Glowing inside out: a Q&A with nutritionist and fitness trainer Isabella Raso

So many brides focus on looking a certain way for the wedding. How can they shift the mindset from quick fixes to feeling strong and confident, inside out?

It's so important to reframe the goal from just looking a certain way to feeling confident, strong, and healthy, both mentally and physically. I always encourage my brides to think beyond the wedding day. This is about building healthy habits that make you feel amazing on your honeymoon, on your first anniversary, and well into the future. When you focus on performance, energy, and mood rather than a number on the scale, you naturally make choices that leave you feeling empowered. You also achieve better physical results because you're following a plan you enjoy and can sustain!

Dining out is such a big part of wedding celebrations, hens' parties, date nights, and tastings. How can brides enjoy a meal out without feeling like they are 'falling off track'?

One meal will never undo your progress. I always encourage my brides to approach these events with a mindset of balance, not perfection. Enjoy the meal, be present, and make mindful choices, but don't let one dinner make you feel like you've gone 'off track'. What matters most is the consistency of your habits outside of these occasions.

We teach our clients to set themselves up well beforehand by prioritising protein and fibre earlier in the day, which keeps you fuller for longer and helps you make better choices when dining out. When ordering, aim to prioritise protein, vegetables, and hydration, but also give yourself permission to enjoy the experience without guilt. A well-planned meal out fits perfectly into a balanced lifestyle. It's what you do most of the time, not the occasional indulgence, that truly matters.

There is a lot of conflicting information out there. What is one nutrition myth you wish brides would stop believing once and for all?

That "clean eating" means completely avoiding all foods labelled as 'unhealthy' or 'indulgent'. Labelling foods as strictly 'clean' or 'dirty' creates an unhealthy relationship with food. What matters more is overall balance, enjoyment, and how food fits into your lifestyle, not perfection. Allowing room for treats and flexibility actually supports long-term success and mental wellbeing far better than rigid restriction.

My clients follow an 80/20 rule: 80% wholefoods and 20% soul foods. When you give yourself permission to eat the foods you enjoy, cravings naturally reduce significantly.

Many brides feel pressure to 'eat clean' 100 per cent of the time before the big day. What is your take on food freedom, and how can brides embrace a more balanced approach without guilt?

No one needs to eat 'clean' 100% of the time. It's unsustainable and usually creates more stress which, ironically, works against fat loss. I teach my clients to understand flexibility, balance, and moderation. A balanced diet includes room for enjoyment and life's moments without guilt. The sooner you embrace that, the easier it is to maintain your results long-term.

Start small. Focus on building sustainable habits: consistent training, structured nutrition, hydration, sleep, and stress management. Avoid extremes, crash diets, over-training, or trying to overhaul your lifestyle overnight. Slow, steady progress compounds. With six to twelve months, you have plenty of time to achieve incredible results that you can also maintain well beyond the big day.

In your experience, what is one underrated wellness ritual that can help brides feel more grounded and resilient during the chaos of planning?

Walking without distraction. No phone, no podcast, just space to breathe and clear your head. It sounds simple, but daily fresh air and movement can do wonders for managing overwhelm.

You often share beautifully balanced meals on your Instagram. What is one bride-approved recipe that is both nourishing and satisfying?

A staple I always come back to is my Greek-inspired chicken wraps. Not only do they make me feel like I'm back in Greece, but they're also packed with lean protein, lots of vegetables, and fresh flavours. They're high in protein, full of fibre, and super satisfying.

Finally, what does healthy living look like after the wedding? How can couples support each other in maintaining long-term wellbeing as they step into married life together?

Healthy living after the wedding is about continuing to prioritise consistent routines, regular movement, and nourishing meals together. Health doesn't stop on the wedding day. It's a lifelong journey to be enjoyed as a team. I encourage my clients to find a plan they genuinely enjoy and that fits seamlessly into their lifestyle, one that's sustainable well beyond their initial goals. When couples support each other in maintaining these habits, it not only strengthens their wellbeing but also deepens their connection as they build a life together.