Post-Wedding Blues: Can't Stop Eating, What To Do?

It's not uncommon for brides to go on a strict diet in the lead-up to their wedding day. However, this can lead to a post-wedding binge, as they finally allow themselves to eat whatever they want. This can be difficult to stop, with many brides reporting that they feel guilty for not eating healthily and are unsure how to get back on track. To avoid this, it's recommended that brides adopt a healthier mindset and not restrict their diet too much in the lead-up to their wedding, as this can lead to binging later on.

Post-wedding binge eating

It's common for people to follow strict diets before their wedding day. However, it's also common for people to binge eat after their wedding, which can be challenging to stop. Here are some tips to help you manage post-wedding binge eating:

Understand the Mindset

Recognise that weddings are often associated with abundant food options, and it's easy to overeat or fall off your usual eating habits. Changing your mindset is crucial. Understand that there are healthy and unhealthy ways to enjoy weddings, and aim for the former.

Practice Mindful Eating

Mindful eating is a powerful tool to prevent overeating. Take the time to chew each bite of food, whether healthy or indulgent. Chewing slowly increases mindfulness, improves digestion, and helps you feel satisfied with smaller portions.

Don't Skip Meals

Eat a small, fulfilling snack before attending a wedding. This helps you make healthier food choices when you're there. Having a small meal or a handful of nuts before the event can make a big difference.

Focus on Raw and Whole Foods

Ensure you eat raw foods, fruits, vegetables, lentils, nuts, seeds, and stay adequately hydrated throughout the day. It's all about balance and compensating for any indulgences later.

Try Intermittent Fasting

Late-night meals are common during wedding seasons. To give your digestive system a break, try intermittent fasting for 10 to 16 hours after your last meal. This approach allows you to enjoy the festivities while respecting your body's needs.

Manage Cravings

If you're craving junk food, try the Two-Minute Rule. When a craving strikes, set a timer for two minutes. During this time, consider if you're truly hungry or if there's a healthier alternative that would satisfy you. Chances are, the craving will pass or you'll find a better option.

Avoid High-Sodium Foods

Reduce your sodium intake, especially before your wedding. Most processed and restaurant foods are high in sodium, leading to bloating. Opt for simply prepared, unprocessed foods, and cook at home when possible.

Prioritise Self-Care

The days leading up to your wedding can be stressful. Prioritise self-care to keep stress at bay. This can include regular exercise, meditation, journaling, drinking tea, or any activity that helps you relax and stay grounded.

Remember, it's normal to indulge a little after your wedding. Be kind to yourself, and focus on making healthier choices most of the time. Enjoy this special time and listen to your body's needs.

How to curb cravings

It's not uncommon for people to experience a post-wedding binge after depriving themselves of treats leading up to their big day. If you're concerned about your eating habits, there are several strategies you can use to curb your cravings.

Firstly, it's important to identify the reasons behind your cravings. Cravings can be triggered by various factors, such as boredom, a light or early dinner, or even stress. Once you understand the triggers, you can develop strategies to manage them effectively.

One effective strategy is to practice mindful eating. This involves paying attention to the flavour, texture, and sensations of your food. Eat slowly, savouring each bite, and check in with yourself regularly to assess if you're full. Using chopsticks or your non-dominant hand can help slow down your eating.

Planning your meals and snacks in advance can also help. By having a consistent meal schedule and nutritious snacks on hand, you're less likely to grab junk food when hunger hits. Make sure to include a variety of whole foods in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and healthy fats. These foods provide essential nutrients and keep you feeling fuller for longer.

Staying hydrated is another crucial aspect of curbing cravings. Often, thirst can be mistaken for hunger. So, when a craving hits, try drinking a glass of water and waiting 20 minutes to see if the craving subsides.

Additionally, it's important to manage your stress levels. Stress can trigger cravings for comfort foods. Engage in stress-relieving activities such as exercise, deep breathing, or meditation. Getting enough sleep is also essential, as lack of sleep can increase hunger and cravings for junk food.

Finally, if you're craving a particular food, try distracting yourself for at least 20 minutes. Changing your environment or focusing on a different activity can help interrupt the craving. You can also set a timer for two minutes and ask yourself if you're truly craving that specific food or if there's an alternative that would satisfy you.

Remember, it's all about balance. You don't have to restrict yourself completely, but by incorporating these strategies, you can develop a healthier relationship with food and curb your cravings effectively.

Eating a balanced diet

It's not uncommon for people to binge eat after their wedding, especially if they've been on a strict diet in the lead-up to the big day. If you're concerned about your eating habits, it might be time to adopt a balanced diet to ensure your body is getting all the nutrients it needs.

A balanced diet is one that gives your body the nutrients it needs to function correctly. It's important because it helps protect your health and can lower your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other serious illnesses. A healthy diet can also help you maintain a healthy weight, which is beneficial for your overall health and can prevent obesity and related diseases such as type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.

