Laser Meridian Therapy

Research has shown that stimulating specific energy points can curb the appetite, suppress hunger cravings, reduce excess water, stimulate the metabolism and thereby enable the body to utilize food efficiently instead of storing it as fat.  Combined with a healthy diet and mild exercise it not only takes the pounds and excess body fat off, it can have lasting, permanent results, especially if you are diligent with your exercise.

Real, permanent change requires a little common sense and a fair amount of discipline and patience. You know the weight didn't come on overnight and you also know it is not possible to lose it overnight. The following healthy eating information and weight loss secrets are only good if you take them and your health serious.

The average weight loss is a safe 2 - 3 pounds per week or 10 - 14 pounds per month. Many clients begin to lose inches before the weight and they notice the difference in their clothes!

You will receive 1 session per month for a total of 3 laser therapy sessions.  Each session is less than 30 minutes.  The laser is placed on specific Auricular and Meridian energy points on the ears, hands, nose and wrists.  The effects of each session last a little more than 30 days, which is why it is 1 session per month.

Cellulite Therapy

Cellulite Therapy is a non-invasive technique for reducing the appearance of Cellulite often shows up as dimpling on the skin, sometimes called the cottage cheese look, even in those who are fit. The look of cellulite does not necessary diminish with weight and liposuction fails to address this top layer of fat under the skin. The therapeutic device involves stimulating the body’s surface and underlying tissue with deep, soothing motions thereby reducing the appearance of cellulite and defining your figure.

Our therapy uses a vibrator that often feels like deep tissue massage, over problem areas of the skin. At the same time, suction is used to redistribute the skin and remove dimpling. Those opting for cellulite therapy usually need about 14 to 28 30-minutes sessions to see results and must also have monthly treatments afterwards to maintain the smooth skin look.

Cellulite therapy technique is used for body contouring and skin conditioning. The cellulite therapy massage encourages circulation back into the cellulite areas, while also aiding in the release of fluid trapped in the body tissue. A body stocking is worn for each treatment. The sensation of cellulite therapy is likened to deep massage with most patients finding this a pleasant and relaxing experience. The strength of the treatment is tailored to the individual’s comfort level and areas of concern for the patient.

The treatment is 30 minutes, with an initial consultation. Prior to the first treatment the therapist will take your details and measurements for later comparison.

Following the Procedure
There are some important steps that you should take once you have commenced cellulite therapy treatment.

First, it is important to maintain a healthy diet with a low intake of fatty foods.
Second, aerobic exercise is important as this will also give better results.
Third, you should drink at least 1.5 liters of water per day.

Risks and Complications
Some patients may not be suitable for cellulite therapy. These include people with high blood pressure or hypertension, some skin conditions, hernias, varicose veins and diabetes.

We recommend 3 weekly sessions for 4 weeks and then 2 weekly sessions for an 8 Week period. We also offer Body Wraps along with Far - Infrared Heating to help dissolve Cellulite. (see Body Wraps)

• Stimulates the metabolic rate allowing people to burn off weight twice as fast as they normally would.
• Decreases appetite.
• Suppresses your hunger cravings.
• Lowers body mass (weight).
• Decreases adipose tissue (body fat).
• Lowers and helps normalize lipid levels in the blood.
• Decreases menopausal weight gain.
• Stimulates the production of endorphins, which are the body's feel good chemicals. Endorphins have a calming effect and help to reduce cravings for high carbohydrate foods.

Body Fat Percentage and Fat Free Mass

Body fat percentage refers to how much of your weight is attributable to fat. It is a key aspect of physical fitness because it is an estimator of health risk. Fat free mass includes bones, organs and muscle. People with a higher level of fat free mass tend to be healthier. Pound for pound fat free mass burns more calories than fat mass. Our center uses the most advanced test to determine body fat percentage. We use bioelectrical impedance to measure body composition. This test involves a harmless 50 kHz current through the body.

