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This is it… The final countdown to your big day. And along with settling those last few details — figuring out where to seat your eccentric Uncle Carl, firming up the flowers, deciding on your first dance song — you’re likely also making one last push to make sure the body that will be wearing that gorgeous white gown looks as good as it possibly can. You and nearly every other woman with an engagement ring on her finger. In fact, research shows that an overwhelming 91 percent of brides-to-be are anxious about their weight. But from here on out, you won’t have to be!
Whether you want to drop those last few pounds or look more toned — or both — we’ve got a month’s worth of daily tips (none of which require starving yourself or working out nonstop!) that will help you feel stunning and confident when you walk down that aisle. You know where to send the thank-you card. Let’s get started!
Day 6: Have An Afternoon Snack
“I can’t tell you how often I see women wanting to get in shape for a big event and snacks are like the first thing to go. They think it will help them ‘save’ those calories. But if you skip it, your body will work against you,” says New York City nutritionist Keri Gans, R.D., author of The Small Change Diet.
“Your blood sugar will plummet and you’ll overeat at dinner. Guaranteed.” So don’t pass up that P.M. snack, especially if you’re going more than four hours between meals. And be sure to plan for it, too, so you don’t face a vending machine situation.
Gans recommends stashing nonperishable snacks in your bag, desk drawer and car, so wherever you are, you’ll have something good to eat, and keeping other ready-made nibbles in the fridge.
See More: Healthy Breakfast Ideas to Help You Lose Weight Before the Big Day
The ideal snack should be no more than 150 or 200 calories, as unprocessed as possible and contain a mix of sustaining protein and complex carbs to keep your energy up. Think: An apple and a small handful of almonds, a cup of vegetable soup, or half a turkey sandwich on whole grain bread.