Blog
Low Carb Sprout Salad
Sprout salad with red and yellow peppers.
Servings: 6
Ingredients
12 oz Sprouts, mung bean, mature, fresh, 1 container
1 medium red bell peppers , seeded and sliced
1 medium yellow bell peppers , seeded and sliced
1 tbsp olive oil
1/4 tsp low sodium soy sauce
1 pinch fresh lemon juice , about 1 squirt of lemon juice
1 tbsp cold water
2 tsp sweetener (sugar substitute) , equal to 2 teaspoons sugar
2 medium garlic cloves , peeled and minced
3 tbsp chili sauce (optional)
1 pinch salt and pepper , to taste
2 tbsp sunflower seeds (optional)
2 tbsp Sprouts, radish, fresh
Directions
Wash and dry sprouts. Place in a bowl with the diced pepper.
Whisk the dressing ingredients together and pour over the sprouts.
Garnish with sunflower seeds. (optional)
Posted on June 27th, 2017
Hormones: A Continual Balancing Act
If you have ever watched someone spinning plates, you understand the vital importance of balance and counterbalance. Many women, as they go through the transition from fertility to menopause, struggle to maintain the hidden balancing act within their body. The years of perimenopause are often described as those in which estrogen levels fall drastically. This description is grossly oversimplified. As such, it can lead to treatment that not only doesn’t help a woman harness her inner power, but actually makes her feel worse.
The Intimate Connection between Estrogen and Progesterone
Estrogen is at the heart of a number of unpleasant symptoms. However, it is not this singular hormone that is the root cause of physical and emotional turmoil. The instigating factor in hormonal imbalance is the decrease in progesterone. When insufficiency in progesterone occurs, estrogen meets no opposition. The lack of counterbalance allows estrogen to dominate, which goes against the common view that decreased estrogen is the problem.
When estrogen dominance has developed, a woman may suffer:
- Low libido
- Irritability and depression
- Breast tenderness
- Bloating
- Premenstrual headaches
- Excess weight in the midsection and hips
Thyroid Function and Hormonal Imbalance
We often discuss hormones and the ovaries during the years leading up to menopause. However, research demonstrates that thyroid function is also a factor in the presence of symptoms. A high percentage of women with hormonal imbalance also exhibit symptoms of hypothyroidism. These may include:
- Low energy
- Increased irritability and depression
- Poor quality sleep
- Mental fogginess
- Weight gain
These symptoms look very similar to those associated with estrogen dominance! This is because the two are intertwined. The issue is not necessarily that the thyroid has stopped functioning as it should. In fact, many women tested during perimenopause will exhibit normal thyroid function. What is happening is that the dominant estrogen blocks the thyroid hormone from delivering the goods to the rest of the body.
Age Management can Help
Age management encompasses the various symptoms that women address as they go through a very important life transition. Menopause (and perimenopause) need not be so disruptive. With the right help, it is possible to not only make it through this transition, but to thrive!
Learn more about hormone replacement therapy and age management tools. Schedule your consultation at Thin Centers MD.
Posted on June 30th, 2016
3 Ways to Use Coconut Oil
Coconut oil hit the popularity market a few years ago as a great way to give your body the healthy oils it needs without adding any sort of trans fats to your diet. And as something that is certainly not a fad, coconut oil can help not only with giving your body healthy fats but it can help with your hair and teeth as well. Read on to learn more about the wonders of coconut oil.
Hair Mask
If you have long hair and have noticed that you have more split-ends than you would like to admit, then your hair is likely suffering from dry damage caused by things like curling, straightening, and blow drying your hair. As a great and all-natural way to revitalize your hair and give it the moisture it needs, simply apply a small amount of coconut oil to the ends of your hair and let it sit there for around 10-20 minutes. Wash out with shampoo and conditioner in order to get the greasiness out.
Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic dental technique that involves placing about a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth, and then using your tongue to “pull” the oil through your teeth and around your mouth. With benefits such as naturally whitening your teeth and ridding your mouth of any sort of harmful bacteria, oil pulling is definitely something worth trying.
