Toast That Packs A Punch

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Medical Weight Loss in Melbourne, FL

When most of us think of toast, we picture an unhealthy, delicious carb-filled breakfast that isn’t very filling. Well think again. When starting with the right canvas, toast can be more than just a breakfast item. It can be filling, healthy, and still tasty with the help of Ezekiel bread.

Ezekiel bread is made from organic, sprouted whole grains. The sprouting process changes the nutrient makeup of the grains, in a very good way. Compared to other breads, which consist primarily of refined wheat, Ezekiel bread contains various types of grains (wheat, millet, barley and spelt) and legumes (soybeans and lentils). All of these are organically grown and allowed to sprout before they are processed and put into the final product.

What does all this mean? This is some seriously, nutritious bread. It’s full of protein, 18 amino acids, fiber and contains no sugar! The sprouting technique increases digestibility, allows your body to absorb more minerals, and increases Vitamin C and B levels. Most importantly it taste great.  It comes in different styles and is available at most grocery stores or foodforlife.com.

A lot of satisfying, healthy meals are just a couple pieces of Ezekiel bread away. Pair them with a salad or some fresh fruit and you are all set. Play around with the toppings and make these with any type of Ezekiel bread.

Breakfast: Egg, Avocado and Tomato Toast

  • 2 slices of Ezekiel Sprouted Whole Grain Bread
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1 roma tomato, sliced
  • 4 large egg whites
  • 1/3 cup fresh salsa
  • pinch of salt, pepper and garlic

Scramble egg whites. Add salt, pepper and garlic to taste. Toast bread to your liking. Pile on cooked egg whites evenly. Then put avocado and tomato slices on top, placing them every other. Top with salsa.

Lunch: PB and J

  • 2 slices of Ezekiel Cinnamon Raisin Sprouted Whole Grain Bread.
  • 2 tbsp. All natural peanut butter (Look for one with low carbs, my favorite is Smuckers)
  • 1 tbsp. Raspberry preserves
  • ½ cup of fresh blueberries.
  • ¼ cup diced, unsalted peanuts or cashews

Toast bread to your liking. Spread one tbsp. of peanut butter on each piece evenly, followed by a thin layer of preserves. Then top with blueberries and nuts.

Dinner: Roasted Chicken with red peppers, pesto and mozzarella

  • 2 slices of Food for Life, Ezekiel Flax Sprouted Whole Grain Bread
  • 2 tbsp. of prepared pesto sauce (look for one that has low sodium)
  • 1 tbsp. of diced roasted red peppers in oil
  • 1 cup of roasted chicken ( Cook a breast in the oven or pull it off of a prepared rotisserie chicken)
  • ¼ cup low fat mozzarella

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cook chicken and shred or use prepared chicken. Toast bread to your liking. Spread pesto sauce over each piece. Top with chicken, roasted red peppers and top with low fat mozzarella. Bake for 15 minutes.

OF COURSE DESSERT: Creamy Lemon Raspberry Toast

  • 2 slices of Ezekrriel Sesame Sprouted Whole Grain Bread
  • 1 tbsp. whipped low-fat cream cheese
  • 1 tsp. lemon curd
  • 1/3 cup raspberries
  • ½ tsp. of Truvia

Toast bread to your liking. Mix together cream cheese, lemon curd and Truvia. Spread over toast. Top with raspberries.

 

Power Of The Brow

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Eyebrow and Eyelash Tinting in Melbourne, FL

Eyebrow glamming is topping beauty trends everywhere. You may have noticed a lot of new brow products spilling into your favorite makeup aisles. From hundreds of coloring tools and trimming devices, it can be hard for a girl to keep up. Our eyebrows actually serve a purpose. Their main duty is to help us see by protecting  our eyes from sweat and water. That beautiful arch (if you haven’t over plucked) shields us by diverting moisture away from our eyes. Times have changed and while they still do their job, that isn’t their only use anymore. Thanks to heavy marketing by several makeup companies and a few beautiful models with thick brows, their purpose has transcended.

