Bride Buzz

The O2 Diet is not about counting calories or restricting what one eats. It’s about eating more — more of the best foods!

The diet is based on the ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) scale, a calculus developed by the USDA that measures how well a food protects against free radicals, the culprits behind many forms of cancer, heart disease and symptoms of aging. Research demonstrates that eating a high-ORAC diet strengthens memory, prevents cancer and heart disease, improves skin and aids in weight loss.

The O2 Diet also takes into account the other factors in your life that affect your health AND weight. These include your environment, sleep, stress, exercise and sex!

Everyone wants to be at their best on their wedding day, so a pre-wedding “cleanse” is an excellent idea for many blushing brides. In my world, cleansing includes food, not just teas and juices. I recommend a four-day cleanse to jump-start not only weight loss but also improve your glow and up your energy and confidence. The four-day cleanse also lays the groundwork for good eating behaviors. You will increase energy (which, of course, is crucial for all wedding festivities!), enhance skin tone and simply feel amazing! Some clients tell me they feel euphoric and less stressed on the O2 Cleanse. I think all brides want that. Here is an example day for you to follow:

BREAKFAST

–Scrambled eggs (1 whole DHA/EPA-fortified egg, plus 3 egg whites)

–1 teaspoon dried basil

–1 cup green tea

–1 cup water with 1 ounce lemon juice

SNACK

–Sliced Granny Smith apple with 1 teaspoon cinnamon

LUNCH

–Spinach (cooked or raw); have fun dressing the spinach with flavored vinegars, such as fig, raspberry or orange!

–3 to 4 ounces salmon, mackerel or halibut (grilled, baked or broiled) with 1 teaspoon dried spices, such as oregano

–8 pecan halves

–1 cup water with 1 ounce lemon juice

SNACK

–1 steamed artichoke or 1/2 cup artichoke hearts in water

–1 cup green tea

DINNER

–Large romaine lettuce salad with carrots, tomatoes and red bell peppers; dress with 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil and lemon juice to taste

–Steamed asparagus

–3 to 4 ounces lean protein (grilled, baked or broiled) with spices, such as 1 teaspoon oregano

–1 cup water with 1 ounce lemon juice

–1 cup blueberries

Boost your antioxidants to boost your sexual health! Oxytocin — a hormone released in both men and women after orgasm through cuddling and even by simply holding hands — acts as a soothing antioxidant and may make it easier for people to stick to their diets. Also, cooking together has been known to be an aphrodisiac. Get your man in the kitchen with you or vice versa!

On your wedding day, the goal is to stay well hydrated, keep your energy up, your skin looking great and your belly from being bloated! This way you will be sure to look amazing and, most importantly, FEEL amazing too! Here’s a plan:

Eat breakfast! Oatmeal and eggs (one yolk that is DHA fortified and three whites) will give you energy and protein to carry you through a long day. The DHA in the egg helps your skin look radiant, too. And drink plenty of fluids. Be careful of carbonated beverages if they bloat you. Aim to fill up in the morning so you won’t have to go to the bathroom too many times in your wedding dress! Being hydrated is the easiest way to up your glow and radiance. Ditto for a super fruit cocktail: Keep that glow going by eating blackberries, raspberries, papaya, kiwi and pomegranate seeds. Avoid gaseous foods such as broccoli if they tend to work against you.

And really, who wants to be a bloated bride?