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As you ApproAch your big dAy,
it’s easy to fall into the trap of
grabbing food on the go while you’re
rushing about tying up your
wedding-day loose ends. it’s always
tempting while you’re strapped for
time – but be careful not to overdo
the processed foods. They’re usually
high in salt content, which will
dehydrate your body and cause a
water retaining bloat. if you’ve been
too busy to take good care of your
diet recently and you’re feeling a
little anxious about your emerging
belly bulge, have a look at these top
tummy tips that’ll get you feeling
svelte in time for the day of your
dreams.
Stay svelte on the run-up to your wedding, says
complementary therapist,
Llinos Merriman
64 » pink weddings magazine
HealtH tips
BULK UP ON BANANAS
Bananas contain potassium, which regulates water intake in the body.
Temporary bloating is usually caused by water retention so increasing
your potassium levels will regulate the water levels in your body and
decrease the water retention that causes bloating.
DRINK MORE H
2
O
You might think that bloating happens when you drink so much that
your body becomes waterlogged. In fact, it’s the opposite. Water
retention happens when your body doesn’t receive enough water –
your cells become thirsty and hang on to the water that’s already
there. To combat this you just need to ensure that you drink plenty,
and water is best for keeping you really hydrated. Aim for eight glasses
a day in small, regular amounts. It will flush out your cells and
diminish the swollen appearance.
BAN THE BUBBLES
Carbonated drinks usually contain ingredients that cause bloating,
such as caffeine and sodium. These cause dehydration so it’s really not
a good idea to drink themwhen trying to get rehydrated. Stick to
water where possible and still drinks like smoothies or juices until you
crack open the bubbly on the big day.
GO MAD FOR MELON
Watermelon is brilliant for banishing a bloat. Like bananas, it’s
potassium rich and has an amazing 92 per cent water content to boot.
So, as well as upping your potassium levels to balance water retention,
you’ll also get a good dose of H
2
O to hydrate your cells and stop your
body from hanging on to too much water.
GET SOME DIURETICS INTO YOUR DIET
Some foods are excellent diuretics – anything that contains good
amounts of vitamin B or D works well. They expel unnecessary fluids
from your cells, which decreases the appearance of bloating. Try to get
as much lettuce, celery, spinach, carrot and tomato as you can into
your diet before the wedding day. Team themwith brown rice, red
meat or salmon for a bloat-busting meal.
SKIP THE SALT
Salt contains a lot of sodium, which will cause your body tissue to
bloat. Try to keep an eye on your salt intake so that this doesn’t happen.
Check the salt content on any food that you buy and try not to add too
much to any home-cooked meals. The recommended daily allowance is
up to six grams of salt, so do your best not to consume more than this.
‘It’s easy to fall
into the trap of
grabbing food
on the go while
you’re rushing
about tying up
your wedding-
day loose ends.’
BEAT THE
BIG DAY
BLOAT