And The Bride Wore Sneakers

It’s the new year, and with it comes a fresh torrent of new year’s resolutions and exuberantly championed habits that each and every one of us vow to take up.

Depending on how realistic these goals we’ve set prove to be, some of us will keep up with our resolutions for a full two weeks or less. Others will ring in the year 2014 as slightly reformed individuals.

However, there are few resolution-makers more determined, in fact, more motivated, then the soon-to-be-wed bride. Wedding belles begin to ring in ernest…eh, around April, and things are really in full swing by May.

One can only imagine the resolutions.

Be still a moment. . .  if you listen closely, you can almost hear the patron saint of wedding resolutions chuckling from his puffy little cloud.

But seriously, all jokes aside, many, many, MOST brides declare that at some point before their wedding they’re going to lose 5 pounds. Ten pounds. Twenty pounds. Pick a number, any number between 1 and 50, and it’s probably been a matrimonial weight-loss goal. And that’s cool. More power to you, lovely ladies, even though we’re sure you’re already stunning just the way you are.

But in the spirit of health and optimism, here are ShutterBooth Atlanta’s top tips for reaching those fitness resolutions before those wedding belles ring:

 

1. The Tortuous and The Hare Principal: We all know the story. The fastest way to get sidelined in a goal, is to outpace your own ambitions. Taking on too much to handle, expecting magical weight-loss pills to do the work for us, trying to lose 30 pounds in one month and then quitting when it doesn’t happen. Sound familiar? Don’t less this happen to you. With most things in life, including weight loss, slow and steady wins the race. Annoying, yes. But effective to be sure. Find things about the journey that you enjoy, and then take the opportunity to smell the roses of the experience. Taking care of yourself will feel, well, a lot more fulfilling. And that’s how it should feel, right? That’s kind of like the point.

 

2. You Really Are What You Eat: Come on, Cinderella. Alternating between a bag of Baked Doritos and a can of Coke Zero while you watch The Biggest Loser does not constitute as healthy living. Fill yourself up with fruits, veggies and whole grains. Keep your food mean and lean, unprocessed and clean, and just see how much faster you reach your goals!

 

3. Finding Out You’re Too Small For Your Wedding Gown Can Be Just As Stressful As Finding Out Your Wedding Gown Is Too Small For You: Don’t go overboard with the whole weight loss thing, okay? We know you’re going to be the center of attention. We know you’re going to have your photo taken like a bajillion times, and we totally understand that you want to look and feel absolutely fabulous. But having to have an intricately built, gown taken in at the last minute, is pretty much as stressful as having to create a little extra wiggle room. And either way, you know who already love you just the way you are? Why don’t you just go ask you fiance, lady . . .

 

So there you have it! It really is that straight-forward. And remember what we said about you already being beautiful just the way you are? We really meant that, lady. So take a moment to appreciate the girl in the mirror.