Amid the whirlwind of wedding preparations, maintaining health can be challenging for brides-to-be. Expert dietician Ritika Samaddar shares essential tips on focusing on a balanced diet, incorporating natural foods like almonds and seasonal fruits, and the importance of sleep and exercise to ensure a radiant and energized walk down the aisle.

Amid the hustle and bustle of wedding preparations, brides-to-be often face significant stress, which can impact their overall health. To support and guide them through this stressful journey, seasoned dietician Ritika Samaddar suggests that brides-to-be should first focus on maintaining a healthy and balanced diet. She recommends incorporating natural foods like almonds, and seasonal fruits, Additionally, Samaddar emphasizes the importance of adequate sleep and regular exercise, vegetables are crucial for achieving a radiant glow, maintaining energy levels, and ensuring overall well-being for the big day.

In this article, Samaddar outlines how prioritizing the following aspects can help brides-to-be manage stress more effectively and enjoy their special day to the fullest.

1. Start early with a balanced breakfast: Firstly, it is a good idea to kickstart your day with a detoxifying drink like cumin seeds (jeera), carom seeds (ajwain), or chia seeds water, followed by a healthy and balanced breakfast such as fruit, oats and almond smoothies, or an egg or paneer sandwich. Samaddar recommends adding nutritious ingredients like almonds, yogurt, seasonal fruits, vegetables, and eggs to breakfast to start the day on a healthy note. She specifically emphasizes including a handful of almonds, as they are rich in 15 essential nutrients such as vitamin E, magnesium, protein, riboflavin, zinc, etc. According to recently published dietary guidelines for India by ICMR, almonds should be part of a well formulated balanced diet for good health. Overall, a well-rounded breakfast packed with proteins, vitamins, and minerals can do wonders for one’s skin, hair, and overall health, especially for brides-to-be.
2. Staying hydrated is essential: It is important to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water daily to keep their skin fresh and flush out toxins. For additional hydration, Samaddar recommends adding coconut water, fresh lime water, herbal tea, and fresh juice to your daily routine.
3. Mindful eating is the key: Amid the hustle and bustle of wedding preparations, it’s easy to indulge in unhealthy snacking. She suggests practicing mindful eating by choosing healthy snacks like almonds, yogurt, and fresh fruits. The latest ICMR dietary guidelines endorse regular consumption of almonds as part of a balanced diet, both as a source of plant protein and as a healthy snack. Rich in essential nutrients, almonds provide a healthy source of energy, help lower blood sugar levels, and have satiating properties that promote feelings of fullness, keeping you active and satisfied throughout your shopping day.
4. Good to engage in regular exercise: A healthy and fit body equals a healthy mind and a happy soul. Samaddar recommends indulging in 30-45 minutes of regular exercise of your choice, be it walking, yoga, Zumba, gym workouts, or dance, to stay fit, motivated, and healthy.
5. Engage in stress management techniques: Planning a wedding can be stressful, but managing stress is crucial for overall health and well-being. Samaddar suggests incorporating relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises into your daily routine to keep stress levels low and maintain a positive outlook towards the big day.

As brides-to-be embark on the exciting journey toward their wedding day, prioritizing health and well-being is essential. By following the tips from a seasoned dietician and embracing healthy habits, they can achieve a radiant glow for their special day. Cheers to new beginnings and a beautiful wedding experience!

(Inputs by Ritika Samaddar, Regional Head of Dietetics at Max Healthcare, New Delhi)