Why Breakfast Really Is The Most Important Meal Of The Day
Remember when you were a kid, and everyone was on your case about breakfast being the most important meal of the day? Turns out, they were onto something! Fast forward to today, and science backs it up: eating breakfast sets your hormones straight and, believe it or not, even helps with weight management. So, if you’ve been skipping breakfast, consider this your wake-up call. Here’s why starting your day with breakfast is more than just a childhood rule; it’s a health hack that’ll keep your hormones happy and help you lose weight naturally. Breakfast and Hormones: Why Timing Matters Your body’s natural hormonal rhythm is a lot like a finely tuned orchestra, and breakfast is the conductor. If you skip breakfast, you’re messing with that rhythm—especially with cortisol and leptin, two major players in hunger and energy balance. Cortisol: Cortisol, the hormone that wakes you up, is naturally higher in the morning. Think of it as nature’s alarm clock, helping you get up and moving. But when you don’t eat within a couple of hours of waking, cortisol stays elevated, which can make you feel stressed, scattered, and actually make your body hold onto fat. Leptin: This is the hormone that tells your brain, “Hey, I’m full!” When you skip breakfast, your leptin levels can take a hit. Result? Your hunger cues are all off, and your brain keeps craving food throughout the day. Skipping breakfast throws off both these hormones and sets up a cascade of issues like energy crashes, increased cravings, and even trouble losing weight. So if you’re serious about feeling energized and in control of your cravings, start with breakfast within two hours of waking. Breakfast as Your Weight-Loss Ally Wait—eating more can help you lose weight? Absolutely! When you eat breakfast, you’re signaling to your body that it can start burning energy because there’s more fuel on the way. Skipping breakfast, on the other hand, makes your body feel like it’s in survival mode. Instead of burning calories, it slows your metabolism to conserve energy, which can lead to weight gain over time. Here’s where breakfast’s magic really shines Studies show that people who regularly eat breakfast are more likely to manage their weight effectively. By starting your day with food, you’re giving your body the message that it’s okay to burn energy rather than store it. Not Hungry in the Morning? Try a Protein Shake! If the thought of eggs or oatmeal sounds like a chore first thing, don’t worry—protein shakes are a fantastic option. But there’s a catch: not all protein shakes are created equal. To truly act as a meal replacement, your shake needs to be more than just a scoop of protein powder. Look for a shake that has: Vitamins: Breakfast is your first chance to give your body the nutrients it needs. Choose a shake with vitamins like B12, vitamin D, and magnesium to help with energy and focus. Minerals: Calcium, potassium, and iron aren’t just nice extras—they’re essentials. A shake with these nutrients supports muscle function and energy levels. Amino Acids: Protein shakes with amino acids are a win. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, helping your body repair and grow muscle tissue while keeping you feeling full and satisfied. The Breakfast Habit: Start Small, Feel Big Changes If breakfast feels like a struggle, don’t force yourself to dive into a huge meal. Start small—a piece of fruit or half a protein shake can do wonders. Once you start eating earlier in the day, you’ll likely find yourself feeling more energized, less snacky, and, yes, even more in control of your weight. Beyond Breakfast: Your Health Journey with Solaris Whole Health Breakfast is just the tip of the iceberg! At Solaris Whole Health, we look beyond quick fixes and tap into functional wellness through targeted testing, supplements, and lifestyle adjustments. Our goal is to help you reach optimal health, feel your best, and create a lifestyle you love—without all the yo-yo back and forth. If you’re ready to explore a personalized approach to wellness, let’s chat! [Click here] to schedule your FREE online or phone consultation with Stephanie Solaris, and discover how Solaris Whole Health can support you on your journey to feeling amazing and living your best life!
