Shedding for the wedding

"Fit into that dress without stress"
5 Ways to Lose Weight Before the Wedding

Drink Water
Skip the diet soda and start getting your fill on water. Besides being good for you, water helps your body get rid of toxins, and constant sipping can help keep you from over-snacking. So grab a bottle you can tote around with you and figure out how many refills you'll need to get your daily fill. Eight glasses a day is a good round number, but the amount of water your body requires is really based on your weight. How much do you need? Divide your weight in half. The resulting number equals the ounces of water you should be drinking every day.

Tip for the Taking: Get a filtered water pitcher for better-tasting water, and add a few lemons or limes to your water bottle to give it some flavor.

Slim Down Servings
Gargantuan servings are one of the main calorie culprits of weight gain. Start with small portions and take more only if you're still hungry. Experts even suggest that it's better to eat four or five small meals with moderate portions throughout the day than to have two or three large meals.

Tip for the Taking: Carry healthy snacks with you when you're on the go like fruit, nuts, or granola bars. Healthy munching will not only keep your energy level up, it'll also keep you from binging on a big meal when you finally do sit down to eat.

Fill Up On Fruits and Veggies
If you fill up on fruit and vegetables every day, you'll have less room for more fattening treats. To keep your snacks interesting, find a good produce store where you can pick and choose from more than just carrots and celery sticks. Stash some exotic fruit in your bag for when you're running errands or at work. While you're at it, buy a good knife to make prep work on fruits and veggies painless and quick.

Tip for the Taking: When cutting back on calories, it's crucial you take a daily multivitamin. Lack of vitamins and iron may leave you tired and inclined to reach for a candy bar or fatty snack.

Cut Back on Booze
A celebratory drink can cost you 150 calories or more. And that's if you only have one! Even if you're in the habit of having just a few drinks a week, cutting back on alcohol can save you hundreds of calories in the end. Save the cocktails for the special occasions coming up and sip water instead.

Tip for the Taking: Can't give them up entirely? Try alternating alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages so you won't feel left out of the festivities.

Exercise!
Yes, this is an obvious one. But seriously -- do something (anything!) to get moving. Twenty minutes of exercise a day will do wonders to boost your energy and kick-start the calorie burning process. Walk to the grocery store, take the stairs at work, or at least do a few laps of window shopping in your local mall. If you're serious about shedding inches, aim to do 30-45 minutes of aerobic exercise (running, cycling, swimming) three or four days a week. Get a six-month workout regimen here.

Tip for the Taking: Choose a time of the day when you usually feel motivated and energetic -- that way, you'll be more likely to stick with it. If you're a morning person, hit the gym before work. But if you're the "don't talk to me till I've finished my coffee" type, an evening or even a quick lunch workout may be better for you.