De-Stress & Energize

Relax! Easy De-Stress Advice

If you’re feeling frazzled (and what bride doesn’t?), start each day with a few minutes of meditation. Here’s some advice from Erica Gragg, coauthor of Bikini Bootcamp:

• Sit quietly on your bed, make yourself comfortable and close your eyes. Pay attention to your breathing.
• Picture the waves on your honeymoon beach: the sound, the sight, the feeling of warm water caressing your toes. Let all other thoughts go and focus on each breath, each wave.
• If your thoughts keep racing, quietly and nonjudgmentally return your focus to your breathing. Do this as many times as necessary—and be patient.
• Give yourself two minutes. By then, you’ll feel more centered and relaxed as you get set to head out.

Peppy Foods (You Can Take with You)

To keep your energy up as you race to the finish line (the big day, that is!), pack some good-to-go snacks to take with you. Treats that have 100-200 calories and contain complex carbs, protein and fiber (which slows the absorption of carbohydrates for longer-lasting energy) are your best bet. Don’t forget to eat every three to four hours to stabilize your blood sugar levels—and of course drink plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout the day. Here are suggestions from Karen Collins, RD and nutrition adviser to the American Institute for Cancer Research:

• A 1 oz. package of peanuts, almonds or other nuts
• A small plastic bag containing about ? cup whole-grain cereal, a ? cup dried fruit, like raisins or apricots, plus a few tablespoons of nuts or seeds
• A piece of reduced-fat cheddar or Swiss cheese (harder cheeses can stay unrefrigerated for a longer time) with a piece of fruit
• Half a peanut butter sandwich made with one slice of whole-grain bread and all-fruit spread
• Mini whole-wheat pitas stuffed with hummus, baby carrots and slices of raw red or yellow pepper or cucumber
• A low-calorie, low-sugar nutrition bar
• Peanut butter on whole-wheat crackers