Here’s how to get wedding-ready with superstar Jillian Michaels.
By: Mary Clarke-AS SEEN IN BRIDAL GUIDE MAGAZINE-
The pitch is irresistible. After all, who wouldn’t want to get in “insane, stunning, sick amazing shape for your trip down the aisle”? Even better, who wouldn’t want to work out with Jillian Michaels, that badass-with-a-heart who has whipped multitudes into optimum shape on “The Biggest Loser” and “Sweat Inc.”? Now Michaels has turned her attention to the rest of us, including brides-to-be, with her eponymous fitness and nutrition app. Featured are more than a dozen HD-video training programs including Wedding Warrior, specifically geared to brides-in- training. Set up your profile and behold the customization options: adjust difficulty levels, swap out one move for another, skip ahead, pause for a break or repeat an exercise. A workout generator even allows you to create custom workouts based on duration, intensity and body part. Food and diet are given equal attention. Michaels worked with a team of registered dieticians and professional chefs to put together a suite of meal plans. Each plan can be customized, whether the goal is weight loss, maintenance or muscle gain. There are plans for vegans, pescatarians and vegetarians as well as paleo and gluten-free programs, fully detailed with menus, recipes and shopping lists. Here, Michaels takes a breather to answer a few questions.
Bridal Guide: How did Wedding Warrior come about?
Jillian Michaels: I was constantly — constantly! — being asked by women how to get in amazing shape before their wedding. Plus, bridal boot camps can be expensive, inconvenient, and, depending on the trainer, less than effective. It was really simple and gratifying for me to put together a program in my app that I could customize just for brides-to-be to let them get the results they want: quickly, affordably, and on their terms.
BG: What would be the best time to get started on Wedding Warrior if you want to shed weight?
JM: If you want to lose 20 pounds, give yourself three months. For 10 pounds, give yourself six weeks.
BG: What are some common diet and fitness myths?
JM: Lifting makes you bulky. Carbs are bad for you. Sweating equals “detoxing.” The more you sweat, the more calories you burn. Working out on an empty stomach burns more fat. There are just so many myths to debunk. So, so many. Sigh.
BG: Even a bride can lose motivation. Can you share some tips on how to stay on track?
JM: You have to constantly remind yourself of your “why.” Why do you want to be in shape? Paint a detailed picture of how it will improve the quality of your life — mentally and physically. Emotionally attach to that outcome and fight for it. If you have a why to fight for, you can tolerate the work and sacrifice associated with the how.
Recipe to Try: Almond Chicken
Ingredients
1 pinch salt
1⁄4 garlic clove
1⁄2 tablespoon lemon juice
1⁄2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted almonds, toasted
1/8 teaspoon lemon zest, grated
1⁄4 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, halved, 4-5 ounces
Preparation
1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
2. In the work bowl of a food processor, place the almonds, olive oil, lemon zest and lemon juice, rosemary, garlic and salt. Process until coarsely chopped; the mixture will be a thick paste.
3. Arrange the chicken breast halves in a baking dish. Divide the almond paste and spread on the breasts; pat down to cover each breast completely.
4. Roast in the oven until cooked through and an instant-read thermometer reads 165 to 170 degrees F, about 10 minutes.
5. Loosely tent with foil and let stand for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
Yield: 1 serving, 300 calories