Eyebrows help shape your face, draw more attention to your eyes, and can make your look pop. Your brows can be very expressive and help define you. A lot of us have issues; from over tweezing, faulty at-home wax jobs, unevenness or aging, but a little brow pencil and powder can go a long way. If you are a lucky ducky and have little problems, you can still use products to make them look even more glamorous and make a statement. There are tons of products available and for good reason. Everyone’s eyebrows are unique and we all have different trouble spots. Play around and see what works well for you. Some of the more popular tools are pencils, gels, powders and waxes. Sometimes a combination of a couple of these is the best option.

Pencils are great for shaping your arch. Almost like a lip liner for your lips, your brow pencil is going to be your best friend for getting a nice angular look to your brows. They are also great for lengthening the tail. A lot of the pencils come with a spoole brush on the end (or you can get one separately) which is great because once the color is applied you can gently brush it and it gives it a non-caked on look and defines the shape evenly. They come in a handful of shades and you have several options when it comes to brands.

Gels look like mascara tubes, they are used over your finished product to set everything, keeping every hair in its place. They come in tinted shades or clear. It’s a great addition to your brow collection that shouldn’t be overlooked; it really creates a finished product. For those of you whose brows don’t need that much love, this is an awesome product for you. A tinted gel will hold everything together and a slight tint will showcase them. It is important you look for a good one, some of the cheaper ones can leave a light residue. A good gel will last awhile and are a valuable investment.

Powders are great too. They can be used to fill in to give depth and soften the look of your pencil. They are not too compelling, just give off subtle color and thickness. Perfect for an everyday look or those who have minimal problems. Another positive to the powders is unlike the pencils and gels, they come in an array of color choices.

Last but definitely not least, waxes. Eyebrow wax helps hold a shape like the gel but can also be used to fill in gaps. They are great and if applied correctly, all you need. It is the most water resistant option of all four. It comes in tinted and clear. The tinted colors are limited but one can easily find one that pairs nice with their complexion and hair color. With all of these coloring products you want to make sure the color you are choosing doesn’t match your hair but are one or two shades lighter.

There are several options when choosing brow products. When it comes to picking a company, it doesn’t get any better than Lizette.  They are a makeup brand that only deals with the eyebrow. All their products are natural looking, water resistant and come in a vast variety of colors.

If this is new to you or you are looking for color matching help, it is a good idea to consult with a professional. Aside from giving you great tips they can help you maintain a nice shape and evenness to your brows. Try a brow make-over. A fun grooming session that finishes with a mini brow makeover with an eyebrow shaping expert. You could also try a wax with color match. Essentials offers both. Regular appointments with specialists can ensure that your at home care is in check and can keep you on the right path.

 

Low-Carb Squash Carbonara

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Medical Weight Loss in Melbourne, FL

When you think about savory, rich comfort food, you think pasta, right?  Well think again. I am a firm believer that pasta is the most delicious carb on earth and nothing can compare. I have tried every type of vegetable my veggie spiral can handle. I haven’t been able to come close to finding a delicious starchy substitute, until I discovered the magical world of spaghetti squash.

At first glance it doesn’t look like much with its hard, bumpy yellow exterior and oblong shape. However, their possibilities are endless. I have seen everything from pizza crusts to tator tots and hundreds of pasta dishes. It’s hands down the best pasta substitute and even looks the part (hence its name). I’m not going to lie, it will never take the place of grandma’s famous spaghetti but it’s a satisfying way to enjoy some of your favorite dishes with significantly less carbs. One cup of spaghetti has approximately 42 grams of carbs, compared to the 10 carbs in a cup of spaghetti squash. This recipe is very low-carb, but not low calorie. Even though it’s low carb it’s important not to overindulge, like everything else eat in moderation.  This is a good way to have your comfort meals without all the guilt. By occasionally working in tasty pasta-like meals it will help cut down cravings, preventing potential binge eating episodes at Olive Garden’s Never Ending Pasta Bowl.

