Ten Slimming Tips And Eight Sneaky Ways To Hide Pounds!

Here is some advice to anyone who may be a pound or two (or three) heavier than she would like to be for her special day.

Remember to consult your physician before going on ANY diet or ANY work-out program. Ask your physician the right daily caloric intake for your specific size - then do it !

COUNT CALORIES: the American Medical Association suggests that fat be no more than 30% of your daily intake. So while you are counting calories COUNT FAT GRAMS as well.

Professionals suggest that your protein be 40%, your carbohydrates be 40%, and your fat only be 10% of your daily intake.

FILL UP on fiber. Fiber helps your body carry away waste resulting in lower levels of fat in your body. The American Dietetic Association suggests these fiber sources: whole grains, fruit, vegetables, and dried peas and beans. Fiber keeps you feeling full so you eat less.

DRINK at least 8 glasses of water each day. Drinking water is the best way to cleanse your system and is ESSENTIAL in your fight against fat! Water flushes the fat away. Water also makes you feel full so you eat less. When you feel hungry, drink a glass of water (often when we feel hungry we are merely thirsty.)

EAT LESS red meat. Your body needs protein, but there are much better sources: chicken, fish, cheese, egg whites and soy products.

SPICE UP your foods! Use hot spices, garlic, onion, seasoned salts, etc. You would be surprised what you can do with baked potatoes, vegetables and salads without adding any fat.

Burn some extra calories every day. You don't have to be involved in aerobic classes, spend money on gyms and work-out programs. You can walk, jog, swim, or bike. Just keep it up at least 20 minutes per day. Also, try walking 15 minutes after each meal.

Use the Food Pyramid. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services suggests 6 - 11 servings of bread, rice, cereal or pasta; 3 - 5 servings of vegetables; 2 - 4 servings of fruits; 2 - 3 servings of meat; and limited amounts of fats, oils and sweets. FOR WEIGHT loss use the lower end of the Pyramid's servings. Keep healthy snacks handy like fresh fruit and vegetables and don't let yourself feel hungry. Keep track of what you eat and how you work out, it's a great way to discipline yourself, and.... you will be happier on your wedding day and thereafter.

Now if dieting and exercise just aren't working for you or are working for you but just not fast enough for your approaching wedding day - here are Sandra's tips for "sneaky ways to hide pounds".

Although diet and exercise are the best ways to look fit for your wedding day, here are some sneaky strategies that can make you look even thinner.

1. Choose the gown that is right for you. FULL SKIRTS HIDE LOTS OF FLAWS like large hips and heavy thighs. A "V" waist which is fitted at least 3" below the waist, gives the illusion of a MUCH smaller waist. "V" or long oval necklines elongate the upper body creating a SLIMMER look. A high neckline tends to accentuate what is already there and gives a bustier look. 3/4 length sleeves will make unshapely arms DISAPPEAR. A tapered sleeve will make your arms look SLIM. These tips can make you look 10 POUNDS smaller. Stay away from large puffy sleeves - they add width!


2. Keep your attire proportioned. If you have a long dress and a long train, purchase a long veil.Shorter gowns and veils make you appear wider by cutting your silhouette into sections.


3. DON'T ACCENTUATE THE NEGATIVE. If you're bottom heavy, avoid large bows and large bustles. If you want to minimize your bust choose a dress with a plain, not beaded bodice. Know your fabrics. Avoid fabrics that cling to you. SHINY FABRICS REFLECT and make you look LARGER. Look for matte finishes and shantung. Make sure your dress is a good fit, A BAD FITTING DRESS WILL ADD POUNDS.


4. Wear sculpting lingerie. Waist trimming, tummy flattening, figure smoothing lingerie. These garments can take inches off. Be sure not to wear something so tight that you can't breathe on your wedding day. You will already be nervous and if you can't breathe freely it could cause you to faint.


5. POSTURE IS A MUST! Stomach in, shoulders back, chin up - THIS INSTANTLY HIDES POUNDS.


6. A large bouquet, in proportion to the fullness of your skirt, can be strategically placed at your middle as a natural form of camouflage.


7. THE CAMERA CAN ADD POUNDS so know your camera angles in case your photographer doesn't. Stand with one foot behind the other, in a "T" fashion, this will make your hips appear smaller. Don't turn sideways, face the camera with your shoulders at a slimming 35 degree angle. HIGH CAMERA ANGLES SLIM and this causes you to look up at the camera stretching the neckline. Make sure the majority of your shots are head and torso shots.


8. Get a makeup artist. They can make your cheeks, neck, and nose look thinner. Also, they can bring attention to your lips and eyes which can not only make your face look thinner but WILL MAKE YOU GLOW!