Preparation
Wedding dress, check. Shoes, check. Makeup for touch-ups, check. Tissues, check. The one thing most brides forget to include on their wedding-day checklist? Something to eat! In all of the hustle and excitement of getting married, it’s easy to forget to bring snacks to munch on while prepping for your big day. And though comfort foods may seem the logical choice to calm those last-minute nerves, the last time we checked nausea, bloating, and gas were not on your guest list. Quell those hunger pangs with anything other than these treacherous 10:
An insulin spike isn’t on today’s menu… Save yourself for your cake, and grab some fruit instead. One caveat: Bananas and grapes are both high in sugar," says Brad Davidson, author of The Stark Naked 21-Day Metabolic Reset, fitness expert, and nutritionist. Better, low-fructose bets include berries, kiwi, and citrus.
That cheese platter may seem appetizing, but it can cause some not-so nice side effects. “Cheese contains a heavy burden of hard-to-digest fat making it more likely for you to experience nausea, bloating, and fatigue,” says Davidson.
We all love a cup of freshly-brewed coffee, but on your big day it may leave you feeling jittery and anxious. If you have to stay focused, grab a small cup of Joe or brew some herbal tea to calm your nerves.
Processed-granola bars can contain as much sugar as a candy bar, (and without the energy boost you hoped for). Instead, make a homemade trail mix filled with protein-packed nuts and seeds to keep you feeling full.
Cheers! You should enjoy Champagne and decadent cocktails, but hold out until the reception. “Beer and carbonated beverages release carbon dioxide in the stomach, which will result in bloating and belching,” says Angela Onsgard, Miraval Resort’s resident nutritionist.
Beat the heat, and save the spices for another day! “Eating spicy food may result in acid reflux or heartburn. It can also contribute to bad breath,” says Onsgard. And that’s not what you need for your first kiss as husband and wife!
Bubbly drinks may seem harmless, but they can irritate your stomach. “Choose still water or tea to prevent bloating,” recommends Onsgard.
Cruciferous veggies such as broccoli, brussel sprouts, and bok choy are healthy, but can stir up more than butterflies in your belly. “Be careful not to eat too many raw vegetables in the couple of days prior to, and on your big day, as the extra load of fiber can make you gassy if your digestive enzyme levels are low,” says Davidson, who suggests steaming your veggies to “to reduce the stress on your digestive system.”
Rather than reaching for fatigue-causing greasy foods, choose a salad with an oil-based dressing to bolster your energy. “Avocados, coconut oil, and olive oil are a safe bet to keep your blood sugar stable for long periods of time. Yawning at the alter is not allowed,” says Davidson.
What do dried fruit, bread, crackers, and potato chips all have in common? An unhealthy amount of carbs. “Many carbohydrate foods, especially those containing high amounts of fiber, can result in gas production during digestion,” says Onsgard. Instead, Onsgard suggests eating “easy to digest grains” such as buckwheat, rice, quinoa, and millet, to increase digestibility and reduce bloating.
