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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 29: Mangia, Mangia!
We get that the stress and activity leading up to B Day (Bride Day!) may make your appetite tank. Plus, there’s a wedding dress you want to fit perfectly into. But whatever you do, don’t skip meals or deprive yourself. It backfires 100 percent of the time.
“You’ll wind up overeating and your body will store those calories as fat because it fears starvation,” notes Vandana Sheth, R.D.N., a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. In other words, the exact opposite of what you want to happen will happen. “Make sure you eat small, frequent meals and snacks that have a mix of protein and complex carbs, like a little turkey on a whole grain cracker.”
See More: Cook Your Way to a Perfect Bridal Body with These 3 Recipes
And promise us you won’t skip eating on your wedding day, too. “So many brides are too nervous to eat — or want to save all those calories for the cocktail hour and reception. But that can be disastrous,” says Sheth. “You have a lot of toasts coming your way and if you don’t have anything in your system, well, you want to remember your wedding, right?”
She suggests having something simple for breakfast — even if it’s a slice of whole-wheat toast with a little peanut butter. “And have at least small things throughout the day — a container of Greek yogurt, some fruit and nuts — to keep your energy and attitude up,” adds Sheth. “You can put your bridesmaids in charge of making sure you eat.”
Just getting started on our 30 Day Wedding Shape-Up? Kick off your journey from Day One, here.