As most of us are still recuperating from 2014 and whatever it may have brought to the table, some of us are also exhilarated about planning the rest of their lives with their new fiancé! Let’s rephrase the latter: planning the ONE day that many brides await with joy and anticipation: THE WEDDING DAY.
Six months from now approximately, the madness of wedding season starts along with many brides-to-be finalizing the plans. By then most details will have been perfected: The hair and make up team patiently awaits the bride and her demands, the dress fits sublimely, the final guests count is in, the vendors are all lined up and ready for the big day, the weather channel is checked daily, the plan B is in place in case of rain or worse (applies to Minnesota brides onlyJ), the venue awaits the hustle and bustle of a day sure to bring fun, laughter, love, and joy to all the attendants and especially to the acclaimed couple! One factor that could dim some of the excitement would factor the bride potentially turning into a BRIDEZILLA! The term became popular through the reality television series by the same name. “Bridezilla” is a portmanteau word combining “bride” with the rampaging beast Godzilla, and is used to define a particularly difficult bride. Many factors are to blame for a bride becoming a bridezilla: stress, financial concerns, time management, aiming for perfection, trying to please too many, et cetera… The ONE big factor that I will touch on here is: DIET! Many brides feel pressured to lose weight and look their absolute best in a short amount of time thus resorting to fad diets and trendy cleanses that are sure to awaken the Godzilla in any of us!
Dietary changes can trigger chemical and physiological changes within our brains that can alter our behavior and emotions. The “diet brain” leaves us depressed, agitated and forgetful. To avoid turning into the dreaded “bridezilla” can be as simple as implementing the 5 steps below:
1. EAT REGULARLY
Running on empty creates havoc on our moods. Eating every 4 hours keeps blood sugar level. Starting with a healthy breakfast (fiber, nutrients, lean protein good fats, whole grain carbs) makes us less prone to cravings. Studies have shown that eating breakfast regularly leads to improved mood.
2. DO NOT AVOID (GOOD) CARBS
Our body needs carbs in order to produce serotonin (a neurotransmitter that promotes feelings of happiness and satisfaction, and a mood regulator). The connection between carbs and mood is all about tryptophan (building block to serotonin). Depriving yourself of carbs will lead to binging on the exact things you are trying to resist. Instead substitute simple carbs (candy, cookies, cake…) for complex carbs (whole grains, vegetables and beans…).
3. DO NOT AVOID (GOOD) FAT
A deficiency in omega 3 fatty acids is associated with depression, anger and hostility (all clear characteristics of a bridezilla!). On the other hand, adequate amounts can improve brainpower and mood (beauty and brain is a great combo). Saturated fat (bad fat) on the contrary is linked to depression, dementia, fatigue and feeling of sluggishness.
4. DO NOT NEGLECT IMPORTANT NUTRIENTS
Implementing nutrient dense foods versus calorie dense foods is very important. Selenium, iron, folic acid, vitamin B6 and B12 are all very important to our moods and our health. Fatty fish, flaxseed, nuts and seeds, whole grains, beans and legumes, green leafy vegetables are all staples of an optimum diet for our physical health as well as our mental health.
5. DO NOT BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP
Most brides do not skimp on expenses related to their dream day, to often get there burnt out mentally and physically with no sustainable long-term plan. A wedding day is merely a glimpse into a lifetime. Making nutrition changes targeted toward a healthy lifestyle for a lifetime of health versus ONE circumstantial day will be the best gift you can give yourself and your life partner. Visit www.moody-foody.com for highly customized and holistic plans to get you to a BrideBella and not a Bridezilla!
Liza Jackson is a Master Esthetician + Waxing Specialist at Juut Salonspa in St. Paul. For more information on keeping your cool while planning your dream day, pay her a visit! It will be good for mind, body and soul!