Hormone Health: The Importance of Addressing Imbalances
Hormonal imbalances, increasingly recognized in both women and men, can have significant impacts on health. While these imbalances may not always be immediately visible, they can lead to a range of serious issues if left untreated. Understanding the role of hormones and the risks of ignoring imbalances is crucial for maintaining overall well-being. Understanding Hormones Hormones are chemical messengers produced by the endocrine system that regulate numerous bodily functions, including metabolism, sleep, appetite, mood, stress levels, reproductive health, and heart rate. When hormone levels are out of balance, they can disrupt these essential processes, leading to various symptoms. What Is Hormonal Imbalance? Hormonal imbalances occur when there is either an excess or deficiency of specific hormones. Symptoms can include: Weight Issues: Unexplained weight gain or loss. Sleep Problems: Insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns. Headaches: Frequent or severe headaches and migraines. Digestive Issues: Bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or other gut problems. Persistent Fatigue: Feeling tired all the time, despite adequate rest. Cognitive Issues: Foggy memory or difficulty concentrating. Emotional Symptoms: Mood swings, irritability, or anxiety. These symptoms are often overlooked or misattributed to other causes, which can delay necessary treatment. Hormonal Imbalances Throughout Life Hormonal imbalances can affect individuals differently at various life stages: In Your 20s: Young adults may experience imbalances due to stress, poor diet, or conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women, with symptoms like irregular periods, acne, and mood swings. Men may notice fluctuations in energy levels or libido. In Your 30s: Stress and lifestyle factors can impact hormonal balance. Women might experience worsening PMS or early signs of perimenopause, while men may see a gradual decline in testosterone levels, affecting mood and energy. In Your 40s: Women often enter perimenopause, experiencing irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, and sleep disturbances. Men may face a more pronounced decline in testosterone, leading to reduced libido, fatigue, and decreased muscle strength. In Your 50s and 60s: Women typically experience menopause, with symptoms including severe hot flashes, weight gain, and increased risk of osteoporosis. Men may continue to deal with low testosterone levels, impacting overall health. Both genders face heightened risks of chronic conditions related to hormonal imbalances. The Risks of Untreated Hormonal Imbalances Untreated hormonal imbalances can indicate serious underlying health issues, such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, or tumors. For women, imbalances might signal ovarian cancer or early menopause, while men could face prostate cancer or other health concerns. Addressing these imbalances promptly is crucial to preventing more severe health problems. How Solaris Whole Health Can Help At Solaris Whole Health, we offer a unique and comprehensive approach to addressing hormonal imbalances. What sets us apart is our collaborative approach with your current healthcare providers. By integrating our expertise with your existing medical care, we ensure a cohesive strategy that addresses your overall health, lifestyle, and symptoms. Our holistic approach is designed to restore balance and help you return to being the best version of yourself. Contact us today by clicking here to learn more about how our personalized care can support your journey to optimal health and vitality.
Whole Health and the Skinny Shot Boom – Buyer Beware
In recent years, skinny shots have taken the weight loss world by storm. These injections promise quick and effective weight loss, but what exactly are they? What Are Skinny Shots? Skinny shots come in various forms, including semaglutide (marketed as Ozempic, Wegovy and ZepBound), Lipotropic Injections, B12 Injections, and HCG Injections. Each type has its unique properties and benefits, but they all share a common goal: aiding in weight loss by suppressing appetite and boosting metabolism. Types of Skinny Shots Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, ZepBound): These GLP-1 receptor agonists work by mimicking a hormone (glucagon-like-peptide-1) that helps the body use food as energy, regulates blood sugar levels, and targets the brain’s appetite regulation areas, making you feel fuller longer. Lipotropic Injections: These contain a mix of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that promote short term fat breakdown and metabolism. B12 Injections: These shots boost short term, 1-3 day, energy levels and metabolism, which can support short term weight loss efforts by improving energy so you can do more. HCG Injections: Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) injections claim to help lose fat while preserving muscle mass. Pros and Cons of Skinny Shots Pros Appetite Suppression: Many of these injections help reduce hunger, making it easier to stick to a calorie deficit. Metabolic Boost: Some shots, like Lipotropic and B12, enhance metabolism, helping your body burn more calories. Energy Levels: B12 injections can increase energy, which might improve exercise performance and overall activity levels. Cons Side Effects: These can include nausea, diarrhea, headaches, constipation, heartburn and potential allergic reactions. Appetite Suppression: reducing hunger does not necessarily mean reducing cravings