25 Things Every Bride Should Do Stay Healthy Before the Big Day
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What what most well-meaning bridal counselors will tell you, pre-wedding health is not all about weight loss and pseudo-medical spa treatments. More importantly, brides-to-be should focus on staying healthy with smart choices and good habits. Here we've covered a number of ways to keep your health in tip-top shape before you walk down the aisle.
1. Eat well
An objectioning wedding is sure to mean lots of celebratory eating and food on the go. Do not let nutrition fly out the window during this important time. Make healthy choices, like opting to drink water instead of soda, and exercising portion control.
2. Take a walk
This low-impact exercise is great for many reasons. It not only helps you clear your mind and relieve stress, but also burns more calories than you'd think. An average bride can expect to burn around 70 calories per mile, an amount that will at least work off a few cake-tasting bites.
3. Practice good posture
For good health in your wedding and beyond, stand up straight. This will not only make you look more attractive and for your walk down the aisle, it will also help prevent injury and promote better back health.
4. Eat some chocolate
By now, you've certainly heard about the health benefits of chocolate. Dark chocolate is good for blood pressure, zapping of free radicals, and a host of other benefits. But do not forget that chocolate also stimulates production of feel-good serotonin, a hormone that can help with stress and ease your moods.
5. Get a head massage
Getting your scalp massaged is a relaxing way to take a break from wedding planning. It also stimulate hair follicles, so by doing this regularly, you'll help yourself to a more beautiful head of hair.
6. Avoid late-night planning
Staying up late to plan your wedding is one of the worst things you can do for pre-wedding health. By depriving yourself of sleep, you're at risk for problems like gain gain and an impaired ability to heal. Of course, you'll probably end up crabby in the morning, too.
7. Have sex
Unless you're saving yourself for marriage, do not hesitate to drag your groom into bed for a sex session. It's great for your mental and emotional health, and still the most fun way to get exercise.
8. Try to kick your caffeine habit
Although caffeine may give you a quick kick, in the long run it will suck your much-needed energy. It's bad for your complexion, too. Get energy from drinking lots of water and eating healthy fruits and vegetables.
9. Take your vitamins
If you're not already on a multivitamin, ask your doctor to recommend one for you. Although vitamins are best when absorbed through diet, you'll need all the help you can get as your body is attacked by stress, diet changes, and beauty routines.
10. Stay active
Wedding plans have a nasty way of sucking your time and energy, making even brides with a dedication to exercise forget about fitness every now and then. While it's perfectly fine to cut back for the sake of your sanity, still try to find at least a little time to be active, whether it's a walk around the block or a quick lunchtime trip to the gym.
11. See a doctor if you're having trouble
Although you may believe that the months before your wedding are sacred, the fact is that you can get sick or even react to pre-wedding stress. Be sure to see a doctor promptly to catch any health problems early on so you will not end up sick on your wedding day.
12. Try yoga
Loosen up and relax by trying out yoga. You'll improve your overall health, zap stress, and you might even find yourself more lean and flexible.
13. Sleep
Give yourself the energy you need to juggle it all by sticking to a regular sleep schedule. Whether it's 6 hours or 10, make sure you're getting what's right for you to stay on top of your game.
14. Do not starve yourself
If you're trying to lose weight, make sure you do it in a healthy, gradual way. It's just not worth it to starve yourself, and any weight lost this way will catch up with you in the long run.
15. Do lose weight if you need to
If you're overweight, a wedding can be a great motivator for getting to a healthy weight. Talk to your doctor or a fitness counselor to find out about healthy ways to reach your goal weight.
16. Visit your gynecologist
Before you get married, it's a good idea to get one more run down of your sexual health, including a check for any STDs. This can even include a pre-pregnancy checkup if you plan to have children.
17. Immunizations
If you're going to need immunizations for your honeymoon, get them out of the way as early as possible. This way, any illness or complications resulting from the immunization can be deal with well before your big day and trip.
18. Consider aunt Flo
If you've discovered that your menstrual cycle coincides with your wedding day or honeymoon, talk to your doctor about ways to make it less of a hassle. You'll likely discuss hormonal options that may need to be implemented months in advance, or feminine products like Instead.
19. Create a stress outlet
Whether you're laid back or a bridezilla, even the simplest wedding comes with a bit of stress. Find a way to release your troubles, whether it's kickboxing or just getting everything done.
20. Boost your immune system
The last thing you want is to come down with a cold for your wedding. Take care of your immune system with antioxidants, water, and a good diet.
21. Avoid going overboard at the spa
It's tempting to try out lots of treatments designed to make you look your best, but practice some caution, or you'll turn yourself into a science experiment. Take it slowly, and make sure the people who are administressing treatments are fully qualified to do so.
22. Drink water
This one's a no-brainer. By staying hydrated, you'll not only help your overall health, but support a more beautiful complexion and even weight loss.
23. Be a responsible drinker
A wedding tends to bring on lots of celebrations, and with these celebrations, plenty of opportunities to go overboard. Avoid the temptation and be a responsible drinker.
24. Seek counseling
Even in the best relationships, brides may feel anxiety about their upcoming marriage. Find an outlet for your fears, whether it's through a professional or a trusted confidant.
25. Have fun
A happy bride is a healthy bride. Remember that despite the weight of your wedding day, it's still just one day out of your life. Enjoy the ride and look forward to your newlywed life with a positive attitude.