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5 pre-wedding health hints 2003 views
Sarah Richardson has some additions for your mile-long to-do list. But before you start panicking, be assured that these suggestions will help preserve your health – and your sanity! Pick your favourite hints to see you through the wedding-planning frenzy.
Eat right
You’ve heard it all before but eating a balanced diet in the run-up to your wedding really will reward you richly. If an all-out whole-food regime seems intimidating, start with one of these small steps:
'3 apples a day…' Apples are rich source of dietary fibre, help maintain a steady blood-sugar level, and contain wrinkle-busting antioxidants. Eat one before each meal to help fill you up and stop subsequent over-eating.
Soup yourself up. A home-made soup is a tasty, low-fat way of consuming those all-important vegetables. Make a huge pot and freeze some in individual portions for convenience. You might also be surprised at how filling soup can be! If you’re not convinced of its appeal, try adding pasta or noodles for added interest.
Fish for compliments. Try having a fish-based dinner twice a week – and not the battered chip-shop variety! Steamed, baked in foil or microwaved, fish can be the perfect healthy fast food, yet many people rarely eat it.
Exercise
It’s been said a million times but regular exercise will calm you down as well as shaping you up! Whether it’s a brisk 20-minute walk every day or a more serious fitness regime, you’ll feel calmer and more in control after you’ve exercised. Be realistic about the activities that will fit into your life – sure, it’d be great fun to play tennis three times a week, but this requires more organisation than walking or running, where you’re less reliant on other people.
Use your head
Looking after your hair in the run-up to the wedding can have more than just a cosmetic benefit.
Professional head massage. Going for a professional head massage once in a while will help relax you as well as stimulating your hair follicles.
Flaxseed oil. Many brides-to-be swear that taking daily flaxseed-oil supplements helps their hair grow quicker and promotes glossy locks. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, flaxseed oil is also believed to be helpful in the treatment of skin ailments, and good for your immune system and your nervous system.
Hot-oil treatments. Dry, brittle hair can benefit from regular hot-oil treatments. Buy the oil from the haircare aisle of the chemist or try a home-made version: Mix 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp coconut oil in a plastic sandwich bag. Warm the mixture by holding the bag briefly in a cup of very hot water. Apply the warm oil to dry hair, working from scalp to ends. Cover your head with a towel or shower cap and leave for 15 minutes. To rinse the mixture out as thoroughly as possible, apply shampoo directly to scalp at first (only adding water later).
Sleep!
A well-rested bride-to-be is a healthier, more relaxed bride-to-be. Get a decent night’s sleep and you’ll be better able to cope with the demands of planning your wedding. Many people tend to get a ‘second wind’ in the evenings, and this can mean late nights and bleary eyes the next day.
Early night. Make a conscious effort to go to bed earlier, winding down beforehand by reading or listening to relaxing music.
Everyones different. Find out what helps you to get to sleep, whether it’s a cup of camomile tea or a lavender-filled pillow.
Don't obsess. It’s easy to get fanatical about sleep. Try not to start obsessing if you don’t get your eight hours – most people can function perfectly well on less than this.
Heaven scent
Natural scents can aid relaxation, and many believe that the benefits of aromatherapy go much further than this. An aromatherapy massage is a stress-busting treat, but you can also harness the power of fragrance in smaller ways. Try burning an aromatherapy candle, adding a few drops of lavender oil to your bath, or even putting a couple of drops of ylang ylang oil on a hot light bulb to scent the room.
NB Those who suffer from epilepsy or an allergy, or those who are pregnant, should seek advice professional advice before using aromatherapy oils.
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