With travel opening up again and fall wedding season in full swing here in Arizona, I thought I would share what I do to prep my body for an event whether that’s a wedding or a vacation. Here’s exactly what I do prior to an upcoming event so I’m feeling my best.
Eat Protein At Every Meal
It’s no secret that eating enough protein is important for increasing muscle mass, but protein also plays a role in fat loss. I like to follow Kelly LeVeque’s Fab 4 method which focuses on creating a meal made of FIBER, FAT, PROTEIN & GREENS. I learned about the fab 4 from Kelly’s cook book Body Love. Body Love isn’t about deprivation, restriction or dieting. Kelly’s fab 4 method teaches you to live in balance (blood sugar balance), eat to satiety so you can weigh what you want and ditch the food drama forever. Clay and I make the recipes in her cook book all of the time and we love her green protein smoothie that keeps you full for hours. I’ve found that following the fab 4 really helps me de-bloat and lose belly fat. By far the most used cookbook I own!
Drink A LOT Of Water
I drink a gallon of water a day. This detoxes your body, keeps you full longer and has so many benefits for your skin. I have a 24 oz water bottle with me at all times. A few weeks out from your event, up your water intake to at least a liter a day. Try to work your way up to a gallon a day. For something extra, I’ll make my favorite spa water at home. Just add crushed mint leaves, sliced cucumber, and fresh ginger to your water. It’s so refreshing and good for you, too.
Add In More Weights And Cardio
My workout routine remains pretty consistent regardless if I have an event or upcoming vacation. Lagree has been my favorite workout that helps tone and elongates my muscles. I wish I would have discovered Lagree two years ago when I was prepping for my wedding. If I have an event coming up, I will add in some extra cardio to try and burn as much fat as possible. For cardio I’ll do the stair master for thirty minutes a day at a good pace or walk 30 minutes on the treadmill on at least 4 mph with a 10-12% incline. That’s also what I would do for pageant prep, incline cardio is one of the best ways to tone and elongate your leg muscles and it helps burn stubborn fat. Just FYI, it’s tough to do the full 30 minutes staring out, but it’s worth adding to your workout!
Stop Snacking
Snacking, even healthy snacking, can stall weight loss and prevent you from losing those last few pounds. A few extra calories here and there add up quickly. Instead of snacking, sit down to a balanced meal three or four times a day. Intermittent fasting also helps, I try to eat meals between 9am and 5pm.
Cut Out Cocktails, Wine And Beer At Least One Week Prior
Alcohol is just extra empty calories. Save the celebratory cocktails for the event or for your upcoming vacation. I can always tell when I’ve consumed alcohol. The next day my face is puffy, my skin is dull, and I’m bloated. Not what you want if you’re prepping for an event where you’ll be in a lot of photos. Whether you’re prepping your body for a cute swimsuit on the beach or getting ready to wear that gorgeous wedding dress, cut out alcohol at least one week prior to the event. Trust me, it’s the simplest choice that makes the biggest difference.
Cut Down On Unhealthy Carbs
Changing your diet is the best way you can see your body change. Try to cut out empty carbs like white bread, flour tortillas, white rice and replace them with complex carbs, veggies and healthy fats like nuts, avocados, and nut butter. A few alternatives I consistently keep on hand for healthier meals are Trader Joe’s riced cauliflower stir fry, Mamma Lupe’s low carb tortillas, and Banza chickpea pasta. Then I’ll indulge at the event or on vacation!
Skin Prep
If you’re preparing for your wedding, I would encourage you to start seeing an esthetician for monthly hydra facials or whatever they recommend. I love seeing the ladies at MD Beauty Spa in Scottsdale for custom facials. I also wish I would have done that for my wedding prep. If you’re in the area, mention my name for 20% off a signature facial at MD Beauty Spa. You’ll walk out of there with a next level glow-up. You can read more about my skincare here on this blog post. The week of the trip or event, I schedule time for a manicure and pedicure and prep my skin for a faux tan. After using an exfoliant, my skin is smooth and prepped for a long lasting faux tan. I usually start applying my self-tan two to three days out so I can build the color if needed. I also pack my tanning drops to extend my tan on the trip if necessary. I recommend booking a massage too if it’s your wedding week!
I hope you find these tips helpful when getting ready for your event!
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