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It’s your wedding day, and it’s your day to shine. Make the most of it, and start preparing a healthy beauty routine now with these three steps to putting your best bride forward.
Step 1Start an Exercise Routine You Can Live With - If you’re currently sedentary, don’t attempt to dive into an hour-a-day/seven days a week routine – because chances are, you won’t stick to it. Instead, increase your energy level with achievable goals; 30 minutes for three to four days a week is a good start for those who haven’t hit the gym in years. If you’re already pretty active, commit to taking it to the next level – either by adding a few extra minutes to your workouts, or increasing the intensity of your routines. Regardless of your current fitness level, you should strive for an exercise routine that combines cardio, strength and flexibility. Here’s an optimal fitness schedule for you to strive towards; depending on your current fitness level, working up to this routine may take more or less time: Cardio Schedule - 3-4 cardiovascular workouts a week for 25-40 minutes. Pick activities that you enjoy and try to change it up - remember, exercise is meant to be fun. Take a fast walk or jog with your dog, go swimming, ride your bike, play tennis. Strength Schedule - 3-4 strength workouts a week for 30 minutes. When strength training, you should work until fatigue – meaning the last repetition of each exercise should be extremely difficult. Don’t forget to include core and stabilization training; try incorporating physioballs, BOSU and discs into your workouts, or take a pilates class once a week. Flexibility Schedule - Stretching will help you increase flexibility. Flexibility training can help avoid muscle imbalances, postural distortion and injuries. Stand tall, shoulders back, walk graceful and don’t forget to smile, this is your day! Step2Get Glowing Skin - Beautiful skin is not achieved overnight. If you are feeling less than radiant, do something about it now. Today – assess your beauty products; make sure you are using quality skin products that are right for your skin type. Book an appointment for a facial and consult your cosmetologist for advice and tips to get your skin in shape for the wedding. If you budget and calendar can afford it, try to get a facial at least every quarter leading up to your wedding.
Step3Don't Forget To Eat Right - Get a general estimate of how many calories a day you’re burning, then build your meal plans around an equal amount of calories (to maintain) or slightly less calories (to lose). A handy free tool can be found at dailyplate.com. Here you can enter personal stats like height, weight, and weight loss goals – along with the various types of physical activity you do each day (not only at the gym, but also activities like cooking, cleaning, walking up stairs – they all count). The tool will then calculate the number of calories you should eat based on your goals. Here are some simple guidelines to help you maintain your caloric goals, keep your energy level up, and get all the nutrients you need: 1) Eat 5-6 small meals a day Give up the notion that you must starve yourself to lose weight. Your body is designed for survival, and part of its survival mechanism involves holding onto body fatto be used in times of food shortage. Skipping meals or eating a very low amount of calories causes your body to go into starvation mode, which slows your metabolism. Three large meals do not provide your body with the constant flow of nutrients and energy it needs to increase your metabolism and burn fat. Strive to eat 5 or 6 small meals evenly spaced throughout the day. 2) Portion Control Understand that the size of your stomach is about as big as your two fists. So at one meal, you should never eat more than two fists full of food. 3) Food Content - Focus on Fiber and Protein Food without protein or fiber has little to no nutritional value (that’s what they mean by empty calories). With every meal you eat, you should aim to get about 10 grams of protein and about 5 grams of fiber – for a total of at least 60 grams of protein and 25 grams of fiber per day). - stay hydrated – drinking lots of water helps you stay hydrated and may also make you feel full (sometimes hunger pangs are actually a sign that you’re thirsty). How much should you drink? Multiply your total body weight by 75%; this is the total number of fluid ounces you should take in each day.
- sub. sugar free/low fat versions of your favorite snacks
- sub low fat or fat free dairy for whole fat versions
- switch to diet sodas
- replace sugar with splenda in recipes or other items you usually add sugar
- limit alcohol intake – not only is alcohol empty calories (all sugar, no fiber or protein), but it usually leads to poor eating decisions or skipping workouts. Try your best to avoid it.
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