Fitness and Nutrition Tips for Preparing for the BIG DAY

Your wedding day is when YOU are the center of attention, so of course you want to look like a knockout for your friends, family, and of course your groom.

1. Your physique is determined by three things: 10% exercise, 10% genetics, and 80% diet.

This might shock some readers because exercise is not a very big percentage. Of course it plays a big role in how you will look, however, if your diet is not the best then you will not have the best physique. If you want to look and feel better, pay attention to what you are putting into your mouth! I recommend lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, fruits, vegetables and lots of water. You also need to keep in mind your portion sizes and calorie intake. So make sure you are choosing nutrient dense foods.

2. Combine weights and cardio and keep your workouts interesting.

It depends on your body type to determine when you will see gains in muscle definition and a reduction of overall body fat. However, a fitness routine combined with a clean diet will help you reach your wedding day body easier.

I personally like shorter workouts, because with a very hectic schedule, not to mention the wedding planning, who has time for an hour and a half workout? (click here for more about exercise)

3. Get plenty of sleep and don’t stress (if possible).

According to WebMD.com, sleep affects certain hormones that will control your appetite and satiety. Studies show that people who get less than 8 hours of sleep have higher levels of body fat than people who get 8 or more hours of sleep a night. Stress increases levels of cortisol in your blood which is a hormone that tends to cause you carry extra body fat in your waist line area. You also have to be careful if you are an emotional eater. Make sure you have healthy coping mechanisms when dealing with your stress and get plenty of sleep.
Bottom line is this: Your wedding day is YOUR day. Try to enjoy every moment of it from the proposal and the planning all the way up to the honeymoon and most importantly the many years to follow spent with your lifetime partner.

Take care of yourself by eating right, getting exercise and a proper amount of sleep. When you are taking care of yourself and feeling good, everything else will fall into place.

Click here for the full article including information about author Toria Cornett's recent recognition award for her work as FoodScience Corporation's Wellness Program Director.