If you’re gearing up for your wedding, you’ve likely focused on key aspects like finding the perfect venue, dress, and playlist. A lot of people also turn their attention to what they eat – usually with a view to dropping a pound or two. But rather than focusing solely on weight loss, which can actually do more harm than good, your best option is to up the nutritional impact of each meal you eat.
To convince you that a healthy diet is more important for the wedding build-up than a slimming one, here are some of the reasons that nutrition must be a priority for couples as they prep for the most important day of their lives.
The Energy Equation
Wedding prep is draining – and the event itself is certain to sap your reserves of vim in no time flat. Switching to a diet that’s nutritionally balanced will provide you with energy to climb over the obstacles you face in this context, without succumbing to the temptation of the empty calories of a take-out.
Here’s what you need to be integrating into your routine for maximum energy impact:
- Whole Grains for Stamina: Start your day with oats or quinoa. The complex carbohydrates in whole grains release energy gradually, preventing mid-afternoon crashes which are crucial when you’re ticking off that wedding checklist.
- Lean Proteins to Fuel Muscles: Incorporate lean meats like chicken, turkey, and fish into your meals. These proteins help repair and build muscle tissue, keeping you physically ready for tasks ranging from venue visits to dance rehearsals.
- Snack on Nuts and Seeds: For quick boosts of energy, rely on almonds, walnuts, or chia seeds. They contain healthy fats and are ideal for a pre-meeting snack or while running errands.
Ideally you want to opt for complex carbohydrates rather than simple ones – so ditching sugary foods in favor of those that take a little longer to digest, and so don’t cause peaks and troughs in your blood sugar, which in turn delivers more consistent energy levels across the day.
This is particularly important given that the prevalence of diabetes is on the rise, hitting 8.3% according to 2021 estimates.
So getting good at managing your blood sugar and energy levels is wise for the wedding countdown, as well as your long term health.
The Chill Factor
Wedding planning inevitably brings its share of stress, and the food choices you make can either amplify anxiety or help quell it. Incorporating certain nutrients in your diet can provide a natural form of stress relief, promoting a more serene approach as your wedding day draws near.
Here’s what to consider in this scenario:
- Magnesium-Rich Foods for Calm: Spinach, pumpkin seeds, and avocados are packed with magnesium, a mineral known for its ability to soothe nerves and improve sleep quality – even if we’re not yet sure why this is the case.
- Vitamin B for Resilience: B vitamins play a critical role in brain function and are influential in improving mood. Find these in whole grains, meat, eggs, and dairy products.
- Hydration is Key: Never underestimate the power of staying hydrated. Dehydration can trigger headaches and fatigue, amplifying stress. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day – as this will also help give you glowing skin.
Of course making changes to your diet can be stressful in its own right, but help is at hand in the form of being able to order delicious and healthy dishes with Factor.
A range of chef-made, nutritionally optimized meal plans are available – and because they’re prepared and ready to heat and eat, you don’t need to get vexed in the kitchen when you have other things on your mind.
The Mood Conundrum
The connection between food and mood is undeniable, especially when you’ve got a lot going on with a wedding looming on the horizon. Selecting foods that are known to make you feel happier and healthier can ensure you feel joyful and positive throughout the journey.
Here’s what works in this arena:
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Happiness: Foods rich in omega-3s such as salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts are known to support brain health and regulate neurotransmitters linked to mood.
- Fermented Foods for Gut Health: Incorporate yogurt, kefir, or sauerkraut into your diet. A healthy gut is essential for producing serotonin, a key hormone that stabilizes our mood, feelings of well-being, and happiness.
- Dark Chocolate as a Treat: Besides being delicious, dark chocolate contains flavonoids that increase blood flow to the brain, enhancing mood and concentration.
It’s important to note that this isn’t just a good way of gearing up for a wedding, but also perpetuating your newlywed bliss afterwards. Given that 12% of brides exhibit symptoms of clinical depression in the months following their special day, a nutritious diet that you stick to should leave you less susceptible to such a situation.
Wrapping Up
From enhancing your energy and minimizing stress to keeping your mood on an even keel and helping you enjoy wedding prep rather than dreading it, all of these reasons to eat nutritiously should convince you to make positive changes if you’re on the road to your nuptials right now.
