Shape up for the big day!

EVERY bride and groom wants to look their best on what is said to be the happiest day of their lives- Their wedding day!

Here are some tips on how to ensure you are looking great on the day!

Track your food: As the saying goes you are what you eat! To help keep track of what foods you are consuming there are programmes available to help you loose weight. Unislim is just one of the many dieting programmes out there.
The programme is not restricting and allows you to eat a range of foods.With Unislim you have a list of free fruit & veg, free protien (lean beef, chicken etc) a list of carbohydrates of which you are allowed five a day, other proteins which you are allowed one a day. You are allowed two "yums" a day to use as your treat, two Jaffa cakes or a packet of low fat crisps would be an example of two "yums". The more exercise you do the more "yums" you build up and so you don’t have to cut yummy treats out altogether.  Follow the link to find out more about their classes and programmes. http://www.unislim.com/

Don't skip breakfast: The most important meal of the day. Studies show that people who eat breakfast consume fewer total calories during the day then people who skip breakfast. Eating a healthy breakfast kick starts your metabolism and you are more likely to make healthier choices throughout the day.

Drink lots of water:  Help to maintain the balance of body fluids and keep your body hydrated by drinking 2 liters of water everyday. Keep a bottle of water on your desk in work or in your handbag. Try drinking water instead of fizzy drinks to help with weight loss.

Catch some zzz's: Not get enough sleep can hinder your weight loss efforts and lead to more cravings and poor choices. It can be difficult with a hectic lifestyle but aim for at least 7-8 hours a night for a healthier lifestyle.

For the ladies: Curves is a gym especially designed for women. There are no mirrors, no make up and no men in curves! With both aerobic exercise for weight loss and strength training for toned muscles, a Curves workout provides an exercise plan that can burn up to 500 calories in just 30 minutes. Curves has a friendly atmosphere where you can work out and have fun at the same time! Click on the link provided to find a Curves near you and learn how you can change your life in just 30 minutes 3 times a week! http://www.curves.ie/

Zumba time: The dance craze that is Zumba has taken the country by storm over the last few years. Zumba is a Latin inspired, easy to follow, calorie burning and fun dance form. This high paced dance will have you working up a sweat in no time but you will have great fun while doing it! Follow the link provided to find a Zumba class near you! http://www.zumba.com/en-US/ 

Yoga and Pilates: If you are more into non-aerobic form of exercise then Yoga or Pilates could be the answer for you. Yoga and Pilates both improve muscular and postural strength. Yoga is based on 3 main structures– exercise, breathing and meditation. Pilates is a method of exercising that lengthens and stretches all the major muscle groups. Follow the link provided to Yoga Dublin Studios who provide classes in both yoga and Pilates. http://www.yogadublin.com/

Bikram Yoga: Bikram yoga or "hot yoga" has become very popular. Bikram yoga consists of 26 poses and 2 breathing exercises and sessions run for exactly 90 minutes. It is practiced in a room heated to 40.6°C with a humidity of 40%.  Bikram systematically moves fresh, oxygenated blood to one hundred percent of your body, to each organ, restoring all systems to healthy working order. Click on the link to find out more about Bikram Yoga
 http://www.bikramyoga.ie/Welcome.html 

Keep the focus: Before you order that take away or hit the snooze button instead of going to the gym remind yourself of your goals for your wedding day. Remind yourself that all your hard work will pay off and you will feel happier and healthier if you stick to your food and exercise plan.