Did you know that acupuncture can help support you in your weight loss goals?  Along with a balanced diet and regular exercise, acupuncture can help to curb your appetite and cut down on cravings.  How?  It does so by balancing your natural feedback mechanism telling your brain that your stomach is full.  It can also boost your metabolism and improve digestion which helps the body work more efficiently to burn stored fat.  It improves circulation and blood flow to organs and muscles helping them function more efficiently.  Acupuncture also stimulates the release of serotonin which elevates your mood and helps to keep you focused to avoid emotional eating.  You will also be able to sleep better which means you will have more energy to keep up with your workouts!

Don’t procrastinate until June and then crash diet to fit into that swimsuit.  NOW is the time to start working on toning those arms, lifting that tush, and flattening that belly with healthy food choices, an exercise regimen and of course, acupuncture!

With so many reasons to incorporate acupuncture into your weight loss program, what are you waiting for??  Contact REMEDY NYC for more info!

Psst….Look for us on GiltCity in the coming week for special promo packages!

EAT THIS:

• FIBER!  Fiber helps move foods along your digestive system and your colon to remain clean. Vegetables are very high in fiber: broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, celery, kale, spinach, and squash are just a few examples.  Foods with fiber are a great choice because they provide long-lasting energy and a full feeling without the high calories.
• Check out Broccoli! It’s a powerhouse of nutrition. One cup of chopped cooked broccoli supplies 90 percent of the daily requirement of beta carotene, 200 percent of vitamin C, and 25 percent of your fiber needs.  Broccoli is also one of the veggies that has been shown to help protect our bodies against certain forms of cancer.  All this for only 45 calories/cup!
• Lightly steam your favorite veggies and eat with low-fat spreads such as hummus or yogurt dip. If you get bored with the same vegetables every night, shake things up by making them into a casserole or stuffing peppers.
• Fruit can also provide much-needed fiber to your diet. Strawberries, apples, and oranges are well known for being rich in fiber. Fruits are some of the easiest foods to eat to lose weight – they taste good and are low in calories. If you choose to eat citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruit), try eating the white membrane surrounding the fruit – that part has the highest fiber content. I f you are counting carbohydrates, go for low carbohydrate fruits such as berries.

NOT THAT:

• Stay AWAY from processed grains or white rice, white bread, and cornmeal.  These are very high in calories and have next to ZERO nutritional value. Instead, choose whole grain foods in moderation. One slice of whole wheat bread with a scrambled egg (or 2 egg whites) is a nutritional breakfast.  Beware of bran muffins or any muffins for that matter – they are loaded with sugar and fat, and are just as calorie heavy as a doughnut.
• STOP drinking soda!  This includes regular and diet sodas.  Although diet sodas have no calories, they do contain chemicals such as saccharin and aspartame which have potentially dangerous (cancerous) effects on your bladder and reproductive organs. Instead of drinking soda, choose water or teas.  If you can’t stand the taste of water, try diluting 100% fruit juice with plain seltzer for a healthy, low-calorie drink. Quick fact: If you replaced a 20oz bottle of soda with water daily… You would easily lose up to 35 pounds in one year.

Hit a plateau?

As humans, we can become creatures of habit – we run the same workout program on the treadmill or elliptical, take the same aerobics class, or pop in our favorite workout video throughout the week. As we continue our routine workouts, we begin to notice our muscles become less sore post-workout, we no longer lose our breath mid-routine, and our heart is not beating as hard as it was at the first workout. This result is due to our body’s ability to adapt structurally and physiologically to environmental stimuli. This adaptability is known as plasticity. Our body constantly seeks to become as efficient as possible, thus it won’t burn as much calories doing the same routine now as it did day one. That is why we can exercise, eat right and still not see the desired results on the scale.

In order to break through this weight loss plateau, increase the intensity of your workout and switch up your routine! Push yourself to gradually and safely modify your routine every few weeks to continue seeing the weight come off.  For more information and inspiration, check out this post in The Daily Love about breaking through the fitness plateau here.  We at Remedy LOVE LOVE LOVE TDL’s messages and think you should sign up for their daily love notes! 🙂

Need some ideas to switch up your routine? Here are some of our favorite workouts in NYC!

