortunately, alcohol slows your metabolism, making it harder for your body to shed fat, which often leads you to make unhealthy food choices when you've had too much. Solution? Reduce your intake or even cut it out entirely. "There’s no health benefit to alcohol," says Zied, who suggests limiting alcohol consumption to one drink per party.

Do Plan Ahead
You're out all day shopping for dresses and what happens? You stop off at the nearest fast food counter to relieve yourself of hunger pangs. "For busy days at boutiques and bridal shops, prepare portable snacks," suggests Zied. "Plan in advance so that a nutritional snack is always on hand." This could include a piece of fruit and nuts or a low-sugar protein bar.

Don't Over-Exercise
One of the major consequences of over-exercising is injury and there's nothing fun about that. If you are increasing your weekly routine, it's still important to give your body at least one day of rest a week. Another no-no is equating exercise with eating. "Think of them as separate," explains Zied. "Don’t eat and think about how much you’re going to have to exercise and alternatively don’t exercise and think that you’re earning brownie points to go eat whatever you want."

Don't Avoid Carbs
"Your body needs carbohydrates for energy," says Zied. Without them your body will be zapped of energy and you may also risk gastrointestinal problems. She recommends including whole grains like oats and whole wheat bread, and being mindful of your portion size.

Do Be Consistent
The best results come from consistency. This means eating healthy and exercising regularly. You may see initial results in doing either in the extreme in the short term, but your body will go back to your pre-regime weight (or higher) once you stop. Instead, make small changes in both areas on a regular basis and your overall health will improve, says Zied. "You’re going to feel so much better in so many respects." And you’ll be able to enjoy the results long after your wedding day is over.

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