For the most accurate reading you ideally should:

• Not eat or drink 4 hours prior to the test
• Avoid exercise in the past 12 hours
• Abstain from alcohol in the past 48 hours
• Abstain from caffeinated beverages immediately prior to the test.

Secrets To Weight Loss Success

14 Keys to a Healthy Diet

Developing healthy eating habits isn't as confusing or as restrictive as many people imagine. The first principle of a healthy diet is simply to eat a wide variety of foods. This is important because different foods make different nutritional contributions.

Secondly, fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes-foods high in complex carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, low in fat and free of cholesterol-should make up the bulk of the calories you consume. The rest should come from low-fat dairy products, lean meat and poultry, and fish.

You should also try to maintain a balance between calorie intake and calorie expenditure-that is, don't eat more food than your body can utilize. Otherwise, you will gain weight. The more active you are, therefore, the more you can eat and still maintain this balance.

Following these three basic steps doesn't mean that you have to give up your favorite foods. As long as your overall diet is low in fat and rich in complex carbohydrates, there is nothing wrong with an occasional cheeseburger. Just be sure to limit how frequently you eat such foods, and try to eat small portions of them.

You can also view healthy eating as an opportunity to expand your range of choices by trying foods-especially vegetables, grains, or fruits-that you don't normally eat. A healthy diet doesn't have to mean eating foods that are bland or unappealing.

The following basic guidelines are what you need to know to construct a healthy diet.

1. Limit your total fat intake. Fat should supply less than 30% of your total daily calories. Limit your intake of fat by having a semi-vegetarian diet. Choose lean meats, light-meat poultry without the skin, fish, and low-fat dairy products. In addition, cut back on vegetable oils and butter-or foods made with these-as well as on mayonnaise, salad dressings, and fried foods.
2. Limit your intake of saturated fat. This is the kind of fat, found mostly in animal products, that boosts blood cholesterol levels and has other adverse health effects. It should supply less than one-third of the calories derived from fat.
3. Keep your cholesterol intake below 300 milligrams per day. Cholesterol is found only in animal products, such as meats, poultry, dairy products, and egg yolks.
4. Eat foods rich in complex carbohydrates. Carbohydrates should contribute at least 55% of your total daily calories. To help meet this requirement, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and six or more servings of grains (preferably whole grains) or legumes daily. This will help you obtain the 20 to 30 grams of dietary fiber you need each day, as well as provide important vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals (plant chemicals essential to good health).
5. Avoid too much sugar. Besides contributing to tooth decay, sugar is a source of "empty" calories, and many foods that are high in sugar are also high in fat.
6. Make sure to include green, orange, and yellow fruits and vegetables-such as broccoli, carrots, cantaloupe, and citrus fruits. The antioxidants and other nutrients in these foods are regarded as increasingly important in helping protect against developing certain types of cancer and other diseases. Eat five or more servings a day.
7. Maintain a moderate protein intake. Protein should make up about 12% of your total daily calories. Choose low-fat sources.
8. Eat a variety of foods. Don't try to fill your nutrient requirements by eating the same foods day in, day out. It is possible that not every essential nutrient has been identified, and so eating a wide assortment of foods helps to ensure that you will get all the necessary nutrients. In addition, this will limit your exposure to any pesticides or toxic substances that may be present in one particular food.
9. Limit your sodium intake to no more than 2,400 milligrams per day. This is equivalent to the amount of sodium in a little more than a teaspoon of salt. Cut back on your use of salt in cooking and on the table; avoid salty foods; check food labels for the inclusion of ingredients containing sodium.
10. Maintain an adequate calcium intake. Calcium is essential for strong bones and teeth. Get your calcium from low-fat sources, such as skim milk and low-fat yogurt. If you can't get the optimal amount from foods, take supplements.
11. Try to get your vitamins and minerals from foods, not from supplements (with the exceptions listed below). Supplements cannot substitute for a healthy diet, which supplies nutrients and other compounds besides vitamins and minerals. Foods also provide the "synergy" that many nutrients require to be efficiently used in the body.
12. Consider taking supplements of the antioxidant vitamins E (200 to 800 IU daily) and C (250 to 500 milligrams daily). Even if you eat a healthy diet, it's unlikely you will get these amounts of E and C. Also consider taking a basic daily multivitamin/mineral supplement, especially if you are a woman of child-bearing age (who needs extra folic acid, a B vitamin) or over age 60 (because of decreased nutrient absorption by the body).
13. Maintain a desirable weight. Balance energy (calorie) intake with energy output. Eating a low-fat diet will help you maintain-or lower-your weight, as will regular exercise.
14. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. That is one drink a day for women, two a day for men. A drink is defined as 12 ounces of beer, 4 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof spirits. Excess alcohol consumption leads to a variety of health problems. And alcoholic beverages can add many calories to your diet without supplying nutrients.

