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Weight Loss Portland: Three Weight Loss Options Available at Thrive

18 April 2012, daniellelee on the topic of Medical Weight Loss, Medical Weight Loss Clinic Portland, Medical Weight Loss Portland, Portland Weight Loss

Anyone who’s tried to lose weight knows how difficult it can be; and some people who diet and exercise for years know that some fat never goes away. Cellulite and other fat stores can linger in the body forever. They don’t respond to traditional weight loss techniques and need assistance from a medical professional. For years, people considered liposuction their only medical solution. Now Thrive provides three weight loss alternatives that deliver powerful results.

LipoDissolve

Rather than physically remove fat with liposuction, this technique subjects fat stores to a series of microinjections. The fat is more precisely targeted, so it dissolves completely and safely inside the body without any required recovery time. Liposuction has been associated with embolisms, cardiac arrhythmia, and even life-threatening infections, but LipoDissolve is harmless. More than 50,000 treatments have been performed throughout the world with no evidence of risk. Under the care of a medical professional, safety is guaranteed. Dr. Maddox is an expert in both LipoDissolve and mesotherapy.

Mesotherapy

Another minimally invasive technique, mesotherapy injects compounds of vitamins and minerals to naturally purge the body of cellulite. Cellulite isn’t only caused by fat: it can result from impaired circulation and damaged connective tissue as well. Mesotherapy treats all three factors, resulting in smoother, healthier skin.

MedSculpt

Using ultrasonic waves to heat and soften cellulite bands, this innovative technique reduces cellulite and sculpts body contours. When paired with LipoDissolve, it can tone and tighten the surface of the skin. Though a newer method of cellulite reduction, MedSculpt has been used safely and effectively in Europe for years.

To learn more about these techniques and Thrive’s innovative weight loss program, call us today. Our physicians offer private consultations to work with you and deliver the weight loss results you need.

Source: The Mayo Clinic

Weight Loss Portland: Special Event with Dr. Amy Bader at Thrive

1 March 2012, thriveportland on the topic of Cellulite Treatment Portland, Medical Weight Loss, Medical Weight Loss Clinic Portland, Medical Weight Loss Portland, Portland Special Events, Portland Weight Loss, Thrive Portland, Weight Loss Portland, Weight Loss Program Portland

Sign up today for Dr. Amy Bader’s Weight Loss Event where she will explain our weight loss program that naturally suppresses your appetite, targets fat, and builds muscle so you feel good while you trim down!

Thrive’s weight loss program provides a combination of our high-quality biological protein food supplements, B-vitamin/natural lipotropic (fat burning) amino acid injections, and supplements to regulate your appetite while supplying you with enough energy to accelerate at your daily routine.

This free event is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, March 20, 2012, from 6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. and is a $75 value. RSVP today by calling 503-241-3579.

Weight Loss Portland: Reduce Your Risk for Diseases Associated with Being Overweight

17 February 2012, thriveportland on the topic of Medical Weight Loss, Portland Weight Loss, Weight Loss Portland, Weight Loss Program Portland

Shedding excess pounds shouldn’t be about vanity, but about health. According to the National Institutes of Health, having a BMI in the overweight or obese category is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, metabolic disease, gallstones and gallbladder disease, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, stroke, certain types of cancer, and osteoarthritis. Here are six ways to get started on the path to healthy weight loss management.

Control Your Portions Serving sizes are smaller than we think they need to be. A serving of chicken, for example, is the size of a deck of playing cards. At home, use a smaller plate or a smaller bowl for meals. Half of all meals should be vegetables or fruit, one-quarter protein, and one-quarter whole grain. When eating at restaurants ask for a to-go container at the start of the meal and take half of your entrée home for tomorrow’s lunch.

Avoid Food that Isn’t Really Food Cut out the hydrogenated this, high-fructose that, artificial colors and flavors and preservatives and sweeteners. If you can’t pronounce it or determine where it came from, don’t eat it. Shop from the perimeter of the store and the baking aisle, where fresh, whole, identifiable, natural foods can be found.

