A couple about to be married may be one of the busiest individuals. Even with the help of technology and various suppliers that include a team of organizers, it is still impossible for the engaged couple not to have to lift a finger in preparation for the big day. Juggling work, responsibilities, and wedding plans will, most often than not, take precedence over their health and wellbeing. This leaves them vulnerable to falling ill or burning out just before the wedding, or worse, on the day itself.

It is important for the couple to prioritize their health to ensure that they truly get to enjoy their wedding day and night to the fullest. After all, it isn’t just about being joyful emotionally, the body must also be at its best on that day and for the years to come.

Whenever we are anticipating a special event, we would definitely think about what to wear and how good we should look. It is common for the bride and groom to think about going on a diet to lose weight. Being conscious about our food intake is the first step to being healthy. Unfortunately, the type of diet, as well as the approach to dieting, may be unhealthy. This compromises the couple’s health. Therefore, the first thing to do when you want to be healthy is not to succumb to crash dieting. It will only lead to nutrient deficiencies that could compromise bodily functions, affect one’s appearance, or worse, weaken the immune system. Thus, making the couple vulnerable to infections. In addition, crash dieting can affect mood and mental clarity. This is one of the reasons why bridezilla was born.

Instead of severe caloric restriction and deprivation, watch the quality of food that you eat. Begin by filling up on fiber-rich food. For example, replace white rice and pasta with whole grains like brown, red, or black rice. You can also have oats, quinoa, or adlai. In this case, you don’t need to avoid carbohydrates, but you can opt for the healthier kind to aid in your weight loss journey. Next would be to substitute processed snacks with fresh fruits. Instead of having a pastry or sugary beverages, have some bananas or a starchy root crop like boiled sweet potato.

Men love meat, and they’re high in saturated fat. If you can’t go one hundred percent plant-based, substitute meat with fish or tofu in most meals to lessen intake of saturated fat and cholesterol. Instead of drinking animal milk, switch to a plant-based variety like soymilk or nutmilk. Choose the ones that have no added sugar if possible, or those that have less than five grams of sugar per serving.

Intentionally eat vegetables during main meals. You don’t need to avoid the other food that you want to eat during mealtimes.  The majority of what you should be eating, however, must come from vegetables. If you used to eat two pieces of chicken per meal, you can just have one piece and eat at least one-half cup to one cup of cooked vegetables or one to two cups of salad per meal. Remember to have the dressing on the side. This will make you feel fuller with fewer calories and fat.

Making nutrient-rich food choices will not only nourish the couple but also aid in weight loss. Don’t fall into a cycle of deprivation and overindulgence. Just incorporate life-giving food choices and eat at a moderate pace. Eating too fast can make you consume more calories than you need. It is important to take time to chew your food and savor the flavors in order to feel satiated after meals. This prevents food cravings.

Couples would want to look good in their wedding photos and videos. Therefore, skin nutrition is equally important. Food can sabotage skin integrity and appearance. Food that contains Advanced Glycation End Products or AGEs promotes early skin aging due to the inflammation and oxidative stress it causes in the body. AGEs also damage and wreak havoc with collagen formation. Collagen makes the skin look and feel youthful. Therefore, if you wish to look fresh and youthful when you tie the knot, it is best to avoid or at least keep to a bare minimum, the intake of red meat like pork, beef and lamb; baked products such as pastries, bread and other bakery products; fried food; ultra-processed food such as canned meat, cured meats, packaged snacks like candy bars, chocolates, cereals, cookies, and the like. The main reason why these food are high in AGEs is that they have been subjected to very high heat due to ultra-processing.

Furthermore, eating dairy products like cow’s milk and cheese can increase the production of IGF-1 or insulin-like growth factor 1. This hormone is linked to acne development. So, if you are getting skin bumps, pimples, and acne, it’s time to say goodbye to milk and cheese.

Couples need to be mindful of their hydration level. Drinking water throughout the day, even when you aren’t feeling parched, is a must. It will help boost the immune system, as well as keep the skin moisturized.

If you want to look your best and not be bloated, stay away from salty food. Condiments like table salt, local sauces, fries, and chips must not touch your lips. Sodium makes one retain a lot of water. To flush out sodium from the body, eat potassium-rich food like oranges, bananas, green leafy vegetables, lemon or calamansi in water, avocado, lentils, sweet potato, and about one cup of coconut water or buko juice.

Lastly, no matter how busy the couple may get, there should be time for pockets of exercise. Even just 30 minutes of brisk walking a day. This will help keep energy levels up, stabilize mood, prevent weight gain, and make one look more toned.

Health is a priority when preparing for a healthy and happy ever after.