5 Non-Extreme Habits for Healthy Brides-to-Be

Thanks to Mary-Elizabeth Schurrer from Health Be a Hippie for sharing her 5 Non-Extreme Habits for Healthy Brides-to-Be today! I know, from my own wedding, that it’s tempting to go “all-out” on your diet and workouts when you get engaged, but it backfires! Plus it’s hard to enjoy the moment when you’re so stressed. I hope you love her 5 tips to being healthy & happy brides-to-be.

Forget those fad diets, superfood trends or “sweating for the wedding” catchphrases. Optimal health goes beyond fitting into that Vera Wang bridal gown or rocking a barely-there bikini on your honeymoon. Marital bliss doesn’t depend on a “size 0” waistline, but wellness depends on balanced nutrition, physical movement and inner calm. To achieve that “blushing bride” vitality on the Big Day, don’t take drastic measures or set unrealistic expectations. Just follow these simple strategies for lifelong health—even after the “I Do’s.”

Get Active with Your Groom.                     

Make exercise an enjoyable and sustainable aspect of your routine by sweating with your sweetie, rather than going solo. When you turn a workout into a couples’ bonding activity, it stops feeling like “work” and becomes an opportunity to connect over newfound interests and shared fitness goals. Take a nature hike, ride bikes together, find a local wall-climbing gym or train for a 5K side-by-side. Regardless of how you and the future hubby get moving, you’ll both benefit from accountability, social interaction and friendly competition.

Keep Smart Snacks On-Hand.

Don’t ignore those mid-afternoon hunger pangs, but make sure your pantry is prepared for when they inevitably strike. Instead of mindlessly munching on that “emergency stash” of Cool Ranch Doritos, stock the kitchen with nutritious alternatives like fresh fruits and veggies, raw almonds, sunflower seeds, steamed edamame, dark chocolate or plain Greek yogurt. Stash pre-portioned containers of these healthy nibbles in your purse, car or office for on-the-go access, so you won’t be tempted by that artificial indulgence direct from the drive-through.

Find Some Anti-Stress Outlets.

Devote much-needed time in your schedule each day to prioritizing self-care through a restorative mindfulness practice. Your comprehensive physical, mental and emotional wellness involves stress management, so designate at least 20 minutes to unwind from those chaotic wedding plans. Flower arrangements, cake decorations and reception playlists can wait until after that mind-body equilibrium has been restored. Whether you prefer yoga, meditation or even a bubble bath, your sanity will appreciate the extra “me time.” 

Make Hydrating a Daily Habit.

Resist the urge to quench your thirst with soda or sports drinks, both of which contain notorious amounts of refined sugar, processed chemicals and ingredients that no human can pronounce. Whenever you feel physically depleted, this could indicate dehydration, so make a consistent effort to drink about 8–10 glasses of water on a regular basis. This naturally nutrient-dense fluid stimulates the body’s digestion, circulation, organ functions and energy levels. Plus, adequate water consumption will give you a glowing complexion for the Big Day.

Don’t Depend on Deprivation.

Avoid the pitfall of elimination diets, extreme fitness regimens or complete lifestyle overhauls—weddings preparations are hectic enough without that pressure of changing your entire health approach. Rather than labeling certain foods “off-limits” or pushing those muscles beyond their physical threshold, listen to your body’s internal cues. Occasionally indulge a sweet tooth craving, take a break from exercise if you feel fatigued and strive for balance, not rigidity. Besides, imposing restrictive food behaviors usually leads to overeating anyway.

Can you relate to these habits for healthy brides-to-be?

Mary-Elizabeth Schurrer is a freelance writer, fitness aficionado, caffeine addict and Pure Barre junkie. She lives, loves and seeks adventure on the sunny Florida coast and believes everything is better beachside. Her blog, Health Be a Hippie, features healthy recipes, organic beauty hacks, exercise tips and snarky observations, while sending a message of personal empowerment to anyone who stumbles upon her corner of the Blogosphere.