Don’t Be A Stupid Cupid! Think Outside The Box (Of Chocolates).

Not sure what to get your special someone this Valentine’s Day? Don’t be a stupid cupid! Show her you are thinking outside of the box (of chocolates) with these gifts from Seasons Wellness Spa.

The Romantic Gift: Looking to add some spice to your (ehem) love life?

Try Sprayology’s Man Power and Woman Power from their Rejuvenation line. The rejuvenation sprays replenish the body’s supply of energy to relieve the symptoms of aging, helping you function at a more youthful level. All seven formulas in this collection are FDA-Regulated and help with age-related issues such as low energy, sex drive, menopause, weight loss and bone density.

Man Power ($32) is recommended for men who want to gain strength, improve mood
and increase their sexual desire naturally. Man Power temporarily relieves the symptoms of low male energy including: decreased sexual desire and vitality, muscular weakness, irritability, and “the blues.”

Woman Power ($32) is recommended for women who want to rejuvenate their body and increase their sexual desire and pleasure naturally. Woman Power relieves the symptoms of low female energy, including decreased sexual desire, low physical energy, irritability and “the blues.”

Sprayology marries science and time-honored natural medicine with convenience and innovation to enhance healing and well-being naturally. Sprayology redefines wellness and makes it easy to incorporate natural products into your daily life for better health naturally.

The Gift of Relaxation: Swedish Relaxation Massage. Relax and enjoy a complete mind, body, and soul treatment with the benefits of a massage therapy. Smooth, flowing massage using firm but gentle pressure and the techniques of long strokes, kneading, percussion, compression, vibration and friction. Eases muscle aches and tension, improves flexibility, promotes circulation, and enhances relaxation.

The Beautiful Gift: Organic Passion Fruit Facial. A papaya, pineapple, pumpkin and mango infused blend of organic and medically effective ingredients designed to rebalance tired, stressed and dull looking skin. This non-chemical peel naturally rebalances, regenerates, restores and soothes your skin with organic ingredients. This facial is recommended as a course of three treatments or as a maintenance treatment every month. Relax and restore your skin and wellness.

The Waterworks Gift: Expectant Mother Massage. This gift is guaranteed to make her cry the happy tears. Now, the hormones might have something to do with it, too, but we know she will love that you thought of her during this special time. The soothing essence of massage allows expectant mothers to feel serene, healthy, and comforted while helping to relieve common ailments of pregnancy. Expectant mother massage addresses the issues and needs associated with this special time. Very relaxing for mother and babies love it, too!

An Apple a Day? Healthy Choices vs. Inflammation

My pre-60th birthday journey to improve my previous test results from Seasons of Farragut continues! This month I decided to focus on the first tenet in our Seasons wellness regimen – nutrition!

About two years ago I took the ALCAT test and was astonished at my lengthy list of reactive foods! The ALCAT is a fascinating food sensitivity test in which white blood cells are introduced to a variety of foods, chemicals, and herbs. The severity of the reaction determines if a substance is mild, moderate, severe, or normal within my body. Since knowledge is power, I decided to receive the news that gluten and dairy were on my “severe list” as a positive indicator rather than “buyers’ remorse” for having performed the test!

Lyn-Genet Recitas has written a book, The Plan, which explains how inflammation from food intolerance can cause symptoms such as joint pain, skin disorders, fatigue, weight issues, headaches, and digestive disorders. Whereas a food allergy can have almost an immediate effect, a food sensitivity may not show up for several hours to 3 days later. For weight gain, it’s not as much about the calories as the chemistry of the body. One person may benefit from last night’s salmon and broccoli but someone else may actually gain 2 pounds. Inflammation from food intolerance causes damage to the lining of the gut. As the lining becomes “leaky” with gaps present, foods begin to slip through not completely digested. This causes the body to attack undigested foods.

