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Relationships are a weight on your shoulders. (and thighs, butt, and midsection for that matter) And before you go thinking that's a negative thing, let me explain! When you first start dating someone, the excitement of being with someone new almost makes you forget to eat. It's a magical time, not only for the two of you, but on your shrinking stomach as well.
I recall barely even being able to stomach a simple garden salad on my first date with my fiance. Sounds pretty pathetic now, as I can match him in the eating department pretty solidly. :( It's just a fact of life that once you become comfortable in a relationship, you start letting things go. And one of those first things to disappear is your HOT BOD!
I've been taking notes lately on my uncanny ability to match my fiance in the food and drink department, and I've decided something needs to give. With all this talk about portion control making such a difference in weight loss, I decided to give it a whirl.
Basically, it's the easiest way to lose weight. All you need to do is look at what your man is eating, and eat half of it. I know it sounds ridiculous and unfair. But is he not double your weight?? Aha...got ya thinking! Did you know your stomach is the size of your fist? That means each time you're stuffing yourself, you're making your stomach stretch. You wouldn't squeeze into way-too-small shoes (or maybe you would), so give your middle section the same respect! We're so conditioned to eating until we're full, but the feeling you should feel after a meal is contentment. Sounds easy right?
So now that we've taken care of the portioning issue, let's tackle what to eat. If you're exercising self-control in the right manner, you can actually eat what you like. Honest! Now don't go on a psycho In-N-Out and Coldstone portion-control binge...but within reason, you can stick to your regular ways of eating. Skip the preservative-infested Zone meals and spray butter. You and your man both get the same steak, potatoes, and veggies--but you get half the amount.
Since it's likely you both won't eat together for all three meals in the day, let's focus solely on dinner. Here's a thought...don't make the meat product the main focus of the meal! Imagine the horror on your guy's face when the meal consists of a...SALAD.
Yep, it's true. There are about a bazillion different combos of salads sure to satisfy your appetite. They're so (here comes the dork in me) much fun, that you'll forget that you were looking forward to Ben & Jerry's. Trust me! Have fun with salads, and they'll surprise you.
Great ingredients to consider: sun-dried tomatoes, baby carrots, nuts, feta, cranberries, quinoa, egg whites, feta, edamame, hominy, avocado. That's just to name a few. And to get you jump-started on your journey, here's a fantastic link my fellow salad fan friend Hillary sent to me from the NY Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/22/dining/22mlist.html?_r=1&emc=eta1
There are so many options you may never run out. But don't burn yourself out. A good meat-n-potatoes meal never hurt anyone (as long as you run it off in the morning!) and it's good for the soul. Try out portion control, eliminating "diet" labeled foods, and depriving yourself. Just remember how you felt at the beginning of your relationship. The thought of pigging out to an oblivion in front of him would have probably revolted you! Get back into that mindset. Enjoy meals together, but eat til you're content. Remember, your brain reportedly takes 20 minutes to catch up to your stomach! So take your time and enjoy that little fist-sized dinner on your plate!
Rock out with those salads!
Kisses!
Bridie
If you're anything like me, you're about 2 steps away from Botox, but 10 steps away from admitting you'd ever do it, let alone mention the idea of it to your dermatologist. And with endless amounts of anti-wrinkle creams, serums, lotions, and peels out there, it seems silly not to try every last one of them before become just another statistic.
I'm not dogging the 'tox, and I'll admit I'm envious of the numerous Hollywood starlets (not to mention personal friends) whom I know FOR A FACT have gone to the dark side. But there's something dirty about the whole process.
I have no problem with needles per se. But there's that twinge of a negative conotation that always goes along with it. Case #1: Donating blood. It's a good deed, and you always feel better inside afterwards, unless the nurse accidentally misses your vein 3 times. Case #2: Tattoos. They can be so cute, but there's always that guy/girl who will swear you off them forever (Thanks Kat Von D). Case #3: Botox Parties. There's a time and a place to have someone stick a needle into the corners of your eyes, and trust me, the dry-heaving non-partaker in the corner, Cosmos don't mix with wrinkle removing. Someone always takes it too far. What ever happened to good old-fashioned TupperWare gatherings?
