The big day is looming and you want to be in the best shape ever! Tune in to our weekly blog by health and lifestyle coach Preston Ephraim for weekly inspirations, plus tips, recipes and advice for optimum health & fitness before and after your wedding day.

Let it Out and Loosen Up!
Are you bottling up emotions before the wedding? It's possible that you may be holding emotions inside of yourself that you didn't even know were there. Experiences may present themselves that trigger emotions you didn't realize you were holding on to, then afterwards you may find yourself asking, "Why did I respond like that?"
Here are some great techniques that you can use to release the emotions inside of you.
Let it Out and Loosen Up Techniques
Laughing for 45 seconds.
Start Laughing! Think back to a time when you laughed so much that tears came to your eyes. How did you feel? Humor and laughter boost your energy, diminish pain and protect you from the damaging effects of stress.
Shouting for 45 seconds
Children absolutely love this one. Set your timer and start yelling, shouting and screaming. You can even add stomping your feet. This gives the opportunity for any stored anger or energy to be released. When the energy has been released, you may be in a more calm, relaxed, receptive state.
Journal!
Throughout the day your mind may be full of thoughts. Writing down those thoughts at the end of the day helps to release and relax the mind; much the same as stretching the muscles relaxes the body and releases stored tension.
Deep Breathing for 45 seconds
Deep Breathing reduces high blood pressure, depression, anxiety and stress-related ailments. It's simple! Breathe more air and be lighter in your life.
During stressful times it is more important than ever to eat healthy, stay focused and keep your strength. Here’s a recipe that has a power packed grain.
Quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah) has the highest nutritional profile and cooks the fastest of all grains. It is an extremely high-energy grain and has been grown and consumed for about 8,000 years on the high plains of the Andes Mountains in South America. The Incas were able to run such long distances at such a high altitude because of this powerful grain.
Characteristics
• Contains all eight amino acids to make it a complete protein
• Has a protein content equal to milk
• High in B vitamins, iron, zinc, potassium, calcium & vitamin E
• Gluten-free; easy to digest
• Ideal food for endurance
• Strengthens the kidneys, heart, and lungs
Spring Out Quinoa
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Yields: 8 servings
Ingredients:
2 cups quiona
3 ½ cups of water
1 bag peppermint tea
1 tablespoon olive oil
Fresh mint, basil and cilantro
Directions:
1. Wash grains.
2. Place in a pot with peppermint tea bag and bring to a boil.
3. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, then remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes.
4. Add olive oil and fluff with a fork.
5 Garnish with chopped fresh herbs and serve.
Recipe from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition
With Love and Gratitude,
Preston J. Ephraim II,
Health and Lifestyle Coach
www.myhealthcoachpreston.com
preston@myhealthcoachpreston.com
Preston J. Ephraim II received his training at The Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York City. He is board certified by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners leading workshops on nutrition and lifestyle balance. Preston offers health and lifestyle coaching for children, individuals and couples. For more information and to contact Preston visit www.myhealthcoachpreston.com, http://www.myhealthcoachpreston.com or email him at preston@myhealthcoachpreston.com.