Eat More Vegetables and High Quality Protein It is important to be selective about the protein and meat sources that you consume. We recommend eating grass fed meats, organic eggs, low-fat dairy, and beans to get your daily protein intake. Pairing quality protein with rice, grains, and vegetables will provide plenty of protein while being lower in calories and higher in other nutrients.

Don’t Skip Meals, Especially Breakfast It may seem counter intuitive, but restricting one’s intake can actually put the body into starvation mode, where every calorie and fat cell is stored, because the body thinks there is a famine going on. Three small meals high in protein, fresh vegetables, and whole grains, and two small high-protein snacks should be the goal. Determine your caloric needs with your health care provider, and take care to not slip below the minimum recommended amount, as that can be counterproductive to weight loss progress.

Exercise A combination of aerobic and weight-bearing exercise has the doubly positive effect of burning calories during the workout and increasing metabolism to more efficiently use calories later on. While we may think of exercise as dull go-to-the-gym-and-kill-ourselves-in-spin-class torture, it doesn’t have to be that way. Yoga, Pilates, swimming, belly dancing, trampolining, trapeze class, hula hooping, ballroom dance, even biking those few miles to and from the office all get our bodies moving and our heart rates pumping. Have fun with it!

Ditch the Soda One can of regular soda has approximately 150 calories. And drinking the “0 calorie” diet soda doesn’t mean your body isn’t storing that artificial sweetener as fat. If you need the caffeine boost, try black tea sweetened with agave nectar or honey. Cutting carbonated drinks also helps bone health – carbonation has been linked to calcium leaching from bones, which puts soda drinkers at increased risk of osteoporosis.

If you need more guidance on your weight loss path, the team at Thrive is here to help. Call today to schedule your initial consultation with our weight loss experts. A healthier, more beautiful you is waiting.

Portland Weight Loss: 8 Ways to Keep Weight Off This Winter

11 November 2011, admin on the topic of Medical Weight Loss, Weight Loss Portland

The holidays are just around the corner, which means a lot of great things: family, friends, and delicious food. Unfortunately, it also means cold weather and with it the temptation to stay inside and indulge in calorie-loaded foods more than usual.

This can lead to a slippery slope in unhealthy behaviors for many of us. Amidst all of the fun and excitement surrounding the season, we often find ourselves feeling sluggish and 15 pounds heavier by the time spring rolls around.

Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be this way. Here are 8 ways you can break the pattern and keep your weight at a healthy level this winter:

1. Take a walk right after work. The simple act of taking a walk right when you get home, or better yet, before you get home just might be the ticket that moves you to action. As simple as it sounds, if you plop down on the couch and procrastinate, the lower your chances of getting outside will be – especially with the shorter days. Make it a discipline to bundle up and do a few laps at the end of your work day.

2. Re-frame “Savory Dishes”. While you should of course cut back on unhealthy foods, this doesn’t mean you have to miss out on all the delicious goodies offered during the winter and holidays. Satisfy your cravings with fresh vegetable soups, brown rice, and lean meat dishes such as chicken breast or fresh-cut salmon.

3. Exercise at home. It’s more difficult to get to the gym with shorter days. Invest in inexpensive gear that will allow you to workout from home such as free weights, a stationary bike, and workout DVD’s. This doesn’t need to put a strain on your finances – use free tools like YouTube, Vimeo, or your local library to get the motivation you’re looking for.

4. Control those portions! We’ve all fallen victim to the bag of chips or peanut M&M’s that are “just sitting around” during the holidays. Make a conscious effort to limit your portions to just one or two of each savory item. Commit to having just one glass of eggnog, one cocktail, or one scoop of gravy on your mashed potatoes. This might seem like a grind, but slow and steady wins the weight loss race.

5. Stay hydrated. It’s a lot easier to remember to drink plenty of water and fluids during the warm summer months, but we often need to give ourselves extra reminders when it’s cold and we’re sweating less. Make a simple checklist that you can track daily to ensure you’re getting your recommended 8 glasses of water each day.