Additional Tips for Weight Loss

1) Exercise, Exercise, Exercise, Exercise is the key to more than just weight loss. It is recommended that the average person exercise at least 30 minutes per day. This can consist of anything from brisk walking to jogging or running (anything that increases your heart rate). Keep in mind, exercise is most likely to be continued when it is an activity that provides enjoyment. Always exercise at your own pace and increase your duration of exercise in order to enhance your results. *Consult your physician before starting a new exercise routine.

2) Water – the key to good health Water has numerous health benefits – so you should always attempt to drink eight to ten eight ounce glasses a day – whether you are attempting to lose weight or not!

3) Become aware of “unrealized” calories. Many food habits we develop help add to weight gain. For instance, do you buy healthy cereal but then spread sugar over the top? Or add large amounts of butter to your vegetables? Becoming aware of places that you inadvertently add calories to your diet is one of the most important ways you can learn to keep the weight off.

4) Don’t Starve Yourself! Starving yourself in an attempt to lose weight is one of the surest ways to fail at the process. The key to success is to find healthy snacks to satisfy cravings between meals. Carrots, raisins, unbuttered popcorn – or any low-fat healthy snack eaten in moderation can help you make it to your next healthy meal.

5) Eat More Often. It sounds funny, but it’s true. Your body is much better at handling numerous small meals than three large ones. Spread your target caloric intake over four or five meals instead of the usual three. Not only will it be less time between meals, but your body will digest more easily and completely.

6) Avoid Fried Foods. Fried foods are any diet’s enemy. In order to lose weight and maintain your loss, fried food consumption must be minimized. If you normally cook with oils and butter, switch to low-fat cooking sprays and/or broths. Baking, broiling, or steaming foods are far superior methods for preparing foods.

7) Fresh Foods are Best! Because “prepared foods” such as canned or pre-frozen ones (even vegetables!) are usually packaged with preservatives and/or salt, it is always best to choose fresh fruits and vegetables over canned or frozen.

8) Beverages – Another Silent Enemy! Keep your consumption of soft drinks and “diet” beverages to a minimum. You should avoid sweetened drinks altogether. Soft drinks – even those advertised as “healthy” often contain amazing amounts of sugar/sucrose, even diet sodas should be avoided. They often contain sodium, a form of salt that can lead to water retention. When you are thirsty, drink water!

9) Become a Label Investigator. As consumers become more diet-conscious, the marketing of “healthy” foods becomes increasingly complicated. Low-fat and fat-free foods often are packed with sodium and sugars that you may not recognize. It is important to look at “RDA,” or recommended daily allowance. If your low-fat cookies each contain 50% of your RDA of sodium, avoid them! They are substituting salt for taste! Further, it is important to understand that moderation is always the key to healthy living. Just because a food is fat, salt, or sugar-free does not mean it is meant to be consumed in huge amounts.

