The shaadi cheat sheet

Don’t lose sleep over looking your best on your big day. Nutritionists and diet consultants tell us how a bride can look like a million dollars by simply eating healthy

You have fixed the wedding date, and now the countdown to one of the most important days of your life has started. You’re naturally excited for the big day but looking perfect during your wedding takes a little planning and effort. The busy schedules and stress that accompany you up to the wedding date do not make it any easier. But you don’t need to worry about how to look perfect on the wedding day — because we’ve got nutritionists to chart out a few guidelines that’ll help you look your best!

Six months prior: Nutritionist Karishma Chawla of Eat Rite 24x7 says: When one is on a regime that includes good exercise, yoga, meditation and diet, one is automatically well equipped mentally, physically and emotionally for the big day. Have a balanced healthy diet comprising complex carbohydrates, lean protein and essential fatty acids. Complex carbs improves metabolism and body composition. These include wholewheat food items like wholewheat rotis, dalia, wheat flakes and quinoa, oats, barley, jowar, bajra, ragi, brown rice and muesli. Include Omega 3 in the form of foods like avocado, olive oil, flaxseeds and supplements like fish oil caps. Consume a multivitamin every day since it is good for healthy skin. Let’s face the fact: It isn’t going to be a stress-free period for the bride, what with all the running around. The bride cannot look her best if she feels unfit — it is important to include exercise in the routine if it isn’t already. Practise meditation to help you deal with stress. Margarine, refined flour, alcohol, smoking, sugar and fried foods are a big no-no.

Three months prior Diet and nutrition consultant, Khushboo Sahijwani Matta says: Do not neglect yourself amidst all the last minute trials and shopping but in fact eat frequent meals, as it will help your metabolism and help in shedding those extra kilos. So always carry food or some healthy snacks like dry fruits, slim cheese, fruits, and salad on the go. Go on brisk walks, join a gym, dance or aerobic class or what ever form of activity you like, but get yourself some workout for an hour every day. It will help release some feel good hormones (cortisol) and increase your blood flow, hence get your skin glowing. Water is neglected or forgotten about most easily when one is busy. So always carry water with you and sip on it every half an hour. It will help flush those toxins from your body. A bride must also ensure that vitamins and minerals are included as a part of her diet. Consume amla (for good hair and nails) flaxseeds or fatty fish (for glowing skin) dry fruits and nuts (helps give that junk food a miss) go for a regular massage (to de-stress).

Fortnight before: Nutritionist Niti Desai says: If brides haven’t reached their desired weight two weeks before the wedding, they needn’t panic. Since the wedding dress may have been stitched by this time, going on a crash diet right now will be a bad idea. Fifteen days prior to the wedding, there might be bachelorette parties or family dinner parties to attend. Now you can control your meals, but you cannot create a fuss at parties. In such cases, the bride could eat a bowl of salad or soup from home prior to the event. This way, she won’t overeat on food. Brides could also include vegetable juices; greens are a must. Eating teaspoons of roasted pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and flaxseeds are great for energy, since there will be a lot of running around involved. Have a variety of fruits, and not just apples or pears — remember that the darker the fruit, the better it is for you. Drink lots of water, and yes, don’t fret about weight loss now.

A week prior: Nutritionist Kanchan Patwardhan says: The bride-to-be could have fruits or homemade vegetable soup when hungry. Add lots of fibre in the diet since it helps to keep the gut clean and avoids constipation. Eat lots of fruits and cereals as it has lots of fibre. This also prevents acnes. Make lunch or dinner healthy by incorporating wholegrain cereals, pulses or grilled fish, low fat probiotic curd, salad and green vegetables. One must also eat whole grains, oats, fresh fruits and vegetables. The bride to be should also include nuts in the diet and should eat them in frequent intervals. This will help prevent weight gain. Make sure you get a good night’s rest of at least eight to 10 hours.