As we age, inflammation can increase which causes our systems to slow down. Many of us have much less stomach acid and digestive enzymes to break down food. This can ultimately alter our weight and our health. Reactive foods cause our bodies to produce more histamine which causes water retention via dilated capillaries. The brain responds by increasing the production of Cortisol. As more Cortisol is produced, fewer sex hormones are produced since both sets of hormones depend on the same building blocks. Increased Cortisol causes an increase in glucose which causes an increase in blood sugar! This domino effect alters the good bacteria in the gut and can increase yeast production. The altered gut flora leads to a weakened immune response since about 70% of our immune system is in the gut.

The thyroid gland can also be affected by food intolerances. White blood cells that attack undigested foods may migrate to the thyroid gland and begin to attack it. Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune disorder of the thyroid gland. This is determined by a blood test that measures the number of specific antibodies against the thyroid gland. As I began to avoid gluten, my own antibody level began to decrease. I was able to decrease my thyroid replacement dosage. This month, I repeated my ALCAT test and found that many of my food intolerances had improved. Not only had I attempted to avoid specific foods, but I also worked intentionally on healing my GI tract. I take a powerful probiotic daily as well as a digestive enzyme with my dinner. For one month of each season, I take a protein shake that is loaded with L-Glutamine. This amazing amino acid helps to heal the leaky gut. It is packed with anti-inflammatories and herbs to help my liver and GI tract detox.

Two years ago, I had about a dozen foods on my severe list.  This year, I only have one – apples!  So, I’m going to give them up for the next 6 months. My moderate reactive list contains 18 foods which I will have to have great discipline to avoid. These are healthy foods but for me, can cause hidden inflammation.  Gluten now causes moderate reactions in my body. I have noticed that when I indulge in gluten, the next morning, my joints ache and my stomach hurts. I doubt if I will ever reintroduce gluten. Dairy is moderate also. Fortunately there are lots of great choices for me and I look forward to continual healing of my GI tract.    Our Nutritional Consultant, Carolyn will keep me focused on this life-long journey of wellness. Be sure to check out her amazing recipes on our website!

Long term benefits with this specialized nutritional therapy will keep inflammation down and hopefully help me avoid chronic disease as well as weight gain. If you would like more information regarding the ALCAT test, call Seasons today. Let’s age intentionally with nutrition being our number one “medicine!”

Nibble on This | Indulge Yourself In Fresh Strawberries!

by Carolyn Burris Indulge yourself in Fresh Strawberries! Strawberries are in full bloom! Local grocery stores and roadside vendors have the best of the best when it comes to strawberries. As with any berry, strawberries are loaded with antioxidants. Strawberries also are an excellent source of vitamin C and manganese. The antioxidants and vitamin C in strawberries help to clean up the free radicals affecting the eyes and joints. Strawberries are known for helping reduce the risk and symptoms of macular degeneration, rheumatoid arthritis and gout. There are many fun ways to eat strawberries including: Add slices to salads Make a parfait with plain yogurt Add to a breakfast shake Dip in dark chocolate for an extra boost of antioxidants When selecting strawberries, choose those with bright red color and with no damage to stem or green caps. Also, inspect all strawberries in package for mold and avoid those with any mold. Strawberry Salsa Ingredients : 1 cup coarsely chopped strawberries 1 tablespoon orange juice 1 teaspoon grated orange peel 1 green onion, finely chopped, top included 1 teaspoon Dijon-style mustard 2 tablespoons dried cranberries 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar Preparation: Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Chill, serve with grilled chicken or fish. Makes 1 1/2 cups. This Nutrition Update is brought to you by Seasons. For a personalized nutrition consultation with Carolyn Burris, call Seasons at 865-675-WELL (9355) to schedule an appointment.

