Less than 48 hours till the BIG EVENT!

So there's no time to make drastic, life altering change BUT in the next couple days/less than f8 hours, I'm going to share with you some things I've found helpful to get you looking and (more importantly) feeling great for a big event- in my case Audrey's Fashion Night Out 2010!

The PLAN! A combination of the right fitness, food and sleep is essential when I prepare for an event like this!

First, before anything, make sure you get a good amount of rest before your big event. You want to look refreshed and bright eyed for the event, not haggard and tired!

FITNESS

Get moving & sweat!
  Sweat, sweat and more sweat!! Doing some form of cardio exercise will leave you feeling lighter and less bloated. Plus it's always good to get in a good calorie burn session! Try to choose a cardio workout that targets the entire body. My pick---> Kickboxing & Jumprope!





Toned & Tight!
  Apart from cardio, while preparing for a big event (especially one they may be a chance to show of that bod of yours), try to do a type of exercise that has some orm of strength, resistance and stability element to it. This may be either pilates, ballet barre work, gravity training or even a 40 minute session of strength training using light weights and lots of reps and even a bosu ball! You can even use other tools that most gyms have like med balls, yoga balls, magic circles etc to really get it tight! My Pick---> Pilates reformer session and AB blast!

DONT FORGET TO STRETCH! You don't want to be super sore for your event! Drink lots of water too so your skin looks fresh and to make sure you feel your best!

FOOD

Keep eating! A lot of people who have an event coming up believe that the best and fastest thing to do before an event is to stop eating... basically starve! That is a huge NO NO! It not only sounds unpleasant, hard, painful and uncomfortable but its doesnt work and leaves you feeling horrible! Trust me I know! It's also not to mention dangerous and unhealthy! You'll be tempted to binge eat, not work out due to fatigue, and feel sickly- all things you dont want before your big event!! So here's what I recommend and am doing :)

Eat more!... no seriously! 
  Okay I obviously dont mean go out to the first In n Out or Five guys and order yourself a double double or huge burger with the works on it. I mean eat little portions, lots of times a day. You want to try and get about 5-6 small, nutritious meals in a day instead of 3 filling meals. Have something hearty when you wake up, mid- morning snack, lunch, afternoon snack, light dinner and, if you want, an evening snack. (TIP: try not to eat at least 2 hours prior bedtime) Do this and you'll feel fuller longer and wont fel any cravings and sinful desires for some sweet stuff!

But what 5 times a day?!?!?!
  So what should you be consuming less than 48 hours to your big event? From my experiences, research, experiments and finds, the best  things to eat so close to an event are:
  -Veg out!- get lots of greens and colorful veggies. They can be eaten raw or cooked and can be done up soooo many different ways!! Plus even if you eat a few more than you planned on its fine because these earthy yummies are so great for you!

  -Lean protein!- White meats like chicken breast, fish, turkey or even eggs (preferably egg whites) are great for lunch eats or dinner. You'll feel energized, light, full and satisfied :). Plus there are so many ways to make a meal using these as your starring ingredient.
  -Certain fruits!- fruits are great ways to cure a sweet craving but beware what fruit you consume this close to a big event! Stick to fruits like bananas, apples, blueberries and pears. Try to avoid fruit like watermelon that have a very watery texture as these have a similar bloated affect as if you chugged a glass of water. You'll feel and look bloated.
  -Nuts and grains!- a small serving of raw nuts like almonds are great choices for snacks. Grains like quinoa, muesli, or granola are better choices if you feel the need for grain or something more substantial than veggies.
 -Water!- Im a huge fan of water with a hit of lemon! Its hydration and a detox all in one!! :)

Here's a couple of great recipes you should try that I certainly will be including in my meal plan for the day! :)

Morning Smoothie

In a blender put:
-1 whole banana
-1/4 cup blueberries
-1/4 cup blackberries
-3 large strawberries (sliced)
-2 scoops of acai powder
-splash of almond milk (or more- you want just enough so it blends smooth)
-some ice cubes
Voila! A yummy morning smoothie to start your day right and light! :)
TIP: if you'd like a protein boost add a scoop of your fav protein powder or I like to put a 1/2 teaspoon of Spirulina! <-- Click for more info

Bright and light salad

In a bowl toss:
-handful of romaine lettuce
-handful of spinach
-1/4 cup walnuts or almonds
-balsamic vinegar
-olive oil
-salt and pepper
Place in bowl and add:
-sliced fruit of choice like strawberries or grape (optional)
- sliced green and red bell peppers
- a few cherry tomatoes
-some like to add black olives and sliced onions to this (optional)
-sprinkle feta cheese on top
Voila! A Bright and light, remixed greek salad!

More recipes and pictures of the outcomes in the next few posts!

xoxo