Tips for Getting Healthy

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! Getting fit and feeling your best on your big day is a great goal to have. Here are a few tips to help you reach that goal:

1. Start early: Set a timeline to achieve your fitness goals and start right away. Set both long and short-term goals, ideally 6-12+ months out. The more time you have, the better and more sustainable the results will be. Don't wait until the last minute. Waiting until the last minute may lead to extreme dieting and a quick rebound after the wedding.

2. Change your diet. Focus on whole foods like vegetables, fruit, meat and whole grains. When you go grocery shopping, stick to the store's permitter; this is where the healthiest options are. Reduce the amount of ultra-processed and sugary foods, including sugary drinks you consume. These types of food and drinks are full of empty (nutrient void) calories and can easily lead to weight gain. When looking at your grocery basket, ask yourself if you have a variety of protein like meat, fish, eggs, different colors fruits and vegetables, and fat sources like olive oil, avocado and nuts.

3. Exercise. Find a workout routine that works best for you and your schedule and stick to it. Try to exercise at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week. If you have a sedentary job, also add 10-15 minutes walks after lunch and dinner to help with digestion. For fat loss, incorporate resistance training (dumbbells, resistance bands, etc.) to help build muscle while losing fat.

4. Get enough sleep. Sleep is essential for both physical and mental health. Aim for at least seven to eights hours of sleep a night. Getting enough sleep is essential for fat-loss as it helps to regulate hormones that control hunger.

5. Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated is key for a healthy body and mind. Drink at least 8 8-ounce glasses of water a day. Water helps to keep you hydrated and can also help you feel fuller for longer, which can prevent overeating. If you've just consumed a large meal and feel hungry, try drinking a glass of water and reassess in 15 minutes. If drinking water is difficult for you, try adding lemon or lime to it or have a non-caffeinated herbal tea.

6. Take time for yourself. Make sure to take time for yourself to relax and unwind. Stress can be detrimental to your health and your goals. Find a non-related food activity to do that you enjoy.

By following these tips and staying consistent with your workout and diet plan, you will surely reach your fitness goals so that you can feel your best on your wedding day!