Wedding Dress Woes: Don't "Weight" For It

"There must be something wrong with this scale too!" you bawl as you frantically hop on and off the scale. You hope that there is some dark sinister reason for the results... maybe the scale has 'gravity plating', maybe the scale is actually an artificial gravity generator, maybe there's a wormhole forming just above your head ... if only it was that simple! Before you start to beat yourself over the head (a common bridal reflex action) remember that the damage is reversible. Here are 3 simple steps to get back into shape.

Step 1. Set Goals... REALISTIC Goals!

Yes, you may already have clear-cut weight loss goals, but are they realistic? You cannot change your basic body shape so don't diet to get thin, your aim is to get slim. The love handles need to go, but the curves stay! Keep away from crash diets; a crash diet is like your 'bad boy' high school crush - utterly gorgeous, unbearably tempting, but you know it will never work and you will just get your heart broken! Before you decide on a specific diet plan, you need to find out your current BMI (Body Mass Index), your ideal BMI, and your ideal calorie intake.

Step 2. Plan your Diet & Exercise Schedule (Around your Wedding Schedule)

You are going to be immersed waist-deep in wedding preparations, so do not plan elaborate meals. When it comes to a bridal diet plan, your best bet is to keep it simple. Make a list of your favorite fruits and veggies, so that you can simply toss together a delicious but satisfying salad at the end of a long day. Unscheduled meetings with florists, caterers, or entertainers can disrupt the best laid plans; unfortunately, this is unavoidable. Keep your handbag/tote stocked with low calorie snacks so that you do not have to grab your meal at the nearest fast food restaurant. You need to decide on a specific timing for your workout and stick to it. Don't skip a workout, unless it is unavoidable and on these days make sure that you go for a walk after dinner or simply use the stairs instead of the elevator.

Step 3. Eat Several Small Meals - Yes, Size Matters!

Skip those button-popping meals and power up with several small meals! This will prevent hunger pangs and binging and so you will find it much easier to stick to your diet. You don't have to stick to just salads and soups, there are a plenty of low calorie meal options such as Green Beans with Red Potatoes, Roasted Potatoes with Garlic & Oregano, and Spinach & mushroom scramble. Pamper yourself with delicious desserts like fresh banana bread, a sliver of cheesecake or a yogurt popsicle. If small meals cannot satisfy your hunger, you should consider Psyllium husk. I believe that Psyllium husk is the answer to every bride's prayers - you can eat a small meal and still be satisfied! All you need to do is mix 1-2 teaspoons of Psyllium husk powder in a glass of water/orange juice and drink this about 15 minutes before your meals; since Psyllium husk is made up of fiber it makes you feel full and so even a small meal is quite satisfying.

 
Don't let the wedding fever and frenzy get to you. Set aside a minimum of 15 minutes a day for casual conversation with your partner; do not discuss anything related to the wedding during this time. Spend a little time everyday in meditation or practicing deep breathing exercises. Just before you go to bed, count your blessings: you found the perfect partner, your wedding is going to be amazing... and you are a stunning bride!