An Indian bride’s to-do list is long and there’s a lot of running around to do for outfits, jewellery, etc. Looking toned and fit is right on top of that list for many brides-to-be and rightfully so.
There’s a lot at stake – literally. The dress. The photos. The honeymoon! You’re dropping lots of cash for your big day when hundreds (if not thousands) of eyes will be on you. If you’re looking for weight loss motivation then getting in shape for your wedding is one of the most powerful motivating factors.
However, it can be a challenge to lose weight while managing everything else happening at the same time.
If you’re planning to get in shape for your big day then these 13 weight loss tips will come in handy.
1: Eat lean protein, healthy fats, and slow-digesting carbs (aka low-glycemic carbs). These three macronutrients are essential for weight loss. Contrary to popular belief you don’t need a special diet to lose weight. You just need to eat foods that are good sources of lean protein, healthy fats, and slow-digesting carbs.
Here’re some delicious food options for each macro nutrient.
- Protein: chicken breast, turkey, fish, eggs, beans, nuts
- Fats: nuts, egg yolk, fatty fish, avocado, olive oil, almond butter
- Carbs: sweet potatoes, lentils, beans, oatmeal, brown rice
2: Stay clear of foods that contain Trans-Fats. Trans fats are the creation of food scientists and its main benefit is to give processed food longer shelf life. Food products that contain trans fats are engineered to induce cravings so don’t be surprised when you finish a whole bag of Doritos when you only intended to eat a “few”.
Take the safer path to weight loss and avoid of ALL processed food.
3: Avoid fad diets and ‘magic’ supplements. Your desire to lose weight quickly and effortlessly makes you a prime target for weight loss companies selling fluff. Don’t fall prey to their well-designed marketing schemes that make you believe a pill will get you the body you want.
4: Don’t starve yourself. Skipping meals is a surefire way NOT to reach your weight loss goals because it’s impossible to control cravings when you’re starving. You’re much more likely to eat each junk food when you’re really hungry because your body craves sugar when you’re in starvation mode.
Eat regular meals with the right foods and watch your weight drop.
5: Treat your workouts like important wedding appointments. You wouldn’t miss your dress fitting, food tasting, photography consultation, would you? If getting in shape before your wedding day is a priority then your workouts should be treated as important appointments that can’t be missed. Add them to your calendar and schedule other items around your workouts.
6: Track your progress. You won’t know if you’ll reach your weight loss goals in time unless you’re measuring progress. Measure your body weight and body fat on a weekly basis and track your progress. Seeing the numbers on the scale drop will motivate you to keep going. If you’re not getting results then it means it’s time to change the approach.
7: Lift weights. Weight lifting is not just for guys looking to build 20-inch biceps. While spending hours on a treadmill may seem like a good idea for weight loss, lifting weight is much more effective for getting a toned and fit physique.
8: Destroy fat with HIIT. HIIT stands for high-intensity interval training. It’s a term used to describe any workout that alternates between intense bursts of activity and fixed period of rest or less intense activity.
HIIT workouts are mostly bodyweight so you don’t need any equipment to get started. These workouts are also great if you’re pressed for time because the workouts are usually 15-30 minutes long.
Want to increase your metabolism and burn more fat? Then try a HIIT workout. Check out these 8 fat blasting HIIT workouts.
9: Get quality sleep. It can be a challenge to get a good night sleep with so many things on your mind. However, too many sleepless nights can hinder weight loss because your body is not getting the rest it needs to recover from the daily grind.
For best weight loss results, aim to get at least 7-9 hours of sleep every night.
10: Manage stress. Stressful days are inevitable during wedding planning. The goal is not to eliminate stress but to manage it in an effective way so that it doesn't affect your weight loss goals.
Prolonged stress can cause increase cortisol levels. Cortisol is a hormone that is released in response to physical or emotional stress. Increased levels of this stress hormone can lead to hunger cravings even when you’re full. Your body is also likely to store more calories as fat when cortisol levels are high.
Exercise and watching funny videos are two great ways to relieve stress.
11: Get an accountability partner or join a community of people with similar goals. It’s easy to get side tracked when you’re on a weight loss journey alone. Being around people with similar goals or having someone hold you accountable will help you stay motivated and prevent your from quitting.
12: Hire a body transformation coach. If you’re looking for an extra push, want a personalized weight loss plan, or just want someone to guide you in right direction then hiring a body transformation coach might be the way to go.
A good transformation coach will give you a weight loss plan that fits your lifestyle, hold you accountable, and keep you motivated along the way.
13: Stay focused. There’s a lot on your plate and sometimes it just gets too overwhelming to manage everything. Stay calm and don’t lose sight of your goals. Visualize how you want to look on your wedding day and keep that picture in mind at all times.
Are you ready to transform your body for your BIG day?
If you want a workout plan designed for weight loss and some guidance on nutrition then I suggest you go here.