for unhealthy foods. It simply means you get full faster. That said, you may still crave cookies, chips or wine, just have less of it. Decreasing its effectiveness for fat loss and increasing the effects of muscle loss (becoming a fat – skinny person). Temporary Solution: Skinny shots don’t address underlying health issues or promote sustainable lifestyle changes. Risk of Buying Online: Purchasing injections online or using generic versions can be dangerous due to the lack of regulation and potential for contamination. Dependency: Relying on injections without making lifestyle changes can lead to weight regain once the injections are stopped. The Importance of Professional Guidance Using skinny shots without the guidance of a professional weight loss expert can be risky and ineffective in the long term. Here’s why: Side Effects and Risks Skinny shots can have several side effects. Semaglutide, for example, may cause nausea, vomiting, constipation, heartburn, and even pancreatitis in severe cases. Lipotropic injections can lead to allergic reactions, and HCG injections have been associated with a variety of health risks, including ovarian hyperstimulation in women. The dangers of buying these injections online are even greater. Without regulation, you could be purchasing contaminated or improperly dosed products, leading to serious health issues. The Illusion of a Magic Fix While skinny shots can help you lose weight by slowing gastric flow and making you feel fuller, they are not a magic fix. We’ve all experienced the cycle: lose weight, get down 20 pounds, and still struggle with cravings, poor sleep, stress and other symptoms. Without addressing these underlying issues, weight loss is rarely sustainable. Feeling full doesn’t eliminate cravings, improve sleep, or resolve other health issues like hot flashes. You might still find yourself reaching for potato chips, drinking multiple cups of coffee, or craving that glass of wine or three at night. The drug does its job, but if your lifestyle choices don’t change, the weight loss won’t be permanent, and you could gain it all back—or even more. Doing It Right: The Whole Health Approach To achieve lasting results, it’s essential to prep, get tested, and make necessary lifestyle adjustments before taking the shot. This means: Comprehensive Health Testing: Understanding your body’s specific needs and any underlying health issues. Healthy Diet and Nutrition: Adopting a balanced diet rich in nutrients to support overall health and weight loss. Lifestyle Changes: Reducing stress, improving sleep quality, and eliminating unhealthy habits like smoking and drinking. Stress Management: Incorporating techniques to manage stress effectively, as chronic stress can hinder weight loss efforts. Sleep Quality: Ensuring adequate and restful sleep to support metabolism and overall health. Take my FREE Stress Less Sleep More Quiz to learn what do your stress and sleep habits say about you? Regular Exercise: Incorporating physical activity to boost metabolism and maintain muscle mass. How Solaris Whole Health Can Help At Solaris Whole Health, we support you every step of the way. Our Solaris Personal Transformation program, available in 6 or 12-month options, is designed specifically to meet your health goals before, during, and after you start your skinny shots. Work 1-on-1 with Stephanie Solaris and her team to address and improve areas such as stress management, hormone imbalances, chronic illness, digestion, fatigue, allergies, weight gain, and menopause. We collaborate with your doctor to ensure a holistic approach to your weight loss journey. Our program includes: Preparation: Thorough health assessments and personalized plans before you start taking skinny shots. Ongoing Support: Regular check-ins and adjustments to your plan as needed. Sustainable Health: Focusing on whole health to ensure you not only lose weight but also maintain it and improve your overall well-being. Solaris Whole Health programs are science-based lifestyle and nutrition plans, designed specifically for you to achieve ultimate success. You can’t lose weight if you don’t feel great. By addressing all aspects of your health, we help you achieve real, lasting results. Trust Solaris Whole Health to guide you through your weight loss journey with a comprehensive, balanced approach. Solaris Whole Health is dedicated to helping you achieve your weight loss goals the right way. Contact us today by clicking here to learn more about our comprehensive weight loss programs. Or schedule your FREE 30 minute consultation with Stephanie Solaris right away by clicking here.
Whole Health and the Skinny Shot Boom – Buyer Beware
In recent years, skinny shots have taken the weight loss world by storm. These injections promise quick and effective weight loss, but what exactly are they? What Are Skinny Shots? Skinny shots come in various forms, including semaglutide (marketed as Ozempic, Wegovy and ZepBound), Lipotropic Injections, B12 Injections, and HCG Injections. Each type has its unique properties and benefits, but they all share a common goal: aiding in weight loss by suppressing appetite and boosting metabolism. Types of Skinny Shots Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, ZepBound): These GLP-1 receptor agonists work by mimicking a hormone (glucagon-like-peptide-1) that helps the body use food as energy, regulates blood sugar levels, and targets the brain’s appetite regulation areas, making you feel fuller longer. Lipotropic Injections: These contain a mix of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that