Cook With It
Unlike other oils like canola and vegetable oil that are filled with polyunsaturated fats, coconut oil contains medium chained fatty acids that are more easily digested by your body. Additionally, coconut oil is said to contain Lauric acid which has antibacterial and antiviral properties. By adding a bit of a sweet flavor to your food, coconut oil is also a great way to add a little more zest to your cooking while still remaining healthy.
As you can see, there are many great and unique benefits to coconut oil. Whether you choose to cook with it or use it on your hair, it won’t disappoint. To learn more about coconut oil and other health benefits, contact Thin Centers MD today!
Posted on May 15th, 2016
3 Reasons to Schedule a Facial
Here at Thin Centers MD, we offer several types of facials including hydrafacials and facial rejuvenation. As one of the best ways to restore your skin back to it’s natural healthy glow, facials also offer other great benefits that you might not be aware of. The next time you are debating whether or not to get a facial, vote “yes” for the following reasons.
- Hydrate
Just as your body can’t skip a day without having at least a small amount of water, your skin also shouldn’t miss out on staying hydrated. However, between the change of seasons and a busy schedule, the last thing you are likely to remember is to moisturize and hydrate your skin both morning and night. Luckily, during a hydrafacial at Thin Centers MD, you can help restore your skin and give it the moisture it needs to revitalize itself.
- Relax
If your life is like everybody else’s you likely have a large amount of stress that weighs you down. Whether it be work stress, family stress, money stress, or any other type of stress, it’s crucial that you take some time for yourself in order to take a deep breath and relax. As a great way to relax and rejuvenate, both hydrafacials and facial rejuvenations will give you the time-out that you need in order to recuperate. Plus, by using things like lavender oils, you can remain calm all day long and maybe even practice some deep breathing techniques throughout your day.
- Encourage Skin Renewal
During both a hydrafacial and facial rejuvenation, some type of exfoliating process will be used in order to rid your skin of dead cells and skin. Through exfoliation, old skin will be scrubbed away and the growth of new skin will be encouraged— leaving you with a smoother and glowier looking complexion.
As you can see, there are many benefits to scheduling a facial. From helping to hydrate your skin to helping you relax, these are three of the things to think about the next time you’re considering getting a facial. To learn more, contact Thin Centers MD!
Posted on April 30th, 2016
How to Turn Your Diet Into a Lifestyle
No matter where you turn it can seem like there’s a new diet fad— from green tea cleanses to protein diets, it can seem like there’s an up and coming diet wherever you look. However, as one of the pitfalls to many of these fad diets, people more often than not tend to get rid of the diet after a few weeks or months and end up gaining all of the weight back. If you are interested in a long-term lifestyle change, you need to learn how to turn your diet into part of your lifestyle. Read on to learn more.
Know Yourself
You more than anybody knows yourself. You know what your strengths are and you know what your weaknesses are. If you know that if someone brings doughnuts to the office that you’re going to have a hard time saying “No” then consider going on a diet that allows you to indulge in sweets every once in awhile. After all, by depriving your body of the things that you love most, you are more likely to fall off the wagon. Whereas if you participate in a diet program that has a little wiggle room, it will be easier for you to stick to. Know what your limits and expectations are before you go on a new diet.
Get a Support Team
It’s no fun to go to a hamburger joint with your friends only to see them ordering fries and milkshakes while you’re eating a salad without any sort of dressing on it. That’s why it’s important to try to find a support team. Whether you have your own family or live with friends/roommates, see if the people whom you spend most of your time with want to participate in the same diet with you. By not having things like cookies and chips tempting you from the pantry, you can help to stay on a better track towards success.
In order for you to live a healthy lifestyle in which you can keep extra weight off, you need a diet that is more than a diet; you need a diet that is a lifestyle. To learn more about choosing a diet for you, contact Thin Centers MD today!
Posted on April 15th, 2016
The Art of Laser Teeth Whitening
Do you ever look into the mirror or at a picture of yourself only to see a set of yellow teeth smiling back? Are you embarrassed to smile in photos because of the color of your teeth? Do you envy friends and family who have pearly whites? If you answered “Yes” to any of those questions then you are likely an ideal candidate for Thin Centers MD teeth whitening. Read on to learn more.
