Cleanses and fad diets may seem like a tempting way to ensure you look your best on your big day, but these usually only offer temporary results and often can lead to unhealthy eating habits and post-wedding weight gain. Thankfully, there are easier and more nutritious ways to shed those pesky extra pounds. Here, five healthy food swaps every bride and groom can make in the weeks leading up to their wedding that will help with de-bloating, so you look your best in photos that are meant to last a lifetime.
1. Swap pasta for veggie noodles.
Gone are the days when zucchini noodles were our sole pasta replacement. Walk into your nearest Whole Foods today and you’ll find a number of fun carb alternatives such as carrot, beet, and sweet potato noodles. We find zucchini noodles pair best with a great marinara or bolognese sauce, while the carrot bring out the flavor in Japanese or Thai stir-fry dishes.
2. Swap dairy milk for nut milk.
Believe it or not, 75% of the world’s population has some form of lactose intolerance. Perhaps those unpleasant digestive side effects you’ve been suffering from lately (bloating, gas) have to do with a dairy sensitivity. Try mixing your morning latte with nut milk instead of skim. Not only could it help ease indigestion, nut milk is also much lower in fat. Give almond, coconut, cashew, or hemp seed a try, too.
3. Swap whole wheat bread for paleo and grain free breads.
A lot of people think carbs are the enemy and end up cutting out any and all form of bread in the lead up to their wedding. But this method often backfires because it’s too restrictive and an unrealistic long-term plan. Swap out whole wheat toast and more complex carbs with paleo and grain-free breads. The switch will help eliminate that feeling of deprivation, since these breads are much lower in carbs, but are still filled with healthy fats that will keep you satisfied. Some favorites include Barely Bread & Mikeys, which can both be found at your local Whole Foods.
4. Swap white rice for cauliflower rice.
Cauliflower rice is quickly becoming the trend food of the year, and it’s easy to see why: it’s versatile and can take on any flavor from your favorite dish. (We love making a cauliflower “fried rice” and cracking an egg on top.) Most supermarkets now sell it frozen so it’s easy to keep on hand in your freezer. It goes great in a smoothie. Don’t knock it till you try it!
5. Swap coffee for herbal tea.
Relax, we’re not suggesting you completely kick your coffee habit. However, weddings easily trigger stressors and anxiety and too much caffeine can lead to over-stress, adrenal fatigue, and burnout. Replacing your afternoon coffee with tea offers a ton of benefits and can actually aid with weight loss, too. Try matcha, which gives the extra energy boost without the caffeine shakes.
Written By: Alli Stein of A Balanced Bite