promote short term fat breakdown and metabolism. B12 Injections: These shots boost short term, 1-3 day, energy levels and metabolism, which can support short term weight loss efforts by improving energy so you can do more. HCG Injections: Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) injections claim to help lose fat while preserving muscle mass. Pros and Cons of Skinny Shots Pros Appetite Suppression: Many of these injections help reduce hunger, making it easier to stick to a calorie deficit. Metabolic Boost: Some shots, like Lipotropic and B12, enhance metabolism, helping your body burn more calories. Energy Levels: B12 injections can increase energy, which might improve exercise performance and overall activity levels. Cons Side Effects: These can include nausea, diarrhea, headaches, constipation, heartburn and potential allergic reactions. Appetite Suppression: reducing hunger does not necessarily mean reducing cravings for unhealthy foods. It simply means you get full faster. That said, you may still crave cookies, chips or wine, just have less of it. Decreasing its effectiveness for fat loss and increasing the effects of muscle loss (becoming a fat – skinny person). Temporary Solution: Skinny shots don’t address underlying health issues or promote sustainable lifestyle changes. Risk of Buying Online: Purchasing injections online or using generic versions can be dangerous due to the lack of regulation and potential for contamination. Dependency: Relying on injections without making lifestyle changes can lead to weight regain once the injections are stopped. The Importance of Professional Guidance Using skinny shots without the guidance of a professional weight loss expert can be risky and ineffective in the long term. Here’s why: Side Effects and Risks Skinny shots can have several side effects. Semaglutide, for example, may cause nausea, vomiting, constipation, heartburn, and even pancreatitis in severe cases. Lipotropic injections can lead to allergic reactions, and HCG injections have been associated with a variety of health risks, including ovarian hyperstimulation in women. The dangers of buying these injections online are even greater. Without regulation, you could be purchasing contaminated or improperly dosed products, leading to serious health issues. The Illusion of a Magic Fix While skinny shots can help you lose weight by slowing gastric flow and making you feel fuller, they are not a magic fix. We’ve all experienced the cycle: lose weight, get down 20 pounds, and still struggle with cravings, poor sleep, stress and other symptoms. Without addressing these underlying issues, weight loss is rarely sustainable. Feeling full doesn’t eliminate cravings, improve sleep, or resolve other health issues like hot flashes. You might still find yourself reaching for potato chips, drinking multiple cups of coffee, or craving that glass of wine or three at night. The drug does its job, but if your lifestyle choices don’t change, the weight loss won’t be permanent, and you could gain it all back—or even more. Doing It Right: The Whole Health Approach To achieve lasting results, it’s essential to prep, get tested, and make necessary lifestyle adjustments before taking the shot. This means: Comprehensive Health Testing: Understanding your body’s specific needs and any underlying health issues. Healthy Diet and Nutrition: Adopting a balanced diet rich in nutrients to support overall health and weight loss. Lifestyle Changes: Reducing stress, improving sleep quality, and eliminating unhealthy habits like smoking and drinking. Stress Management: Incorporating techniques to manage stress effectively, as chronic stress can hinder weight loss efforts. Sleep Quality: Ensuring adequate and restful sleep to support metabolism and overall health. Take my FREE Stress Less Sleep More Quiz to learn what do your stress and sleep habits say about you? Regular Exercise: Incorporating physical activity to boost metabolism and maintain muscle mass. How Solaris Whole Health Can Help At Solaris Whole Health, we support you every step of the way. Our Solaris Personal Transformation program, available in 6 or 12-month options, is designed specifically to meet your health goals before, during, and after you start your skinny shots. Work 1-on-1 with Stephanie Solaris and her team to address and improve areas such as stress management, hormone imbalances, chronic illness, digestion, fatigue, allergies, weight gain, and menopause. We collaborate with your doctor to ensure a holistic approach to your weight loss journey. Our program includes: Preparation: Thorough health assessments and personalized plans before you start taking skinny shots. Ongoing Support: Regular check-ins and adjustments to your plan as needed. Sustainable Health: Focusing on whole health to ensure you not only lose weight but also maintain it and improve your overall well-being. Solaris Whole Health programs are science-based lifestyle and nutrition plans, designed specifically for you to achieve ultimate success. You can’t lose weight if you don’t feel great. By addressing all aspects of your health, we help you achieve real, lasting results. Trust Solaris Whole Health to guide you through your weight loss journey with a comprehensive, balanced approach. Solaris Whole Health is dedicated to helping you achieve your weight loss goals the right way. Contact us today by clicking here to learn more about our comprehensive weight loss programs. Or schedule your FREE 30 minute consultation with Stephanie Solaris right away by clicking here.
