Category Archives: Diet & Nutrition

Beauty, Diet & Nutrition, Health, My thoughts, Physical, Spiritual

Self-Care During Covid

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Camille’s Selfcare Toolkit

Make a list. Coronavirus has upended our lives, leaving many us at a loss on how to fill our days. We can choose between dissolving on the couch, watching Amazon while nibbling on our favorite sin, or stepping up to the challenge by imposing our own routine. The best way to do this is to start your day with a list. If I make a list, not only do I create structure, but I accomplish tasks and feel better at the end of the day. It might include exercise, writing in your journal, or finally cleaning out that closet. It feels great at the end of the day to see all the checkmarks through your to-do list! Warning, try not to make it too long. Limit your list to 3-6 items, so it is moderately easy to accomplish.

Facial Massage. Although you cannot visit one of our talented estheticians at Spa on the Plaza, you can treat yourself to a facial at home. The Lymphatic Japanese Facial Massage is one of my favorite techniques for firming facial muscles and improving circulation. The method reduces puffiness and tones the facial muscles.

It also improves circulation, which leaves your skin looking vibrant. When we train the spa’s estheticians, we use this video and ask them to practice it on themselves home. If you do this every day for 3 days, you will see the difference. Never underestimate the value of good facial massage. Women have been using this technique in Japan taught from mother to daughter for centuries. Enjoy!

Celery Juice. Ayurveda medicine teaches that all good health starts with the gut. If you want to improve digestion, detoxify your liver and boost your immune system, drink 8 oz. to 16 oz. of celery juice in the morning 30 minutes before you eat. My digestion loves it, and its effect is to diminish unhealthy food cravings.

It is delicious and will reduce unhealthy food cravings and brighten your eyes and skin. Watch this video on celery juicing to help motivate you.

Reflection. Like many women, I juggled child-rearing with a career and somewhere in-between finished a Master’s Degree. The wheels have been turning for a long time, and on a deep level, I feel tired. Suddenly I am being forced to take a break, and there is a part of me that is glad. Today I heard the birds sing, and I wondered how many times my busy mind shut out their beautiful songs. So my lesson during this time is to slow down and listen. Take the time to ask this question for yourself, and maybe you will find a too will find a gift in these challenging times.

Diet & Nutrition, Health

The Wellness Center at Spa on the Plaza

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The Wellness Center at Spa on the Plaza is based on the premise that real beauty comes through health and well being. Many of us in an effort to keep up with our demanding jobs and family responsibilities feel depleted and have lost the skill of self-care. The Wellness Center is designed to help you get your health back on track. With this in mind, we created a support network and two Wellness Packages.

Both programs take a holistic,  integrative approach to weight loss. Jen Seregos, our talented health coach, gives each participant a complimentary health assessment in order to determine what type

of program resonates with them. We offer the  Kick Start Day Package for those interested in a health reboot. It can be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. Its focus is on health, massage, and fun! Activities include a kayaking tour.

 

We also offer the more intensive 6-Week Challenge. The 6 Week Challenge includes a Woman’s Circle that meets weekly to relax, share and receive support. The circle also includes weekly guest speakers from different healing modalities. Theme nights include vegan pie night, mindset practices, Kundalini yoga and more.

Additional amenities include full access to the spa’s steam rooms, pool,  jacuzzi and of course massage. Please call us at 831-647-9000 for a complimentary consultation with Jen Seregos if you are inspired to take the challenge.

 

 

Diet & Nutrition, Health

Camille’s Gentle Cleanse

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When was the last time you craved a salad? If you can’t remember, it might be time to realign your eating habits with a cleanse. One of the many benefits to a cleanse is that unhealthy cravings diminish afterwards. Even a short, 3 day cleanse is a reboot to your system and need not be difficult. Ready to take the challenge? Begin with stocking your house with the following ingredients:

Grocery List

  1. Kefir-Kefir is a fermented drink made with milk and grains. It has beneficial probiotic organisms that cleanse the intestine, balance the intestinal flora and destroy pathogens such as e-coli, and parasites.
  2. Flax seeds- Flax seeds are also excellent for cleansing. They absorb

    Golden Flax
    Golden Flax

    water and expand as they pass through the colon and literally scrub toxins.

  3.  Chickpeas (soaked over night)– Any legumes work and are perfect for a cleanse because they are filling and a savory alternative to meat. They are also an excellent source of protein, B vitamins, iron, zinc, magnesium and potassium.
  4. Miso-I use miso as broth flavoring. The nutrients found in miso include vitamin B2, vitamin E, vitamin K, calcium, iron, potassium, choline and lecithin. 

    Quinoa
    Nutty flavor and delicious.
  5. Quinoa-Quinoa is gluten-free, high in protein and one of the few plant foods that contain all nine essential amino acids. Any gluten free grain can be substituted but choose organic.
  6. Vegetables of choice-for the soup.  Onion, parsley and celery are warming and aid digestion.
  7. Salad makings, lettuce, carrots, avocado, onion. Any favorite green choice is fine.
  8. Olive Oil & Balsamic vinegar & garlic for salad dressing.
  9. Cayenne, salt, pepper for flavor and to aid digestion.

Friday-Day One   Caution: Do not over eat in anticipation of the cleanse as the cleanse is short and you don’t want to spend the whole time recovering from a binge. 

Before bed. Mix the 1/3 cup of kefir with 2-3 Tbs. of freshly ground flax seeds. A coffee grinder works, or a pestle. 

Saturday Day Two

Breakfast. Start your day with a fruit salad of your choice. Whatever is in season. Add 7-12 almonds, 6-8 walnuts, 2 Tbs. of  dried coconut flakes and a sprinkle of freshly ground flax seeds. Pour the kefir over the fruit salad. You should be full when you are done but not stuffed.

Lunch. Lunch is your biggest meal and includes a delicious savory soup. Sauté diced onions and a head of celery in a small amount of olive oil until soft. (About 15 mins.)  Finally add 1/2 cup of chopped parsley, 3 cups chick peas, a quart of water, vegetables and seasonings to taste.

Dinner.  Salad and grain of your choice. I like a full avocado as it satiates my craving for fat. Other favorite salad fixings include onions, carrots, peppers, olives and anchovies.

Salad Dressing. Mix 3 Tbs.  of Olive Oil with 1 Tbs. of Balsamic Vinegar and 1 ground garlic clove. Pour over the grain and salad for a spicy flavoring.

Before Bed. Mix the 1/3 cup of kefir with 2-3 Tbs. of freshly ground flax seeds.

Sunday-Day 3 Repeat day 2!

Monday morning wake up and feel the difference.  Ease in to your week and listen to your body.