Spaghetti squashes are reasonably priced and readily available all year, especially in the summer. When picking out a squash, aim for one that is small or medium sized. The only tricky part is cutting them, the larger the squash, the harder it is. After that it’s smooth sailing. After you carefully slice it lengthwise, scoop out the seeds in the center and you are ready to go. Place in the microwave on a plate (be careful the plate will get hot) for 10-15 minutes. Touch it with a fork, it’s ready once the interior of the squash softens to the touch. Let cool for at least 5 minutes then scrape out squash with a fork. It will come out resembling noodles.

Now time for the sauce. This is a delicious, simple carbonara sauce. You can easily add chicken or shrimp to this recipe also.

Recipe:

  • 2 spaghetti squashes, cooked
  • ¼ tsp cracked red pepper
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp pepper
  • 1 tbsp. crushed garlic
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (not the shaker), additional to put on top
  • ½ cup diced bacon or pancetta
  • 1 tbsp. butter
  • 2 tbsp. olive oil
  • ¼ cup hot water
  • ¼ cup heavy cream

In a sauce pan; sauté bacon/pancetta with garlic, crushed red pepper, butter and olive oil over medium heat until it is rendered and crispy. In a separate bowl; whisk together eggs, salt, pepper and parmesan.  Add the cooked spaghetti squash, little by little to sauce pan. Toss with tongs to incorporate the flavors of the cooked bacon/pancetta. Then add water and cream. Toss again, cooking for 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Pour egg/cheese mixture slowly into the pot, tossing vigorously as you do this. Once it’s all in and evenly mixed, you are done. It is very important you remove from the heat and continuously stir as you add it, otherwise you will have eggs in your pasta and no one wants that. Serve topped with parmesan cheese.

 

Summer Skin Damage

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Age and Sun Spot Treatment in Melbourne, FL

Back to school commercials and cooler nights can only mean one thing, summer is ending. It was packed with the beach, outdoor concerts, vacations, sports and picnics. With fall approaching, there should be more on your mind than which legging prints are going to be in. You should be concerned about sun damage. Many of us know today that we should wear sunscreen and avoid tanning beds; however, many people still don’t listen. According to the American Cancer Society it is estimated that nearly 9,500 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with skin cancer every day. Women may be more prone to talking about their skin and sun damage, but skin cancer is common in men too.

Sunscreen is your best source of prevention, tanning oils do not count. Sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher needs to be applied every day to sun exposed areas of your skin. If you’re outside for a prolonged period of time it needs to be reapplied every 2 hours and after getting wet. Also to get the full effects of the SPF it claims, you need to slather it on. Depending on the size of the person, around one ounce is enough to cover the average sun exposed areas of a person for two hours. The majority of Americans don’t come close to using the correct amount. Spray sunscreens are very popular, sweeping the shelves at every store. They are easy, convenient and great if you are trying to put sunscreen on a handful of anxious children waiting to go swimming. However it is hard to tell if the proper amount is being applied because you can’t tell how much is actually coming out. Many of us forget that lips are skin too. You can tell when they become chapped but it is also important to realize they can get burned too and are easily susceptible to getting skin cancer. Find a chapstick with SPF 30 also. You may have to say goodbye to the ones that taste like your favorite candy but there are a lot of great options out there.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, but also the most easily preventable. With all that we can’t control in this world, you might as well get the edge on something you can. There aren’t excuses anymore.  We know UV rays are bad for us and thousands of products have been developed to help us. There is a vast array of sunscreens out there for you and your family’s outdoor activities, you can find something that works for everyone. Standard sunscreens are effective but can be greasy and aren’t always the best thing to wear daily under makeup.  There is; however, a variety of products to help keep your skin protected and looking healthy.

There are several noteworthy face lotions out there to try. Everyone has different skin and reacts differently to certain products, try a few and see what works for you. A moisturizer is important for your skin to keep it hydrated and also helps with a smoother makeup application. A lot of us think that our foundation protects our skin and some even have SPF in it but it’s not at a high enough level to get the needed protection.  An ideal face lotion will have, like your sunscreen, a SPF 30 or higher with antioxidants to decrease the damaging effects of the sun and environmental exposures. My favorite daily moisturizer is by Image. Their tinted moisturizer is amazing for all skin types. It evens out your skin tone and gives you a natural glow, while protecting you from future damage. Win Win!