6. Buddy up! Staying in shape is a common goal for many but we seldom remember exercise together. Doing so provides extra motivation and accountability. There are several running and walking clubs in the Portland area that often complete their workouts at indoor locations ideal for winter, such as shopping malls and local gyms. As a bonus, this is a great excuse to go shopping!

7. Go play in the snow. You might not break a sweat while out in the cold, but recreational activities like skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and even snowmobiling are great ways to keep active and be social at the same time. Get a few dates on the calendar that you can have fun outside while keeping your weight loss goals in mind.

8. Start the season right and contact us to schedule a $75 introductory consultation with Dr. Amy Bader. Thrive’s medical weight loss program has proven to get great results for people with busy lifestyles. Following our all-natural process will re-educate your pancreas to release insulin at a healthy rate and teach behavioral habits that will ensure you feel good while you trim down this winter.

What other tips or questions do you have regarding weight loss during Oregon’s cold winter months? We would love to hear your thoughts and answer any questions you have on our blog, Facebook, and Twitter. For more information, please visit our website at www.thriveportland.com or give us a call at 503-241-3579.

Weight Loss Portland: The Importance of Protein in your Diet

8 September 2011, admin on the topic of Medical Weight Loss, Medical Weight Loss Clinic Portland, Medical Weight Loss Portland, Weight Loss Portland, Weight Loss Program Portland

Let’s be honest, it is hard work to lose weight and can be even harder to maintain the weight loss. When you cut back on calories and increase exercise, your hunger and cravings may increase as well. When you follow a stricter eating and exercise plan, two things happen, your metabolism increases and you burn more calories throughout the day after you exercise. This can lead to increased hunger, cravings, and often times a late morning or afternoon slump when you cut back on all of the fat and sugar in your diet.

Many of us rely on sugars including coffee, sodas, candy, processed foods, or energy drinks to get us through the last few hours of the day. Cutting out these processed sugars is essential to achieving and maintaining your weight loss. Replace those afternoon sugary snacks with healthy sources of protein for breakfast and for an afternoon snack. People have many different ways of consuming protein whether you are a meat eater, vegetarian, or vegan, so see below for some of the best protein sources for your lifestyle. Keep in mind to look for spreads, dips, and yogurts with the lowest amount of sugar.

Breakfast:
Meat-eaters: Low-fat turkey bacon and two poached eggs.
Vegetarians: Low-fat greek yogurt with berries and/or a banana. Try a greek yogurt without sugar and use the berries or a dollop of honey for sweetness. Or try 2 slices of whole wheat toast with almond butter.
Vegans: 1 cup oatmeal with soymilk or 2 slices whole wheat toast with almond butter.

Afternoon Snack:
Meat-eaters: A few slices of low-fat lunch meat or a hard-boiled egg.
Vegetarians: A banana with almond butter or a whole wheat pita with hummus.
Vegans: Plain soy yogurt with fresh berries or baby carrots with hummus.

Here are a few other things to consider when trying to find the protein that works best for you,

At Thrive, we specialize in natural weight loss that leads our clients to lasting results. Dr. Amy Bader has years of experience working one-on-one with clients to develop an exercise and eating plan that will help you achieve and maintain the best results. Call us today at 503-241-3579 to book your consultation at our NW Aesthetic and Anti-Aging Center.

Portland Weight Loss: Five New Exercises to Try

4 August 2011, daniellelee on the topic of Medical Weight Loss, Medical Weight Loss Clinic Portland, Medical Weight Loss Portland, Weight Loss Portland, Weight Loss Program Portland

What new exercise challenge are you up for?

Every week, it seems like there is a new exercise trend offering a variety of different benefits. Thrive’s philosophy is that the body needs continual muscle confusion to increase and maintain one’s fitness levels. This means regularly changing your workout routine so not only do you avoid boredom, so does your body.

