Fit to Get Hitched

                Tuxedo ads are frequently aired on television, photographers are booked solid, and the Chicken Dance can faintly be heard from the dance halls.  Wedding season is here.  We all want our wedding to be perfect- and we want to look and feel our best.  For many brides-to-be, that means dropping a few extra pounds, and toning any area to be bared while walking down the aisle.  The best way to slim down and look ravishing on your big day is to eat healthy, exercise regularly and to start early- at least 3 months before your big day.  However, even if your wedding is coming up in June, there is still time to make small changes.   

                Proper nutrition is vital to slim down.  While starving yourself may drastically tip the scale, your mood, energy level and bride-to-be glow will plummet, leaving you looking and feeling tired.  Instead, aim to eat three meals and two healthy snacks per day.  Include protein, such as egg whites or chicken breast, and high fibre carbohydrate, such as whole grain bread, fruit, or brown rice, at each meal.  Skip the high sugar, fatty foods and alcohol- with the exception of your bachelorette party, of course.  Watch your portion sizes.  Eating too much of anything, even the right things, will cause you to gain weight.  Cut back on salt, especially on the days leading up to your wedding day to avoid that puffy look.  Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to keep hydrated and curb unnecessary hunger.  A great tool to keep you honest with your eating habits is a food journal. By writing down your food choices, you will be more conscious of what you eat, and you will be motivated to stay on the right track. 

                When combined with proper nutrition, cardio exercise will accelerate your weight loss and boost your energy levels.  Aim for at least thirty minutes of cardio exercise three to four times per week.  Brisk walking, cycling, running, tennis and circuit training are great examples of cardio exercise.  For the best results, try to get your heart rate up to 120- 160 beats per minute.  Aim for the lower range if you are above 40 or are a beginner exerciser.  If it’s been a while since you laced up your running shoes, start with three ten minute bursts of exercise and progress slowly.  To keep motivated, challenge your bridesmaids or your husband-to-be to join you.       

                Strength training is crucial to achieving that toned look.  While you cannot spot reduce (crunches will not burn belly fat), you can do strength exercises to increase your muscle tone in certain areas.  Biceps curls, triceps dips and rows are great exercises to tone up the shoulders and arms- great for showing off in a strapless dress.  A full body program would include squats and lunges- important for looking great in a bikini on your honeymoon.   

                No matter what size dress you are wearing, you will look gorgeous on your wedding day.  With that being said, your hard work during the months, or even weeks, leading up to your wedding will pay off when you walk down the aisle looking and feeling fantastic. 

Ascend Fitness Coaching * 604-997-9989