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Weddings are taxing, both mentally and physically. And if you are the bride, you need extra reserves of strength and energy to deal with wedding nerves and preparations. Going on a last minute diet to cut down on a few extra pounds is not going to help in anyway except to make you feel even more fragile and vulnerable. Here are five of the most common diet mistakes as well as some tips to help you avoid them.

1. Earlier does it
   One of the most important things to remember if you are trying to lose weight is to start early. For example, don't try to lose 20 Kgs a month months before the big day. The key is to plan ahead so that you can lose the weight (or just tone up) gradually. So if you're dream-wedding day includes you being in great shape, then include fitness as a "to-do" on your overall wedding checklist. That way it will be a priority in your wedding planning.
2. Great expectations?
   Many women get engaged and begin to feel that they must thin down drastically before their wedding. They start setting unrealistic goals. Be realistic with yourself. If you've never had an hourglass figure before, then it is probably unrealistic to think you can magically transform just because you are getting married. And, do you really want to look so different on your wedding day that most people (including your fiance) hardly recognize you? Set small goals.
3. Stay away from radical diets or fitness programs.
   Brides typically are short on time and long on to-do lists. This leads many to try unhealthy fitness programs or starvation diets. Don't be tempted by diets that promise quick, drastic results with little effort from you. You should avoid any programs that suggest taking "diet" pills or eating unbalanced meals (like eating only cabbage soup for a week). And, don't be lured into trying dangerous things, like laxatives.
4. Building in exercise
   It's very easy for brides to say "I don't have time to exercise" or "I'm too tired to exercise". But diet and exercise should always go hand in hand. Consider them to be like yin and yang. Without activity your body can't burn as many calories. If you are very short on time, try to exercise in small 10-minute bursts throughout the day. And, keep in mind that little things help too, like taking the stairs or parking the car a little away from where you need to shop. Plus, if you are tired from all of your planning, exercise will help give you back some energy.
5. Eating right
   It's not uncommon to get caught up in your planning and then realize at 9 p.m.(as your head begins to ache) that you haven't eaten a thing all day. While it may not be an uncommon scenario, it is unavoidable. Not only is skipping meals unhealthy, it can lead to binge eating. That often means eating very fattening foods and/or overeating all at once. Try and make time to eat well. Always carry some snacks with you when you go shopping or when you are on the move. Remember to drink lots of water.

Getting in shape doesn't have to be a do or die effort on your part just before your important day. After all, 'Rome wasn't built in a day', was it? Start your fitness plans early. Fitness is a life long relationship. It doesn't start or end with your wedding. Keep in mind that the most important thing is for a bride to feel good about herself. And no matter what size or shape, all brides are beautiful on their wedding day!