BRIDAL BEAUTY COUNTDOWN: PHASE 1

Our gorgeous nutritional expert - the wonderful Karen Cummings-Palmer - got married last year, and in a bid to help all future brides-to-be, has generously agreed to share the steps she took to boost her (already exquisite) {skin}, {hair} and {nails} ahead of the big day. If you've eight-to-ten weeks to go, it's all about diet and {supplements} - so here's an insight into what you should be taking...

{Karen Cummings-Palmer} When it comes to the 'big day' (and indeed, every other day) if a bride wants to look budding she must eat whole, unprocessed food - including lots of plants and greenery, alongside small amounts of good quality, lean protein.

I've said it {before} (and I'll say it again); breakfast is the most important meal in terms of 'beauty' - without it, vital organs deprive those 'less' vital, of the nutrients required to keep skin glowing and hair healthy. Try a poached egg on a bed of asparagus or spinach (get those greens), and try to make time to enjoy it. You can also swap your mid-morning cappuccino for a matcha tea - whisk up with hot water, and sprinkle with a few shavings of pure dark chocolate for something that looks beautiful and seems indulgent, without being in the least bit naughty.

Dine early - c. 7pm - and eat good, complex carbohydrates such as sweet potato or quinoa. Healthy food needn't be 'worthy' or flavourless; clever use of herbs and spices, coconut milk, Himalayan salt and even butter help keep things delicious, whilst staying nutritious.

{K C-P} We all have different needs but if you're open to the idea of supplementing your diet (and skin) in some way, then now is the time to begin. I'm currently taking BeautyWorksWest's {Youth} capsules daily, for their skin enhancing, bone-densifying and hormone-balancing properties, as well as a morning glass of Rejuvenated Ltd. {Collagen Shots} to keep my face feeling firm and looking plump. I'll add extra things into the mix as W-Day creeps closer, but these two have dramatic cumulative benefit so its best to start sooner...

{K C-P} Yes - avoid refined sugar (and refined carbohydrates) - they're both ageing and inflaming (and if you manage to steer clear of them for weeks, you can wholeheartedly indulge when it comes to the wedding cake). Choose espresso over coffee if you have to have it - it's less processed and higher in antioxidants - and everybody needs a little ritual to punctuate their hectic lifestyles (especially when wedding planning)! Choose your favourite cup and sit down to enjoy it - make it Instagram-able - we derive greater all-round satisfaction from things which look as good as they taste.

Drink plenty of water (tedious but essential for skin and wellbeing), and most women would do well to reduce the amount of dairy and wheat in their diet - switch cow's milk for almond or rice (just make sure you read the label - you should see two ingredients max, and absolutely ZERO added sugar).

And we're off! Karen will be keeping us up to speed with her pre-wedding countdown, so check back every fortnight for the latest instalment. If you too are getting married later this year, please keep in touch via twitter {

And if you're serious about getting wedding-ready but need support to keep you on the path to big-day gorgeousness, Karen will help you create a nutritional plan that fits in with your lifestyle - she's a realist (no wacky juice cleanses) and a firm believer in moderation, so contact her via {www.karencummingspalmer.com}