Choosing the right prom dress for you is already stressful, especially with the multitude of models on the internet. Considering that you must pick a dress based on your height, preferences, and body shape, you may end up browsing websites and visiting fashion stores like never before.
All these emotions can translate into sleep deprivation due to stress, but it’s most common to snack when feeling overwhelmed. In the long term, this will not only interfere with your weight but also affect your overall health and well-being. Most preferred snacks are unhealthy, so you may consume too much sugar or salt as a response to dress.
So, let’s see how to maintain a healthy weight and avoid surprises on prom day.
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Avoid foods that cause bloating
If you choose a prom dress that highlights your features, being bloated can make you feel uncomfortable. But even if the gown is pretty loose or has the empire waist design, feeling bloated is unpleasant, so here are some of the foods it would be best not to consume on prom day:
- Beans;
- Carbonated drinks ―always choose plain water;
- Broccoli and cruciferous vegetables;
- Dairy products;
- Beer ― better opt for red wine or spirits;
However, if you’re prone to bloating regardless, there are ways to minimize it. For example, you can try taking probiotic supplements or consume them in foods like kimchi and kombucha. Eating smaller portions and limiting foods high in salt can also aid with bloating issues.
Avoid crash diets
Crash diets, also known as low-calorie diets, may seem like the right choice for losing weight right before prom, but they can be detrimental to your health. You’re not only exposed to rapidly gaining weight after coming back to previous habits, but they can also lead to loss of lean body mass, dehydration, and weakness.
You are beautiful regardless of your weight, so putting health above all is most important. If you’re still adamant about losing weight before prom, it’s best to take at least one year before the event and slowly change your diet, do more exercise, and adopt a lifestyle that will help you reach the ideal weight but still support health.
Choose healthy snacks
Snacking can be your way to release stressors, but unhealthy snacks can be addicting and bad for you. These can include potato chips, French fries, soda, and ice cream. You can replace them with healthy options, such as the following:
- Mixed nuts;
- Apple slices with peanut butter;
- Dark chocolate and almonds;
- Cucumber slices with hummus;
- Protein smoothies;
These healthy snacks can help you fight off that hunger while also providing enough nutrients to get you through tough times. Ideally, try to make them as accessible as possible to avoid making excuses for eating healthy snacks instead of chips, which are easy to buy and consume. Prepare your healthy snacks ahead of time to ensure they’re easy to reach.
Try aerobic exercises
Aerobic exercises are always a great idea if you want to maintain your shape and maybe create a new habit. They can also increase stamina, boost your mood, and provide the foundation for staying active as you age, so why not start now?
As a beginner, you can get started with cardio through easy exercises like jumping jacks, burpees, or jump roping. You can also start running, but it might take some time for the body to get used to running longer distances. Dancing is also pretty effective, and you can do it on your favorite music, which will cheer you up.
Since you’ll be doing more cardio, eating properly is also important. Use food as fuel by eating healthy carbs, such as fruits and veggies, grains, and nuts. Remember to stay hydrated by drinking water and other liquids like tea and fresh juice.
Sleep at least seven hours per night
Sleeping is crucial when expecting such an important event because the lack of sleep can lead to numerous problems. First, sleep deprivation activates the body’s need for food, so you may find yourself snacking in the middle of the night. At the same time, it can enormously affect your mood, so you won’t be able to enjoy prom as much as you’d like.
Luckily, if you start doing aerobic exercises, it’ll be easier to feel tired and get enough sleep. Aim for at least seven hours per night, but during stressful days before prom, eight hours per night is also beneficial. Make your bed comfortable and take your time to do the night routine to feel better ― such as an “everything shower.”
Create an ideal healthy diet
If you’ve got a few weeks before prom, you could slowly change your diet and aim for healthy foods. Incorporate them slowly so the body isn’t taken aback by the change in carbs and fats, but the general tips include:
- Eating a lot of fruits and veggies―you can try the 5 A Day strategy;
- Including more fish in foods, such as salmon, sardines, or cod;
- Curt down on saturated fat (sausages, butter) and sugar (sugary drinks, cakes);
- Eating more high-fiber starchy carbs (whole wheat pasta, brown rice);
- Drink between six to eight glasses of water a day;
Don’t stress yourself over eating too much
If you’re worried you won’t look like other girls at prom, send that thought away. You are unique and don’t have to look like anybody else. Moreover, the market offers numerous types of dresses for every body type, so, depending on measurements, you can approach A-line dresses that fit every figure on this planet. Empire dresses are also great, along with peplum dresses and asymmetrically shaped dresses.
Are you ready for prom?
Prom will be an unforgettable event, so you don’t want to ruin it by feeling uncomfortable or stressed. Make sure you watch what you eat by avoiding foods that lead to bloating and try drinking more water. Unhealthy snacking contributes to stress and possible weight gain, so switch to healthier alternatives that include fruits and filling products. A little bit of aerobic exercise can make you sleep better.