13 Different Ways to Detox Naturally: The Solaris Whole Health Way
With so much buzz these days about doing a detox program or cleanse, it’s hard to know what route is best. There are so many fad nutrition and lifestyle programs out there that you might already feel stressed just considering which one to choose. In today’s fast-paced world, the last thing you want is for a detox to put additional stress on you. The good news is that a comprehensive whole-body program and nutritional supplements will do just the opposite. This article provides information about the best natural ways to safely and effectively detox. We’ll also explain why the Solaris Whole Health approach of using functional medicine is the most effective. 13 Different Ways to Detox: The Solaris Whole Health Way For a whole-body reset to be effective, it’s essential to identify and clear not only toxic materials, but also toxic triggers, thoughts, and emotions. Many approaches can be effective in activating and mobilizing the removal of toxins. However, they are not always easy to follow. The following 13 methods can easily be incorporated into your personalized diet plan to help you effectively reset your mind and body. Reduce Toxic Exposure According to research, over 80,000 chemicals are approved for use in the US. Many of these are known endocrine disrupters and obesogens. They interfere with hormonal balance and can cause weight gain or an inability to lose weight. To reduce toxic exposure and support detox, follow these three simple tips: Avoid unnecessary medications. Use glass instead of plastic in your kitchen. Opt for natural and organic cosmetic, personal hygiene, and household cleaning products. Check out this article for more ways to avoid toxic chemicals, and the EWG’s Dirty Dozen Endocrine Disrupters. Go Organic While certain environmental toxins can be harder to avoid (such as those in the air), you have choices around the foods you consume. Conventional foods that use pesticides and herbicides can increase the body’s toxic load. Those particularly susceptible to the dangers of food chemicals include children, pregnant and nursing mothers, and women of childbearing age. To greatly minimize exposure to toxic foods, buy organic as often as possible. If you need to pick and choose due to cost, check out the Environmental Working Group’s dirty dozen list to learn which fruits and vegetables are most important to buy organic and which are somewhat less toxic. z Real foods from nature that are not processed contain nutrients, antioxidants, enzymes and phytochemicals that naturally support all phases of detoxification. At Solaris Whole Health, we aim to help you work smarter-not harder-when it comes to detox and your health. For this reason, many of our clients have found great success with the SOLFUEL Clear Cleansing System® , as it features a whole foods-based meal replacement and dietary supplements that are concentrated with specific macro and micronutrients to make your detox highly effective and efficient. Here are some key highlights of our formula: Contains targeted multivitamin blend from whole foods to fuel liver enzyme systems Features 18 grams of easy-to-digest non-GMO pea protein Provides high-quality antioxidants and fiber from superfoods to promote digestive cleansing Contains protease enzymes to assist with protein absorption and healthy digestion Eliminate Regularly Daily bowel movements are foundational for proper detox. If you’re not eliminating regularly, then the body isn’t able to get rid of toxins. This can produce dangerous free radicals that lead to systemic inflammation and even tissue damage. It also means that endotoxins (a bacterial toxin that lives inside of cells) can get reabsorbed in the gut. If you’re not going to the bathroom every day despite eating a clean diet, taking dietary nutritional supplements, and staying well-hydrated, then you might need to work with a functional medicine practitioner to get to the root cause of your constipation. Activate Detox Pathways An effective detox plan includes foods and vitamin supplements that activate phase I and phase II liver detox. You can accomplish this to a certain extent with just whole foods. However, using vitamin and nutritional supplements that offer detox-activating nutrients in therapeutic doses can be extremely beneficial. At Solaris Whole Health, we use SOLFUEL Cleansing System® to support phases I and II liver detox. We place emphasis on phase II, as this tends to be sluggish in many people. Activating phase I detox without supporting phase II can lead you down a dangerous road. Check out this article for more information on this important topic. Dry Skin Brush The practice of dry skin brushing is an incredible way to support detoxification pathways in the body. It doubles as a great self-care technique. By brushing away dead skin cells, your skin becomes brighter, plumper and more toned. It also supports the body’s lymphatic system, meaning you’ll have a healthier immune system. Check out this resource for a step-by-step guide on how get started. Stay Well Hydrated The importance of hydration for detoxification and overall health can’t be understated. Water supports the kidneys and helps to flush toxins out of the body via digestion, urination and perspiration. Drink a minimum of half of your body weight (in pounds) in ounces of water every day. Gentle Movement A detox isn’t the time for strenuous or intense forms of exercise, but it is a perfect opportunity for gentle movement. A detox is also a unique chance to redefine your relationship with exercise. Remember that the human body was meant to move in many ways, so choose activities that bring you joy. This might be dance, walking, restorative yoga and stretching, meditative movement techniques like Qigong or taking a family hike. Here are 10 detoxifying yoga postures that can be a relaxing compliment to your detox. Practice Relaxation Techniques Studies show that meditation lowers inflammation caused by stress, along with a myriad of other incredible physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health benefits. Choose a relaxation technique that speaks to you, such as meditation, simple deep breathing (like box breathing), gentle yoga, Qigong, Tai Chi, walking in nature or time with friends. Self-care and stress management
What is Detoxification and Why Do You Need It?
