LivingWell
Gown Ready in 21 days
The big day is on its way. Soon you will be walking down the aisle surrounded by loved ones. All brides want to look gorgeous in their wedding gown. Many start thinking about losing a few pounds. With the day fast approaching, it can be tempting to do something extreme. Resist the temptation. Starvation dieting, eliminating whole food groups (as in zero carbs or zero fat) and popping stimulantbased diet pills is not the answer. These extreme measures can slow your metabolism and cannibalize your muscle. They can also zap your energy, dull your mind and put you in a bad mood. And you won’t be more beautiful. Actually, if you lose lean muscle, you will melt your biceps. Not a very pretty picture. Worse
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yet, you will start yo-yoing back with the first bite of that wedding cake. The best way to slim down and tone up is simply to eat high quality food, in moderate amounts, and add exercise. Yes, you might still have cravings driven by bad habits and emotions, but you won’t be starving. Simple changes can help you be less bloated and leaner, with mental focus and energy so you can enjoy your journey to the altar. You will feel a difference in as little as three days, but the more time committed, the better your results, so get started now. Aim for 21 days. (Don’t forget to ask the mother of the bride to partner with you. She wants to look good on your wedding day, too.)
ALL ABOUT WEDDINGS 2017 | AAWMAG.COM
EAT LEAN AND CLEAN • Eliminate bread, dairy, sugar, processed foods, sweetened drinks and starchy vegetables [potatoes, pumpkin and winter squash] and rice. • Eat lean protein – roughly the size of the palm of your hand, 3 times a day • Fill your plates with as many nonstarchy vegetables as you want. Lean towards green. • A protein/fiber shake a day with zero sugar added is an acceptable alternative for a meal (but not every meal. Make sure you are eating the good stuff ). • Limit fruit to 1 cup or 2 medium fruits a day. • Indulge in these metabolism-stoking foods: Peppers, Garlic, Ginger, Parsley,