There are hundreds of corrective serums and lotions that are effective at improving the overall look of your skin, minimizing dark spots and reducing wrinkles.  Image, has a full skin line of prevention and rejuvenation, all available at Essentials.

Preventative skin care is essential to a long-lasting healthy look, but many of us already have damage. I’m reminded of this every time I flip my cosmetic mirror to the magnifying side. Reality sets in as every dark spot, broken capillary and fine line stands out. Most of us have done some damage, but lucky for us times have changed. Aside from corrective serums and creams there has been several medical advances that can help reverse the skincare mistakes of our past.

Regular facials are great for overall skin health but a specialized Anti-Agingor Skin Brightening one helps reduce discoloration, age spots and redness. Essentials offers both and has several add on services you can do to customize them to give the most benefits to your skin as possible. Essentials also offers more advanced options to restore skin.

Microneedling

Microneedling is a process that uses a sterile pen-like device, to vertically penetrate the skin with micro-needles. These micro needles penetrate both the dermis and epidermis layers of the skin to create micro wounds and pinpoint bleeding at specific depths. This procedure stimulates the natural healing process of the body, leading to the growth of collagen and elastin which restores the appearance of healthy skin.

DermaSweep MD™ Epi-Infusion treatment

DermSweep’s technology takes MicroResurfacing to the next level through a unique, customizable, treatment approach. The proprietary bristle treatment tips gently lift away the top layer of skin and increase circulation to enhance lymphatic drainage, oxygenation, and the delivery of key skin nutrients. Exclusive infusion solutions formulated with cutting-edge ingredients are added to target specific skincare concerns.

Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing removes skin layer by layer with precision. The new skin cells that form during the healing give your skin a tighter, younger looking surface.

The skin is your body’s largest organ. It’s important to take care of it daily and take the lead at preventing skin cancer. It’s easy to do with daily sunscreen, protective clothing, and a great SPF 30 moisturizer and chapstick. To repair damaged skin there are specialized facials, lotions, serums, and medical treatments. All these options can help you say hello to a younger, brighter and less damaged surface. Give your skin some love today.

 

Stuffed Zucchini Boats

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Medical Weight Loss in Melbourne, FL

It’s that time of year when gardens and farmers markets are over flowing with this seasons haul. Zucchini is the unofficial vegetable of summer. With its bright green hue it dresses up any plate. They are healthy, delicious and hearty enough to be a meal. My favorite way for using up lots of zucchinis is to make Zucchini Boats. Slice a zucchini lengthwise, scoop out the middle area and stuff with your favorite fillings.

These work best when made from medium sized zucchinis but any work, just adjust your filling amounts. Zucchini Boats are delicious, healthy, cute and creative. The possibilities are endless when deciding what to fill them with. Use your imagination. Here are some of our favorites…..
The cooking instructions are the same for every boat. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Start by slicing 4 zucchinis lengthwise and scoop out the center so you leave about a ¼ inch. Line a baking sheet with foil and sprinkle with olive oil. Once filling is placed in zucchini, place a sheet of foil on top of boats and bake for 15 minutes. After the 15 minutes are up, remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes.

Buffalo chicken
– 4 Boneless skinless chicken breast
– ½ cup hot sauce
– ½ cup lite blue cheese dressing
– 1 package (8oz) of low fat cream cheese
– 2 cups reduced fat cheddar
– ½ cup shredded carrots
– 1 tsp. garlic powder
– ¼ tsp. of salt
– ¼ tsp. of pepper
Cook chicken breast, let cool. Set aside carrots. Shred chicken and combine with all the other ingredients. Mix together well and fill boats. After they are out of the oven top with shredded carrots.

Taco
– 1 lb. of ground turkey or lean ground beef
– 1 packet of low sodium taco seasoning
– 2 tsp. extra virgin olive oil
– 1 red pepper, diced
– 1 sweet onion, diced
– ¼ tsp. salt
– ¼ tsp. pepper
– 1 tsp. garlic powder
– 2 cups shredded reduced fat cheddar
– ½ cup of black beans, rinsed and drained
– 1 cup of salsa
Brown turkey or beef, add seasoning according to packet. Let cool. Set aside salsa. Mix all other ingredients together and fill boats. Once out of the oven, top with salsa.

