2019-08-01_Brides_USA

Have wedding-

day diets gone the

way of matchy

bridesmaid

dresses? #yes!

by SELENE MILANO-ANGEL

THAT’S WHAT HEALTHY FOOD

INFLUENCERS said when we asked

them to describe the #wellness goals

that got them to their big day. Social

media isn’t generally thought of as the

most supportive place, but you can find

a community there that lifts women up

and represents a range of diverse body

types in a positive light.

In fact, connecting with that community was critical for me. It took what

felt like a lifetime of dieting to get the memo that calorie counting wasn’t the

answer to my sought-after happiness. After therapy and inspiration from

some strong women committed to body positivity, I focused on accepting

myself and writing about it. Practicing self-love is harder than avoiding every

food group in creation, but ultimately so much better for you.

Leading up to my own wedding—many moons ago—I tortured myself over

being thinner. I look back at photos of that day and think: Why did I waste

a single minute worrying? All I see is my ear-to-ear grin, being surrounded

by my oldest friends, happy tears as my mom walked me down the aisle, and

Let’s go steady:

Calm strategies

toward wellness

Tailor your menu.

Jordan Younger (@

thebalancedblonde)

follows an SOS-free

(salt-, oil-, and sugar-

free) diet. “This kind

of anti-inflammatory

diet is the most heal-

ing way of life for me.”

Model moderation.

“My plan means eat-

ing lean protein,

smart carbs, healthy

fats, and fiber and

adding flavor boosts

with herbs,” says

Sarah Grace

(@freshfitnhealthy).

Thumbs up to her

healthy spicy water-

melon margarita

recipe too.

Pack a wedding

snack or two.

“Apples are hydrat-

ing, full of fiber,

deliciously sweet,

one ingredient, and

don’t come in

wasteful packaging,”

says dietitian

Lisa Hayim (@the

wellnecessities).

august + september 2019 brides.com

ANGUEL DIMOV OF EVERGREEN KITCHEN; STYLING BY BRIANNE BEAUDOIN

76 wellness