You’ve spend months (or even years) planning the perfect wedding – and now it’s nearly here. You’ve probably spent a lot of time working to make sure you look your best by taking great care of your hair, working out often and overhauling your diet. Now that the wedding week is here, it’s important that your nourish yourself in such a way that you look and feel your absolute best. There’s no point in working hard for a year only to wind up bloated on your wedding day, right?
As a bride who is currently in the middle of her own wedding week, I have a few pointers for all the other brides-to-be out there. These are a few things you should load up on – and a few things you should do your best to avoid.
Photo courtesy of Our Labor Of Love
Eat these:
1. The right kinds of protein: Lean chicken, fish and turkey will keep your energy levels up, help you avoid bloating and keep you full for a long time, which is key when you’re busy with last-minute planning.
2. Oatmeal: This is a total powerhouse breakfast – it keeps you satisfied for a long time, regulates your blood sugar and gives you energy. Mix yours up with a bit of almond milk, honey and cinnamon for a delicious, nutritious start to your day.
3. Fresh produce: Fresh vegetables and fruits are great for your wedding week. They’re light, healthy and great for keeping your skin looking clear and bright. Mix up daily green smoothies to help cleanse your system.
4. Water, water, water: While not something you can eat, water is the single greatest thing a bride can put into your body. Up your intake in the days leading up to your wedding. This will help you flush out water retention and keep your skin looking amazing.
5. Natural diuretics: Cucumbers, lemon, asparagus, coconut water and herbal teas are all great examples of cleansing foods that can help your body get rid of water weight and toxins.
Photo courtesy of Shhivika Chauhan
Don’t eat these:
1. The wrong kinds of protein: Fatty meats like beef and lamb may make you feel weighed down on the big day so it might be smart to avoid them (or just consume them in small quantities.) While beans, lentils and chickpeas are great options for vegetarian brides, they’re not the greatest things to consume around your wedding day, as they can cause gas and bloating.
2. Processed snacks: They’re loaded with chemicals and sodium – two things no bride should consume in excess. We love potato chips too….but we would avoid them during our wedding weeks.
3. Dairy: It’s fine in moderation but too much dairy can cause bloating, acne, digestive issues and sluggishness. Stick to almond or soy milk and limit your cheese consumption. Even if you generally don’t have issues with lactose, bridal nerves can make you much more sensitive.
4. Alcohol: While a celebratory drink is fine, we suggest avoiding booze in the days leading up to your wedding. The last thing you want to deal with is a hangover and alcohol may also leave your skin looking dull.
5. Raw or undercooked food: Listen, we love sushi too….but you should never eat anything that could give you food poisoning around your wedding day!