Debunking Myths and Creating Healthy Wedding Routines

Indian weddings, as grand and joyful as they are, are the most stressful and tedious event to plan and execute. Not to mention, the happy couple needs to look perfect so the memory can be frozen in time as best as they can.

The wedding day is one of the most special days in a couple's life. It's quite natural that they want to look their best, but what we at Kofuku are here to do today is remind you that that's not enough. Beyond looking your best, you also need to feel your best. Not losing your sanity and self-image for what is essentially a celebration of love and family sets a great tone.

Admittedly, amidst the excitement of choosing the perfect dress, venue, and catering, it's quite easy to forget about healthy wedding routines.

A healthy body and mind can change how you look back on your wedding day 10 or so years down the line. In today's blog post, we'll debunk some common fitness myths related to weddings, explore healthy habits for both the bride and groom, and give you a neat little workout plan to help you look at your dazzling self with ease.

1. "I Need to Lose a Ton of Weight Before My Wedding"

While a good wedding routine that helps you drop a few numbers can contribute to your overall well-being, going drastically low is very unhealthy and unsustainable. There are many personal anecdotes from brides and grooms that openly talk about the very real pipeline of "looking best on your special day" to "crippling eating disorders" real quick.

A 2023 New York Times article gives a close look into this very issue. It's also further perpetuated in the West as the sizing for wedding dresses is way different than your regular wear and also differs from designer to designer. Similarities are seen in bridal lehengas, too. It's better to focus on gradual, sustainable changes and prioritise overall health over a specific number on the scale.

2. "I Can’t Have Any Fun or Treats During My Wedding Planning"

Having a little treat is an inherently human experience, and abstaining from it should be considered illegal. Everybody tends to go on a downward spiral during weddings, so let us be the first to say: you're allowed to enjoy your favourite foods and drinks!

Throw in a few homemade healthy snacks to balance them out, and you're all good to go. A good wedding routine includes your happiness, so find a sustainable way to enjoy life without feeling guilty.

3. "I Can Exercise to Reduce Only My Thighs and Arms"

Exercising to lose weight in only certain parts of your body is literally impossible. Because fat loss happens throughout your body equally. Learn more about spot training and its uselessness before jumping into another fake fad.

4. "I Can’t Exercise During My Wedding Planning Because I’m Too Busy"

If you're an avid gym goer, it's alright to reduce your load by running or even doing yoga. If you're a novice, this could be your push to start adapting to good wedding routines. Having a clear head to weather through this exhaustive period will greatly boost your morale.

Even if you don't want to involve gyms and allotted times, it's good to make small but significant changes to your lifestyle, like taking the stairs or taking up chores that demand blood, sweat and tears. Maybe not the last since wedding planning has it covered.

5. "I Need to Detox My Body for a Fresh Start"

Detox in itself is not a myth. Your body needs detoxing, but the catch is that it knows exactly when you need it and automatically does it. This is one of the trending fitness fads that are often overblown by misinformation. You can help your body detox efficiently, but anything more than that will do the opposite of weight loss. Kofuku's tip is for you to eat more raw fruits than drink them!

Nobody tells you that looking effortlessly handsome takes a hell of a lot of effort. Especially on your wedding day, when candids are ready to shoot you any second. To make it less terrifying and more enjoyable, here are some healthy habits for the groom-to-be who is ready to marry while looking fabulous doing it:

• Prioritise sleep:

Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. This is one of those things where quality and quantity matter equally. It's finally time to lock in and get uninterrupted hours of sleep on your chart.

• Stay hydrated:

Carrying a water bottle around might be the new fashion statement. Do whatever it takes to drink plenty of water throughout the day.

• Manage stress:

Most of it is how the day and, in turn, you, the groom, are perceived by everyone who is attending your wedding. Some other normie blogs might suggest you sit down and take deep breaths. Don't get us wrong, it does help, but not as much as involving your closest ones.

This is your wedding! Your loved ones are here. Take full advantage of it and let them care for you. There's nothing more healthier than sharing your worries and being validated for having them.

