Nutritional Guidance by **Abby Nevins**.
## *Abby is a Birmingham dietitian that offers concierge nutrition consultations. As a registered dietitian, Abby hopes to not only help people lose their weight, but also help them to achieve a new and improved lifestyle that includes good nutrition, exercise and a positive sense of health and well-being. Her mission is to change you from the inside out, so you can live your life to its fullest. You can learn more at **www.bhamdietitian.com** or by emailing Abby at abby@bhamdietitian.com*
You’ve got the ring, now you’ve got to look good in the dress. There is definitely a wrong way and a right way to lose weight for your wedding day. This goes for brides and mothers-of-the brides too! Instead of drastically dropping weight that is bound to return, why not develop some healthy habits you can carry with you once the big day has come and gone?### **First Obstacle: Parties.**You are about to be surrounded by heavy foods, from engagement parties to bridesmaid luncheons and everything in between. Remember, you don’t have to eat everything that is served. Instead, make a small (appetizer-size) plate, eat and move on. Socialize and have fun away from the food table. People want to celebrate you, so don’t let these gatherings be a burden! Instead, use them as opportunities to spend quality time with those you may not get a chance to speak to at your wedding.### **Second Obstacle: Alcohol.**At these parties, drink calories add up. Cocktails can range from 100-500 calories per glass! Plus, the more you drink, the more you snack due to lowered self-restraint. Try to stick to one drink (this is the appropriate serving size for women). When you finish, fill a cup with water and a lime and people will never know it’s not alcohol. Proper hydration has been proven to help curb hunger pains.### **Third Obstacle: Busyness. **Wedding planning doesn’t end until you are on your honeymoon. Guest list, invitations, flowers, etc....there’s a lot to get done! This may sound ironic, but don’t forget to eat! Skipping meals typically leads to overeating later in the day. Keep some high-protein, high-fiber snacks in your car to keep you satisfied (ex: popcorn or small pack of almonds).
Also, just because you’re busy, doesn’t mean you can push exercise aside. It takes two to tango: Exercise + good nutrition. You can’t see true weight loss unless both are involved. If you are currently in the exercise routine, don’t stop! And if you have yet to begin, start by adding a walk to your day while you make necessary phone calls. Or download a couch to 5k app and use it as a new fitness regimen to get you healthy.### **Fourth Obstacle: Tastings.**Ahead of you are several opportunities to taste different caterers’ foods. As a dietitian, this was my favorite part of the whole wedding planning process! They’ll want you to demo buttery salmon, cheesy spinach dip, stuffed mushrooms, hamburger sliders, and, of course, wedding cake. Take one bite of everything as opposed to bringing home plates. If the first bite is good, then you know the 3rd and 4th bite will be good too. Take a friend along if you know you will want a second opinion.
*These four tips can be applied now and when you enter into marriage: Portion control, appropriate alcohol consumption, prevent skipping meals, and exercise. This is what a healthy lifestyle looks like. It’s not a temporary crash diet. It’s a permanent change. Be the best you can be during this time of engagement. Then, make it last a lifetime!*
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