Pain management through dieting? Did you know the cause of inflammation in the body could result from your diet? Many of the foods we eat are processed “junk” food, with low to no nutritional value. Soda and other foods that contain added sugars and refined carbohydrates are the ones you should avoid. These […]
Golden Milk is beautiful, easy, and a delicious introduction to the ancient philosophy of Ayurveda. A taste-bud-tingling alternative to coffee, this comforting drink is perfect for any time of day.
Golden Milk Recipe
1 cup organic whole milk (preferably unhomogenized) or almond, oat, coconut, hemp milk, etc.
½ cup water
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground turmeric
2 to 3 cardamom pods, cracked, or ⅛ teaspoon ground cardamom
pinch of ground nutmeg
a good grind of black pepper
OPTIONAL:
1 date or 1 teaspoon jaggery to sweeten
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger or ½ teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon organic ghee (good for vata)
DIRECTIONS:
1. Add the milk, water, spices, and the date, if using, to a pan and season with black pepper and whisk well.
2. Bring to the boil and then reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes, being careful not to let it burn or let it bubble over! Add ghee and jaggery if using, mix well, and remove from heat.
3. Allow to cool a little, strain and serve.
Recipe excerpted from East by West. Copyright © 2017 by Jasmine Hemsley. Published by Bluebird Books, an imprint of Pan Macmillan.
Our amazing Nutritionist, Samantha, is dedicated to delivering personalized care to every one of her clients by providing a non-judgmental and caring service. She understands weight loss can be an intimidating and challenging task for many. Samantha is here to educate and guide you into becoming a healthier version of yourself. Whether you want to lose a significant amount of weight, fit back into your favorite dress, or snap back into shape. She has a solution to help transform yourself.
Deciding to lose weight is not just about starting a diet; it’s about choosing to embark onwards to a healthy lifestyle. While many of us focus on the physical changes during the time we lose weight, we are also making an impact on our physiology. We change not only the way we manage our weight; we also reduce our risk of developing (or even resolving) illness and disease at the same time.
At Essentials Medispa and Salon, our Nutritionist will assist you through your weight loss progression. Samantha specializes in an alternative approach to weight loss by targeting visceral fat “belly fat.” This dense and highly toxic type of fat causes the release of inflammatory proteins and hormones that put you at risk for developing certain diseases such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and increased cholesterol levels.
Along with reducing belly fat, healing the gut microbiome is essential to promote better absorption of nutrients and increasing metabolism. A poor diet high in carbohydrates, sugar, and processed foods, like the Western Diet we’ve become accustomed to, will cause the leaky gut syndrome. The leaky gut syndrome is another leading cause of inflammation throughout our entire body, which can make it difficult to lose weight. This disruption in the gut microbiome allows trace amounts of toxins to get into the bloodstream and attacks our cells. This can cause a decrease in energy, memory, metabolism, and malabsorption of nutrients. In extreme cases, an unhealed leaky gut can lead to a variety of autoimmune diseases such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Chron’s disease.
By working with Essentials Medispa and Salon’s Nutritionist, you will receive the education and guidance necessary to become a happy and healthier person. Samantha will develop and devise a personalized weight loss and wellness plan to lose weight and live a healthy lifestyle.
Essentials Medispa and Salon offer additional tools to help promote weight loss.
Appetite Suppressant – Clinically proven to reduce weight, it decreases your appetite by increasing your metabolism. Therefore it’s easier to choose healthier foods and control portion size.
Lipotropic Injections – Lipotropic injections contain nutrients that contain fat-burning compounds, amino acids, and vitamin B12 as methylcobalamin. This injection aids in increasing your metabolism, reducing appetite, increasing energy, and helping your body to burn fat.
B12 Injections – B12 is an essential vitamin, improving mood, energy, and cognitive function. It has also been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke by promoting an increased red blood cell count.
*Results may vary from person to person
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin necessary for the production of red blood cells, nerves, DNA, and weight loss. Vitamin B12 plays an essential role in cellular health by aiding in the formation of new red blood cells called hemoglobin. Hemoglobin can then help transport oxygen from your lungs to your muscles and vital organs such as your brain and lungs. Another essential role of vitamin B12 is the metabolism of macronutrients and micronutrients. It is a coenzyme needed for the metabolism and absorption of these nutrients which are required to carry out cellular functions.
Vitamin B12 is not manufactured by our bodies, but it can be found in foods like meat, eggs, poultry, dairy products, and fortified grains. If we aren’t eating these types of foods regularly, we are unable to reach our daily recommended dosage. Certain conditions may interfere with the absorption of B12, specifically digestive diseases such as celiac or Crohn’s disease.
The most common side effects of vitamin B12 deficiency are weight gain, lack of energy, and feeling weak or fatigued. Vitamin B12 deficiency also has an impact on our nervous system as well. Long term vitamin B12 deficiencies can cause confusion, memory loss, feelings of depression, and numbness or tingling in the hands and feet. Research shows that long term deficiencies of vitamin B12 can also lead to heart disease, Alzheimer’s, anemia, infertility, and other unwanted conditions.
It’s always important to supplement B12 from outside sources such as over the counter supplements or injections. Recommended daily allowances of Vitamin B12 range from 25mcg up to 1,000 mcg for more severe deficiencies.
Here at Essentials Medispa and Salon with offer Vitamin B12 injections as single service, add-on to any service, or purchased as a package of five.