Bikram Yoga
Bikram Yoga is a series of 26 postures and two breathing exercises in a room heated to 105 degrees Fahrenheit and 40% humidity. The purpose of practicing in such a hot and humid room is both to warm up the body and allow it to become more flexible. This ultimately makes your body easier to reshape and rebuild.

Basic yoga poses like the triangle, bow and cobra are made more difficult by the hot temperature. A hot yoga session starts with standing poses, backbend poses, forward bends and twists.

Bikram Yoga is a good workout that blasts calories and flushes away the waste products and toxins of your body. Bikram Yoga also employs heat to further the cleaning process. When you sweat, impurities are flushed out of the body through the skin. It is challenging both physically and mentally, but the results are a clearer mind and healthier body.

The Portland area boasts many fitness clubs and yoga studios that offer regular Bikram Yoga classes. A few include: Bikram Yoga PDX, Core Power Yoga, and Hot Yoga for Life.

CrossFit
On the other end of the cardio spectrum is CrossFit. This workout serves as the principal strength and conditioning program for many police academies, military special operations units and hundreds of professional athletes. However, don’t let that intimidate you. Even if you are not a professional athlete or training for the military, the CrossFit program is designed to be scalable, making it a great exercise for anyone who is committed to their fitness, regardless of experience.

CrossFit is a strength and conditioning workout that combines weightlifting, sprinting, gymnastics, powerlifting, kettlebell training, plyometrics, rowing and medicine ball training. The CrossFit approach is that a healthy, fit person requires proficiency in each of ten general physical skills: cardiovascular/respiratory, endurance, stamina, flexibility, power, speed, agility, balance, coordination, and accuracy.

Are you looking for a REALLY challenging workout? CrossFit may be the exercise program for you. Visit Cross Fit Portland for more information.

Dance Inspired Exercises
Zumba is a popular, new style of dance fitness that combines Latin rhythms, hip-hop inspired moves and traditional resistance training. The result is a calorie-blasting and fun workout. Studios like Diva Den Studio offer a variety of dance classes including Zumba, aerial yoga and more.

For those interested in slower more confined movements, try Barre3 which combines ballet, yoga and Pilates. The classes are designed to transform the body to one of equal balance, strength and flexibility. Visit Barre3 for local studio locations and schedules.

HIT Training
The principles of High Intensity Training (HIT) are that exercises should be brief, infrequent and intense. Exercises are performed with heavier weights and rapid movements to increase strength and size. The goal is to achieve muscle failure with heavy weights and fewer repetitions versus methods that stress lighter weights with more repetitions. HIT enthusiasts say that the benefits to this training are that it takes less time in the gym to do full-body workouts and to achieve results. Another major benefit to HIT training is the increased after burn, or calories and fat burned after your workout. For more info about Portland area classes, visit Get Fit Training.

Whether you are just getting started on a fitness routine, looking to add variety to your current routine or interested in a new challenge, there is an exercise program for you. Remember, you need to continually change up your routine to achieve muscle confusion and greater results. You and your body are always capable of more than you can imagine so challenge yourself!

Weight Loss Portland: Could Your Stress Level Be Causing You to Gain Weight?

12 May 2011, admin on the topic of 'Age Beautifully' Tips, Featured Services, Medical Weight Loss, Medical Weight Loss Clinic Portland, Medical Weight Loss Portland, Naturopathic Physician Portland, Thrive Portland, Weight Loss Portland, Weight Loss Program Portland

There is a saying, “Show me the size of your belly, and I will show you the size of your stress.” Study after study indicates the relationship between increased stress and increased weight as well as other health problems. When we take a look at the biochemical changes that happen when a body is under stress, we can begin to understand why stress reduction is so crucial to weight loss and long term weight maintenance.

Let’s take a look at some of the physical changes in the body when it is perceiving stress. First we must remember our friend the thyroid gland. This gland is responsible for secreting hormones (T4 and T3) which stimulate our cells to work better and faster. The result is a higher metabolic rate in the body. As you can imagine, when these hormones are working well, it is easier to maintain a healthy weight.

