Your wedding is one of the most exciting and highly anticipated events in your life. It is one of those days that you dream about before it arrives, enjoy every second of while it is happening, and can’t help but reminisce once it has ended. If you feel the need to start “sweating for the wedding,” take a moment to yourself, now. 

Your wedding is the first step to a whole new life with a person you love deeply. Instead of focusing on temporary changes, such as fleeting weight loss, you can use this time leading up to the big day to transform your mindset and your lifestyle for the long haul. You and your partner will be grateful for the lifelong change. The following are healthy ways to get in shape before your wedding that won’t result in temporary results and frustration.

Incorporate Regular Workouts

Nobody wants a quick fix that doesn’t actually work or result in lasting change. Being intentional about increasing your health and energy, however, tends to create real results that stick around. The best way to get healthier and maintain it is to create a routine. I know that working out, in the beginning, is the worst. But it’s only the worst in the beginning – seriously. 

Start slow and be consistent. It’s never too little. My favorite part about getting healthy is doing it for free. Go for a jog in your neighborhood. It doesn’t have to be insane, and if you haven’t run before, don’t expect to be able to go for a 5k in the first month or two. A mile in 14 minutes is fine for a start. Start jogging a few times a week and pick up a few inexpensive free weights. Regularly working out every week will create a habit, and it is one of the best habits you can have.

Try Keto

Working out is the first ingredient in your recipe for a healthy life. The next ingredient is eating well. The keyword here is eating. Don’t make food your enemy, and definitely don’t feel like you have to sacrifice food that actually tastes good. Instead, focus on foods that are nutrient-dense and filling. Pick foods that will give you energy that lasts instead of small spikes that leave you overeating later (we’ve all been there). One meal routine that is easy to follow and won’t leave you hungry or feeling famished is keto. Keto prioritizes healthy fats and puts empty sugars on the back burner. In other words, you can still enjoy your favorites, like taco night! You can even find recipes for keto tortillas online. With so many eating fads out there, it is easy to fall for the wrong one that leaves you back at the starting line. Talking to your doctor about starting keto is a great first step.

Get Someone Else Involved

It is always easier to do something with a friend. In this case, you can even get your partner involved. You are about to embark on a lifelong journey with them, so you might as well see if they want to add an added layer of health to your adventure together. Embarking on a new healthy lifestyle with another person means you can hold one another accountable and support each other when the going gets tough. You also have someone to celebrate with when you meet your goals!

Make Mindfulness a Priority

It is really easy to lose sight of your overall wellness when you want to look a certain way on your wedding day. An excellent way to combat this toxic mindset is to take time to be more mindful. Doing so will decrease and later prevent stress from taking over your life. It will also help you to be less reactive and to be able to view setbacks as just that – little stumbles that aren’t the end all be all. By being mindful, you will be able to take charge of your life and make changes that extend way past the day that you say, “I do.”

Your wedding is one of the best reasons to take control of your wellness. It is the start of a new journey, so start it with your best foot forward.