The Bridal Detox

One of the greatest challenges a bride faces when her wedding is approaching, is not the guest list or table settings or even the dress. It's the need to shed a few pounds, tone up and look her personal best. So, she goes on that pre-wedding diet. For some brides, this means taking up an extra spin class a week. For others, it means cutting out certain foods, or an entire food group, such as carbs.

One of our girls is getting married in about 9 months, and 'encouraged' [read: forced] us into joining her for a cleanse.

I scoffed at the idea. After all, what benefit would I get out of it? I'm not getting married, and frankly speaking, I don't think I need to lose any weight.

"No, Katie...there's a difference between a cleanse and a diet". Did you know that? I didn't.

Unlike a 'diet' where calories are counted and exercise is pumped up a notch, the purpose of a cleanse, is to flush out all the toxins that you've accumulated over many months. Some of these toxins are the basics: nicotine, alcohol and caffeine. Some are those we never even thought about, such as petrochemicals (found in fish and animal products) that get stuck in the liver.

After hearing that, I reluctantly agreed to join in. Besides, a benefit from a cleanse is clear skin and good hair, and I could definitely do with that. There's only so much Pantene can do for my peroxided hair.

We chose the 7-day detox, based on Gwyneth Paltrow's GOOP cleanse, which allows all the required nutrients so you don't have to starve yourself.

We're about half way through with the hardest part being to curb the temptations: Anna K. nearly slipped in her own drool when Molly W.'s husband came in with a box of Krispy Kreme donuts. Sarah D. won't stop mentioning ribs. Natalie T. and Jacqueline H. spend their days looking at pictures of cupcakes and making lists of things they'll bake when it's done.

So with 4 days to go, I'll give you an update of how we all feel at the end. For now, here are 5 handy hints to remember when on a cleanse/detox:

1. Drink plenty of water! Add a slice of lemon to make it a bit more interesting.

2. Completely cutting out carbs will make you cranky (and smelly). Instead opt for brown variations of the carbs you love: brown rice, whole wheat noodles/bread etc.

3. Do deep breathing exercises and yoga.

4. Ironically, too much fiber can also make you constipated. To ease this, try a mild herbal laxative.

5. This positive!! It sucks, and those visions of pizza or a Big Mac sometimes drive you insane...but you'll feel better afterwards!

Good luck! And stay healthy!

Posted by Katie L. who loves our Facebook Fans.