Now let’s introduce you to the adrenals—our stress glands. They sit atop the kidneys and secrete many different hormones, one of which is cortisol. Cortisol has many functions, but what is interesting in terms of weight and metabolism is its relationship with thyroid hormones. Cortisol interferes with the thyroid hormones’ abilities to work correctly when it is either too high or too low. So stress increases cortisol (or decreases it after many years) and this inhibits the metabolic rate in our body.

Where does stress come from?

Stress can result from emotional sources like relationship challenges, financial burdens, anxiety. It can also be the result of physical stressors like eating inflammatory foods (such as sugar, saturated fats, gluten, dairy), having the wrong mix of bacteria in the gut, or getting inadequate sleep.

What can we do?

It can be difficult to change the emotional stressors in your life, but you can shift your reaction to them. Letting go of things you cannot change can be easier said than done, but we can try our best. Decreasing physical stress can be easier. Shifting to whole foods low in sugar, gluten, and bad fats can profoundly impact the body in a positive way. Exercise is an effective way to alleviate stress and shift our hormones for the better. Laughter and deep breathing seem simple, but have profound effects if done routinely. In addition, there are many different natural medicines which can correct these imbalances. At Thrive, we are committed to helping each patient correct underlying issues which are all too often roadblocks to success.

–Dr. Amy Bader

Learn more about Thrive’s holistic and effective approach to weight loss while getting the support and tools you need to achieve and maintain your weight loss goals at Dr. Bader’s May 18th weight loss event. Space is limited to ensure personalized attention, so register today!

Community Conversation: What are Your Favorite Healthy Snack Foods?

11 April 2011, admin on the topic of Medical Weight Loss, Medical Weight Loss Clinic Portland, Medical Weight Loss Portland, Naturopathic Physician Portland, Thrive Community Conversation, Thrive Portland, Weight Loss Portland

Snacking can be good for you – as long as you’re smart about it. Munching on a handful of nuts, for example, can get you through a busy workday and help restore blood sugar levels between meals.

For this week’s community conversation we’re asking: What are your favorite snack foods?

Share your opinion by commenting on our our blog, Facebook, or Twitter pages.

Join the conversation and be entered to win a skin consultation with Dr. Adam Maddox that includes a skin assessment, photos and personalized treatment plan (a $150 value). Winners are announced every Monday.

At Thrive Aesthetic and Anti-Aging Center, we are always happy to answer your questions. For more information please visit our website at http://www.thriveportland.com.

Weight Loss Portland: Reaching and Maintaining Your Weight Loss Goals – 5 Tips For Success

9 March 2011, admin on the topic of Medical Weight Loss, Medical Weight Loss Clinic Portland, Medical Weight Loss Portland, Naturopathic Physician Portland, Thrive Portland, Weight Loss Portland, Weight Loss Program Portland

Losing weight starts with the acknowledgment that you are ready to be your best self. At Thrive Aesthetic and Anti-Aging Center, we believe the key to successful weight loss is weight management. A successful weight-loss plan will keep you focused and motivated as you transition into your healthy lifestyle. Here are five tips for successfully reaching and maintaining your ideal weight.

1. Personalize your goals. Set goals that are within your capabilities. Some things to consider when deciding on a program or weight loss goal are your personal fitness levels, health concerns, available time and motivation. Starting with this process will help you set achievable goals. The ideal weight loss solution will encompass a lifestyle change to help you balance your diet and exercise.

2. Focus on the process. The goals you make should focus on the process, rather than the outcome. For example, setting a goal to exercise regularly or eat nutrient-rich foods in each meal is focusing on the process. Whereas, setting the goal to lose 30 pounds is more outcome based. Making specific, measurable and realistic process-based goals is the key to changing your daily behaviors and habits.

