How to Stay on Track at the Bridal Shower
The wedding showers are such a fun time. Planning a wedding can be quite stressful. There are so many details to remember, guest lists to organize, and people to keep happy. That’s why having a break and celebrating this time is so important.
As you’re sending off your bridal shower invitations, you want to make a plan to stay on track with your eating. You might be trying to lose weight before the big day or just be looking to stay healthy during a stressful time. Either way, you want to have a plan for the day to set you up for success. How many times have you gone to a function without really thinking about what food will be served only to make bad decisions? This is your event so you can go in with a plan.
So how do you stay on track? Here are some ideas to help you stay healthy, focused while still enjoying time with your loved ones.
How to Stay on Track at the Bridal Shower
BEFOREHAND: GIFT IDEAS
When inviting your guests, you can create a registry of gifts for them to choose from. These gifts are generally less expensive than wedding gifts and can be a great time to ask for things that will help you prepare for your wedding. Some great, healthy gift ideas include:
Vouchers for Pilates classes with your girlfriends.
Reusable water bottle to track your intake.
Healthy cookbooks to help you prepare nutritious food.
Meal delivery services, either precooked or the ingredients delivered, for those final weeks leading up to the wedding when you’re so busy.
Home exercise equipment like resistance bands for quick workouts when you don’t have time for the gym.
BEFOREHAND: EATING
We're aiming for foods that give you energy - that don't make you bloated or sleepy, and foods that don't cause bloating. Here are some quick breakfast ideas:
2 hard boiled eggs and 1/2 an avocado
A pear and 1/4 cups of nuts
An omelet with spinach and feta
Starting your day with a high protein and fat breakfast will set you up for success.
AT THE SHOWER: KEEP WITH YOU
Keep some nuts in your bag in case the food is late, or there's another reason you need some food if none is available. Having a healthy snack on hand will help you pass on unhealthy options. Especially if you have to wait and get hungry.
AT THE SHOWER: OPEN THE GIFTS
If you know you’re going to have a lot of bridal shower gifts to open, make sure you’re well set up beforehand. If you’re drinking alcohol, have your drink nearby but also make sure you have a large glass of water within easy reaching distance. Ask a friend to keep an eye on this glass (not the alcohol) and to top it up for you. This is a great moment to increase your hydration as the bride opens the gifts your generous friends have given you.
AT THE SHOWER: WHAT TO DRINK
Set yourself up with a plan of what you’re going to drink and how much. Going in with a plan makes you more likely to achieve success and not overdo it. Maybe you want to have three drinks or that you’re going to drink a large glass of water or seltzer in between each alcoholic beverage. Whatever you decide, going into the event with a clear idea of what you want to happen makes it more likely to play out the way you want rather than just seeing how the event goes.
You can also ask a friend to help keep you topped up with water. It’s likely you’ll be busy connect with all your friends and family making it hard to slip off to the bar to grab a glass of water. Enlisting the help of a good friend can make sure you actually get a chance to stay hydrated and not overdo it.
AT THE SHOWER: WHAT TO ADD TO YOUR PLATE
When working out where to host the bridal shower, you definitely want to have a look over their menus. Do they offer low-quality, deep-fried foods, or do they have delicious, nutritious foods that will make you all feel good and energized throughout the day?
Survey the scene so you can see absolutely everything available & make the best choice. Stick with proteins (like eggs, chicken), veggies (side salad, cooked veggies side), and fats (avocado, oil, bacon) if possible. Fill your plate with these first before adding the carbs (bread, crackers, chips).
AT THE SHOWER: MAKE A PLATE TO GO
Especially if the foods are ones you don't usually have access to & want to make sure you get to enjoy them - ask your maid of honor, mom, or another friend to make you a plate of seconds that you can take with you & enjoy at another time. This way, you can more easily focus on enjoying the event and your guests!