Greek
– 1lb of ground chicken
– ¼ cup Greek dressing/marinade
– 1 cup crumbled feta
– 1 cup diced tomatoes
– 1/4 cup banana peppers, diced
– 1/2 cup red onion, diced
– ¼ tsp. pepper
– ¼ tsp. salt
– 1 tsp. garlic powder
– 2 tbsp. black olives, sliced
Cook ground chicken with dressing/marinade. Set aside tomatoes. Mix remaining ingredients with cooked chicken. Fill boats. Once out of the oven, top with diced tomatoes.

Pizza
– 1 ½ cup pizza sauce ( make sure it is not high in sugar or sodium)
– 2 cups reduced fat mozzarella cheese
– 2 tsp of olive oil
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
– ¼ tsp. pepper
– ¼ tsp. salt
– 1 tsp. garlic powder
– Your favorite pizza toppings ( mushrooms, onions, peppers, spinach, tomatoes, pineapple, lean ground beef or chicken )
Spread pizza sauce over zucchini boats, sprinkle with seasonings, top with cheese and toppings. Drizzle olive oil on top.

 

How To Prevent Stress

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Medical Weight Loss in Melbourne, FL

Stress, the annoying five letter word that plagues millions of Americans. More and more of us are facing health problems that are directly caused or worsened by stress. It can lead to headaches, sleeplessness, high blood pressure, heart disease, anxiety, and other serious medical issues. The severity of it has been desensitized by the mass production of stress therapy products that we see on the market. Today you can purchase everything from stress relieving candles, lotions, pills, teas, fidget spinners, adult coloring books and everything in between. While these items may smell nice or be fun to play with they are actually doing little to help manage your stress.

The key to a stress-free life is to stop it from forming in the first place. There are healthy, natural methods to not only alleviate your stress levels but to focus on the issues that are causing them in the first place, so it can be avoided in the future. Life is crazy and taxing, sometimes things happen that you can’t prepare for. It is impossible to eliminate all stress but you have to focus on the areas you can control. If you let small things give you anxiety they will snowball until they become one big problem, potentially causing a breakdown. Below are natural ways you can use your body and mind to become your own natural stress reliever.

Exercise and diet
Let’s face it when we have a stressful day most of us head straight for the freezer and grab the Ben and Jerry’s. Food might make you feel better initially but how do you feel after you eat? Emotional eating is a popular coping mechanism that many of us reach for immediately but it is terrible not only for your figure but your mind. A healthy eating routine coupled with exercise is a natural way to help lessen your stress. Sometimes when we are down it’s hard to muster enough energy to put in a good workout, however, any physical activity will help you with stress. Studies show that it reduces fatigue, reinforces one’s ability to focus, and enhances overall cognitive function.
Exercise, like stress, comes in many forms. From running, yoga, strength training or walking, there are endless possibilities to get your heart pumping and body moving. Already a gym rat? Change up your workout or start a new program. Sometimes an overall wellness program with a structured meal, workout and supplement plans can make over your body not just physically but emotionally as well. This can give you more natural energy and put yourself in a healthy mind frame.

Communicate
Communication is a great stress reducer. Voicing out your concerns can stop the buildup of negative and stressful thoughts. When something is on your mind, talk it out. Speak to a friend, co-worker, family member, therapist or even the girl in the checkout line. Communicating at least some of your emotions is a big help. Not a big talker? Write. You don’t have to be 13 to have a diary, record your daily thoughts in a journal or blog. When a situation arises that upsets you; think about what happened, what you did and how you felt. This way when future situations arise you can read what you wrote and face it with a sense of calm.

Breathe
When something presents itself to be a possibly stressful situation, focus on your breathing or try counting. Take deep breaths or count up and down slowly, pausing and emphasizing on each breath or number. Remember being told to count sheep when you were a kid to help you fall asleep? Well, there was a reason to your parent’s madness. Counting slowly helps calm your thoughts down and helps your mind focus on what is jumping over the fence not what is bothering you. Deep, slow breathing helps relieve your body physically and mentally for the same reason.