• Limit alcohol and tobacco:

Unsurprisingly, alcohol, a well-known depressant, is advised not to be consumed in excess during stressful times. Excessive alcohol consumption and or tobacco use will affect both your mental and physical health. Stress in moderate amounts is needed because it's an evolutionary trait. But alcohol dampens this by impairing your cognitive processes. You'll essentially be flying in blind.

• Incorporate strength training:

Full-body strength training exercises will give you the muscle and increased metabolism you need for your special day. Especially doing two to three sets of Spiderman push-ups and jumping split squats can work wonders if done regularly.

There is an undeniable societal pressure to "perform" and be "perfect" on your wedding day. Unfortunately, this is heightened for a bride because of patriarchy, inequality and the inherent power imbalance of a heterosexual wedding in itself. Especially Indian weddings that are known for putting emphasis on beautiful brides, making this event more a capitalistic dream than a union of two lives.

Apart from keeping it real, Kofuku is also here to remove some of that burden off of brides everywhere. Here are some healthy habits for the bride to adapt before the big day to own it and make it yours:

• Nourish your body:

It's a tough pill to swallow, but Popeye was right (sort of). Nutrient-dense foods, aka spinach, don't give you cartoonishly swole muscles. Still, it does support your energy levels and overall well-being. Some other nutrient-dense foods you can sneak into your routine are mangoes, curd, sweet potato and almonds.

• Mindful eating:

Pay attention to your body's hunger and fullness cues to avoid overeating or undereating. We get it; the emotions are high, everything is upside down, and everyone wants your opinion. Having a tracker or a friend to keep you on the straight and narrow might make all the difference in situations like these.

• Skincare routine:

Even without the stress breakouts, it's important that you don't try new products or change your routine drastically. Take care of your skin as always with a consistent skincare routine that includes cleansing, moisturising, and sun protection.

If you're a novice, then the basic 3 are a good place to start. Keep in mind to start early, at least 6 months, so you can adjust your routine without any major issues blocking your way to looking and feeling good on your day.

• Hair care:

Much like skincare, it's important not to disrupt a working routine. As the cowboys say, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it". If you don't already, start applying a hair mask at least once a week for that Head & Shoulders ad-like glow.

• Self-care:

As stressful as it is, it is also the perfect time to take time for yourself and enjoy the small things. Take that hiking trip you've always wanted to. Have a day out with your friends with the excuse of wedding shopping. Heck, take your partner out to give both of you the break you need. Self-care is doing everything that gives you respite without guilt.

• Wedding dress fitting:

While looking amazing is on one side, it's also important to feel comfortable in the clothes you'll essentially be wearing for hours. Get your gang and research the absolute marbles out of this. Part of feeling like yourself is what you wear, so make sure you are not alone on your wedding day.

Having a solid, if not the best, wedding workout plan goes a long way in determining how prepared you are. It's about controlling things that are within your range and mitigating the rest with a clear head. One of which is being healthy and fit for a day filled with joy.

If you're a beginner, starting slowly and gradually increasing the difficulty is best. Which is why last-minute bulking up will not work. Sally Kravich, a renowned nutritionist, says you need to start at least six months early to see significant results on your special day.

Monday: two to three sets of strength training (focus on the upper body with exercises like Bicep curl, overhead press at the gym and push up, squats and plank for those at home)

Tuesday: An hour of Cardio (running, swimming or cycling)

Wednesday: Rest or light activity (stretching or less-intense yoga asanas like Balasana)

Thursday: Two to three sets of strength training (focus on the lower body with exercises like deadlifts, leg curls, walking lunges, and calf raises)

Friday: Cardio

Saturday: Active recovery (hiking or dancing)

Sunday: Rest

By starting early, you can listen to your body and adjust the intensity and duration of your workouts as needed. This is also not a fool proof workout plan since this is for the ones who are already regularly active. If you're brand new, it's better to get a consultation with a fitness instructor or self-start with light jogging and push-ups to get you going.

Creating a healthy wedding routine is not at all about achieving perfection. In fact, we actively urge you not to do it. Having this idea of perfection removes any authenticity from an event that's supposed to be very personal and intimate.

We hope that by debunking toxic myths and giving you the tools to adopt healthy habits, you can create your own sustainable approach to fitness that will benefit you long after your wedding day.

Here's to the healthy and happy couple!