Don’t sweat it. You’ll look great no matter what.

Let me be totally blunt and acclaim what has already been proven by millions of women trying to lose weight: DIETS SUCK. I love ice cream, donuts, Starbucks, and mac n’ cheese entirely too much to give it up.

But when I got engaged, I knew it was time to make some positive life changes so I could one day look back on my wedding photographs and feel good about the woman I saw. Is self image everything? No, absolutely not! But, for me, it really just came down to feeling confident and beautiful on my wedding day.

If you’re wanting to shed a few pounds for your wedding day, it’s more than possible without giving up all the foods you love. I’m going to tell you what worked for me. Just remember, everyone is different so you may need to adjust some things to fit your body and lifestyle.

So, without further ado, here are my 5 dos and don’ts of weight loss in preparation for your big day.

1. Love On Your Food

Do: Allow yourself to indulge in your favorite foods. If you deprive yourself of the foods you love, it could lead to binge eating (been there, done that). Plus, you can use your favorite foods as a reward for a decent week of healthy eating or exercising. Just because you’re trying to lose weight, doesn’t mean you have to be miserable while doing it.

Don’t: Overdo it. Have just enough to satisfy your craving. Set a limit and know when to stop.

2. Accountability Is Key

Do: Hold yourself accountable. This means keeping track of the things you put in your mouth. Take time to skim the ingredients, calories, and serving sizes. Before you help yourself to a carton of ice cream, measure out the appropriate serving size. Also, check the nutrition information at restaurants before going out to eat—you’ll be shocked by your findings. Doing this for any food choice will allow you to better gauge what you’re putting into your body.

Don’t: Be too hard on yourself. You’re going to have good and bad days. If you let guilt consume you, it can push you into a dark hole of remorse where giving up seems like a reasonable option. If you had a rough day, pick yourself up and hop back on the wagon.

3. Ask Your Honest Friend

Do: Pull your scale out from hiding. This little devil played such a huge role in my weight loss. If you’re serious about wanting to lose weight, this really worked for me. It’s easy to lose track of your weight when it isn’t being monitored. My scale kept me honest, and I knew it wouldn’t lie to me.

Don’t: Obsess over the numbers. If the scale is shooting out bad numbers, don’t be discouraged. Try to refocus your energy and use the bad numbers as motivation to get up and moving. You’ll immediately feel better after a good workout. Plus, exercise releases “happy chemicals,” which has the ability to completely flip your mood upside down.

4. Slow and Steady Wins the Race

Do: Stay patient. You can’t snap your fingers and expect instant results. It takes time, commitment, and determination. It can be a difficult journey, but believe me, it is well worth it. I felt great on my wedding day and more confident than I ever had. It was a remarkable feeling to see all I had overcome. It made me feel unstoppable.

Don’t: Give up. I’m sure you’ll feel like throwing in the towel a time or two. It happened to me more times than I can count. But all my inner battles had been more than worth it when I walked down the aisle full of poise.

5. Respect the Temple

Do: Respect yourself for who God made you. Our bodies are sanctuaries for the Holy Spirit. The benefits of a healthier lifestyle go beyond a great body or looking fabulous in your dress (though they’re major perks!). What’s really important is building your mind and soul into a powerhouse and viewing yourself through the eyes of someone who loves you unconditionally.

Don’t: Stop praying. I often found myself turning to God when I was feeling down about myself or not happy with the outcome. Having Him to lean on helped me realize that losing weight wasn’t everything. Through prayer, I was able to focus on the good and shed light on the areas I needed to work on in my personal life, which ultimately helped me reach my end goal. When you are feeling defeated, just remember that God is always there to listen and encourage you.

Just the Beginning

It isn’t an easy road, but, then again, it’s not meant to be. All the temptations of this world make it hard but that’s why overcoming them is so very sweet! Good luck on your journey to a healthier lifestyle. I have no doubt you can do it! But no matter what, you’ll look stunning on your wedding day.

What are some healthy living tips that have worked for you? Share your tips in the comments!

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