THE WEDDING diet
It is one of the most important days in a person's life; a day when many dreams come true for many men and women. Naturally, looking best on the day is of utmost importance, and the songs, and the laughter caught on camera will forever remain a reminder of these precious moments.
How good you look on your special day depends on many factors - what you wear and how you wear it, its suitability to your physique, weight, health of your skin and hair, and most of all, the overall presentation.
This ensemble is what makes the bride or the groom stand out among the hordes of people dressed to the nines. However, no matter how beautiful you are, it cannot be magically enhanced on the day of the wedding itself. So for best results, proper pre-wedding preparations are necessary. These will also help bring about a healthier change to your regular lifestyle.
STEPS FOR DESIRED GOALS
If you think you need to lose weight, start working on it at least three months prior to the wedding day. The earlier you start the better you will feel on the grand day. Weight gain among newlyweds can be a result of multiple reasons, so it is better to create a healthy lifestyle as soon as possible. And this goes for everyone and not limited to the brides and the grooms about to tie their knot.
A GOOD EATING HABIT
A balanced and low fat diet should be had every day. Consumption of excess sugar, salt and oil should be avoided. Carbohydrate rich items like rice, potato, bread and sweets should also be minimised, substituted for healthier options like oats, brown bread or ruti, and brown rice.
You can have an egg every day, as they are rich in proteins responsible for maintaining healthy muscles. Low fat milk or yoghurt or cottage cheese can be good sources of protein as well. Saturated fats should be especially avoided, and giving up deep-fried snacks and fast food can help to lose weight faster.
Your diet should have an increased focus on vegetables and fruits as early as six months before the wedding day. Antioxidants in greens help defend against diseases and will help to avoid issues like fever, the flu, and cough during the celebrations.
Daily consumption of 2 to 2½ litres of water is recommended for adults. It also helps in losing weight and keeping the skin hydrated.
MAINTAINING MEAL TIMES
A good food regimen with discipline is essential for achieving weight loss. A routine of breakfast at the proper time (between 8-9am), mid-morning snack at10-11am, lunch between 1.30pm and 2pm, evening snacks at 4pm, and dinner around 8pm should help in your effort for losing weight. Being disciplined also helps against acidity issues, as well as aiding in digestion.
EXERCISE
For best results, diet control should be accompanied by increase in physical exercise right from the very beginning or at least six months prior to the wedding. Walking regularly is a huge plus point. Those who do not have too much time on hand, like only two months to the date, can walk an hour, twice a day, three days of the week. Be careful to not expose your skin to the sunlight too much, and use sun block appropriately.
SLEEP
Adequate sleep is necessary for good health. Sleeping six hours a day not only helps in weight loss but also keeps the skin fresh.
DIET FOR HEALTHY SKIN
Both the bride and the groom should take care of their skin in the months leading up to the wedding. Fruits and vegetables have antioxidants which help prevent skin damage. Carrots, pumpkin, papaya, cherry, spinach and similar leafy veggies are especially good for the purpose. A glass of no-fat or low-fat milk is also recommended to keep the skin supple and smooth.
DIET FOR HEALTHY HAIR
Hair will be an important issue for both the bride and the groom. One should try to avoid stress as much as possible on the days preceding the wedding. This, coupled with practicing some regular grooming tips, will help keep the hair remain healthy and retain its lustre.
Vitamins E and C help with hair growth and its shine. Foods like amalaki (gooseberry) orange, eggs, nuts and milk help prevent hair fall. Also, you can start the Biotin supplement three months before the wedding day.
HEALTH CHECK-UP
About two to three months before the actual ceremony, one should go for a detailed health check up to see if something needs medical attention. For this, blood tests to check for haemoglobin, pressure and blood group, as well as glucose and liver function levels are some basic tests to carry out. Many girls suffer from anaemia without telltale signs, in which case taking appropriate supplements is a priority.
DIET FOR POST-WEDDING CELEBRATIONS
It is necessary to remember that all the hard work that goes behind looking fresh and staying fit so it isn't wise to let it all go to waste once the ceremonies are over. Avoid eating too many sweets, drink enough water, drink a glass of lukewarm lemon water after eating rich food every time and do not skip a meal.
A good diet is necessary for the overall health of both the bride-and-groom-to-be. So be careful and keep in mind the above outlines to have a lovely ceremony, unmarred by too much fatigue or health problems.
CHIEF DIETICIAN, APOLLO HOSPITAL
TRANSLATED BY SANIA AIMAN
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