So you may have seen the first part of this post which focused on the mind part of things….well part 2 focuses more on the body and how to get it in tip top shape for the wedding.

As with other aspects of the wedding, you should look at exactly what you want to achieve and set goals for how you will do this. Identify what it is you want to change. Do you want to lose weight? If so, how much? Do you want to tone up? Do you want to just be healthier? Changing any behaviour {especially one which is deeply ingrained} is difficult so you need to be realistic about what you are capable of achieving. For example, it’s no good deciding that you need to lose 2 stone in a month! Write down your motivation in a short paragraph and put it somewhere you will see it everyday. i.e.

“I want to lose one stone in the next 2 months to look and feel my best on my wedding day. I want to be able to look back for years at my wedding photographs knowing I looked and felt my best.”

If your goal is to lose weight and tone up you should consider how you will achieve this and set specific goals. The NHS recommend 150 minutes of exercise a week. This equates to just 5 half hour sessions each week. It’s not a lot really and if you make an effort, even the busiest person can fit the majority of this in.

Consider how you can incorporate exercise into your usual daily routine with things such as:

Cycling or walking all or part of the way to work

Stand up whilst talking on the phone

Walk over to colleagues desk to talk rather than emailing or using the phone {we’ve all done it!!}

Take the stairs instead of the lift

Walk up escalators or travelators rather than standing

Go for a walk during your lunch break

When it comes to diets I hold my hands up and openly admit that I have tried pretty much every diet going. Yes some are better than others and will give great results but, ultimately, they don’t last. I know it’s a cliche but it’s true, a healthy balanced diet and cutting out the treats and alcohol really does work!

Healthy eating is simple {in theory!} and we all know what we should be doing. Here’s a reminder for you though in case the old grey matter is frazzled by all that wedding planning!…..

The average man needs around 2500 calories per day and the average woman around 2000. Your diet should be varied and you should base your meals around starchy foods such as potatoes, cereal, pasta, rice and bread. 1/3 of your plate should be starchy foods and these will also make you feel fuller for longer.

Eat at least 5 portions of fruit and veg a day. Be aware of what counts too…..a glass of unsweetened fruit juice counts as one (but only 1 in a day), fruit and vegetables cooked in dishes also count so remember those. Tinned baked beans are also classed as a portion too so beans on wholemeal toast for lunch is the perfect meal!

Aim to eat 2 portions of fish a week and try to make one of those an oily fish. Oily fish is a rich source of omega-3 fats and can help prevent heart disease. Oily fish include salmon, mackerel, trout, herring, fresh tuna, sardines and pilchards.

Cut down on saturated fats and sugar. This is the obvious one! So limiting foods such as cheese, cake, biscuits, cream and pies. When eating meat, cut off any visible fat and grill instead of frying.

Avoid sugary drinks, full fat milk and alcohol. Stick to water and fruit juices.

Sticking to this will ensure you are looking fit, healthy and fab for your wedding day without having to go to the extremes of eating one tiny meal a day for the rest of your single life!

I’m sure it also goes without saying that, if you are eating well and exercising, you will sleep better, your skin will look better and in turn your confidence will improve. Right, I’ve talked myself into it…I’m off for a run!