10-point wedding diet plan for brides
By following our 10-point plan and a healthy menu, you’ll be sliding rather than squeezing into your gown on your wedding day. After all, nothing beats that feeling of feeling lighter and knowing you are looking your best. The good news is it’s not just a case of scrimping and skipping meals. If you stick to the tips and follow the menu you’ll definitely feel the benefit even if your wedding date is just days away.
Diet tip 1: Always eat breakfast
Kick-start your body’s engine with a low fat, slow energy release, unrefined meal. Aim for a 300-350 calorie meal to fit in with the body’s natural metabolism which is primed in the morning and tails off during the day.
Diet tip 2: Hydrate
Drink plenty of fluids (water, herbal teas and sugar-free cordial); aim for two litres spread throughout the whole day and you’ll feel more energised and alert. Plus, toxins will be flushed away and your complexion will definitely improve.
Diet tip 3: Don’t skip meals
Running on empty is a bad choice as your blood sugar levels will dip causing headaches, fatigue and aggravation, which may even lead to a binge when you eat again. Your body needs a balanced intake of food to function properly, so starving yourself is not the answer.
Diet tip 4: Cut the booze
If you drink your maximum recommended units (21 per week for women) then you are taking in more than 1,000 extra calories. Strengthen that willpower and try to cut alcohol as much possible in the lead up to the big day.
Diet tip 5: Don’t skimp on protein
Eat a portion of protein at lunchtime to help avoid an energy slump in the afternoon, which could have you heading for the vending machine. Try a chicken salad or prawn stir fry to keep you full into the afternoon.
Diet tip 6: Eat mindfully
You can’t afford to ‘waste’ calories by eating mindlessly at the fridge, straight from the saucepan or while you’re on the go. Make sure that you sit down to savour all your meals and snacks.
Diet tip 7: Use a smaller plate
Swap your normal plate for a slightly smaller one, making your meals seem larger and you’ll find your ‘full’ switch will flip a little faster.
Diet tip 8: Say no to processed food
If it comes in a packet, leave it on the supermarket shelf. You’ll automatically eliminate food manufacturers’ high fat and high sugar products, not forgetting artificial ingredients. Natural and fresh is always best.
Diet tip 9: Move more
Remember, as well as cutting calories you should burn them too – make sure you compliment the 10-point plan with physical activity. Try a brisk walk to work, an invigorating swim after dinner or join a class at your gym.
Diet tip 10: Mix it up
Make sure you don’t eat the same thing for breakfast, lunch and dinner day-in day-out. Keep things interesting by finding new recipes so that you don’t get bored and end up reaching for the chocolate. A good way to avoid the routine rut is to plan your meals ahead and buy ingredients accordingly.
Weight loss menu ideas
Here’s our mix and match menu to give your diet variety – choose one breakfast, lunch and dinner option and two snack options per day and remember space your meals evenly. Please note this is only a short-term weight-loss plan aimed to cut calories in the run up to you wedding. The best way to lose weight in the long term is to gradually increase your levels of physical activity and follow a balanced, healthy diet.
Weight loss breakfast idea (approx 300-350 calories)
• 50g oats mixed with 100g low-fat natural yoghurt and 100g strawberries
• 45g cereal with 200ml semi-skimmed milk and 200g blueberries
• Two boiled eggs, one slice of wholemeal toast and 10 cherry tomatoes
Weight loss lunch ideas (approx 200-250 calories)
• Brown pitta bread stuffed with 50g lean ham and 100g salad • Two rye crackers topped with 100g cottage cheese and 50g of ham • One slice of wholemeal toast, smeared with half an avocado and a sprinkle of Tabasco sauce
Weight loss dinner ideas (approx 250-300 calories)
• 150g grilled cod, 150g broccoli and 10 roasted cherry tomatoes
• Omelette made with two eggs, two egg whites, 50g mushrooms served with150g salad
• 150g grilled turkey, 150g roasted vegetables (yellow peppers, courgettes, red onions)
Weight loss snack ideas (approx 150 calories each)
• One 120g pot of yoghurt plus one tablespoon of honey
• 50g reduced fat hummus with one medium carrot cut into sticks
• Three rough oatcakes smeared with marmite
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