“I Wanted to Look and Feel My Best at My Wedding” — Sara’s Story

Sara lives a fast-paced life in NYC, filled with busy work commitments, a love of movement, and fun-filled nights out with friends trying new restaurants. When she began planning her wedding, she knew she wanted to work with a professional who could help her with sustainable strategies to look and feel her best at her wedding. 

But wedding planning is a long process, and with a year and a half before the big day, Sara wanted to dive deep into the basics of nutrition education, and remain able to socialize and enjoy special meals and nights out with loved ones along the way. Here, Sara shares how working with Paige Heiden, MS, RD, helped her find balance in nutrition, and develop a toolbox of strategies to prepare for life’s biggest moments with confidence.  

The Start of an Exciting Journey

What initially led you to seek support from an RD? 

I had just gotten engaged and wanted to look great at my wedding. I had a year and a half, so there was a long runway of time, and I really wanted to invest the time in learning more about nutrition and developing healthier habits that would serve me not only for my wedding, but for the rest of my life. And closer to the wedding, I knew I wanted to lose a bit of weight so I could feel my most confident on my big day.

How would you describe your experience working with Paige? 

It was great. Paige was so knowledgeable and also realistic. She didn’t tell me to cut anything out, but instead taught me how to limit or modify what she would call “higher-ticket” items to fit within my calorie deficit. She also helped me stay able to dine out with my friends— we’d review menus together ahead of time to find options that would help me meet my goals, but without being too rigid. Sometimes she’d encourage me to get the dish I was the most excited about, and then we’d figure out how to fit it into my diet and within my goals, rather than always having to choose the most low-calorie and high-protein option on the menu. 

What was your relationship with food and your body prior to working with Paige?

I have always eaten healthy and exercised frequently, but I didn’t realize how portion control played into my diet. For example, Paige taught me that during my phase of pre-wedding weight loss, my salads should have 1 source of fat only. That made a huge difference because before I was eating salads for lunch with multiple sources of fat which had hidden calories. Paige provided me with helpful education and information at different parts of my journey based on my goals. 

Finding Balance and Meeting Goals Ahead of Wedding Day

What are the biggest takeaways you have gleaned from the past year working with Paige? 

There have been three absolutely transformative approaches to nutrition that I will carry with me for life. They are that…

• All foods fit. You can find room in your lifestyle and diet for the things you love in moderation. 
• A sustainable approach to eating is better than an ultra-restrictive crash and burn. 
• Protein intake and a calorie deficit are key for weight loss. 

What changes made the biggest impact on your health?

First, always coming back to prioritizing protein, fruits and vegetables in my diet. It’s an easy thing to remember and takes the guesswork out of nutrition. 

Also, I now know how to stay satiated while maintaining a calorie deficit because I tracked my intake for a period of time, in that weight loss period closer to my wedding. I don’t track anymore, but it was a super helpful tool for me to reach my goals. Right now I’m in more of a “maintenance phase,” but if I ever want to lose weight again I know I could go back to tracking because of how it helped me. 

When indulging in a night out with friends, I choose different cocktails. Turns out, fancy, mixed cocktails are full of sugar and calories, and I prefer to eat my calories, not drink them. Making the switch to clear cocktails, like a tequila soda with a splash of lime has been impactful for my goals—and makes for a better morning after.

How has your relationship with food changed since working with Paige?

I feel so much more knowledgeable about what I’m putting in my body, and generally like a more empowered, confident consumer. I have a great baseline of understanding of what to be looking for when choosing groceries, cooking for myself, and eating out. And through it all, I also have the perspective that all foods can fit, and life is short, and sometimes it’s not a big deal to eat exactly what you want. On my honeymoon, I lived completely in the moment, and just ate what looked and felt good to me, and it was an unforgettable trip. 

Looking Towards the Future

How has your relationship with your body image changed since working with Paige? 

Ahead of my wedding, I lost about 12 lbs and looked so strong and fit on my wedding day, and am so proud of my discipline and that I will have those pictures to look back on for the rest of my life. More importantly, however, is the mental shift of knowing I can lose weight if and when I feel that I want to, and that when I’m truly living in a non-restricted way it’s okay to have an extra few pounds of what I call “happy weight.” 

How likely are you to recommend Culina Health to a loved one?

Absolutely, 10/10. I’ve already referred several people to Paige and they are as happy with the experience as I am. The fact that you can use insurance and that it’s accessible makes me even more excited to recommend it to others.

What would you say to someone else who is considering beginning a nutrition care journey?

Just start. Do it today. Consistency over time helps so just take the leap, and don’t be discouraged if some days it’s harder than others. Paige and the other Culina RDs are so supportive for those tougher moments. Don’t waste any time—you can do this!

What does life look like, now that you have reached your goals?

Post-wedding, I’m definitely less restrictive, which has led to a small increase from my lowest weight. More importantly, I’m enjoying my life and making mostly healthy choices as a result of my nutrition coaching. Now I feel comfortable with indulging a bit more since I don’t have the looming deadline of a wedding, especially with feeling so empowered with the education I have around food. I am loving this “maintenance phase,” and I know there may be a time when I want to lose weight again in the future, and I’m so grateful to have the knowledge and  power to do that again if and when I choose. I attribute all of that to Paige and I can’t thank her enough!