This is a blast-from-the-past blog re-post from my first blog, Words of Wellness. These tips still hold true, so I figured I’d share them once again!
I enjoy watching a show on Fine Living Network called “Bulging Brides.”
At the start of the show, the brides-to-be are lamenting the fact that they are unable to fit into their wedding gowns (usually with the wedding in two months). Their poor eating and exercise habits are revealed. Then the hosts, a personal trainer and a nutrition consultant, arrive on the scene to help them turn over a new (and healthier) leaf… and to get them into those wedding gowns!
While the vast majority of us are not trying to fit into a wedding gown in 6-8 weeks, there are some things we can learn from the show:
1. Be consistent.
In order to achieve your desired results, you need to eat healthy and exercise on a consistent basis.
2. Keep a food diary.
I think it’s a great idea to do this for a week. Keeping track of everything you put in your mouth gives you a better idea of what and how much you are eating. It also shows you trends and triggers (e.g. after-dinner snacking, jumbo morning lattes, etc.).
3. Tailor your workout.
In the show, the trainer tailors the workouts to achieve a certain goal (shape the back, flatten the abdomen and tone the arms). While the show’s workouts are intense and frequent, we all could benefit from tailoring our workouts as well. Making sure to include aerobic, strength and flexibility components is also important.
4. Push yourself without overdoing it.
You definitely don’t want to overdo things, but some of us could benefit by pushing ourselves a little more. For example, if you’re walking as exercise, pick up the pace a bit (as if you’re in a hurry to get somewhere), versus a leisurely stroll. Of course, check with your doctor before starting a fitness program, especially if you have health conditions.
5. Make it a priority.
I remember how busy I was when planning my wedding (it didn’t help that I was in my first year of medicine/pediatrics residency). The brides on the show have to juggle wedding planning and taking care of themselves. Likewise, we all have to juggle busy lives, including stress and temptation, while keeping ourselves (or getting ourselves) healthy. Making exercise and proper nutrition a priority is a must.
