A Bride's Guide to Wedding Weight Loss

For many couples who are planning a wedding, dieting is as important as picking out a china pattern or choosing a honeymoon destination. More than 70% of engaged women want to lose weight before the big day, and the average goal is about 15 to 20 pounds.

There's a lot of pressure to look good walking down the aisle, but crash diets and other extreme measures can backfire. Learn how to lose weight safely, and stay fit together for years to come.

Tips to Use Before the Wedding Day

Fad diets may seem tempting when you're desperate to squeeze into your grandmother's wedding dress or admiring photographs of celebrities in strapless gowns.

On the other hand, you need your energy when you're planning a wedding on top of your usual workload.

1. Start early.

Losing weight gradually will position you for long-term success. You'll avoid yo-yo dieting and nutritional deficiencies.

2. Set short-term goals.

Stay on track by breaking your total goal down into weekly or monthly targets. That way you can make adjustments in time if you're falling behind.

3. Limit alcohol.

You'll probably be doing a lot of pre-wedding entertaining. Stick to lower-calorie drinks like wine or a Bloody Mary. Remember that alcohol can lower your resistance to junk foods.

4. Eat more fruits and vegetables.

One of the simplest ways to choose nutrient-dense foods is to fill your plate with fresh produce. Aim for 5 to 9 servings each day.

5. Prevent hunger.

Rushing from dress fittings to bridal showers will work up your appetite. Drink lots of water and carry around light snacks like carrot sticks so you won't want to fill up on chips and fried mozzarella sticks.

6. Schedule workouts.

Prioritize your exercise. Block out time on your calendar for yoga classes and morning runs.

7. Hire a trainer.

A personal trainer can be a sound investment. You'll be less likely to skip workouts when you've paid in advance, and you'll receive feedback on how you're doing.

8. Manage stress.

Dealing with seating charts and caterers can interfere with your sleep and trigger hormones that increase fat levels. Find constructive ways to relax like meditation and long walks.

Tips to Use After the Wedding Day

The average newlywed gains about 20 pounds due to changes in lifestyle, according to a study by Ohio State University.

You can beat the odds and hold onto your figure as well as your spouse:

1. Dine at home.

While it's great to have a dinner companion, restaurant meals typically contain more calories and fat than your own home cooking. Enjoy delicious recipes at home where you can control the ingredients.

2. Turn off the TV.

Married couples tend to sit around more watching TV. After all, you may now be following Monday night football as well as Downton Abbey. Consider taking up an activity that will get you out of the house like playing tennis or collecting antiques.

3. Reduce portions.

Women can be especially vulnerable to weight gain if you start serving yourself the same fare as your husband. You probably burn fewer calories, so cut the portions down to size.

4. Encourage each other.

Of course, there are also advantages to being married if you're both devoted to staying fit. Couples gym memberships are usually cheaper than individual rates, and you can cheer each other on.

Live healthy ever after by shedding pounds the sensible way before you get married and supporting each other in staying fit.

Vow to manage your weight, eat a balanced diet, and exercise regularly.

A 5-Minute Guide for What to Do After You Lose Weight

Is there a hole in your life where your diet used to be? If you've been struggling to lose weight, reaching your target could leave you wondering what to do next with your new and thinner self.

Give yourself credit for making changes to enhance your health and be prepared for more work ahead. Slimming down affects more than your waistline. Take a look at what's in store for your body, mind, and relationships.

Things to Do for Your Body

Reaching a healthy weight is worth a few less pleasant side-effects. These are some common issues you may face.

1. Eat less.

A recent study found that contestants on The Biggest Loser gained back most of their weight due to slower metabolisms and increased hunger cravings. If you want lasting success, you'll need to keep watching your portions.

2. Train for strength.

Boost your post-diet metabolism by building up muscles that burn more calories than fat. Lift weights or do push-ups.

3. Tighten your skin.

Depending on your age and how much weight you lost, you may see saggy skin. If it doesn't bounce back in time, surgery or compression garments could help.

4. See your doctor.

Are you taking prescription medications? Ask your doctor about lowering the dosage since being overweight could have aggravated chronic conditions. Also, if you're having stomach pains, look into being tested for gall stones.

Things to Do for Your Mind

Your brain may need time to catch up with your new figure. Pay attention to your mental and emotional wellbeing.

1. Adjust your image.

Do you realize that your dress size shrunk and you're taking up less room on public transportation? Buy new clothes and check the mirror to develop a truer picture of what you look like now.

2. Deal with feedback.

You may like how others treat you with more respect, or you may resent their shallowness in accepting you only because you're thin. Remember, their attitude says more about them than you.

3. Resolve other issues.

Overeating can cover up other concerns, and some dieters feel let down when weight loss doesn't automatically make them happy. Manage your expectations. Plus, now that you're thin, you can shift your resources to tackling other challenges.

4. Enjoy life.

There are so many wonderful things you can do now that may have been difficult when you were larger. You can spend more time playing with your kids and sleep sounder at night.

Things to Do for Your Relationships

In an ideal world, your significant other would be cheering you on. In reality, things are more complicated.

1. Offer reassurance.

Your partner may feel threatened by your appearance, and friends may wish they were in your shoes. Let others know that you still appreciate them.

2. Find middle ground.

There may be some compromising in store if you used to socialize by eating pizza, and now you want to play tennis. Avoid nagging your loved ones. When they're willing, encourage them to join you in being more active.

3. Move on.

On the other hand, you may have outgrown some relationships. If you feel that someone is trying to undermine you, it could be time to wish them well and keep your distance.

Dropping excess pounds has more pros than cons. Weight loss gives you more energy and lowers your risk for serious conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.

Keep these benefits in mind while you're managing the trickier consequences so you can lead a longer and more fulfilling life.

Learn more about your health online when you read the rest of our information here about: Weight Loss guide and also download the free health report available there!

Warren Tattersall has been a full time nutritional consultant for over 35 years and works with people all over the world to help them improve their health, increase their personal energy levels and to use supplements to assist with diet related health issues.

Just send him a note on the form here - Contact Us - to request a personal no obligation one-on-one consultation with Warren

New order website for Australian customers:

For all the subscribers that don't want to talk to anyone, just want to buy their products direct, I'm creating these websites that process orders for you once you register with them.


The Australia GoHerbalifeSite is the first one completed, other countries will come along soon...
Australian customers: Click this link or tap on the banner below to check it out and get registered to place your orders... and remember your 15% discount code: HLIntro15




Did you find this post fun, informative and useful? If so, please share it with others!

If you have a comment, question or suggestion, please leave a comment below!