Living in today’s fast-paced world can build up toxins in our body and mind without even knowing it that can manifest into brain fog, sluggishness and that uncomfortable muffin top. Simple sneaky short cuts that creep in to get through the day like skipping meals, a cookie here, glass of wine there, mid afternoon coffee, and late nights are just some of the things that throw our body off course. Repeated daily, these little bad habits create bigger challenges where we find ourselves feeling worse not better. Incorporating a detox program into your routine can be a transformative step towards reclaiming your well-being. Let’s delve into the world of detoxification and explore its myriad benefits. What is Detoxification and Why Do You Need It? The stress of today’s unnaturally fast-paced society makes healthy choices feel impossible. Preparing balanced meals, sleeping eight hours a night, exercising daily, and practicing self-care is hard to squeeze in. A detox program is a great way to reset your mind and body to help motivate you to make simple lifelong changes. Here’s what you need to know about detoxification and cleansing at Solaris Whole Health, and how it can help jump start healthier habits. What is a Detox? Most people think of a detox diet as a restrictive fad diet that you do for a short time before returning to unhealthy habits. While certain components of a detox plan can be temporary, it’s important to consider a detox as a fresh start. A detox is a unique opportunity to redefine your relationship with food, movement, stress management, and more. It’s a chance to de-stress, get back to the basics, turn inward and put yourself first. At Solaris Whole Health, we think of a detox as a reset for the mind, body, and spirit. Supporting your body’s natural detoxification processes involves not only targeted foods and supplements, but also encompasses rest, stress management, self-love, and acceptance. It encourages you to practice and adopt tools that you’ll incorporate into your life once the detox ends. What Does Detoxification Mean? Detoxification refers to a natural set of reactions run by your liver. The liver is our biggest fat burning organ. Detoxing also involves the colon, kidneys, skin, and lungs. A detox helps the body process and prepare to expel chemical compounds and heavy metals that are harmful. These toxins can come from many sources in our modern-day world, such as pesticides, plastics, personal hygiene products, cleaning supplies, and more. An accumulation of toxins over time burdens the liver and can lead to a host of health problems, such as weight gain and chronic diseases. Similar to all aspects of health and wellness, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to detoxification. At Solaris Whole Health, we pride ourselves on taking a functional medicine approach. We look at your biochemical individuality, genetics, lifestyle, stress, sleep, diet, and other personalized factors that impact detoxification. Detoxification the Solaris Whole Health Way Stress can come in many forms. We specialize in chronic stress for supporting detoxification and optimal health. Many people are surprised to learn that exposure to toxins is a major form of physical stress placed on the body. The liver is forced to work overtime and struggles under an increased toxic load. This type of stress can manifest. It causes chronic inflammation and prevents your body from being able to heal itself. The inability to effectively detox can have ripple effects on other body systems, such as the thyroid, gut, adrenals, brain, hormones, and more. These negative effects can be typical when people embark on 1,3 and 7 days quick fix liquid or short term detoxing gimmicks. For this reason, our detox and cleansing program at Solaris Whole Health encompasses a whole-body and individualized approach. It includes nutrition and gentle movement and also hones in on supplementation, sleep, and stress management. We strive to encourage supportive practices, such as journaling, therapeutic baths, sleep hygiene practices, and skin brushing to complement detoxification and promote self-care. In addition, we put particular emphasis on phase two detoxification, which is the phase that attaches to and neutralizes toxins and other molecules in preparation for them to leave your body. Mind-Body Detox Detoxification is not only about releasing physical toxins that burden the liver. It also encompasses emotional and spiritual toxins that can profoundly slow down chemical reactions. Along with medications, alcohol, toxic foods, and other tangible sources of toxins, our emotional and spiritual well-being is just as important a piece of the detox puzzle. Solaris Whole Health’s approach to detoxification is where science and lifestyle meet. We work hand in hand with you to find doable and highly effective detoxification approaches and solutions and get to the root problems that might be underlying why you aren’t feeling your absolute best. The solution might not be overnight. However, a gentle detox program is the beautiful start of a process that encompasses education, tools, and practice to last a lifetime. Experience the Solaris Difference Introducing the 28-Day Clear Cleanse and Detox at Solaris Whole Health At Solaris Whole Health, we understand the importance of detoxification in promoting overall well-being. That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce our 28-Day Clear Cleanse . The 28-Day Clear Cleanse and Detox is more than just a detox program; it’s a holistic journey toward rejuvenation. It not only purifies your body but also revitalizes your energy and emotional well-being. This transformative experience isn’t about quick fixes; it’s about sustainable change. Through the program, you’ll learn how to maintain your newfound vitality long after the cleanse ends. If you’ve been feeling trapped in unhealthy patterns like excessive screen time or poor dietary choices, this cleanse provides the tools to break free. It’s an opportunity to replace toxic habits with ones that support your wellness journey. Whether you’re struggling with brain fog, insomnia, fatigue, mood swings,
