7 (err 6) Day Bridal Body Slim Down

It's the final countdown!

That's right! Who has two thumbs and is getting married next Saturday? THIS GIRL!

I have anxiously waited for this day to come and it feels like it has taken forever! I feel that most people say that it came up so quickly, but I think this last year has DRAGGED! Now, we have most of our ducks in a row and are more than ready to get this show on the road!

As a part of my last 7 (well 6 if you don't count the wedding day itself) days of the single life, I decided I wanted to feel/look my best. So I am testing out my very own version of a 7 Day Bridal Body Slim Down. I want to ensure that I will not be bloated and uncomfortable in the wedding dress that has now been altered to fit me like a glove. There is no room to pudge up!

I have made a couple of rules to help keep the bloat out of my system for these final days.

• Absolutely NO Gluten. I am about 90% GF, but this week, 100%!
• NO Artificial Sweeteners. Not in my tea, not in my coffee. This is not just going to be a bridal body rule, but this will become an item I cut from here on out.
• 50% Dairy Free. I love cheese. I eat A LOT of cheese. More cheese than I should. I only want to cut back this week, not get rid of completely. 
• Drink 3 Liters of Water Per Day. I am typically good at this, but I want to make this a rule and not slack, no matter how busy I may get. Water keeps the pipes oiled and lets everything "flow" better!

•  NO ALCOHOL! I usually do not drink Sunday-Thursday. But I have fallen off the horse with football Sundays and with the amount of wine I have acquired from my bridal shower, I have made exceptions. For this week, no alcohol Sunday-Wednesday. I will allow some wine on Thursday and Friday since that is technically the beginning of my weekend.

I have made myself a fitness plan for the week. It may or may not be changed due to an ever-changing schedule. But I still want to follow it pretty closely!

• Sunday: Long Run (At least 10 miles, aiming for 13.1 or more). Strength training with dumbbells.
• Monday: 3-6 mile run. Ab workout.
• Tuesday: 3-6 mile run. Pushups & squats.
• Wednesday: 3-6 mile run. Ab workout.
• Thursday: Rest Day.
• Friday: Long Run (8-13.1 miles). Strength training with dumbbells.

Food is really important this coming week. I am confident I will get my workouts in, but food tends to be my weaker area. Though I will not list every meal that I am going to have in this post, I want to give an idea of what I plan on doing this week.

• Sunday: No added sugar/candy. Focus on foods that promote detox. Detoxing foods can include apples, almonds, garlic, onions, and avocados. 
• Monday: No added sugar/candy. No dairy. Fill up on fruits and veggies! Have a salad and a fruit on the side! Stick with detoxing foods on this day as well.
• Tuesday: No added sugar/candy. No dairy. Stick with fruits and veggies and make sure you are getting your protein! Avoid red meat.
• Wednesday: No added sugar/candy. No dairy. Remain focused on fruits, veggies, and protein. Start to take digestive aid. I use Arbonne's Digestion Plus, which is very mild and keeps you regular!
• Thursday: No added sugar/candy. Keep lunch light to balance the heavy dinner. I am allowing dairy since it's our weekly pizza tradition (I am not having pizza without cheese!!!). Allowed 2 glasses of wine ONLY! Take digestive aid.
• Friday: Since long run day, make sure to eat high protein. Reduce bloat-promoting veggies like broccoli to prevent any belly gain. Take digestive aid and detox tea.

Still feeling hungry or having a craving?

• Have a few nuts with a glass of water to fill up your belly.
• Eat some non-bloating veggies.
• Have an apple or a small fruit. Better than grabbing a sugary snack!
• Try some flavored tea. The taste my reduce a craving!

As I mentioned above, this is my own version of a 7 day plan. BUT, feel free to try it and let me know if it worked for you!