Stacy’s Bootcamp:  Sometimes, we need a little tough love. Enter Stacy Berman. Stacy’s back-to-basics approach (eg: just you and Central Park) and kick-your-ass variety of workouts is why Stacy’s Bootcamp remains one of New York’s top bootcamps for years!

SoulCylcle: Between the dim lights, the awesome music, and the constant encouragement from your instructor, you almost forget how much your thighs are burning.  SoulCycle will leave you walking out a little sweaty, a lot inspired, and completely addicted!

The Bar Method:  Love the lean, toned dancer’s body but not a dancer?  Try the bar method!  The low impact program located in Soho involves isometrics, dance conditioning, and interval training to sculpt your muscles.  Or you can purchase the DVD’s and get fit in the comfort of your own home.

Yoga to the People:  And if all else fails, we always have yoga. Yoga is a sure way to strengthen your core, lengthen your muscles, and quiet your monkey mind. It’s Yoga to the People’s affordable, fun, and no-judgement zone atmosphere that makes it one of our favorite yoga studios in the city.

See y’all at the beach!

Love,
Remedy NYC

Eating in Season

Spring is the season of growth and is flourishing with fresh fruits and veggies.  This is a great way to cleanse our systems after months of heavy winter foods and stews.  What better way to align yourself with nature and its rhythms while keeping your body balanced and healthy than eating foods harvested in-season?  Now is the time to enjoy tender, leafy greens, and fresh fruits bursting with color, and flavor!  This means produce that is very dense in nutritional value when locally grown, and also easiest on the wallet because they are so plentiful! Most of these springtime foods help to strengthen the liver, detox the body, decrease risk of stroke and heart problems, protect against cancers, lower blood pressure, and give you energy for the longer, sunnier (and fun-ner!) days ahead!

To find out what’s in season in your region/state, check out these sites:  Sustainable Table & Epicurious

Here is a list of some of our favorites for spring:

Spring Greens

Collard, mustard, dandelion greens, spinach, watercress, arugula, Belgian endive, raddichio.  These greens are high in chlorophyll and also pack in vitamin A, folic acid, complex B vitamins, and vitamin C, along with minerals and antioxidants.  Mix and match these greens into an interesting spring salad, add pine nuts or pumpkin seeds, radishes, and top with and herb-mustard vinaigrette.

Artichokes

Rich in fiber, magnesium, good source of vitamin B complex and vitamin C.  Look for artichokes with tight, compact leaves, ripe green color and fresh-cut stem ends.  Try steaming in water with some lemon juice.  Serve with a yogurt-based dip with chives, garlic, herbs and splash of lemon juice.

Asparagus

Contains an incredible 114% of recommended daily allowance of vitamin K per 1 cup serving!  This is especially important for bone health.  Also contains nearly 66% RDA of folate, which helps maintain a healthy cardiovascular system.  Choose odorless, bright green stalks with dry, tight, clsed and compact tips.

Beets

The purple/crimson color comes from powerful anti-cancer fighting phytochemical called betacyanin.  Great for strengthening the liver and detoxifying the body.  Try roasting with garlic, then slice and pair for feta cheese for salads

Fiddlehead Fern

Excellent source of vitamin A, which is important for eye health, and a good source of vitamin C.  Also contains fiber and rich in iron, potassium, niacin, riboflavin, magnesium and phosphorus.  Look for a tight coil and only an inch or two of stem beyond the coil.  Choose small, firm, brightly colored ones with no signs of softness or yellowing.  Keep well cooled and tightly wrapped to prevent drying out for up to three days.  They are versatile and easy to use, have a mild taste similar to asparagus with an added nutty bite.  They can be used similarly as asparagus or broccoli florets, such as a simple stir-fry.

Mango

Rich in iron, antioxidants, vitamin A, C and E.  Aids in eye health, digestion, has anti-cancer properties, and is beneficial for those with anemia.  Squeeze gently in the palm of the hand to determine ripeness. Store at room temperature for 1-2 days.  Refridgerate peeled, cut mangoes

Pea Shoots

Packed with vitamins A, C, and folic acid.  Sold in big tumbled masses, look for bright vines with fresh, vibrant leaves.  Avoid vines with brown or mushy ends or damaged leaves.  Taste best when simply sautéed with olive oil, garlic and shallots.

