SHOPPING FOR A WEIGHT LOSS SPA?

SEVEN DOS, DON’TS, TIPS AND TRICKS

Ever since The Oaks at Ojai opened in 1977, its mantra has been to help its guests kick start a healthy lifestyle. A balance of physical exercise, emotional well being and incorporating a sensible nutrition plan, affords guests the opportunity to lose weight and enjoy meals without feeling hungry.

So what should guests seeking a weight loss spa look for? Here, tips from The Oaks at Ojai:

Buffet Schmuffet: A sure fire way NOT to lose weight is to be offered an all you can eat buffet at every meal. Willpower and self control are usually big culprits to overeating and when you have an entire smorgasbord in front of you, it makes it that much harder to adhere to calorie restrictions. Stay away from spas that offer unlimited dining options.

The Oaks at Ojai offers a structured, portion-controlled 1,000 calorie-a-day menu that includes several snack breaks –broth, smoothies, dips and veggies -- throughout the day that nurture the body and accommodate the appetite. Featuring foods that are low in fat, salt and sugar and high in protein and complex carbohydrates, essential for the energy needed while exercising, The Oaks also accommodates lactose, gluten intolerance and vegetarians and vegans. The Oaks is able to serve delectable, healthful cuisine and guests don’t have to make unhealthful choices.

Alcohol is the Devil’s Sauce! A 5-ounce glass of wine contains 150 calories and studies have shown just 3 ounces reduces fat burning by one third. Stay away from spas that serve alcohol.

Condiments: Does the spa serve sugar, salt and other seasonings that contribute to weight gain? At The Oaks, sugar is replaced with agave nectar, and salt is replaced by Jensen’s Vegetable Seasoning, Garlic Gold Nuggets, Oaks Italian Seasoning, Oaks Lemon Herb Seasoning, Oaks Organic Mustard, and Ojai Olive Oil.

But what do I do when I leave the spa? I can’t hire a private chef!: Does the staff offer ways in which you can take your new healthy habits and adapt them once you get home, when the lure of the supermarket cookie aisle and fine dining restaurants are everywhere? Not only can guests take The Oaks home with them by way of the spa’s muffins, jams, seasonings, soups and cookbooks, but Chef Christine Denney is available for individual consultation with tips to keep going once you leave or when traveling.

How much fitness?: Watch out for spas that don’t recommend a minimum number or type of classes to take to burn more calories than you’re consuming. The Oaks recommends that guests balance their day to include a cardio activity, one or more flexibility classes and a strength class. From a scenic mountain hike to aquatic exercise and power yoga, guests will never run out of ways to experience Newton’s Law of Inertia.

The Vibe: If weight loss is your goal, you will need support. Are the teachers and staff knowledgeable, nurturing and supportive? Can you relate to the teachers because they look “normal” vs. a 20-something hard body with zero body fat? Is the spa environment one that offers opportunities for camaraderie and teamwork with guests?

Free Seminars and Workshops: Does the spa offer evening seminars or workshops that complement a guest’s well being? Topics such as Getting Your Immune System Ready for Winter or a Bedtime Ball Stretch class to How Do I Do This at Home are just a few of the nightly offerings at The Oaks.

About The Oaks at Ojai

The Oaks at Ojai is an affordable fitness destination spa that includes overnight accommodations, three delicious and calorie-conscious meals a day designed to promote weight loss, choice of 15 fitness classes per day and evening entertainment and seminars. The Oaks offers 46 guest rooms, including private rooms and courtyard suites, double lodge rooms and double cottage rooms. A charming 1920s hotel-turned-spa in the peaceful town of Ojai, The Oaks offers a variety of activities that allows guests to choose how to work out and take off excess pounds.

Activities range from hiking, art tours, and in-line skating to rock climbing, guided kayaking tours, belly dancing, yoga ropes, and qi gong, in addition to other fitness classes. A full menu of relaxing and therapeutic spa services is available as well as private consultations with a variety of health experts. The Oaks at Ojai is located at 122 East Ojai Avenue (Ojai’s main street). For more information, please visit www.oaksspa.com or become a fan on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.