Massage Therapy
Massage Therapy is an amazing way to reduce stress. We all know that nothing feels better than a nice massage but it is doing more than just removing the knots from your back. Massages can release tensions and promote relaxation. Routine massage therapy can help stop the stress from building up in the first place. There are all different types of massage techniques, including body wraps that pinpoint various ailments and helps detoxify your body. The Ultimate Unwinder is a favorite here at Essentials. It is a beautiful 50-minute signature deep relaxing full body massage that offers a blend of Swedish and circulatory strokes.

Looking for something different? Programs like Reiki and Chakra balancing are natural and safe methods of self-improvement that are for everyone. Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and promotes relaxation and healing. The Reiki Master utilizes gentle touch therapy to facilitate a person’s own innate ability to relax and restore on a deep cellular level. Chakra balancing is performed by the Reiki master. The master touches several energy points to create a healing energy connection between practitioner and client. This Reiki session includes the use of 7 Chakra healing Essential Oils specifically used to induce a deep state of relaxation. Both are offered here at Essentials and are performed by a Reiki master. Shirodhara is another specialty offered here. It is an Ayurvedic treatment that balances and stabilizes the mind and induces extreme relaxation. A soothing, steady stream of warmed herbal-infused oil is poured over the forehead and 6th chakra. This purifying treatment melts tension and calms the nervous system.

Stress is impossible to eliminate but you can make positive changes to reduce it. Take charge of your own life and control your emotions. Avoiding temporary stress relief strategies and focusing on your mind, body and soul will enable you to take control of your life and help manage your emotions.

Having Trouble Sleeping? Here’s A Few Tips To Catch Some Zzz’s

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Medical Spa in Melbourne, FL

First, let us say, you are not alone! An estimated 60 million other people are staring at their ceilings at 3 am. Some may look into medications to assist in sleep while others will look into some type of homeopathic treatment. To help guide you, it’s important to understand that not getting enough sleep can be caused by daily influences. We will discuss the top 3:

#1 Gadgets

Yes, your PC, laptop, tablet, and phone all have LED screens which emit blue light. Study after study shows blue light reduces the production of melatonin, which your body produces to signal the brain it’s time for bed.

Thankfully, developers of these systems have offered a solution. iPhone and iPad users can turn on Night Shift, which changes the color of your screen to a warmer, red-orange filter. It can even be scheduled to change color after a specific time in the evening.

For your desktop and laptop try Flux, which automatically adjusts based on your time-zone throughout the day. Android users can try Twilight which is similar to Flux and will adjust automatically during the day.

#2 Caffeine

BUT…I LOVE my coffee!!! So do we, but we also love sleep. It’s important to know, a few cups of coffee can affect a 25-year old much differently than a 45-year old. Studies show this is because of our metabolism slows as we age making the amount of caffeine in our system, greater for longer. What was a normal ‘couple of cups’ per day may actually be keeping the 45-year old awake.

Try cutting the amount of coffee or even the strength of coffee you drink per day. You can still have your warm morning ritual, but it won’t be keeping you awake at night.

#3 Anxiety & Stress

New research suggests that sleep deprivation can cause anxiety and likewise, anxiety can cause sleep disruption. Studies also show that some form of sleep disruption is present in nearly all psychiatric disorders.

Plainly put, sleep is important and allows the brain to reboot. Stress and anxiety go hand in hand and learning to reduce your stress will likely reduce anxiety.

So, what else will help you get the most coveted sleep? Here are a few options:

Meditation- Slowing your breathing, training your brain to slow down (or be quiet) goes a long way in this fast-paced world. Thankfully, meditation is taught by Renee Masse, Wellness Coach and Reiki Master. Her contact number is (321)722-2860.

Exercise- A necessary evil. Most people dislike exercise, but sweating and literally burning off catecholamines (hormones like adrenaline that get released into the bloodstream when you’re physically or emotionally stressed) can get you back to a place of blissful slumber. A newly released study from the National Sleep Foundation found that getting 150 minutes per week of exercise significantly improve sleep. Regular exercise basically sweats out the bad stuff, boosts the good stuff and makes you feel better so it’s best to make room for it in your life. Embrace it. Accept it… and let’s get some good sleep in.

