Eating more, tucking into chocolate spread and doing exercise you actually enjoy are just some of the unexpected tips for brides-to-be to get into shape this New Year.
The health experts from the online food retailer MuscleFood.com have compiled top tips and ideas that are set to make staying healthy in time for the big day a lot easier.
Instead of fad diets or ineffective exercising plans the simple tips include taking selfies to track your progress and ditching sugary breakfast cereals.
There are tips from personal trainer Courtney Pruce for people who hate being healthy and ideas from nutritionist Hazel Wallace on how to stay on track.
Lots of the simple ideas from them include making tasty meals that you’ll enjoy and keeping a food diary so you can see what you’re putting into your body.
There are also guilt free versions of your favourite foods.
A spokesperson from MuscleFood.com said: “Every year millions of New Year’s resolutions are made to get in shape, especially if you have a wedding dress to fit into, but very few are kept.
“It’s such a shame that part of the reason for that is because people simply don’t know where to start or how to make it part of their routine. Busy brides have a hectic schedule and finding the time to fit in a healthy lifestyle can at first seem impossible.
“That’s why we’re so pleased to be able to showcase these healthy tips from people who really know the importance of a balanced lifestyle.
“The tips have something for everyone and show that there’s no one way of doing it. The most important thing is that you at least try, and you might be surprised at the weight you see slipping away.”
If you want to fit into that dream dress this year then take a look at the ideas and suggestions below.
Nine Tips for people who HATE being healthy from Courtney Pruce for MuscleFood.com
1. Make your food look & taste nice
If you make your food delicious and add variety to your meals you're more likely to enjoy it and stick to it. Don’t make healthy eating a chore.
Things take time and changes don't happen overnight. Just trust what you're doing is right and keep going, even when it feels hard.
3. Do work outs and activities that you actually enjoy
Don't force yourself to do exercises you hate. You're more likely to stick to it if you’re looking forward to it rather than dreading it. You aren’t just limited to the gym or jogging, spinning, group HIIT workouts and swimming are all great ways to stay fit.
4. Set achievable goals
Set yourself realistic goals that are achievable in a reasonable time frame. Setting a goal to drop several dress sizes in a few short weeks is too far fetched and will only lead to loss of motivation when you realise it’s unachievable.
5. Don't be too restrictive
Treat yourself every now and then! This doesn't mean eat really well all week and then binge like crazy at the weekend. Allow yourself a treat every so often, like sampling wedding cake tasters or trying out the cocktails for the reception. After all your hard work it will allow you to develop a healthy relationship with food.
6. Eat MORE!
Diets that are too low in calories are difficult to sustain and means weight loss will quickly stall as they put your body in an incredibly stressed state and suppress your fat burning hormones. Therefore make sure you’re eating enough every day.
7. Concentrate your carbs
Concentrate your carbohydrate intake around the 90 minutes window in which you are training and avoid consuming carbohydrate for breakfast.
8. Ditch those sugary breakfast cereals!
Keep your breakfasts high in protein & healthy fats to encourage fat burning. Breakfasts including avocado, whole eggs, smoked salmon & nut butter are all healthy alternatives.
Try and stick to whole food sources and avoid any processed foods. Things like meats, fish, eggs, nuts, grains, fruit & vegetables are all much better for you and can taste amazing too.
Five tips on how to stay on track by Hazel Wallace for MuscleFood.com
1. Dream big, but start small
No goal is too big but don’t expect drastic results overnight! Losing weight doesn't need to be anything grandiose, the key is to start small and build a habit first. For example, instead of making a resolution to lose 1Ž2 a stone this year, start by creating a habit to reach that goal – such as making a resolution to swap your morning cup of tea and biscuits for a pot of low fat Greek yogurt.
2. Keep a food diary
Unless you consciously track everything you’ve eaten in a day, it’s easy to forget about the little extras that seem to sneak into our diet like the blueberry muffin you munched with a friend over coffee. Those seemingly harmless nibbles add up quickly. Writing what you’re eating down will make you think twice before grazing mindlessly on snacks throughout the day.
3. Take a ‘selfie’
Whether you share it or not, take a weekly picture in the same mirror, wearing the same clothing, and by comparing the pictures from week to week you will notice the gradual changes your body is making. This should help you with sizing dresses too.
4. Schedule a date with a gym
Plan your workouts a week in advance and put them in your diary. Treat your gym session or class like you would an important business appointment – don’t cancel and don’t be late! It can be easy to consider your workout as less of a priority over work, family and social commitments. However, working out is just as important as many other responsibilities in our lives as it is essential for maintaining and improving both our physical and mental health.
5. Find a ‘swolemate’
Tell your friends and family about your goals and ask them to get involved and support you. It could be that some of your bridesmaids are also planning on getting healthy for the big day so why not do it together and support one another? By training together you can keep each other motivated and celebrate your achievements together.
Top ‘guilt-free’ treats from MuscleFood.com
1. Sugar free syrups
If you have a sweet tooth but want to reduce your sugar intake then try guilt-free syrups. MuscleFood.com syrups are perfect for pancakes, ice cream and porridge.
2. Prutella
Hazelnut spread is popular with both adults and children alike but the leading brands are packed with sugar and fat. Prutella tastes just as great and is filled with protein.
3. Protein Popcorn
Packed full of protein and low in calories, protein popcorn is a great alternative to those fatty snacks we nibble on throughout the day!
4. Salt & Vinegar High Protein Chips
Crisps are a delicious snack but they’re often filled with saturated fats that are going to make you feel tired and sluggish. High protein chips are a great alternative.
5. Fat free Sausages
With February on the way the cold weather makes us all want to curl up at home with some bangers and mash. Unfortunately, sausages are packed with fat, which is why a fat-free alternative is the perfect way to stay on track in 2016!
6. Protein Pizza
Pizza can now be enjoyed without the guilt with MuscleFood.com ’s very own protein pizzas. The range is high protein, low carb, low fat and low calorie – perfect for a quick and nutritious meal
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