Health Tips
The holidays usually come with the proverbial three f’s; food, fun and frolic. But it’s not the fun that leads most of us to book a ticket for a New Years guilt trip; it’s the food choices and frolic filled partying that can set your goals of fitting into your dream dress back a few inches or in some extreme cases- sizes. 

We’ve all had a difficult time making healthier choices when faced with the typical holiday fare of turkey, stuffing, cocktails, and of course that oh so mouth-watering apple pie with ice cream.  “It’s only one meal” we tell ourselves and if we take small portions of each dish it won’t be as bad as piling your plate, right? But let’s not dwell on the last couple of weeks. It’s a new year, let’s shift focus and look towards a new healthier you. 

Your wedding day is quickly approaching and with all the planning still left to do you’re bound to have some stressful and anxious moments. But don’t let that get you down or send you on a emotional eating rollercoaster, instead take note of some of these tips that will not only help you put your health in check but also will make you feel more energized and better equipped to handle things that are thrown your way.

Here are five tips to help you look and feel the way you’ve envisioned for your wedding day:

Set a goal; but be realistic.
The first step to shrinking your waistline starts with taking stock of your situation. How much do you weigh? What’s a realistic activity level for you? Are you willing to make some changes to your eating habits? When setting a weight loss goal start small. You’ve heard it before, it’s a lot easier to gain weight then it is to lose it. So don’t be so hard on yourself. Make a conscious decision to make small changes at first, once accomplished they will help you feel more adept to tackle your next set of goals. Keep your objectives fresh, yet challenging so that you never get bored. Finally once a goal has been met, reward yourself as you deserve it!

Drink plenty of water; it’s not as bad as you think.
Admittedly some have a difficult time getting a glass of water down, while others swear by its properties and health benefits. Bottom line; staying hydrated is key and there’s no better way then by drinking plenty of water. Soda, juice and iced teas can be refreshing but are filled with empty calories that could be better used elsewhere. There are some simple tricks for those of you who find water a little lack-luster; add a splash of lemon or lime to a glass of water, or cucumbers can also be used for flavor. This makes it taste better and will make it easier for you to drink more of it.

Get lots of sleep; under-eye strain is the least of your worries.
Let’s face it, you’re planning a wedding which means there are a number of things running through your mind at any given moment, even while you’re sleeping. A lack of sleep could set you back from your weight-loss goal if you let it but you don’t have to.  There are a few tricks that can help you keep your New Years resolution in check: 1) exercise is key however make sure you work out at least three hours before bedtime 2) set a cut-off time for meals like 8:00PM- eating too close to bedtime will keep you up, and 3) make your bedroom a comfortable place for sleeping. By keeping the thermostat and your room as dark and cozy as possible you should have no problems getting the suggested 7-8 hours of distress-less rest.

Write it down; peace of mind is only a pen stroke away.
At the end of the day, when it comes to your weight-loss success you are not accountable to anyone but yourself. However a great way to track your progress and keep your food choices under control is to write it down! Get a small pocket journal, one that can easily fit into your purse and begin jotting down everything you put in your mouth from sun-up to sun-down. Keeping a log of what you’ve eaten and the times in which you sat down to a meal will help you get a better handle of your eating habits. Periodically looking back at your food journal will better help you determine what your problem areas are and some of the foods you might want to cut back on.

Walk; from your car to your front door doesn’t count.
It’s winter and for those of you in a colder climate, sometimes it takes all of your strength not to curl up in a ball and hibernate right? Wrong. This is the best time to get out there and start walking. This is an exercise program that can be more of a workout than you think. If you are just getting started some ways in which you can incorporate a few more steps into your day and help shed a few pounds include: getting a pedometer- a great motivator to help keep you moving, taking the stairs instead of the escalator or taking a stroll after dinner with your fiancé. Psst…it’s also a great way to reconnect and spend some quality time together away from wedding planning.

Experts agree it takes twenty-one days to form a habit, why not make that your magic number and let us know how incorporating these or other healthier tricks of your own is helping you get closer to your weight loss goal. Just click on the forum link and let us know how you’re progressing towards a healthier you.

NOTE: All the information found on this page is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Before embarking on any form of diet or exercise program please consult your doctor or other health care professionals.