Brides on their wedding day are beautiful. There is a glow about them that says, “I am loved and today I will wed my love.” My son, Tom, got married a few weeks ago and his bride, Laurie, had that glow about her.
The scene was the Phipps Conservatory in Pittsburgh, Pa. The Victorian Garden that surrounded them was splendid with geometric shrubs accenting pink and silver flowers. The bagpiper played loud and his sound was clear; this was a joyous occasion.
There was no rehearsal. The ceremony had an informal formality about it. The glass roof of the garden leaked raindrops before the wedding, but as soon as the music began as father and daughter wove their way through the maze of bushes the sun shone bright.
The small number of invited guests showed up in their summer finest. Men wore suits and the ladies added beauty to the setting with an array of garden colors. One young man sported a dark jacket, khaki pants, a light blue shirt with a striped tie and high-top tennis shoes. Tom and Laurie were surrounded by their families, an eclectic group of love.
One of the bridesmaids was concerned that the dress that was purchased months ago would not fit on the day of the wedding. She had recently had a job change and her current lifestyle did not include any physical activity or exercise. On the morning of the wedding she tried on the pastel dress and was surprised to find that although the seams were tight, it still fit.
Weddings, a new job, and lifestyle changes can affect how you eat, move and sleep. Eating, moving and sleeping all play a part in where and how much weight a body carries.
As the bridesmaid breathed a sigh of relief she began crying. She was thrilled that she would not ruin a perfect day for the bride by not being able to fit into her beautiful dress. She was also upset that she had not paid more attention to her body shape before the wedding.
As we talked at the reception I tied my dietitian hat on and added a few words of advice to this young professional. I told her to keep her bridesmaid dress in the front of her closet. Instead of using the scales to gauge her weight management try the dress on once a month. When the seams stop straining then she will know she is losing weight instead of continuing to gain. She thought this was a great idea. She had a large piece of wedding cake and danced the night away.
It has been three weeks since Tom and Laurie said, “I do.” Their plans for the future are as changing as the flowers in their wedding garden. Their lifestyle adjustments will affect their eating and exercise habits too. I recommend the same treatment. Keep the wedding clothes handy and try them on periodically. Keep dancing.
Bobbie Randall is a registered, licensed dietitian in Wooster. Contact her at [email protected]. Reference click here.
Have a healthy and fit day!