Scale Weight is a Lie : Top 5 Reasons Why Body Composition is Important When Trying to Lose weight or Bulk Up
Our body weight is the ‘sum of our parts’; muscle, fat, dry bone/ligaments, water etc. It goes without saying if you go down in weight on the scale and you lose muscle, not fat, you may think you’re making progress however what is really happening is your metabolism is shutting down, meaning your bodies ability to burn fat is decreasing. Leaving you wondering why the weight came back on so quickly! You may be asking yourself, ” I’ve tried many weight loss programs before but they never last!” There are many reasons for this as you can imagine. What type of weight was lost as a result of your nutrition plan (water, muscle, fat) , where it was lost (limbs, abdominal cavity), hormone imbalances, stresses in life causing old lifestyle habits to return, sleep cycles to name a few. Here we’ll focus on nutrition and its effect on body composition. 1. Is it true that to lose weight, I have to eat fewer calories than my body uses? Not necessarily. Did you know that participants who attended Weight Watchers for 12 weeks lost an average of 5 percent of their bodyweight, or about nine pounds. However, Steve Ball, assistant professor of exercise physiology in the MU College of Human Environmental Sciences, found that a large percentage of the lost weight was lean tissue (muscle) and not fat. “Participants’ body fat percentage did not improve at all because they lost a much higher percentage than expected of lean tissue (muscle),†said Ball, MU Extension state fitness specialist.“It is advantageous to keep lean tissue because it is correlated with higher metabolism. Losing lean tissue often slows metabolism.â€Â What your body is made of is more important than what you weigh. 2. Is it true that I grow muscle when I work out? Technically no. You actually shred or tear down your muscles during a good workout. Your muscle grows back stronger, firmer and bigger with the quality food you eat (lean protein and complex carbohydrates) post workout and while your resting and repairing during a good night’s sleep. Your body releases its biggest surge of growth hormone during REM sleep. If you have ample amounts of protein in your system, you’ll take full advantage of the spike and make greater muscle gains. Also, your muscles will soak up protein through the night, so you won’t go into“hunger†mode (where your body can breakdown muscle) as quickly.The more muscle mass you have the higher your basal metabolic rate (BMR), which is your ability to burn calories at rest. 3. I have a scale at home that tells me my fat % however sometimes I get on the scale and my weight can go up 1-3 lbs in a day when I’m doing all the right things,why!? While they are a relatively cheap option, home scales that measure fat % are notoriously unreliable. Take a huge drink of water and watch your percentage change by up to 10 percent. 4. So how do I find out if what I am doing is helping me lose fat and maintain or grow muscle? At Solaris Whole Health we use BIA or bioelectrical impedance analysis. BIA is a method of assessing your “body composition†– the measurement of body fat in relation to lean body mass or muscle. It is integral part of our 60 point nutritional exam and health assessment. BIA fosters early detection of an imbalance in your body composition, which allows for earlier intervention and prevention. We measure client’s progress at each session to optimize their weight loss efforts and overall energy and vitality. Improving your BIA measurement, or maintaining a healthy BIA measurement, can also help keep your body functioning properly for healthy aging and reduced risk to illness. With your BIA results, we recommend personalized dietary plans, nutritional supplements, and exercise to help you support optimal health and well being for a lifetime. 5. How accurate are BIA body composition measurements? Over 100 independent studies, conducted by researchers over the past 20 years,have demonstrated that bioelectrical impedance analysis can provide an accurate and clinically useful assessment of body composition. Since 2007, our clients at SWH have had tremendous success in weight loss and increased metabolism using our RJL BIA technology, Inbody 770 and Inbody at home models, metabolic testing and functional nutrition plans. The InBody 770, the newest gold standard in BIA technology at our nutrition studio in Bernardsville, NJ. The In Body 770 is used at the Mayo and Cleveland Clinics and University’s around the world. This commitment to our client’s optimum health will take our personalized nutrition and lifestyle programs to the next level! BIA results reveal shifts in pure fat, lean tissue,water retention/bloating and cellular integrity. Additionally visceral fat or ‘active’ fat will be able to be measured. Visceral fat is body fat that is stored within the abdominal cavity and is therefore stored around a number of important internal organs such as the heart, liver, pancreas and intestines. Visceral fat is sometimes referred to as ‘active fat’ because research has shown that this type off at plays a distinctive and potentially dangerous role diabetes, heart disease and how our hormones function. Hormones play a key role in finding the right nutrition plan and needs for our clients of all ages. If you have had a BIA or Inbody test done and would like help interpreting the results and what to do to change them, or if weight loss has eluded you, give us call to get a Jumpstart on your health today!Â
Beet & Rosemary Detox Soup
Creamy Thai Turmeric Massaman Chicken
A little heat and a whole lot of flavor! Creamy Thai Turmeric Massaman Chicken is a tasty dish packed with healthy fats and good-for-you ingredients. Serve with a side of rice, cauliflower rice, quinoa, or steamed greens. Toppings of fresh lime juice, cilantro, and roasted peanuts make lovely additions as well.