So, what does a balanced diet look like? Well, it's generally recommended that half of your plate should consist of fruits and vegetables, as these are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Aim for a variety of different-coloured vegetables, as these provide a full range of nutrients. Whole grains should make up about a quarter of your plate, as these have a milder effect on blood sugar and insulin levels compared to refined grains. The remaining quarter should be made up of protein foods, including legumes, nuts, seeds, fish, poultry, and lean meats.

In addition to the above, it's important to limit your consumption of highly processed foods, added sugars, and salt. These types of foods are often stripped of their nutrients during processing and are instead loaded with salt and sugar, which can be detrimental to your health. It's also recommended that you make water your drink of choice, as this promotes hydration without adding extra calories to your diet.

Adopting a balanced diet doesn't have to be restrictive or boring. You can still enjoy your favourite foods in moderation, and there are plenty of delicious, healthy options to choose from. By making small changes to your eating habits, you can improve your health and ensure your body is getting all the nutrients it needs.

Avoiding bloat

So, you've overindulged after your wedding—congratulations! It's totally understandable, and you deserve to treat yourself. But now you want to beat the bloat and get back on track. Here are some tips to help you feel more comfortable and less full:

Avoid Fizzy Drinks

The gas from carbonated drinks can fill up your digestive system, leading to trapped air in your stomach and intestines. This can cause bloating and flatulence. Opt for flat drinks or water instead.

Slow Down

When you eat quickly, you swallow more air, which can cause bloating. It takes about 30 minutes for your stomach to tell your brain that you're full, so slow down and give your body time to realise it's had enough.

Limit Simple Carbs

Simple carbohydrates, like white bread and pastries, are quickly broken down by the body, leading to a buildup of glycogen and water retention. This can make you feel bloated. Instead, choose complex carbs like whole grains and vegetables, which take longer to digest.

Reduce Salt Intake

Too much salt causes your body to retain water, which can lead to a bloated feeling. Check food labels for sodium levels and try to cook for yourself using fresh, whole foods.

Get Moving

Physical activity can help get your bowels moving, releasing excess gas and stool. Even a short walk can provide fast relief from gas pressure. Yoga is another great option, with poses like Child's Pose and Happy Baby Pose helping to encourage the release of gas.

Increase Fibre Intake Gradually

Fibre helps prevent constipation and bloating, but be careful not to increase your fibre intake too quickly, as this can actually cause more gas and bloating. Aim for the recommended daily intake of 25 grams for females and 38 grams for males, and make sure to drink plenty of water.

Pre-wedding diet tips

Planning a wedding can be a stressful and chaotic time, and it's easy to let healthy eating habits fall by the wayside. Here are some pre-wedding diet tips to ensure you stay on track and feel your best on the big day:

Avoid crash dieting

It can be tempting to want quick results to fit perfectly into your dream dress, but crash dieting is not a sustainable or healthy way to lose weight. Not only is it difficult to maintain, but you are also more prone to regain the lost weight quickly. Instead, focus on adopting a healthy lifestyle and making gradual, sustainable changes to your diet and exercise routine.

Start early and be consistent

The key to successful dieting is consistency. The earlier you start a pre-wedding diet, the better. This allows you to make gradual changes and develop healthy habits that will be easier to maintain. Remember, it's not just about the wedding day; it's also about maintaining a healthy lifestyle as you enter this new chapter of your life.

Eat regular, balanced meals

Eat balanced meals with proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. Include plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet, and choose low-fat dairy options. Aim for smaller meals every 3 hours to keep your energy levels stable and prevent overeating.

Stay hydrated

Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Aim for at least 8-10 glasses of water, or approximately 2-3 litres. You can also include other hydrating foods and drinks such as lemon water, coconut water, and fruits with high water content. Staying hydrated will not only improve your skin and hair health but will also aid in weight loss.

Exercise regularly

In addition to a healthy diet, make sure to incorporate regular exercise into your routine. Aim for at least 45 minutes of exercise daily, including a 30-minute brisk walk. This will not only help you stay in shape but will also help reduce stress levels during this busy time.

Avoid unhealthy foods

Stay away from sweetened, processed, and trans-fat foods. This includes cakes, pastries, biscuits, canned juice, and white flour, white sugar, and white rice products. Instead, opt for complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, oats, and brown bread. Additionally, avoid alcohol, as it can affect your skin and hinder weight loss.

Remember, the most important thing is to listen to your body and maintain a healthy relationship with food. It's okay to treat yourself now and then, but try to make healthier choices most of the time. By following these tips and adopting a sustainable, healthy diet and exercise plan, you'll be sure to look and feel your best on your wedding day and beyond!

Frequently asked questions