BRIDAL BOOT CAMP

When November arrives and the temperature drops we seem to forget about the leafy green salads and fresh fruit we couldn't get enough of in the summer months and try to beat the cold weather blues with a plate of warmth.

Ah yes, comfort food! Mac & cheese, hearty beef stew, chicken pot pie, mushroom ragout... feeling comfy yet? You may also be feeling like your True Religions are fitting a little tighter than they used to.

As if planning your big day wasn't stressfull enough on it's own, what about the pressure to drop a dress size or two? If losing weight before your wedding is on your to do list and ordering your Vera Wang in a smaller size isn't motivation enough to get you moving, why not try boot camp? It may be the kick in the booté you need to get yourself slim and trim for your big day.


Booty Camp Fitness is a women's only boot camp. 8 week (16 booty camp sessions) and 4 week (8 booty camp sessions) packages are offered at several locations in the Ottawa area including Kanata, Barrhaven, Gloucester, Hunt Club, New Edinburgh, Downtown, The Glebe and Westboro. Register now for sessions starting the week of January 11 2009.



Survivor Boot Camp If it's bridal boot camp you want you'll find it here, offered in small group private sessions at the location of your choice. Starting your bridal boot camp program at least six weeks before your wedding date is recommended. Regular boot camp sessions are also offered in Kanata/Stittsville and Centerpointe with the next one running from November 30 2009 to December 18 2009.



If boot camp just isn't for you, here are theknot.com's five basic common sense tips to help you lose weight for your wedding - and stay healthy too!

1 - Drink Water

Skip the diet soda and start getting your fill on water. Besides being good for you, water helps your body get rid of toxins, and constant sipping can help keep you from over-snacking. So grab a bottle you can tote around with you and figure out how many refills you'll need to get your daily fill. Eight glasses a day is a good round number, but the amount of water your body requires is really based on your weight. How much do you need? Divide your weight in half. The resulting number equals the ounces of water you should be drinking every day.

Tip for the taking: Get a filtered water pitcher for better-tasting water, and add a few lemons or limes to your water bottle to give it some flavor.

2 - Slim Down Servings

Gargantuan servings are one of the main calorie culprits of weight gain. Start with small portions and take more only if you're still hungry. Experts even suggest that it's better to eat four or five small meals with moderate portions throughout the day than to have two or three large meals.

Tip for the taking: Carry healthy snacks with you when you're on the go like fruit, nuts, or granola bars. Healthy munching will not only keep your energy levels up, it'll also keep you from binging on a big meal when you finally do sit down to eat.

3 - Fill Up On Fruits and Veggies

If you fill up on fruit and vegetables every day, you'll have less room for more fattening treats. To keep your snacks interesting, find a good produce store where you can pick and choose from more than just carrots and celery sticks. Stash some exotic fruit in your bag for when you're running errands or at work. While you're at it, buy a good knife to make prep work on fruits and veggies painless and quick.

Tip for the taking: When cutting back on calories, it's crucial you take a daily multivitamin. Lack of vitamins and iron may leave you tired and inclined to reach for a candy bar or fatty snack.

4 - Cut Back on Booze

A celebratory drink can cost you 150 calories or more. And that's if you only have one! Even if you're in the habit of having just a few drinks a week, cutting back on alcohol can save you hundreds of calories in the end. Save the cocktails for the special occasions coming up and sip water instead.

Tip for the taking: Can't give them up entirely? Try alternating alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages so you won't feel left out of the festivities.

5 - Exercise!

Yes, this is an obvious one. But seriously -- do something (anything!) to get moving. Twenty minutes of exercise a day will do wonders to boost your energy and kick-start the calorie burning process. Walk to the grocery store, take the stairs at work, or at least do a few laps of window shopping in your local mall. If you're serious about shedding inches, aim to do 30-45 minutes of aerobic exercise (running, cycling, swimming) three or four days a week.

Tip for the taking: Choose a time of the day when you usually feel motivated and energetic -- that way, you'll be more likely to stick with it. If you're a morning person, hit the gym before work. But if you're the "don't talk to me till I've finished my coffee" type, an evening or even a quick lunch workout may be better for you.