Last night I saw an outrageous show - "3 Fat Brides and a Thin Dress" on GEM, channel nine's new station. It was fantastic viewing, packed full of drama... but while I was being entertained and shocked by the brazen statements Gillian McKeith, diet dictator, was throwing at the girls, I did have a bit of a moral issue with the show. I agree with the main message that it is a serious health risk to be obese, but the show comes dangerously close to preaching that all brides should routinely lose weight before their wedding - this is an unhealthy message that can push already fragile brides into obsession over weight loss.
The show redeems itself however, with great information about the specific benefits some foods provide, it also makes you question your so called 'need' for a chocolate fix.
For a bride, the most important thing to do is to keep your stress levels down and have a healthy balance of diet and exercise - don't go overboard with any one thing.
Stress can easily get to you, especially in the last weeks of your wedding planning, so all brides need some help keeping this unwanted stress at bay so here are some fab foods to stock up on in the last month of your planning - eating these great foods will ensure you stress less, your skin and hair glow, and you feel refreshed on your big day.
Here are our top 5 stress-less foods:
Number ONE
Blueberries
These succulent black beauties are full of antioxidants and vitamin C, which are the perfect de-stresses. Theses high fiber treats will ensure you don't suffer cramps or constipation, which are often associated with stressful times.
Number TWO
Mangos, Oranges and Kiwi Fruits
These fruits offer high levels of vitamin C, which is a crucial ingredient to stress-less diets. Mixing these fruits with eggs, milk or cheese (foods high in B2) will help you say goodbye to anxious feelings.
Number THREE
Broccoli
Another B2 food that has another magic trick under it's sleeve! It contains the all essential folic acid, which directly fights anxiety, stress and even depression.
Number FOUR
Fish
More B vitamins! Fish contains B6 and B12 - the famous stress-fighters. B12 is renowned for it's involvement in producing the happy brain chemical serotonin - in fact if you don't get enough B12 you can suffer depression.
Number FIVE
Almonds
A great snack to take everywhere you go! Chockers full of riboflavin (B2), vitamin E, magnesium and zinc. the magnesium also helps produce serotonin, vitamin E will fight toxins and zinc wards off negative effects of stress.
Keep these top five foods in your diet and you will be walking down the aisle a very balanced, glowing and relaxed(ish) bride.