As a bride-to-be, I obviously want to have that same facial glow as the 5'10" model on the cover of InStyle. But I'd rather attain that by getting my face in shape in a less invasive manner. There's SO much out there, and it can be overwhelming, but I have a few products to get us on our way. At the end of the day, what sounds better than "fresh-faced?" The main thing I've learned from everyone, including my dermatologist, facialist, hairstylist, my mom, and one girl from Forever 21, is to stay out of the sun. This sounds easy, yet why can't any of us stay away from it?!
This is something I can't control for you. You'll have to learn over time to be that dork with the full-circumference visor that covers everything down to your bellybutton. But what I can help with is taking the steps towards a fresher, brighter, more Bridie face!
Let's take this as step 1 out of a potential 3-part process. The first step to Bridal Glow is to eliminate all of those bad habits you're still guilty of committing. And shame on you if you still aren't washing your face at night! Here's a list of Bridie-approved products, some Rx, some not, which will get your biggest feature ready for the big day.
Think of your wedding as the opening of a Broadway show. You couldn't possibly get all of your lines and blocking dead-on in the first couple of months. Same goes for your face. Jumping into some hardcore chemical peel is not only going to leave you looking like a giant scab, but your pores probably won't appreciate that sudden wake-up call. Ease into it. Here we go, girls!
1. "Peeling Groovy" by Bliss. It's a serum that retexturizes, exfoliates, lightens dark spots, and brightens skin. 2-3 pumps at night, and you look like you could *almost* skip makeup the next day! http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P226403&searchString=peeling%20groovy
2. Kinerase. Courteney Cox is their spokewoman. Need I say more? The woman looks like she stole her skin from The David in Florence. But rather than hate her, start on the regimen. A couple drops helps your skin retain moisture, and improve the look of freckles and blotchiness. I'd recommend starting with the cream. http://www.kinerase.com/kinerase/product.asp?catalog_name=KCP&category_name=230MoisturizeProtect(Kinerase)&product_id=0187040240(Kinerase)
3. Differin Gel (Rx). You may recognize this from back in your acne days. And yes, this same magical gel that saved your monster zit from making an appearance at prom also helps to prevent wrinkles! And if you're anything like me, who literally will get a blemish on top of a deep line as if to remind me that I'm Not A Girl Not Yet A Woman (Britney), you can use it for both curses! You'll have to get this from your derm, but won't break the bank. Just a dab on the problem areas goes a loooooong way. http://www.differin.com/Adults/Default.aspx
4. DDF Protective Eye Cream. I skimp on some things, but my eyes are not one of them. I tend to be smiley, which is a good thing, but also a bad thing for something wicked called crow's feet. While, again, Botox is really the only eraser besides Photoshop, there's something to combat them getting any closer to your hairline. DDF is short for Doctor's Dermatologic Formula, and was created by the professionals themselves. It contains SPF 15, and COQ10, which aids in the production of healthy cells. Most importantly to me, it doesn't sting the crap out of my eyes! http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P21255&categoryId=B70
5. Neutrogena Visibly Even Daily Moisturizer. That's right! You don't need to look farther than Target to find a great daily moisturizer! It contains Essential Soy, which is a natural skin brightener, and SPF 30, without making you look like a ghost. I don't leave home without it. And it smells so good, my fiance started stealing it from me and using it too! http://www.neutrogena.com/econsumer/ntg/productslistpage.browse?segment=women&catId=1&subCatId=4&pagingPage=all&totalNumberOfPages=6
Start things off here! I guarantee you'll see a difference in the brightness of your face. Just a couple of small changes in your beauty regimen can make a huge difference. I'll check a third of the way with new ideas, and maybe some facial recommendations. It's a slow and steady race, just like this entire wedding planning process! Put in some face time!
Kisses!