*Results may vary from person to person
Oatmeal is not only great tasting but great for you. Oats contain both soluble and insoluble fiber and protein. They also provide important minerals. Nutrient-rich oatmeal contains thiamin, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, manganese, selenium, and iron. They are also naturally gluten-free. They have also been known to help people control their weight by helping you feel full because they are full of whole grains. My favorite thing about oatmeal is you can make what you want of them. You can pack them with more protein and vitamins by adding ingredients to them and have a variety of flavors, so you don’t get bored. Below are a few great flavor combinations to try. This isn’t your grandma’s oatmeal.
Cashew Butter, Banana and Unsweetened Coconut Flakes with Organic Honey
Instead of water, cook your oatmeal with cashew milk. It adds fiber and protein while giving it a creamy texture. Add a splash of vanilla extract too. Next, add these great ingredients below for a hearty breakfast full of great flavor.
• 2 tablespoons cashew butter
• 1 tablespoon raw organic Honey
• 1 medium-sized banana sliced
• ¼ cup unsweetened organic coconut flakes
Almond Butter, Raspberry and Chia Seed
Instead of water, cook your oatmeal with almond milk (vanilla, unsweetened). Almond milk is low carb and full of flavor. Then add the ingredients below for a sweet and savory breakfast.
• ¼ cup unsalted, slivered almonds
• ½ cup of fresh raspberries
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• ¼ cup almond butter
Mango, Banana, and honey
Instead of water make your oatmeal with coconut milk. Low carb and low sugar but gives it a slightly sweet taste with a creamy texture. Then add the ingredients below for an oatmeal island treat.
• ¼ cup mangoes, diced
• ½ banana, sliced
• 2 tablespoons organic honey
• 2 tablespoons organic, unsweetened coconut flakes
Salmon is one of those rare foods that’s delicious and healthy. Let’s face it those foods are few and far between. Salmon is an excellent source of high-quality proteins, vitamins and minerals but most importantly it’s loaded with omega-3’s. Despite its naturally great taste, sometimes it can get a little boring, especially if you are trying to work it into your diet on a more regular basis. These salmon toppers below will have you wanting salmon every night of the week!
Horseradish Cream Sauce (makes sauce for four 8oz. fillets)
Whisk all the ingredients together, minus the breadcrumbs and refrigerate. After salmon is done cooking, spread sauce over the top. Then top with toasted breadcrumbs.
Honey and Lime Glaze (makes topping for four 8oz. fillets)
In a small pot, whisk together all the ingredients. Wait for the cornstarch to dissolve. Whisk your glaze over medium heat until it begins to thicken. Pour over your salmon immediately after it comes off the grill or out of the oven.
Mango Salsa ( makes topping for four 8oz. fillets)
Mix all the ingredients in a bowl, cover with plastic wrap. Let it set in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Then top your salmon fillets with the salsa. This is also great for fish and shrimp tacos.
Welcome spring with this healthy and fresh salad that’s bursting with flavor. In the beginning spring months, we start to see new plants and flowers pop out of the ground. Flordia has great weather year-round, creating a long and bountiful planting season. Spring, however, is when their crops begin to shine. It’s a beautiful season because it’s a time of regrowth. Embrace it. This salad encompasses all things spring. The fresh herbs and juicy fruit make this unique dish a crowd pleaser. Make one big salad for your family or set up individualized ones in mason jars so that you can see the vibrantly colored layers. They say we eat with our eyes first; well enjoy. The colors and textures of this salad will leave your mouth watering.
This recipe makes four individual salads.
Ingredients
Layer everything in mason jar and make your dressing.
Citrus Vinaigrette Dressing
Whisk together pour over your salads.
Testimonial for Essentials Weight Loss Program:
Over the last 6 years I have struggled immensely with my weight. For a guy who was always fit, competed in sports, and never had to worry about his appearance, these 6 years have been extremely difficult. I worked hard on my own to try and get myself back to a healthy point with no success. I even attempted fad diets, extreme fasting, low carb and some crazy “magical smoothie cleanse”. You name it, I’ve tried it. Like most people who struggle with their weight, I kept falling off the wagon and ultimately gained it all back. I woke up one morning in January 2017 and got on the scale; I weighed 201 pounds. In other words, for my 24 year old, 5’5 body frame, I was officially obese. It was then that I decided that enough was enough. I hated what my weight gain had done to my personality, my self esteem and most importantly my physical health. I have been a member of Essentials Medi-Spa and Salon for 5 years, and on the morning of 1/27/17 I was reading their most recently monthly newsletter. It was then that I saw a program hosted by Essentials called “Lypoburn”. Already knowing how amazing everyone at Essentials is, I hadn’t even finished the article when I picked up the phone and made my appointment. I’m proud to say that I have been on this program for 9 weeks and have lost a total of 40 pounds. My pants went from a size 36 to 28. I truly can’t explain how thankful and appreciative I am to Renee and the staff at Essentials. This program, and the staff that run it, provide me the tools and support necessary to succeed. I have never felt alone on this journey. This program is so successful because of its approach. Unlike other’s, you’re not restricted (I still have my beloved slice of pizza once in a while). Instead, I was taught a better way of living, how to make good choices in order to see results, and how to truly understand what my body needed to be sustainable and healthy. My friends and family are begging for the “magic secret to my transformation”. I simply give them Essential’s phone number. Thank you Essentials, for helping me reach my goals and ultimately finding my confidence and happiness again. This program has changed my life.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAMS AT ESSENTIALS
*Results may vary from person to person