There is a lot to plan and prepare for your wedding, and I’m not just talking about linens, DJs and flowers. It is common to hear about people wanting to get in shape for their big day. It’s the one day even the most anti-gym people express they want to look and feel great. There’s only one problem – gyms can be expensive! And diets have a bad reputation for consisting of bland and meager “meals”. But wait, I have good news for you! You don’t have to starve or run yourself into the ground to look and feel great on your wedding day – the secret is taking care of yourself and staying active on your own time. It might be hard to get started, but I am here to help make it a little easier. Here are three of my favorite fitness blogs, as well as some of their featured recipes to help you get wedding ready. Did I mention you don’t have to pay a membership fee to gain access to all these great things? Finally, something for your wedding that DOESN’T cost you anything!
1. Breakfast with Blogilates
This social media sweetheart will get your body moving and heart pumping in no time! Known for encouraging healthy lifestyles and fun workouts, Cassey Ho has created multiple types of workouts for all interests. She has a lot of great recipes and resources to help you feel great for your big day. Here is one of my favorite breakfast recipes:
Berry Crunch Oatmeal
Ingredients:
1 cup quick cook dry oats
2 tbsp dried cranberries
Few raspberries
2 cups hot water
2 tbsp honey Greek yogurt
1 tbsp pistachios
Honey or agave (for extra sweetness)
Directions:
1. Combine oats and dried cranberries in a bowl with hot water. Stir together. They will cook in the bowl.
2. Put a dollop of Greek yogurt on top.
3. Top with pistachios, raspberries, and honey.
Pair it with a workout to wake up your abs:
http://www.blogilates.com/blog/video/extreme-abs-3-intense-at-home-ab-workout-for-flat-abs/
2. Lunch with Tone It Up
Fitness duo Karena and Katrina have mastered the art of hybrid workouts. They even have their own line of protein shakes! Whether you want to get results fast with HIIT, or stretch it out with some yoga, they have the perfect workout for you. Try this delicious lunch recipe:
Strawberry Fields BIKINI Wrap
Ingredients:
1-2 collard greens
4-6 oz grilled chicken
1 Tbs red onion, chopped
3 strawberries
2 Tbs fresh mint, chopped
Drizzle agave
Directions:
Lay all ingredients in your collard green. Wrap up and enjoy!
Pair it with a great kettle ball workout:
https://www.toneitup.com/workouts/new-workout-bikini-kettle-band/
3. Dinner with Fit Blender
Daniel and Kelli describe themselves as “a husband and wife team of personal trainers on a shoe string budget.” They are strong advocates for living a healthy, active lifestyle, no matter your budget. They know first-hand what it is like to try and fit a workout into your schedule – they both juggled full time jobs while growing their fitness brand. Try this delicious stir fry recipe for dinner:
Garlic Basil Chicken Vegetable Stir Fry
Ingredients:
1 onion
1.5 cups carrots
10 mushrooms
2 celery stalks
1.5 cup corn
1 zucchini
1 head of broccoli
1 lb mung bean sprouts
2 chicken breasts, diced (or vegan/vegetarian options; see below)
3 Tbsp cooking oil
4-6 garlic cloves
4 Tbsp soy sauce
1 Tbsp basil
Rice: white, black, brown, wild, etc
*Cook enough rice to make at least 3 cups; no harm in making extra as it makes for quick and easy leftover dishes for meals that follow.
Directions:
1. Start cooking the rice of your choice so that it will be ready when you are. Chop up the chicken & all of the vegetables into desired bite sized pieces.
2. Add the oil and chicken to a cooking pan on medium heat and allow it to start cooking.
3. Add the basil, garlic, onions, and carrots; sauté for extra flavor. Once the onions are transparent, add in the rest of the vegetables (which take less time to cook) and soy sauce. Stir well. Once the vegetables are cooked to your liking (also making sure the chicken is cooked all the way through), serve over rice or rice noodles and enjoy.
Try not to add any additional salt, instead focusing on increasing the basil or garlic if you want more flavor.
Made as described, this recipe will feed four hungry people (possibly more if you add more rice to each dish). Save leftovers in the fridge for an easy meal option later on.
Pair it with this workout:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsaGmHsIGy8
As you can see, getting fit for your big day doesn’t have to be bland and unenjoyable. There are tons of healthy and delicious recipes all over the internet, be sure to mix it up and try new things in order to avoid getting sick of the same basic meals. Also, remember, working out only requires a tiny part of your day. Feel free to start out small with a few at-home exercises or maybe a walk around the neighborhood after work. Your wedding is by-far one of the most memorable days of your life, be sure you are at your happiest and feeling great about yourself in every way! Enjoy your new recipes and workouts. Happy wedding planning!
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