Bridie
Is it just me, or are you always hungry?! It could be the sudden increase in workouts, or maybe it's the endless appointments now inundating my schedule. Or maybe daydreaming about Monique Lhuillier trunk shows induces hunger. Either way, this bride is hungry! And sorry In N' Out, but even your secret low carb menu doesn't cut it on the BridieDiet. With all the running around we'll be doing after an already busy work day in the coming months, it's a good idea to start stockpiling on some to-go foods that can withstand the heat of your car, and keep you going between the 5 o'clock whistle and your (low carb we'll presume) dinner at 8.
Jamba Juice and Pinkberry may seem like logical quick fixes when you're an on-the-go bride-to-be, but before you go deciding between Green Tea and Pomegranate, you should know that'll run ya a few hundred calories. Sorry to be the bubble burster, but an average Jamba will run you 440 calories, and Pinkberry, though not as deadly, still steals at least 250 from you. And I guarantee you'll be hungry soon after.
The key is to search for those delish snacks that won't rob you the pleasure of having a glass of wine with dinner later on. They're out there, but you have to be wary of the labels! Just because it's a nut, doesn't mean it's healthy. Sorry wasabi peas from Trader Joes: We love you, but we'll see you after the honeymoon. Here's a quick list to get to started on BridieDiet approved on-the-go snacks to get you through those in-between times, whether it be work-to-gym, trainer-to-florist, or class-to-caterer.
Remember, these little in-between healthy snacks will do wonders, not only on your mood, but your growling stomach as well.
1. Almonds: The Food and Drug Administration approved a qualified health claim for nuts in 2003 which states, "Scientific evidence suggests, but does not prove, that eating 1.5 ounces per day of most nuts, such as almonds, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease." As if you need more motivation, they're easy to store, and a little handful will keep your hunger at bay for at least an hour. Don't be afraid of the fat content...it's what nutrionists call "good fat," and the 46% fiber-per-cup thing says it all.
2. Larabars: I'm super picky about bars, so when I came across these and saw that their deliciousness matched their nutrition, I was stoked! They're gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, soy bars that include blends of fruits, nuts, and spices. They come in great flavors like Ginger Snap, Peanut Butter Cookie, and Key Lime Pie, and will only run you 200 calories.
3. Turkey Jerky: I'm surprised at how many women aren't into jerky! Ok, I'll admit, my fiance turned me on to it. But this stuff can really withstand any temperature. And they come in every flavor imaginable, from jalepeno to teriyaki. Jerky will run you about 200 calories per serving, and can be a tad high in the sodium department. So don't overdo it, and make sure you're gonna get a good sweat going after gnawing on these bad boys!
4. String Cheese: This has to be my absolute childhood favorite, and thankfully companies like Healthy Choice and South Beach Diet have jumped on board to create low-fat versions. I'll admit, they don't allow you to get that satisfaction of pulling apart the cheese one string at a time, but they're a lot healthier. And a great source of protein and calcium! But this one needs to be refridgerated, so keep that in mind!
5. Baby Carrots: This little nuggets will satisfy your need for a crunch, and can last for hours, even if you forget them in the car! But here's the key: put them in an airtight container with some cold water and a couple ice cubes. That'll keep them fresh and crunchy and not all dried out.
Kisses! Bridie
I was a vegetarian years ago, but quickly came to my senses after accidentally having a chicken quesadilla and wondering why it tasted so good. But ever since becoming a born-again carnivore, I've realized the importance of non-meat products.
In an effort to appease my mother, I decided to actually give something up for Lent this year. For my non-Catholic friends, Lent is the 40-day period that precedes Easter, and it's common practice for people to sacrifice something they love and exercise self-control during that time. This year, I chose to give up meat. And honestly, I've never felt lighter and more energetic in years. That's not to say that I skipped the spiral-cut honey ham on Easter morning...;)
My delve back into the veggie world was daunting, but this time around I think I did it the right way. The shear number of delicious vegetarian recipes out there is astounding. And I won't lie and say "You'll never know this didn't have meat in it!" But I came pretty close a couple of times. Like with my tempeh tacos, there's so much other flavor going on that you don't even miss the shredded chicken. Or my new favorite crock pot recipe: Hominy and white bean chili with avocado and jalepenos. That would garner a definite YUMMO from Rachael Ray.