Hormones – If your hormone levels are off, it can affect your sleep. Progesterone especially when levels are low, can negatively impact women specifically during peri-menopause and menopause. Seeing a Board Certified Bio-identical Hormone doctor who can run a few laboratory tests to see where your hormones fall is highly suggested. We recommend Michael Lesser, M.D., who is Board Certified in Anti-Aging and Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (321)722-2860.

L-Tryptophan – Is exactly why babies are always milk-drunk after feeding. Milk is full of L-Tryptophan, also why we’re all groggy after Thanksgiving dinner as L-Tryptophan is found in turkey! Some other foods where you’ll find L-Tryptophan: cheese, eggs, tofu, pineapple, bananas, nuts, and seeds.

Melatonin – This hormone helps to regulate the night to day- sleep to wake cycle. Taking Melatonin can help increase the time that you fall asleep.

Relaxation Music – There are lots of choices with relaxation music. Your Amazon Echo will play some for you if you just ask. Apple iTunes has many relaxation offerings as well as Amazon Fire stick, which will play a solid 9 hours of the wonderful sound of light rain and even dim the screen on your TV.

A mix of a few of these listed may help to induce the glorious sleep everyone is after. Dim your gadgets, cut down on the caffeine, yes do exercise, hit the spa for some meditation and relaxation services like massage or a facial, get your hormones checked if you’re over 40, turn on some relaxation music and eat some turkey or maybe a banana.

Let us know how it goes! zzzzzzzzzzzzzz

 

Beautiful Skin Achieved

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Medical Spa in Melbourne, FL

Beautiful Skin Achieved, Viera FL

Let’s face it, you have a lot of choices when it comes to beautiful skin, from spas, salons, dermatology and plastic surgeons offices and other medispas. At Essentials Medispa we offer cutting edge, 5-star rated facial services in a warm and beautiful environment. Here are four reasons you should consider Essentials Medispa when it comes to Beautiful Skin Achieved.

Beautiful Skin Achieved #1 – Ensure Staff are indeed, EXPERTS!

Our warm and friendly staff invite you to tour our beautiful establishment, enjoy a cup of tea and discuss your treatment options. Not only are our medical estheticians seasoned and professionally trained, they work in tandem with our medical team, Brian Benson, PA-C/MPH, Master Injector, Rejuvenation Director and Michael Lesser, MD., FACC, FSCCT, FAARM, Medical Director, who is Melbourne’s only physician board certified in 4 areas, one being Anti-Aging and (BHRT) Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy. He is also the only physician in Brevard County to train personally, with Dr. Zein Obagi, world renown dermatologist, becoming an Obagi Certified Skin Health Specialist.

Beautiful Skin Achieved #2 – Location and environment

If you are going to spend the money to care for your skin, you might as well do it in a warm, friendly and beautiful environment. We invite you to slip on a comfortable robe and spa slippers, enjoy the steam or sauna, sit and meditate in our spa relaxation room and enjoy a warm cup of tea. For us, it’s about the complete experience. Not only will you have beautiful skin achieved, but you will do so surrounded by warmth, beauty, and comfort.

Beauty and Hair Salon in Melbourne, FL

Health and Wellness Center in Melbourne, FL

Health and Wellness Center in Melbourne, FL

Beautiful Skin Achieved #3 – Quality equipment and products

Too often we hear about facilities using cheaply made, inferior equipment and products they find from vendors on websites from China where knock-off equipment such as microneedling devices and partially opened and unsanitized microneedling tips, dermaplaning, ‘lasers’ and skin care products are frequently sold. Unfortunately, many consumers are paying high prices for services using such equipment. At Essentials Medispa, we pride ourselves on using only the highest rated skin care lines, equipment, and brands held with the highest regard in the skin care industry. To continue such a high quality of care for our clients, before any service is added to our skin care menu, it is researched and clinical studies scrutinized by our Medical Director, Dr. Lesser. In his words, “I will never be a snake-oil salesman” and to that, he stands true.