10) Don’t Make Food Your Enemy! It is important to not become obsessed with dieting; with moderate exercise and reasonable food intake comes weight-loss. But also reward yourself. A decadent dessert now and then is not going to ruin your diet. If you love food, learn to live healthy, but don’t be afraid of enjoying the foods you love from time to time. This is the way to a healthy lifestyle. As with all things, moderation is the key!

The Best Exercises for Weight Loss

Running, Walking, Weight Training, In Line Skating, Cycling, Swimming and, one of our favorites is Rebounding - Trampoline Exercise, it may be the best exercise of all - it is safe, easy, affordable, non-impact, portable and anyone can do it.

You should also know that rebounding is the only exercise method that actually exercises every cell of your body! This is critically important because it helps the lymph system, which is our waste disposal system.

It is possible to lose weight without exercising, but exercise will greatly accelerate your weight loss progress. In fact, exercise can help you lose weight in several ways:

• Your body will burn extra calories while you are exercising;
• If the exercise is high enough in intensity (i.e. significantly increases your heart rate and respiration), your body will continue to burn calories at an elevated rate even after your exercise session has ended.
• If the exercise places a high enough load on your muscles, they will increase in size, and burn more calories even when your body is at rest.

This last item is an important factor for weight loss because it enables your body to burn more calories at all times. Muscle tissue is more metabolically active than body fat. With more muscle and less fat, your metabolic rate is naturally higher.

If you can't afford the time and expense to go to a health club, you can easily set up an exercise area in your own home. It really doesn't require much space or equipment.

All exercises make weight loss easier, though, so don't choose an exercise solely for its efficiency. The best exercise for you is simply the exercise that you enjoy and are willing to do consistently. Even walking is a wonderful exercise. Walking just 15 extra minutes a day will equate to about a pound of additional weight loss each month for the average person.

If your exercise program becomes boring, look for ways to make it more interesting and productive. For example, a set of hand weights will add a new twist to your walk.

The Best Way to Monitor Your Progress

Although measuring your weight seems to be the most logical way to track your progress, weight alone is an unreliable measurement. Your weight may fluctuate several pounds over the course of a day, depending on how well hydrated your body is and on what's currently passing through your digestive system. Weight loss is a gradual process. So if you do weigh yourself, we recommend doing so not more than once or twice a week.

Some diet plans make target weight recommendations based on your height, age, and sex. A target weight may be a good motivator for some people, but don't get too hung up on that particular goal. Most weight recommendations are based on your Body Mass Index (BMI), which is a ratio of your weight to height. BMI recommendations may be appropriate for the average person, but they don't take into consideration a person's bone structure and muscle mass, and are especially unsuitable for athletic people.

Unless you're trying to qualify for a lower weight class at a sporting event, weight isn't what you care about, anyway. We talk about weight loss, but what you're really interested in is fat loss. You'll know when you lose that extra fat, simply because you'll look and feel better.

If you want feedback on your fat loss, we recommend having your percentage body fat measured. Most health clubs will do a body fat test for you. There are also body fat calipers made for home use.

The Best Thing to Do If Your Diet Fails

Over the course of your life, there will be times when your weight goes up instead of down, when you eat things that you know you probably shouldn't, when you feel weak and depressed, and when it seems like you've really messed up your diet.

There is just one thing to do when that happens: Don't give up. One step backward changes neither you nor the facts about weight loss. So get right back up and do it again!

Summary of Weight Loss Secrets

In order to successfully lose weight, you need to make permanent changes in your lifestyle that allow you to consume fewer total calories than you expend. Your best chance of losing weight occurs if you maintain your health, while reducing your caloric intake and increasing your metabolism with exercise. It's also helpful to try to avoid hunger and eliminate bad eating habits. Selecting foods that fill you up with fewer total calories can also help make weight loss easier.

For more information on Weight Loss or to set up an appointment please call:

(630) 833-4007 Villa Park Treatment Center
or
(708) 656-7000 Cicero Treatment Center