Six Steps To The Wedding Body You Want

January 13, 2007 by Lesley-Ann Graham  
Filed under Health & Beauty

Okay, brides and grooms, it is time to get in shape. The time to start improving one’s figure for optimum fitness begins the moment you say yes to getting married. The sooner you get started, the better your results can be - and with less difficulty too.

Getting in the shape you want starts with a major act of will. You have to decide what kind of changes you want. None of the lackluster “I wish I was” ideas. You need to have steely resolve that you are going to make it happen, doing everything you should, and everything you can to achieve your dream body. This is often not easy for most people simply because they are easily tempted and easily distracted.

If you are serious about getting your body in better shape, here are some things that you should do for yourself. These steps make your transformation more than just a one time thing. It can keep you in shape for the rest of your life - if you let it.

The first thing you need to do is find yourself a coach. Most people insist that they can do it on their own but the truth is, left to our own devices we get lazy and find hundreds of excuses not to do what you know you need to, if you really want to slim down. Coaching is effective because you have someone who is an expert in their field showing you the proper techniques to help you achieve your goal. He or she can help you tailor a system that will suit you perfectly. Some gyms employ not just an exercise trainor, they’ll also have nutritionists to help you with your diet. They’ll be there to make sure that you have the full guidance you need, when you need it the most.

You also need to have a very clear reason to change your shape. Simply saying I want to look great isn’t enough. If your reasons are clear, you won’t be tempted as much because you know exactly what is on the line. For example, it could be because you want your wedding pictures to show a slim and fit bride without camera tricks. It can be because you want to be able to fit into a bikini during your honeymoon without any unsightly rolls of fat. It might be because some old friends are coming to your wedding and you want them to see that you haven’t let yourself go in spite of the fact that you are no longer teenagers.

Visualization is an important technique that you can use to make your goal happen. In your mind, see yourself with the body you want. You are walking down the aisle in your beautiful dress and your groom is amazed at your radiance. He easily sweeps you off your feet when the time comes to carry you over the threshhold. Some people draw themselves wearing their dream outfit so that they can see for themselves that it is achievable.

You have to choose a method that you will know will work for you. For example, choosing to go on the Atkins diet or South Beach diet can feel like torture for those who love to eat carbohydrates. Some never make it past the first week because they can’t stand being without their comfort foods. If you can’t give up the food, then find a workout that you do like and will achieve your results. If you don’t want to lift weights, go ahead and attend dance classes instead. The method you should use is the one that you will stick to and you know for a fact definitely achieves results.

A habit isn’t formed overnight. This is true of exercise and food as well. If you really want results, commit to 21 sessions of exercise and 21 days of your new diet. You’ll find it gets easier. On the 21st day, commit to another hundred even if that goes beyond your wedding. You’ll be amazed at how automatic it will be to practice good eating habits and exercise, even if you are on your honeymoon already because of it.

Once you’ve made up your mind, don’t wait. Take action immediately. The best time to start is when you are all fired up and momentum will do the rest.

Your Dream Wedding : Be Healthy and Wise

July 1, 2006 by Lesley-Ann Graham  
Filed under Health & Beauty

It is a month or less away from your wedding day. Everything is in place. You have the church and restaurant of your choice. The menu is mouth watering and sure to satisfy everyone’s tummy. The cake not only looks gorgeous, it is delicious. All the gowns are ready. Your family and friends are all arriving. The plans for your dream wedding have been followed perfectly. All you need to do now is greet your guests as they arrive, have your shower or stag party and actually say your I dos.

There is a lot of pressure on most couples while preparing for their nuptials. With so many decisions to make and trying to fit everything into an already busy schedule, most brides and grooms are just dying to have a day or two that are wedding plan free.

That is an absolutely wonderful idea! You need time to enjoy your relationship and just savor having found each other. Go ahead and have some fun and just date.

Just a reminder: take care not to get sick. We all know that there are bugs and germs everywhere. The last thing anyone wants is to go out for a swim and come home with a cold (not to mention tan lines that may mar the look of your gown).

Here are some suggestions on how to avoid being under the weather on your wedding day:

Get sufficient sleep. Most people who live in the city keep late hours. They sleep at almost midnight, sometimes beyond and get up before seven. Our body demands quality sleep. It needs 8 hours of sleep at night. Sleeping at two in the morning until ten isn’t sufficient. The more rested the body is, the better it can fight infections.

Eat a balanced and healthy diet. Most brides are concerned with being slim and trim on their wedding day. Everyone wants to look glamorous on that special day. This does not mean however that you should starve yourself. Crash diets will cause your weight to drop for a while but they may also cause your immune system to go down. Better to carefully plan, prepare and eat balanced meals everyday.

Make sure you are getting sufficient vitamins and minerals. Make sure that your body is getting sufficient quantities of what it needs to be able to function at its best. Consult your doctor on what supplements you may take, if you choose to add this to your lifestyle.

Exercise. You don’t need to suddenly get into weight lifting or long distance running. You can join an aerobics class or dance class. Just for fun ladies, why not try pole dancing or belly dancing for fitness? It gives a great work out and you can use what you learn on your wedding night.

Prevention is the best medicine is one of the favorite sayings of our elders for a reason. It never hurts to be fit and healthy. In fact it is wise. Side benefit: you will look absolutely stunning in your wedding outfits.