Pineapple

High in vitamin C and manganese, a mineral important for strong bones and connective tissue.  Contain bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme that breaks down protein, which can help in digestion.  Bromelain is also considered an effective anti-inflammatory and can help relieve painful joints common to osteoarthritis.  It also has the ability to reduce mucus in the throat, so if have a cold with a productive cough, add some pineapple to your diet.

Radish

The leafy green portion is edible and contain high amounts of vitamin C, plus calcium.  Chop up the roots and leaves to add nutrition, flavor and crunch to salads.  Or steam the roots with carrots, and marinate them in an orange-flavored dressing.

Rhubarb

Good source of fiber, moderate source of vitamin C and calcium.  Studies have linked the fiber from rhubarb to reduced cholesterol levels.  Select bright crisp stalks that aren’t curled or limp.  Deep red stalks are sweeter and richer.  The leaves should never be eaten.Wonderful in puddings, but its sharpness also works well with meat and oily fish dishes.

FARMERS MARKETS

It’s that time of year where we are finding any reason to be outside in the fresh spring air.  As our lunch breaks get longer, our meals become al fresco, and we find ourselves taking the “long” way home, here’s another great (and environmentally friendly) reason to be outside. Farmers Markets!!  There are so many benefits to shopping at a farmers’ market in your neighborhood.  There you have access to fresh & healthy food direct from the farmers and growers themselves. Shopping at a farmers’ market is good for you, your local farmers, and your community.

When shopping at farmers’ markets, you can safely assume that the food you are purchasing has not traveled a long distance (hence, local).  You are doing your part in reducing the energy consumption needed to sustain large food systems. It’s not a secret that the food at the farmers’ markets are fresher and the tastes bolder, but did you know that they are in fact more nutritious as well?  It’s true. The shorter the time between harvested food and consumption means more nutrients are preserved in our food. Another great reason to visit a farmers market near you!

Whether you live in the city or the suburbs, finding your local farmers market is as easy as an online search at Local Harvest or contacting your local chamber of commerce.

Since Spring has officially arrived, here’s a recipe for Braised Spring Vegetables, where you can buy the yummy ingredients locally!

1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 bunch radishes, trimmed and quartered lengthwise
1 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 red onion, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
3 thyme sprigs (optional)
Pinch sugar
Kosher salt
2 garlic cloves, very thinly sliced
1 bunch scallions, trimmed and halved lengthwise
1/4 cup white wine
1 bunch asparagus (about 1 pound), trimmed and cut into 1-inch lengths
1 bunch Swiss chard (preferably red), leaves torn into bite-size pieces, stems cut into 1-inch lengths
1/2 pound sugar snap peas, trimmed
1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
Freshly ground black pepper
1 cup shelled fresh or frozen peas (about 1 pound in the shell)
1 small head Boston lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces
6 tablespoons grated Parmesan

1.Heat butter in a large skillet over high heat until sizzling. Add radishes and cook on one side until dappled golden brown, about 5 minutes. Turn radishes and sear for 3 minutes more. Transfer to a bowl.

2. Add oil to pan and stir in onion, thyme if using, sugar and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is golden brown, about 10 minutes (reduce heat if it starts to burn). Add garlic and cook 30 seconds. Add scallions, cut-side down; cook until light golden, about 2 minutes. Pour in wine and boil, stirring, for 2 minutes.

3. Toss in asparagus, chard stems, sugar snap peas and broth. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and simmer for 2 minutes. Toss in chard leaves, peas and lettuce; season with more salt and pepper. Cover and cook until wilted, about 3 minutes. Stir in cheese. Serve with dumplings, polenta or noodles.

*recipe and photo courtesy of NYTIMES

Welcome to Healthy Weight Week!

We don’t believe in dieting resolutions. By the second week of January, most of us are feeling guilty for having tossed our resolutions out the window.  Instead of wilting under a restrictive diet (whether it be no carbs, no sugar, no fat), why not empower yourself with acupuncture and chinese medicine?

Our skilled practitioners will use a 10-week acupuncture treatment protocol to help you reach and MAINTAIN your healthy weight goals.

After all, what’s the point of losing weight if you can’t keep it off?

Contact us today at info@remedy-nyc.com for more information!