3. Avoid unconscious eating and snacking. During busy and stressful times especially, we may grab whatever is around to satiate our cravings. When you think you are hungry, try taking a brisk walk, stretching, or walking a flight of stairs and see if this takes away some of the cravings. Exercise raises our blood sugar and serotonin levels which curb our urge to eat. If you crave sweets often, try reducing salty foods in your diet. Our bodies naturally drive to balance the taste of salt with sweet. Supplementing a “B Complex” vitamin can also reduce cravings for sugar.

4. Drink water to hydrate every day. Sometimes the most basic advice is the first thing we forget. Drink water everyday instead of coffee, soda or energy drinks and you can cut hundreds of calories from your diet. What most people don’t realize is how big of an impact liquid calories can have on your diet. Cravings for salt, sugar, or caffeine are typically our body craving water. Staying hydrated can actually eliminate the need for excessive sugar or caffeine.

5. Plan for setbacks. Everyone experiences setbacks when it comes to weight loss (or pretty much anything else in life). They can come in the form of a big holiday meal, party or job change for example. Identifying potential roadblocks and brainstorming strategies to overcome them can help you stay on or get back on track. Again, specificity is the key to your success. Just like learning to ride a bicycle, if you fall off get right back on. You can do it!

At Thrive Aesthetic and Anti-Aging Center, our team of expert medical professionals is available to offer their insight, answer your questions, and be an informational resource for our current and potential clients. We are always happy to answer your questions through our blog, Facebook, or Twitter and insist on beginning every relationship with an hour consultation to discuss our treatment options in more depth. For more information please visit our website at http://www.thriveportland.com.

Weight Loss Portland: Could Your Brain Chemistry be the Key to Successful Weight Loss?

16 February 2011, admin on the topic of Doctor's Corner, Medical Weight Loss, Medical Weight Loss Clinic Portland, Medical Weight Loss Portland, Thrive Portland, Weight Loss Portland, Weight Loss Program Portland

We have all heard the mantra: just eat less and exercise more. But, in my experience, people and their bodies are a little more complicated than that. In our weight loss program at Thrive, we are committed to getting to the root causes of excess weight. Hormones, inflammation and other factors contribute to metabolism, appetite regulation, and fat storage. One of these important and often overlooked factors is brain chemistry. Our brains are controlled by chemicals called neurotransmitters. Let’s take a closer look at a few of them.

A neurotransmitter called serotonin is responsible for helping us feel good. When serotonin is up, we feel great! It is our natural anti-depressant. But when it drops we don’t feel as happy and we, naturally, want to feel better. One of the ways we unconsciously boost serotonin is to reach for carbohydrates. The insulin surge created by eating sugar and other carbohydrates elevates serotonin, but the affect is temporary, so we reach for carbs again…and again. It’s like a roller coaster.

Another neurotransmitter called dopamine is an important part of our “pleasure and reward” center. It is a major player in addictions, including food. If eating particular foods lights up the dopamine centers in the brain, we will want those foods more. And, let’s face it, it is usually not celery that does this trick. It is more likely to be sweet, salty or fatty foods.

Anxiety is a trigger for many people who eat when they are not hungry. We consider two other neurotransmitters with this emotion: norepinephrine and GABA. Norepinephrine is our stress (or fight/ flight) hormone. If we burn it out with chronic stress, our body feels anxious. In addition, GABA, which calms us, does not work as well after lots of stress. The result is feeling worried and cranky, and craving sweet or salty foods.

So, one of our goals with patients is to help their “feel good” chemicals attain a steady state. We achieve this balance with nutritional support in the forms of amino acids, vitamins and minerals, as well as Ideal Protein (a low carbohydrate, protein rich meal replacement) and whole foods in order to reduce our insulin surges and curb cravings. When a patient experiences wellness in brain chemistry, eating behaviors reflect it: more control, more moderation, less hunger and less reaching for addictive or unhealthy foods. Sigh of relief!

- Dr. Amy Bader

At Thrive Aesthetic and Anti-Aging Center, we are always happy to answer your questions through our blog, Facebook, or Twitter. For more information please visit our website at http://www.thriveportland.com.

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