Guest Post: Looking – and Feeling – Your Best on the Big Day

Hello, Darlings!  What a week I'm having...

Today I have a brilliant guest post from Sun Torke.  Miss Sun is the mastermind behind the healthy living blog, Eat. Host. Run. Style.  I love reading Sun's blog for it's upbeat tone, creative cooking tips and inspirational exercise advice.  Mostly, I really appreciate Sun's body-positive approach to fitness.  


I thought, that here in the height of summer and the wedding season, Sun would have some really great advice to share with us about looking your best on the big day...and I was right.


So, without further adieu...Miss Sun Torke!

During a recent trip to the gym, I overheard a bride-to-be announce she’s sticking with an all chicken diet in an attempt to starve her way into her dream dress. As she talked about her diet, I noticed she looked slightly crazed and as though she might pass out or chew her arm off in hunger.

This type of extreme behavior is not only unhealthy; it also sucks the enjoyment out of one of the happiest occasions in life. Fortunately, there are ways to look your best without limiting your diet to a single food group. The trick is to take a balanced approach to diet and exercise.

These strategies can help you look – and feel – your best at your wedding:

Eat 4-6 small meals each day. If you’re trying to lose a few pounds, this may be the easiest way to do it. By spacing several meals throughout the day, you’ll avoid getting too hungry, which can lead to overeating. Try keeping these meals between 200-300 calories, depending on how many meals you eat each day.


Makeover your favorite high-calorie foods. For example, if you love pizza, make a lighter version. Try topping a Flatout flatbread with pizza sauce, 2 percent mozzarella cheese, 8 slices turkey pepperoni and your favorite veggies. Craving fries? Slice a medium sweet potato into wedges, brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake until edges are slightly browned.
 
Make time for exercise. I know you’re busy, but making time to exercise is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Try to get at least five 30-minute sessions each week. If you have trouble squeezing your workouts in before or after work, try doing them over your lunch break. Or, combine exercising with socializing. For example, instead of catching up with friends over brunch, consider meeting for a morning hike or a cardio class at the gym instead.


Don’t forget about strength training. Whether you’re interested in toned thighs, lean arms or a flat midsection, strength training is one of the best ways to achieve your goals. If you aren’t sure where to start, pick up a fitness magazine or download a fitness mobile app for ideas. You might also consider hiring a personal trainer for a session or two to get started and make sure you’re using proper form while doing the exercises.


Have a happy – and healthy – wedding!
- ST