There are many different forms of teeth whitening including over-the-counter options like whitening strips and toothpastes, prescription strength whitening trays, and laser whitening options. Depending on the severity of your teeth discoloration will help you decide what kind of whitening treatment option is best for you. However, if you want white teeth quickly, then laser teeth whitening is a great option for you to choose.
Laser Teeth Whitening
Laser teeth whitening is an in-office whitening treatment. Here at Thin Centers MD we use The Beyond WhiteSpa laser system which involves getting patients whiter teeth in simple 20 minute sessions. The Beyond WhiteSpa laser system is so effective in fact, that your teeth can whiten 3-5 shades in just one session. Which means that if you have a big day coming up and would like to have whiter teeth, then The Beyond WhiteSpa laser is the perfect option that you’ve been looking for. After your first laser treatment, your teeth may feel a bit sensitive and sore but that should go away after a little while— if for any reason you experience extreme sensitivity afterwards, contact our office as soon as possible.
Once you have had laser teeth whitening done, it is recommended that you abstain from stain causing foods and beverages like coffee, black tea, and dark colored juices. Additionally, it is encouraged to drink lots of water after every meal in order to rid your teeth of any sort of stains that may occur due to the food you consumed.
If you are interested in laser whitening or if you would like to learn more about teeth whitening in general, contact our Thin Centers MD office today!
Posted on March 30th, 2016
The Truth Behind High Intensity Workouts
High intensity workouts hit the health and wellness market a few years ago with the emergence of exercise videos that would test every part of your body and strength. Designed to test you and your limits, high intensity workouts have remained popular and have proven to be effective for many people trying to lose weight. Read on to learn more about why Thin Center patients enjoy high intensity workouts.
- They Involve Your Own Strength
Depending on what type of high intensity workout you opt to do, many of them require the use of your own body in order to build muscles and strength— meaning that no weights or exercise equipment will be required of you. For instance, rather than using dumbbells in order to increase your muscle mass in your arms, high intensity workouts will have you rely on your own body with exercises like push-ups and arm lifts using a chair in your house. Not only does this type of strength training push your body to different limits but it can help protect yourself from injuries related to lifting too much weight.
- They Can Be Done Quickly
Another benefit to high intensity workouts? You don’t have to have a lot of time. In fact, exercises like the 7 minute workout are designed to give you a full body workout in just 7 minutes. The trick, however, is that you have to push your body to the absolute max for those 7 minutes without sitting down or taking breaks that are longer than around 30-45 seconds. It might sound easy at first, but once you give it a try you will notice that it’s a lot harder than you ever imagined.
- They Help Promote Weight Loss
One of the greatest benefit of high intensity workouts and with the help of Thin Centers, is that you can lose weight typically faster than if you were just participating in a regular workout routine. Because you are doing things like sprint exercises and are pushing your body to its absolute limits, you are burning more calories and storing less fat.
When it comes to getting thin faster, we at Thin Centers know the importance of trying new things like a high intensity workout. With several benefits listed above, these workouts will push you to your limits and help you to get thinner, faster. To learn more, contact our Thin Centers MD office today!
Posted on March 15th, 2016
How to Revitalize Your Hair this Winter
Winter can wreak havoc on virtually every part of your body. Not only are you typically eating more than usual, but your skin, nails, and hair are also getting damaged by the dryness in the air. If you are noticing that your hair is more dry and brittle than normal, it’s probably due to the cold weather and harsh winter winds. To help revitalize your hair and get it back to the healthy state it once was in, try these tips.
- Coconut Oil
Coconut oil can do wonders for your hair and skin— moisturizing it in ways you never knew possible. By helping to trap moisture into your hair, coconut oil will help to moisturize your dry ends and hopefully get your hair back to normal. Simply take a small amount of coconut oil and comb it through damp hair— focusing on the ends and avoiding your scalp. Leave the moisture on your hair for about 20 minutes. Shampoo and condition the coconut oil out of your hair. Repeat this process about twice a week. - Avoid the Heat
Nobody likes to go outside on a cold day with wet hair, but your hair hates being treated with heat tools like a blow dryer, curling iron, and hair straightener even more. To avoid having to use a hair dryer, try washing your hair at night and letting it air dry— that way you don’t have to go outside with wet hair and you’re still protecting your hair from that unwanted and detrimental heat. - Wash Every Other Day
Dry shampoos have made it big over the past couple of years— giving people the ability to only wash their hair a few times a week without looking greasy and unkempt. Because shampoos strip your hair of its natural oils, they can also cause your hair to dry out and become brittle. However, by washing your hair every two to three days, you can help to protect your hair from further damage caused by shampoo.