So why am I even talking about this? Well, like I mentioned regarding my meat-free stint earlier this year, going veg made me feel lighter! And as a bride, that's muy importante. Last time I checked, the color white isn't a slimming shade. In a matter of months, all eyes will be on you sister. So the food portion of BridieDiet starts now!
I won't encourage you to run to Barnes & Noble and pick up Skinny Bitch or Naturally Thin by Bethanny Frankel (though the latter is a good read!). In fact, I refuse to even pick up Skinny Bitch for fear I'll never be able to eat wings again. Enough of my girlfriends are testament to the fact that the book will make you swear off meat forever. And to be honest, I'm not sure I'm quite ready for that commitment yet.
My advice, as a bride-to-be (read: not a doctor, nutritionist, or anyone with a degree in the health field), is to go "part-time veg." Start by picking two days out of the week to go meat-free. You'll be amazed how how light you feel! While meat is the easiest and best way to get protein, it's high in salt. The more salt in your diet, the "puffier" you'll appear. The key is to make sure you're replacing the meat product with a form of protein, whether it be fish, tofu, tempeh, etc. Here are a few BridieDiet-approved recipes to get you on your way.
1. Tofu & Egg Quiche: http://www.grouprecipes.com/45042/awesome-tofu-and-egg-quiche.html * I add spinach or broccoli to mine!
2. Spiced Lentil Tacos: http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Spiced-Lentil-Tacos-351390
3. Sweet & Spicy BBQ Tempeh: http://www.theppk.com/recipes/dbrecipes/index.php?RecipeID=176
4. Tofu Stir-Fry: http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/asian/recipe-tofu-stirfry-with-snow-peas-and-mushrooms-050191 *I add alot more veggies!
5. Mushroom Quinoa: http://www.cookthink.com/recipe/11151/Wild_Mushroom_Quinoa_%E2%80%9CRisotto%E2%80%9D *Great alternative to rice or risotto!
6. Hominy & White Bean Chili: http://www.myrecipes.com/recipes/gallery/0,28548,1873037_1827801,00.html *Do this in the crock pot as a time saver!
Have fun in the kitchen!
Kisses!
Bridie
Let's face it...somewhere on everyone's DVR is at least 2 reality shows. With thousands of channels out there, the gods of reality have probably come up with at least one show to reel you in, whether it be Top Chef, Project Runway, or in my fiance's case, Whale Wars on Animal Planet.
But don't you think it's high time we trimmed the fat off our Tivos? Having 8 saved-up episodes of Real Housewives of New Jersey isn't likely to teach us anything in the long run, except to solidify every stereotype we'd ever heard about girls from the Garden State.
What better time than now to count our reality shows like we will our calories over the next 12 months? I'm not saying to eliminate reality TV altogether; that would be like a crash diet, only to find ourselves glued to the couch days later with Ben & Jerry's in hand, and Sixteen and Pregnant on the tellie.
My advice is to, for lack of a better word, "watch" what you watch. Believe it or not, there are a number of reality shows on TV right now that will give you inspiration, rather than suck the life out of you! So let's delete The Hills off our DVR once and for all. After all, with Lauren gone, what's the point of watching?
Here's a Bridie-approved list of reality shows that fit into our new bride-inspired mantra of staying positive and being proactive:
So You Think You Can Dance. Fox. Why it's approved: If you've been having trouble getting to the gym, one episode will inspire you. 6-packs on the contestants would be an understatement! The show also features every genre of music you could imagine, to not only give you ideas for your DJ's playlist, but to inspire you and your man to take ballroom lessons to wow your guests!
Clean House: Style Network. Why it's approved: For many newly-engaged couples, you're learning how to co-exist with each other in the same space for the first time. It can be a daunting task, and for many, the "toilet seat fight" is just the tip of the iceberg. Hosted by the hilarious Niecy Nash, Clean House will show you how to eliminate all that clutter you may have just acquired (hello, 1980s baseball bard collection!) and live in a tidy house that accomodates both you and your fiance's stuff. Remember, it's all about compromise! So if you must keep that creepy childhood doll on your bed, don't give him a hard time about his wrestling trophies. Just make sure he's the one who's dusting them every week!
