Every bride wants to look and feel incredible on her wedding day. Setting a wedding date may be just the perfect motivation needed to get to your goal weight.

We asked Loredana Loots, an integrative nutrition and holistic health coach for her expert opinion on how to get into the best shape of your life.

1. Set a realistic goal

“Instead of going crazy and trying to reach an unattainable goal, start by adopting healthy and consistent habits that can easily become part of your lifestyle.This will not only help you in your journey of looking your best, but will strengthen your immune system and give you a much-needed mood and energy boost during the stressful planning times. It’s also important to not put too much pressure on yourself, or you’ll risk damaging your health as well as your mental wellbeing,” explains Loots.

 

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One big veg mess for a quick, nourishing #meatlessmonday and #plantbased lunch keeping it #simple and #real ?roasted mixed veg ?pan-fried kale and onion ?sauteed mushrooms ?curried lentils ?pumpkin seeds, edamame beans, sesame seeds Food is medicine Eat more from the Earth and less from a box! #plantbaseddiet #nutrition #mondaymotivation #nourishtoflourish #nourish #vegan #healthylifestyle #instagood #instadaily #fitnessmotivation

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2. On your plate

“Choose to eat real, whole foods (food in its natural state) whenever you can. These have not been processed, refined or altered and will provide you with the most nutrients,” says Loots.

“Try to include a balance of the following foods everyday: Veg out: At least half of your plate should consist of fruit and vegetables. The power of plants is unbelievable. They are the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet! Rich and diverse in vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients, these are the nutrition superheroes you should always rely on. Aim to eat the rainbow.”

“Protein please: Eggs, lean meat, poultry and fish (organic and pasture-raised if possible). Beans, legumes, raw nuts and seeds. Broccoli, watercress, green peas, spinach, Brussels sprouts, kale, asparagus and spirulina. A quarter of your plate should consist of protein.”

“Whole grains and friendly fats: Not all carbs and fats are enemies! They are vital for a healthy bodyweight and good health. Whole grains should take up the remaining quarter of your plate. Try out quinoa, brown and wild rice, buckwheat or rolled oats. 1 to 2 tablespoons of healthy fats such as extra virgin olive oil, raw nuts and seeds, avocado, tahini, nut butters and organic coconut oil added to every meal will ensure the absorption of vitamins, balance your mood and nourish your hair, skin and nails. Fatty fish such as wild caught salmon, mackerel, sardines and anchovies are also high in essential omega-3 fats.”

“Drink up: Water, that is! Something so obvious but often overlooked. Add a squeeze of lemon, apple cider vinegar and a dash of ginger for a natural detox, to fight the bloat and encourage glowing skin. Herbal teas without milk and sugar also count.”

“Cold feet: Avoid or limit sugar ,processed/junk food, refined carbs and gluten, conventional dairy (plain Greek yoghurt in moderation), excessive alcohol, caffeine and salt.”

“Snack attack: Keep healthy snacks on hand to beat any cravings and the 4pm slump. Raw nuts, fruit, dry and lean biltong, veggie soup, air-popped popcorn, boiled eggs, etc.”

3. Get moving

“Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise 5-6 days per week. Mix it up, keep your body guessing for maximum benefits. Try to do a variety of workouts every week in the form of strength training, weighted, resistance and body weight workouts that target the legs, glutes, back, biceps & triceps, chest, abs and shoulders,” says Loots.

“Encourage more movement through pilates, HIIT, Zumba and Barre classes to tone, increase cardio health and muscle-to-fat ratio. Low intensity, restorative workouts like yoga, walking, casual swimming and cycling are ideal for ‘active rest’ days.”

Last, but definitely not least…

“Your wellness and state of mind is just as important as what you put in your body, and the exercise you do. Adopt some of these habits early on and they too will soon be part of your daily routine:
– Get enough sleep and priorities a healthy routine. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time everyday.
– Avoid caffeine after 2pm
– Try not to use electronics 2 hours before bed
– Eat your last meal of the day atlas 2 hours before you go to bed
– Wind down with a good book, a warm bath, aromatherapy, a soothing tea such as chamomile, meditation or controlled breathing, or a combination of them all!”

Get in contact: Loredana Loots – [email protected]
Facebook: Nourish To Flourish Health and Wellness Coach
Instagram: @nourishtoflourish_with_lore

Picture: Unsplash