Why I Am Not Going On a Wedding Diet
From the second we got engaged and started wedding planning, I was inundated with messages about “shredding for the wedding,” so find out why I am not going on a wedding diet.
We have been HOT on the wedding circuit lately, but we’re officially next – I cannot believe we’re getting married in less than 6 weeks! Almost every bit of my free time is spent doing some detail for the wedding, and I’m loving every bit of it… except for the wedding diet culture that’s infiltrating every single wedding-related activity.
You could probably guess that by my wanting you to break up with dieting, I’m not a fan of wedding diets, nor am I going on one.
But I totally get the pressure to.
In fact, after 6 hours of hard-core partying and sweating my booty off at my friend’s wedding last weekend, I overheard another recent bride hand a slice of pizza to my friend and say, “Someone take a photo… it’s like a right of passage after your wedding.”
And I understand where she’s coming from because every where you turn from the second you’re engaged encourages you to start shredding for the wedding.
There is this lingering expectation in society that to become a healthy, “blushing bride” you have to spend the weeks or months leading up to your big day on a wedding diet. Even more so lately because it’s right after the New Year.
In fact, many wedding planning timelines include “start an exercise routine” around 4-6 months prior to I do. Wedding dress stylists almost imply that you’ll drop a few (even if it’s due to “stress!”).
I even got this message when I booked my wedding dress alterations…
And I’ve seen it first-hand from those closest to me… two-a-day workouts, no carbs, no cocktails, no FUN! And wedding planning is supposed to be fun!
On the one hand, adopting some healthier eating habits at the start of sharing your life with someone is great – I’ll never discourage someone from adding more veggies to their diet! Hey, maybe you’ll both start moving more too (it is good for your libido ????)!
On the other hand, why is there an unspoken pressure to lose weight before the big day?
You’ll be glowing… oozing with happiness… So isn’t the momentous life occasion (hello… MARRIAGE!!) where the emphasis should be, instead of looks?
When and where did the idea of a “wedding diet” come from?
Honestly, I don’t know.
But I do know that I am not going on a wedding diet. Here’s why…
My close friends and family know that I teach, breathe and LIVE my “all foods fit” mentality. So they often joke about me being “on brand…” especially when strangers find out I’m a dietitian and say “Don’t watch me eat this,” or “What’s Chelsey-approved at this party?” My eye roll and response of “EVERYTHING” is truly what I live (less any true allergies or intolerances!).
So it’s no surprise that I’m not going on a wedding diet… but it’s not just because it’s not “on brand.”
It’s because I’ve worked too hard to stop any restrictive behaviors I picked up in high school and college to create a neutral relationship with food.
It’s because I don’t want to worry about what I weigh.
It’s because diets don’t work.
It’s because I don’t want to spend the weeks leading up to the most important day in my life [thus far] over-analyzing and obsessing over every morsel of food I eat.
It’s because I don’t want to not look like myself on my wedding day.
But it’s not easy, especially with so many external pressures. So to all of my other brides out there, I completely get it.
As a dietitian who helps clients get healthy in the way that looks (and feels) best on them – without dieting – I have to admit that, yes, even I have felt the pressures to start shredding for the wedding. I’ve questioned, is this what I’m ‘supposed’ to be doing for the next six weeks?
And when I’m not feeling this pressure, I find myself doubting whether not feeling this pressure is actually strange!
But I know that the two most important people in the room (my fiancé and myself!) will love me without losing a few pounds.
At times, it’s hard to ignore societal messages… especially when dieting is what you know. But, I’m a strong believer that you can do anything you put your mind to.
Restrictive behaviors are never normal – even, and especially, if it’s before the most important day in your life.
So I’m not going on a wedding diet.
Here’s what I’m doing instead:
- I’m eating according to my hunger and fullness signals.
- I’m listening to my cravings.
- I’m staying extra hydrated so my skin is moisturized from the inside out.
- I’m including more veggies into my everyday diet… because they give me the energy I need to maintain my extra busy schedule!
- I’m eating gut-friendly foods to avoid getting sick during flu season and to beat the bloat!
- I’m incorporating healthy fats into my diet for sustainable energy
- I’m moving my body how it likes to be moved best… and including plenty of rest days too!
- And I’m prioritizing sleep!
So if you’re a bride-to-be, I hope you think about why you want to employ restrictive behaviors to reach your goals. I hope you discover what you think going on a wedding diet and losing a few lbs will do for you.
Do you want to improve your eating habits so you have the energy it takes to plan your wedding?
Do you want to adopt healthier habits for this new chapter in your life?
Do you want to figure out what foods work best for YOUR body?
Those are all fantastic reasons to include healthier habits in your daily life.
So dig deep, and think about your why.
If you’re getting married soon and hoping to FEEL your best, starting new healthier eating habits, while moving intuitively and honoring your cravings, reach out today!
Personally, I can’t wait to get married, and it would be the best wedding present EVER if society gets rid of pressuring brides to lose weight to look their best!
So if you’re a fellow bride-to-be, I hope you’re enjoying every second of your wedding planning process, having your cake, and actually eating it too!
XO