Nibble on This | March

by Carolyn Burris  March is National Nutrition Month! This year for National Nutrition Month the American Dietetic Association is promoting “Eat Right With Color”. Scientists have discovered major health benefits packed in the color of fruits and vegetables. The powerhouse chemicals responsible for this are called phytonutrients. Phytonutrients are what put the brightness in tomatoes and strawberries and the brilliant color in oranges, carrots and kiwi. Because of the amount of phytonutrients in colorful food, consumers can enjoy health benefits such as: Reducing the risk of heart disease Reducing the risk of prostate cancer and other types of cancer Prevent aging by fighting against memory loss So remember when you are at the grocery store, the more color, the better! Avocado Tacos Ingredients : 1 ripe avocado, peeled and seeded 1 medium onion, julienne 2 large green peppers, julienne 2 large red peppers, julienne 1 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped 1-1/2 cups fresh tomato salsa (see below) 12 whole wheat flour tortillas Fresh Tomato Salsa 1 cup diced tomatoes 1/3 cup diced onions 1/2 clove garlic, minced 2 tsp cilantro 1/3 tsp chopped jalapeño peppers 1/2 tsp lime juice pinch of cumin Preparation: Prepare salsa as listed below. Heat oil in skillet. Lightly sauté onion and green and red peppers. Cut avocado into 12 slices. Warm tortillas in oven and fill with peppers, onions, avocado slices and salsa. Fold tortillas and serve. Fresh Tomato Salsa: Mix together all ingredients and refrigerate in advance.

Nibble on This | February

by Carolyn Burris  Valentine’s Day and American Heart Month make February a month to celebrate sweethearts. What a perfect time to show your loved one how much you care by preparing a meal with heart-healthy superfoods such as omega-3 fatty acids and fresh vegetables. Adding superfoods to your daily diet has the ability to decrease the risk of cancer, improve heart function, and fight infection. Make heart healthy dishes for you and your sweetheart and you will be doing your part for a healthier heart! Examples of superfoods: Beans • Blueberries • Broccoli • Oats • Oranges • Pumpkin • Salmon • Soy • Spinach • Tea (green or black) • Tomatoes • Turkey • Walnuts • Yogurt Baked Grouper with Chunky Tomato Sauce Ingredients : 3 1/2 cups chopped seeded tomato (about 4 medium) 1/4 cup chopped green onions 1/4 cup dry white wine 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil 1 teaspoon capers 1 teaspoon bottled minced garlic 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 2 teaspoons olive oil 4 (6-ounce) grouper fillets Preparation: Preheat oven to 425°. Combine first 10 ingredients in a medium bowl. Heat oil in a large heavy skillet over high heat. Place fish, skin sides up, in pan; cook 2 minutes. Turn fish over; top with tomato mixture. Bring to a boil. Place pan in oven; bake at 425° for 8 minutes or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork.

6 Healthy Snacks for the Super Bowl

by Carolyn Burris  The Seasons Pick 6: Healthy Snacks for the Big Game Super Bowl parties usually include snacks loaded with calories, fat and preservatives. Take these ideas for tasty treats to create a deliciously healthy Super Bowl party. 1. Homemade guacamole served with Kavli Crispy Thin crackers 2. Unshelled edamame 3. Chunky salsa served with baked whole wheat pita chips 4. Hummus served with fresh veggies 5. Laughing Cow cheese served with grape tomatoes 6. Baked kale chips Baked Kale Chips  Ingredients : 1 bunch of kale 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 teaspoon seasoned salt Directions: Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a non-insulated cookie sheet with parchment paper. With a knife or kitchen shears carefully remove the leaves from the thick stems and tear into bite size pieces. Wash and thoroughly dry kale with a salad spinner. Drizzle kale with olive oil and sprinkle with seasoning salt. Bake until the edges are brown but not burnt – approximately 10 to 15 minutes. This Nutrition Update is brought to you by Seasons. For more nutrition tidbits, visit our website at www.seasonswellness.com. For a personalized nutrition consultation with Carolyn Burris, call Seasons at 865-675-WELL (9355) and schedule an appointment.  Carolyn Burris, an east Tennessee native, earned her Bachelor and Master’s degrees in Community and Public Health Nutrition at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Her passion for helping those with nutritional needs brought her to Seasons after nine years as a stay-at-home mom to her two children. Carolyn particularly loves encouraging those struggling with food intolerance, obesity, fibromyalgia, and fatigue.