Nutrition and Exercise

We talked to two trusted pros to hear their big- day wellbeing plans. Choose one that resonates and your body will thank you for it.

FEED YOUR BODY

Nutritionist Jessica Campbell of Body Balance Nutrition encourages you to think about how you want to feel on your wedding day rather than how you want to look. How will you be spending the next 12 months – in a weight loss panic or nourishing your body and mind? Will you show up to your special day with your heart full of love or will you walk the aisle with weight worries? There is no greater thief of joy than body dissatisfaction. Here’s her mind, nutrition and body plan for the lead-up to W- day.

6- 12 MONTHS OUT: ADAPTING NEW BODY AND MIND HABITS

✤ Work with a nutritionist or dietitian to learn how to flex your self-love muscles while taking care of your nutrition needs.

✤ Now is the time to get a handle on your stress levels. It’s no secret that planning a wedding is stressful and the next 12 months will see the pressure increase.

✤ Tune in to your body, does HIIT (High Intensive Interval Training) feel like a good idea today or will you benefit from a gentle walk and stretch?

✤ The aim of the game is to reduce your stress hormones – namely cortisol – and that means leaning in and listening to what your body is telling you. ✤ Adopt a mindful practice – read, take an art class, try a meditation app or Youtube video, or take up yoga. Begin to focus on deep breaths from your diaphragm. ✤ Plan your shopping list and meals, to avoid snacking on high- sugar and on-the-run food.

6 WEEKS OUT: FEED YOUR SKIN FOR A GLOWING COMPLEXION

✤ Nutrition can have a profound effect on skin, the glow really does start from the inside out!

✤ Eat widely and from all food groups. Don’t exclude anything unless it’s an allergen or causes gastro problems.

✤ Include more of the following skin foods: avocado, citrus fruits, tomato, blueberries, eggs, salmon, walnuts and beans.

✤ Consciously reduce your alcohol intake – it’s dehydrating and can encourage your skin to break out.

✤ Consider supplements: a good quality omega 3, 6, 9 supplement and zinc for radiant skin, strong nails and shiny hair.

IT’S YOUR WEDDING DAY!

✤ Eat! For some this may be easier said than done, remember it’s going to be a long day. Start with a light breakfast – try a smoothie if your appetite is out the window (see Green

Smoothie recipe idea, on opposite page).

✤ Prepare a nutritious and colourful grazing platter for the bridal party; perhaps whip up your own with a selection of cheese, fruits, crackers and meats. Check out #grazingplatters on Instagram for some serious platter inspo! Filled rolls or wraps are also an easy and no-fuss lunch option.

✤ Avoid pungent or strong flavours, we’re looking at you garlic and onion.

✤ Limit the exposure to food that could stain precious and expensive garments. Including but not limited to fiddly foods, sliced tomatoes, beetroot, dressings, sauces...

✤ Stay hydrated. Sip on water. Serve chilled fruit-infused waters for a refreshing non-alcoholic drink. No one wants to watch a bride stagger up the aisle so go easy on the pre- ceremony bubbles.

MOVE YOUR BODY

Award winning personal trainer, AmeliaJane Hoffman, founded Fit, Gorgeous Brides to help women feel their best at this memorable time in their life. Her philosophy is to work out smart and to constantly switch things up – here’s her trusted plan.

12 MONTHS OUT

This is usually the time where ladies tend to look at buying their wedding gown, and it’s the best time to start putting new habits in place. List your goals and break them down into monthly ones. Don’t make it all

& about the dress, though, the more organised you are leading up to the wedding the less stressed you will be. Remember that stress can lead to all manner of negative effects on the body, so make goals around nutrition, workouts (weights and cardio), and what you want to achieve month- by-month in regards to wedding planning. If you don’t already, start drinking your two litres of water a day.

6 MONTHS OUT

The final dress fitting is roughly about five months away, and I know that sounds like a long time but trust me it will absolutely fly by! Make sure you switch up your routine now and keep your body guessing. This will also motivate you to keep working out as it will help you enjoy your workouts more. In regards to nutrition, cut out that nightly wine – if you have one – and just indulge one night a week – it will really help brighten your skin as well as helping prevent water retention. Sign up for a fun competition such

as a 5km fun run that you can do with your friends or bridesmaids. Reflect on how far you have come from when you first started your new routine and if needed, re-set your goals accordingly.

6 WEEKS OUT

This is when time starts to rapidly vanish thanks to every spare second requiring attention to last-minute details. Don’t let this come at the cost of your exercise: make a plan to work out in the morning before breakfast (that way post-work tiredness can’t be an excuse!); go for a walk or a jog to get the heart pumping and then do a few sets of squats, push-ups, and core exercises, finishing with stretches. Get plenty of sleep (six to eight hours each night) to help your body combat stress. W