How to get back on track with your wedding fitness

We’ve all been there – on a diet, focused on our wedding fitness, determined to look and feel our best, doing AMAZING, and then life happens. It could be a birthday, a wedding, a random Tuesday that your best friend calls and suggests a wine night and then – BOOM! You binge and think “I already messed up. Might as well go crazy!”

Being engaged can be really difficult when it comes to this. From engagement parties, bridal showers, bachelorette parties and all the other mini celebrations in between, just planning a wedding can be a party in and of itself. And parties mean food, drinks, desserts, and less time for working out. This could be a nightmare for someone who has goals for wedding fitness, but fret no more my gorgeous bride! I am here to tell you that you CAN have your cake and eat it too!

The first step is to take a good hard look at your mindset when it comes to “success”

Do you find yourself thinking, “the day is ruined since I had 1 brownie so YOLO!” This all-or-nothing mindset is so common but it’s keeping you from making progress and keeping it. You see, success is not linear, is not one straight line. It’s messy. It’s imperfect.

Success isn’t having a pristine diet every day and spending an hour crushing it in the gym. Success is having half-a-bag of chips instead of the whole bag. Success is adding in an extra glass of water for every glass of wine you have on girls’ night. Success is going to the gym and having a mediocre workout when you REALLY just wanted to skip it.

Now, you may be thinking, “What does all this mindset talk have to do with this!?” and the answer is EVERYTHING.

Everything we do stems from our mindset and our thought patterns. Thoughts lead to actions, which lead to consequences. So if we REALLY want to find the balance between guilt and deprivation, we need to go to the root, our mindset. Remember- success is on a sliding scale.

When you’re planning for bridal events, go in with the mindset of “I am going to enjoy myself at this event without guilt. This is not going to ruin everything I’ve worked for,” and you will be much less likely to go off the rails.

The second step is to have a plan for your wedding fitness

You should know well in advance when this event is taking place, so make sure you plan for it. This plan should encompass two parts. One: your workout, and two: your food.

Make sure to get a workout in on the morning of your wedding-related event. Even if it’s just going for a long walk, get moving! Adding in some movement will help boost your energy, calm your nerves if you’re anxious, and will also help you make healthier choices while at the event.

Start your day with a healthy breakfast. If you know that veggies will not be easily accessible throughout the day, have a veggie-packed breakfast to ensure you will be getting all the nutrients your body needs. Bonus: a healthy breakfast will also help you have the energy for everyone fussing over you and wanting pictures with you!

Don’t forget the water! Start your morning with a big glass of water and make sure to continue to drink water throughout the day (in between your mimosas or wine, of course). Need extra motivation to drink more water?

Remember- water helps our skin look radiant!

Now you have your morning set for success! But what happens once you’re actually at the event? How do you stay focused on your wedding fitness with the social pressures and expectations to eat and drink everything in sight!? Use these 3 simple tips:

1. Fill your half your plate with veggies and the rest with whatever else you want.
2. Have one glass of water for every glass of alcohol you have.
3. Enjoy just one dessert.

And always remember that everything you do should be YOUR decision. Maybe that decision is to let loose and enjoy yourself. Maybe your decision is to stay 100% on your wedding fitness plan and abstain from alcohol and sweets. Or maybe you want to find a balance.

Whatever your decision is, make sure it’s YOUR decision and be happy with it. And remember, enjoying yourself on a special occasion won’t ruin your results. Make sure to savor every moment and then hop right back on track the next day!

For more of Alaina’s articles on how to prepare to be your radiant best for your wedding, check out her guide on choosing the best fitness coach for you and how to get into shape before the big day!