5 Immune Boosting Tips For This Winter
Q-  When one person gets sick in our house it’s just a matter of time our whole house gets sick! How do I and my family keep fend off the sniffles and flu this winter season ? Staying healthy during the holidays and cool winter months can be challenging. I have to admit, my peeps at Solaris Whole Health brag about not getting sick for years at a time even if their kids come home with something! Some of the most common factors that contribute to a weak immune system are: Eating too much sugar and too many grains Not getting enough rest Ineffectively managing emotional stresses in your daily life Vitamin D deficiency Any combination of the above So, to get you armed and ready for a healthy, energetic year to come we’re going to play a game of our “Top 5 Immune Busting “Did you Know†! 1. Immune Boosting Foods: Did you know that eating the color of the rainbow will increase your antioxidants and bioflavonoids and therefore your immune. So when you’re out at a an event be weary of the cheese and cracker tray. It’s one color! Think red (tomato) orange (squash/sweet potato/oranges) yellow (squash) Green (spinach/kale/green beans) blue (berries) violet (grapes). Be inclusive of all foods. 2. Immune Fighting Foods: Did you know that spicing your foods with these spices are known to kill off those ‘bad bacteria.’ Spice your foods and/or tea with turmeric, oregano, cinnamon, cloves, ginger or garlic. Did you know, chicken contains a natural amino acid called cysteine, which can thin the mucus in your lungs and make it less sticky so you can expel it more easily. So yes, your mom’s homemade chicken soup does work! 3. Vitamin D: Did you know, there was a study published which found that school age children who took supplemental vitamin D had lower incidents of the flu and asthma attacks (Am J Clin Nutr. 2010 May;91(5):1255-60)? Dr. John Cannell reported in another study that vitamin D helps produce antibacterial peptides that help protect against the flu. That is why in winter, when there is little sunshine, people are more prone to vitamin D deficiency and getting infected with flu viruses. In general, best time to test your vitamin D levels are in September (usually your highest levels of the year) OR March (usually your lowest of the year). The clinical range is 30-100 ng/ml , so you may want to shoot for a year round average of 50-80 ng/ml. Speak to your health care practitioner to determine the correct dosage to keep you healthy year round! 4. Antibiotics:  We’ve all heard about the overuse of antibiotics and the resistant strains of bacteria being created as a result.  Did you know, according to the CDC, doctors will prescribe antibiotics 62% of the time if parents expect them to, compared to only 7% of the time if the parents do not expect them to. So go into your appointment with an open mind and listen to your doctor. 5. Probiotics:  Did you know roughly seventy to eighty percent of your immune system is located in your digestive track?  Furthermore an optimum balance of gut flora is 85% ‘good bacteria’ to 15% ‘bad bacteria’ for your immune to be in tip-top shape. A study concluded that young children who drank a mixture of ‘good bacteria’ or probiotics, had fewer colds, needed fewer antibiotics, and missed fewer days of school.  All probiotics are not the same.  Speak to a health practitioner to determine the correct strain of probiotics, the strains that are researched for their effectiveness and those with the lowest die off rate to determine what is best for you and your family.  So this winter keep it simple!  Enjoy a couple desserts and a maximum of 4 servings of spirits a week, eat lots of colorful foods, balance your stress (pace yourself), sleep well, rest well, eliminate daily, take the proper types of probiotic and take vitamin D if needed.   Being free from illness will open up a whole other world of awareness and fun that is just waiting for you to say yes to!