Whose Wedding Is It Anyway? Style Network. Why it's approved: This is probably the only wedding reality show worth watching. The rest of them are all about bridezillas, couples with outrageous budgets that will shame yours, and other ridiculous ideas, like letting your family plan the details of your big day. Whose Wedding features wedding planners as they work with regular couples with reasonable demands and concerns, and helps to create their perfect dream wedding. It'll arm you with tips on venue searching, color themes, dress designers, food ideas, and more.
Get Out! Travel Channel. Why it's approved: This is a great show for you to watch together. The show features excursions to exotic locations all over the world, which will help get you brainstorming on your honeymoon spot. It's hosted by gorgeous girls which will keep your man happy, and will also inspire you to stick to the BridieDiet! The show focuses on exploring what makes each destination unique, from the beaches to the bar scene.
Remember, BridieDiet isn't just about losing the lbs. It's about trimming the fat in all areas of life. So today, put your DVR on a diet with you! Then you can sit back and be a couch potato!
Kisses,
Bridie
If you haven't noticed, mermaid bridal gowns are still totally in style for this season. And judging by the looks of the runway for the coming year, butt-hugging dresses will be all the rage well into 2010.
And why not?? They look good on almost every body, especially if you have curves! Finally, a style intended for women with hips and a booty! And speaking of the latter, that means it's high time to get that butt into shape once and for all.
Wouldn't it be heaven not to have to rely on Spanx for the big day? Not only are they atrocious-looking, but they're sweat inducers! And you'll have enough to deal with that day than worrying about perspiration.
So, as usual, I'm taking an old-fashioned approach to shaping the ole badunkadunk. Forget the lunges or the awkward squat machine your trainer makes you do in front of every hot guy in the gym. There's something else that's slowly been transforming my behind into one I didn't even know I had!
That alleged "shelf," ya know the one that is theoretically placed between your thighs and butt, actually exists. But it doesn't come easy. Two words: BAR METHOD.
This isn't for the light of heart. But trust me, when you find that mermaid silhouetted Rivini dress that's screaming your name, you'll realize it's all worth it. Bar Method is a workout created by a genius named Burr Leonard. Just seeing her body will make you an instant believer.
The Bar Method (and yes, this is taken verbatim from the website) is a workout that "creates a uniquely lean, firm, sculpted body by combining the muscle-shaping principles of isometrics, the body-elongating practice of dance conditioning, the science of physical therapy, and the intense pace of interval training."
In short, the one-hour workout will kick your butt, literally and figuratively. Oh, and you'll be sore everywhere, so I'd highly recommend herbal remedy Arnica Montana and a carton of Epsom salt!
I don't want to overwhelm you. After all, today is day 1. We're focusing on the booty today, since that's what everybody will see as your walking down that aisle, taking your first dance, throwing your bouquet, and finally departing for your honeymoon (Need I mention the importance of a booty-ready Brazilian-cut bikini that week??!).
Let's take this body overhaul one step at a time. It may seem like the butt isn't a logical first step, but there's a method to my madness. Dress browsing should begin now--12 months out--which means your booty needs to get a move on!
Step 1, check out BarMethod.com for locations. If you don't live near any locations, don't fret! DVDs are available at http://www.barmethod.com/dvds/exercise-dvds.html
Kisses!
Bridie
As a general rule of thumb, as long as everything goes according to plan, you're only a bride once. This is one of the only times in your adult life when you can keep the focus solely on you! Planning a wedding is more than standing on the altar, professing your love for Prince Charming, and riding off into the sunset. It takes planning. So why not give your body the same attention you're giving that bad-ass reception venue you have your eye on?BridieDiet is a place for you to learn what it'll take to transform into the best bride you can be. We have 12 months. And in that span, you'll get armed with the best diet, workout, makeover, and lifestyle tips you can imagine.Screw crash diets once and for all. Let's do a full body overhaul! Ten years later when you're showing the kids your wedding album, you'll thank me.Kisses!Bridie
