Kara Stout, a holistic health-coach who specializes in working with brides-to-be, believes that motivation is a key aspect of reaching health and fitness goals. Therefore, today we've enlisted her help to share 10 tips for staying motivated and making sure you look and feel your best on your special day.
Studies show that 85% of brides want to lose weight before their wedding. As you plan for the day, it’s great to set healthy goals but you need to make sure they're healthy goals that leave you and your body feeling good, energized and happy. In the end, it’s always best to avoid unsustainable and restrictive approaches and ensure you have an effective and appropriate plan for how you'll meet the goals you set. That's where motivation comes in!
10 Tips For Staying Motivated
1. Think about your “Why”: Why are you working on this goal? Why do you want to lose weight before your wedding? Make sure to dig deep when coming up with your “why” and make it personal to you. For example, ask yourself “What will losing weight do for me? How will I feel once I’ve lost weight?” If you ever feel overwhelmed while working on your goals, remember your “why” to keep you motivated, consistent and committed.
2. Write down your top 3 goals: Make them as specific as possible. Place these goals {and your “why”} somewhere you can see them each day.
3. Have 1 non-negotiable small goal you must meet each day: The momentum from meeting your small goal daily will motivate and encourage you to keep going. Some examples of these small daily goals could be: Drink ½ your body weight in ounces of water, drink a green smoothie, or do 50 squats first thing in the morning.
4. Post inspirational sticky notes: Post on your computer, mirrors, anywhere that you’ll easily see for inspiration. Choose a favorite quote or verse that motivates you. There are also inspirational pretty art prints you can purchase or download.
5. Create a Pinterest vision board: A vision board is a fun way to put your goals into imagery and pictures so you can visualize what you want, where you want to be, and how it will feel once your goals are reached. Add recipe pins, fitness tips, at home exercises and inspirational pins. Pinterest offers secret boards as well if you’d like to make your board just private to you.
6. Find a positive accountability partner: Enlist a person in your life to lovingly hold you accountable and encourage you. This alone can be a great motivator and in large part accounts for the success of my brides. I am their partner on this journey, and it keeps them on track. You can also partner up with a bridesmaid, your fiancé, or a fitness friend.
7. Do NOT get on the scale everyday: This can lead to obsessing and stressing which oftentimes hinders our weight loss efforts. If you have to get on the scale, do so every two weeks to monitor progress. You can also monitor progress by the way you feel and also how your clothes are fitting.
8. If you slip up, just keep going: Be gentle and kind to yourself through this process. Never beat yourself up. Know that each change, small or large, is an accomplishment on your journey.
9. Allow yourself sufficient time to reach your goals: Working on a goal can be challenging at times. Keep at it, and step-by-step, you will get closer to your goal. Do not let the distance you still need to go paralyze you. Just keep moving forward one day at a time.
10. Celebrate how far you’ve come: Acknowledge and be proud of any steps you have made in the direction of your goals. Each night before bed, allow yourself to be grateful for what you’ve accomplished, little or big, that day
Healthy Bride Recipes
These nutrient-dense recipes are packed with beautifying goodness. They’re loaded with vitamins, fiber, protein and superfoods and are great for weight loss, beautiful skin and increased energy.
Something Blue Smoothie
Ingredients:
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 banana
• 1 handful baby spinach
• 1 cup frozen blueberries
• 1-2 tbsp flaxseed
• 1 tsp cinnamon
Directions:
Blend all ingredients together in a high-speed blender and enjoy!
Bridal Beauty Bowl
Ingredients:
• 1 cup filtered water
• 1 frozen banana
• 1 cup frozen mixed berries
• 2 tbsp hemp seeds
• 1/2 – 1 tsp spirulina {you can also substitute with a handful spinach or kale}
Toppings:
• Goji berries
• Bee pollen
• Raw cashews
• Chia seeds
• Coconut flakes
Directions:
Blend all ingredients together, pour into a bowl, add toppings and enjoy!
Kara Stout is a Certified Holistic Health Coach, Licensed Professional Counselor, and holds her M.Ed. in Counseling. She specializes in bridal wellness and is the founder of the Beautiful Brides, Beautiful Marriages coaching program. Kara guides busy brides in taking healthy steps to the aisle by teaching what foods and practices promote health, beauty, and weight loss. Beyond preparing for the big day, she also guides brides in laying the foundation for a healthy and happy marriage.
Kara also shares nutrition and lifestyle tips, recipes, inspiration, and bridal wellness on her blog. Visit www.KaraStout.com to find out more! You can also find her on Instagram: @NutritionbyKara