Give your hair back the moisture it deserves by following the tips above. To learn more about hair revitalization or to schedule an appointment, contact Thin Centers today!
Posted on February 28th, 2016
How to Maintain Your Sex Drive As You Age
Having a healthy sex drive isn’t just a necessary part of any relationship but it can also give you the energy that you need in order to live a properly fulfilled life. However, as you age you might not only find that you aren’t able to do things like exercise the way you once used to, but you may also find that your sex drive has also started to plummet. However, by following the tips below, you can help to either maintain or increase your sex drive.
1. Eating Right
Did you know that a healthy diet affects more than just your heart and waistline? A healthy diet can also increase your sex drive. To increase your libido, try to eat a diet enriched with the following foods:
• Strawberries
• Avocados
• Almonds
• Sweet Potatoes
• Sesame Seeds
2. Getting the Right Amount of Rest
The last thing you will likely feel like doing when your body is so exhausted and drained is having sex. However, by giving your body the rest it needs in order to recuperate every night (at least 8 hours) you can help to get the energy and excitement needed to have more sex, more often.
3. Exercise
It’s no secret that exercise gives you endorphins and so does sex. However, by frequently working out and releasing those endorphins, your body is more inclined to want to have sex in frequent and healthy doses. This isn’t to say that the more you work out, the more of a guaranteed sexual appetite you will have, but it does play a factor.
As an added suggestion, try exercising with your significant other. By getting hot and sweaty at the gym together, you can bring that same emotion into your bedroom afterwards.
It’s true what they say, as soon as your sex drive goes, the more likely your personal relationship is to fail. However, as you age you don’t have to give up on that intimacy with your significant other. By eating right, getting the right amount of rest, and exercising frequently, you can help to either maintain or increase your libido. To learn more about healthy living or to speak to an expert, contact Thin Centers today!
Posted on February 15th, 2016
Reverse the Effects of Aging with Venus Freeze
In your teens and twenties, the last thing you likely thought about while spending long days with friends at the beach is the sun damage you were causing to your skin. However, the older you get, the more sun damage you will start to notice— leaving you regretting not putting the tanning oil down and putting on layers of sunscreen instead. If you are noticing sun damage, the loss of elasticity, and even fine lines and wrinkles caused by sun damage, you are not alone. However, there is a laser treatment that can help you.
What is Venus Freeze?
Through a thermal magnetic skin rejuvenation process, Venus Freeze reverses the signs of aging by reducing wrinkles, tightening the skin, and reducing cellulite. Used to treat the neck, face, arms, abdomen, back, and thighs, Venus Freeze is a treatment that you can use virtually all over your body.
How does Venus Freeze work?
Venus Freeze uses multi-polar frequency and Pulsed magnetic fields which therapeutically heat the skin. The multi-polar frequency stimulates the body’s natural healing response which helps to stimulate the production of collagen which aids in skin tightening and wrinkle reduction. Plus, Venus Freeze’s technology can even be used to treat cellulite by tightening the skin around the targeted areas.
What to Expect from Venus Freeze
Luckily, Venus Freeze is a non-invasive and pain free process that allows patients to be in and out of the doctor’s office in no time. Each treatment only take around 30-40 minutes and patients will start to see results as treatments progress. Depending on the area you are targeting will depend on how many treatments you will need. For instance, according to Venustreatments.com, patients who are targeting their face will need a minimum of 6 treatments, 8 on the neck and 10 on the body.
To learn more about the art of Venus Freeze or to schedule an appointment, contact our office today and one of our professionals will be able to assist you.
Posted on January 30th, 2016
