Continuing our wedding series, this week we spoke to personal trainer and former Olympian Gillian O’Sullivan about getting in shape for the big day, and the dreaded question of whether getting fit and enjoying wine were mutually compatible!
It has been well documented that wine can aid digestion and can help with overall well-being, however like all good and enjoyable things in life, there is a small price to pay. Unfortunately, the average glass of wine can contain 150-180 calories. So, an average of 3 glasses would total 450-540 calories. This equates to 27% of the recommended calories for women and 22% for men on a daily basis.
So how should soon-to-be brides and grooms go about getting in shape without taking all the fun out of preparing for their wedding?
The best way to get in shape for a big day like your wedding is exactly the same as doing it as a long-term lifestyle choice – through exercise and healthy eating.
Healthy eating is about making the right, informed decisions. Eating 3 good meals a day with plenty of fruit and vegetables and drinking plenty of water are the golden rules. In order to make any gains, you must cut back on the high fat products.
Exercise is the best way to burn the calories. Cutting back on calories by restricting food works but only for a short time. You need to get 4-5 days of exercise during the week. This can include cardio and weight training.
I get my clients to fill out food diaries and I can see what they are eating and drinking during the week. Many of them indulge in wine over the weekend, and sure isn’t it one of the more enjoyable aspects of the wedding preparations sampling the wedding wine?
The bottom line is that if you watch your food intake and exercise regularly and consistently, there is no reason why you cannot enjoy a few glasses of wine. If you use it in the right way, you can use it as a reward for the exercise you have done during the week. Also, if you drink wine, avoid overeating with the wine and the next day. Sometimes, this can be where the real damage is done.
Wine is a great social drink and by restricting yourself too much, it can turn you off all the effort of the diet and exercise. Exercise, eat well and allow a little indulgence and you’ll have the right formula to be in-shape and feeling great on your wedding day.
We say “YAY” to that!
Gillian O’Sullivan is a former Olympian, World Silver Medallist and World Record Holder and is now a qualified Personal Trainer in Cork.
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