March 21, 2017
Naomi Shaw

Every bride knows that on her wedding day, she will be the center of attention. This upcoming attention inspires many women to boost their diet and exercise routines in the weeks coming up to their wedding. And when we say “many women,” we mean it - a Cornell University study found that 70 percent of engaged women they polled wanted to lose around 20 pounds by their wedding date.

If you ask me, this is a great thing (it’s always important to eat well and exercise anyways), but it is very important to do things in a healthy way. Crash diets, prescription pills, and other dangerous methods may get you to that goal weight, but the risk to your health is far too great. Instead, get your body ready for your wedding by following healthier guidelines, like:

Plan Ahead and Set Stepping Stones

Many brides start thinking about their dream “wedding weight” soon after they get engaged. If you’re determined to make your fitness goals a reality, that is the perfect time to start planning. Most experts say that to remain safe and healthy while you diet, you should only lose 1% of your body fat each week (about 1-2 pounds on average). If you want to lose 20 pounds by your wedding day in one month, you’ll really have to reconsider.

This is also a good time for you to set milestones along the way in your weight loss journey. One of the easiest ways to do this is with a structured guide or fitness challenge. Know by which dates you need to be five pounds down, ten pounds down; this way, you’ll be able to keep track of your success and reevaluate your goals if necessary.

Look Your Best From Head To Toe

Your wedding body isn’t just about your arms, legs, and abs. Make sure take care of other parts of you, too, like your skin and teeth! Drink plenty of water and eat healthy foods in the weeks leading up to your wedding. Not only will this help keep your energy up after a workout (and be better for your health overall), it will help revitalize your skin for a beautiful, youthful glow.

If you have the opportunity, you can also schedule appointments to whiten your teeth, and maybe even get a facial. You’re going to be smiling for lots of pictures on the big day, so a brilliant smile and gorgeous skin are definitely an asset you’ll want to have!

Of course, the most important thing you can do for the perfect wedding body is this: be happy and enjoy yourself! When you’re happy, smiling, and deeply in love, it shows - and everyone will know that you’re the most beautiful woman in the room.

Looking for more tips for a fabulous wedding body? Check out this infographic: