SHOPPING FOR A WEIGHT LOSS SPA?
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.
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