Indian weddings are full of fun, but they also tend to take a toll on your body. The period before the wedding is fraught with tension, and you need to take steps to stay fit physically, emotionally and mentally. For that, nutrition, exercise and relaxation, help.
Nutrition
It's imperative that you eat two to three fruits and one portion of raw vegetables; you need to eat to the point of satisfaction. Drink adequate water, and eat carbs and proteins proportionately. Eat dried fruits and nuts. Eat slowly and take time to chew your food. Eating fast will disrupt your digestive system. Fix a time for your meals (four to five meals a day) and stick to it.
What not to eat
Avoid inorganic food. Switch to organically grown produce at least two months before the wedding (if not for your lifetime). Give up milk, (have curd instead), keep away from fried foods, aerated drinks, refined foods such as maida, white rice, white sugar and white table salt. Instead, consume bajra, jowar, brown rice, rock salt, organic sugar or stevia. Steer clear of caffeinated drinks. Pay attention to what you eat, when you eat, how much you eat, and how you eat.
Exercise
Exercise helps reduce stress. When you exercise, you spend time with yourself, a fantastic way to de-stress. Try to walk wherever possible. Try not to get help for small chores; increase your physical activity. However, don't over-exert yourself. Make sure you train 45 to 60 minutes, five times a week, in which you get at least three-weight training sessions. Take up activities such as swimming, jogging and walking twice or thrice a week. The ratio of cardio to weight training can be changed according to your body type.
Practising meditation, yoga or tai chi for a minimum of 15 minutes a day is a great way to relax. Posture training as a part of your weight training is essential. Most people are active in the gym and not outside of it; it's very important that you are active through the day.
Relaxation
It is essential to relax your body. Get to bed by 11 p.m. and rise around 6 a.m. to 7 a.m., which will give you enough rest and recuperation. Your body works best when you sleep in that time zone. At least three times a week, involve yourself in activities such as singing, dancing, reading, watching a film, or just about anything you love.
If you do all this, you will feel a lot lighter, have renewed energy, and be glowingly fit.
(The writer is a CSCS, (NSCA), C.H.E.K. and expert trainer)