Beautiful Skin Achieved #4 – Client reviews

Whenever you are wondering how well a facility is doing, just check the reviews. There are many outlets for reviews, from several social media sites which we encourage you to review. We have been practicing for over 17 years and invite you to read our reviews here.

 

Is The Pet Food Industry Making Our Pets Sick? Miss Mango Has Something To Say….

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Medical Spa in Melbourne, FL

Most of you who follow my photography and design blogs already know “Miss Mango.” For those of you who do not, she is my and my husband’s 11-year-old dog; our precious fur baby! “Miss Mango” would like me to share the health crisis journey we have been on these last few months to help her furry friends who may benefit from this important information.

For most of Mango’s life she has been an itchy dog and struggled with watery eyes, ear infections and over time, a dark colored pigmented belly, all of which I thought were caused by seasonal allergies, and perhaps some sensitivity to pet food. We managed the symptoms with frequent bathing and ear cleaning and, of course, tried all kinds of expensive “sensitive skin” foods. Her condition was tolerable and just slightly annoying for us and her. We believed that this was our cross to bear and accepted it as her normal until it wasn’t.

A few months ago, Mango’s itching became chronic, she began to exhibit signs of another ear infection, and we noticed blood in her urine. It was time to visit the vet. She was diagnosed with a serious bladder infection which was treated with antibiotics. During this visit, we also discussed with the vet different food options as a way to clear up some of the other issues which we, again, thought were food and/or seasonal allergies.

Because Mango had been on some kind of high-end kibble her entire life, I decided to educate myself in a more holistic approach to what she was eating. The more I learned about pet foods, the more I wanted to know:

  • Most commercial pet foods are not species appropriate. Dogs and cats are carnivores.
  • Most commercial pet foods do not have enough moisture content needed for a carnivore’s diet.
  • Most commercial pet foods contain mostly grains and carbohydrates which are not needed for a carnivore’s diet, and along with the fillers and preservatives may be the causes of allergy tortured pets.
  • Most commercial pet foods are not nutritionally efficiently balanced and may cause inflammation issues.
  • The commercial pet food industry sets their own standards and is self-regulated. There is no watchdog to keep them in check except us, as consumers.

This research brought me to the “Raw Food Diet” for pets. My conclusion was that a nutritionally balanced human grade raw pet food diet is a much healthier choice than the most commonly available commercial pet foods. A visit to a local pet food store (see link below) that carried this raw food diet recognized that Miss Mango may have a severe food-related yeast allergy. A raw food diet that would eliminate all grains, fillers and preservatives were recommended. The next day we started the 10-day process of weaning her off her old food.

I knew from research that it might take months to get the food fillers and preservatives out of Miss Mango’s system. We were very surprised when we started to see improvements within weeks! We were excited, but still cautious.

It is now a few months after starting this diet, and we are convinced it is working because we have a different dog. She is not chronically itching, the sores are healed, her eyes are not watering, her ears are clear, she smells good, her pigmented belly has lightened up, and, most of all, she is so calm! I now believe that Mango had been allergic to her pet food her entire life, and at 11 years old, her body could not take the stress any longer and was shutting down quickly.

I am so thankful for the knowledge we now have, and that is why this story needed to be told. It is not feasible to put all the information needed to make an informed decision on this subject here, so there are a few links below that I think were the most helpful to us. Please do your own research about the pet food industry. Miss Mango and I want all parents of fur babies to have this knowledge so their pets never experience an unnecessary health crisis like Miss Mango did and live happy, healthy and stress-free lives.

Medical Spa in Melbourne, FL

 

 

 

 

Natural Food Diet supplier in Melbourne, Florida:

Natural Pet Specialty Shop, Lee Barriault (owner) http://www.naturalpetspecialtyshop.com

Resources and Links:
“Pet Fooled” Trailer (must see movie!)
Dr. Becker Discusses Raw Food Diet (Part 1)
Dr. Becker Discusses Raw Food Diet (Part 2)
Dr. Becker Discusses Raw Food Diet (Part 3)
MercolaHealthyPets

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