How Spas Can Help With Weight Loss
Get Ready for the Holidays with Treatments, Therapies and Tips
Nov 4, 2008
Diet and exercise are the key steps in any weight loss program. In starting a diet it’s important to focus on self-care rather than regarding dieting as a form of punishment. Treating your body to a relaxing massage, an invigorating facial or a special pedicure sends positive, pleasurable signals to your brain. These enticing signals help reinforce your dietary goals while enhancing your feelings of self worth. Spa treatments and therapies are a perfect way to improve overall wellbeing. Besides the physical benefits they provide, spa treatments provide psychological support and help keep dieters focused and motivated.
Self-Care – A Positive Experience
While diets are often associated with deprivation, a good diet should be a positive rather than a negative experience. A nutrient-rich diet provides your body’s cells with:
- A wide variety of nutrients, especially diets based on a rainbow of fruits and vegetables
- Antioxidants that reduce oxidative stress
- A healthy balance of omega-3 and omega-6 oils to facilitate weight loss
- Adequate but not excess protein
Consuming nutrient-rich foods and avoiding processed and fast foods are essential steps for maintaining a healthy immune system and overall good health. In terms of improving health, following a healthy diet is one of the simplest changes health consumers can make. Spas, with their many therapies and treatments, holistic programs, and educational resources, serve as spokes on the wheel leading to good health. In addition, some spas employ nutritionists available to offer dietary advice, chefs that instruct guests on ways to create healthy cuisine, and trainers that coach guests in exercise and fitness classes.
Detoxification
Certain spa treatments and procedures, such as seaweed and other plant-based body wraps and mud baths, detoxify the body and flush away toxins. By ridding the body of excess fluid and cellular debris, body wraps can cause a temporary weight loss. The resulting weight loss complements dietary efforts and helps tone and firm the skin. These subtle changes can also promote well being.
Mineral Waters
Spas have traditionally offered several forms of hydrotherapy with many spas taking advantage of local mineral springs or imported mineral water for these therapies. Hydrotherapy treatments, including saunas and hot tubs, have long been used to reduce symptoms of rheumatism, neuritis, neuralgia, gout, arthritic pain, gynecological problems, depression, and metabolic disturbances. By inducing feelings of relaxation and relieving pain, hydrotherapy treatments increase overall well being and motivate spa guests to meet their weight loss goals.
Besides hydrotherapy soaks, it’s important to drink mineral water to help correct nutrient deficiencies, facilitate detoxification, and prevent dehydration.
Long-term Goals
While the benefits of a body wrap may be temporary, a series of treatments can be more effective. A weekly body wrap can be a strong motivator, especially if it significantly enhances the effects of a healthy diet.
A Holistic Approach
Diets are an important step in any health and wellness program. Diets are also an important component in therapeutic regimens designed for specific illnesses. A healthy diet along with a moderate exercise program are essential steps in any protocol designed to enhance health and beauty.
