Highlight of one of my long time clients, Nikola - & her GORGEOUS wedding photos. We achieved her physical goals - but the mentality she maintained during the entire process was a beautiful reflection of the sustainability & balance we achieved.

Oftentimes it can be difficult to find the right perspective when it comes to a diet for a big event - a wedding, for example, when you have been a bodybuilder and previously stepped on stage.

Lifestyle preps do not require the same rigidity that a contest prep requires. Additionally, former athletes often have a specific weight (stage weight or close to it) in mind that is neither realistic NOR healthy to achieve for a wedding day.

Ultimately, my goal when prepping a client for their wedding day is to make sure we maintain a balanced perspective & have PLENTY of time. This allows us the flexibility to add in untracked meals or days (hello bachelorette parties & bridal showers!).

Nikola previously competed and stepped on stage. Our prep for those occasions were overall smooth but every prep will have a few bumps in the road. Remarkably, she noted how smooth & streamlined her wedding prep was. Why? We were mindful of the physical stress we were putting her body under, limited high intensity cardiovascular exercise, & made sure that we maintained a good cadence that was sustainable - even with lots of travel & appointments leading up to her big day.

Generally, I do NOT recommend excessive amounts of HIIT cardio during a diet or during a stressful period of life. Excessive high intensity work can be counterproductive.

My desire is to set up clients to achieve their goals and find success AFER working together. Gone are the days of extreme diets that cut out entire food groups, send you doing sprints 5 days a week, lead you craving everything under the sun, and result in MAJOR weight swings post-event.

Wedding & lifestyle preps need to be disciplined AND strategically flexible.