Ah, the holidays. We muster up memories of family gatherings, gifts, lights, and delectable delights as we prepare to live that holiday gloriousness again this year. Maybe you’ll have potato latkes and kugel or grandma’s famous cookies. Maybe there’s a four-course holiday meal or all your favorite foods served at the numerous holiday parties you attend. Whatever your holiday food lifestyle is, you can manage it so that you don’t have an extra ten pounds to lose as part of your New Year’s resolutions. 

Just Like Santa

There are many effective tips and tricks to employ so that you don’t achieve the same pant size as Santa. The most important of them is to have a plan for navigating all the tantalizing temptations that await you during the next few weeks. Your plan can include:

• Maintaining your exercise routine
• Eating some of those delicious treats but monitoring your portion sizes
• Giving yourself permission to indulge on a specific day or at a specific party
• Eating healthily for most of the holiday season
• Having an accountability partner if you think you’re going to overindulge
• Don’t beat yourself up if you indulge more at an event than you intended
• Journal or do some creative activity to help you release any unwanted feelings you have about food

You Look Marvelous!

Maybe you’ve worked hard this year to lose weight, or you really want to maintain your current weight without adding any holiday pounds. The plan outlined above will give you some tools to achieve your goal. Fortunately, there are other support options available. CrispAZWellness, located in Avondale, AZ, has a myriad of options available to support you in your holiday-related weight goals. Our clinic employs these techniques to support your journey to a healthy weight. We: 

• Take a complete medical history
• Do lab work to thoroughly evaluate your unique biochemistry
•  Serve as accountability partner and coach
• Suggest lifestyle modifications
• Work to balance hormones if needed
•  Use prescription medication

Our approach is inclusive and long-term so that weight loss can be a sustainable success. Our mission is to support you now, through these fattening next few weeks, and continue that support while you achieve and maintain a healthy weight. 

Why CrispAZWellness?

CrispAZWellness provides both primary care and integrative medical care to provide you with the most balanced and sustainable weight loss program possible. Our practitioner, Vianka Cesena, is a board-certified Nurse Practitioner who works to find the root cause of illness or, in this case, weight gain. Megan provides holistic, skillful care with  compassion and sensitivity. Her goal is to help you live your happiest and healthiest life.

Megan prefers using an integrative approach to weight loss because it addresses the causes of weight gain, whether they’re physical, emotional, hormonal, or a combination thereof. Call our office at 623-850-8264 to make an appointment today so you can be Santa without the bowl full of jelly.

Disclaimer: The information contained here was not written by a medical doctor and is intended for informational purposes only. This is not a substitute for medical advice.

Too fat, too thin, or just right. Weight is such a precarious topic. There’s even the infamous quote, “You can never be too rich or too thin,” which is attributed to several celebrities over the last century or so, including Wallis Simpson (who single-handedly changed the English royal succession), fashion designer Coco Chanel, and even comedienne Joan Rivers. That view is highly problematic, though, because we all know that you really can be too thin. Sadly, you can also gain weight without trying, even when you’re being mindful of what you eat because some people legitimately have a thyroid or other medical condition that makes weight loss difficult.

Factors That Influence Weight

There are many factors that contribute to weight. The myth, of course, is that a person gains weight when they eat too much and exercise to little, but it’s more complicated than that. There are numerous factors that affect weight gain or loss:

• Genetics
• Age
• Sex/gender
• Stress
• Certain medications
• Insufficient sleep
• Familial and cultural influences
• Geographical location
• Certain medical conditions

If your parents are (or were) large people, you really do have a genetic predisposition to being overweight. As we age, our bodies change, making it easier to gain weight that, in turn, is much harder to lose. Some people live in areas that are not conducive to walking or getting outside to get exercise, or where fried foods, for example, are the norm. And some of us really do have thyroid or other hormonal conditions that affect our ability to gain or lose weight easily. Those who have hormonal imbalances, for example, have many biochemical and metabolic factors at play that make weight loss significantly harder than it is for someone without them.

What Are Hormones?

Simply put, hormones are substances created in the body by our glands. Hormones control or are responsible for a considerable number of bodily functions:

• Blood pressure
• Blood sugar
• Metabolism
• Sex-related hormones
• Controlling inflammation
• Growth

Some hormones are responsible for weight loss or gain. For example, an imbalance in the following hormonal areas relate to weight gain/loss or the inability to lose weight:

• Estrogen/female hormones
• Cortisol
• Thyroid
• Testosterone

The inability to change your weight causes enormous frustration and can impact your health and the way you feel about yourself, but there is hope.

Help for the Hopeful

CrispAZWellness in Avondale, AZ can help you lose weight with our healthcare provider-guided metabolic reset that is tailored to every individual’s biochemistry. You will have support throughout your entire journey whether you choose to meet us virtually or come see us in person.

Why Choose CrispAZWellness?

Vianka Cesena, our nurse practitioner, combines conventional healthcare and alternative medicine to help you lose weight and live a healthy life. We create a plan specifically for you that will result in long-term weight reduction with the help of accountability coaching and lifestyle change.

Call today so we can help you create an effective weight loss solution that allows you to achieve your best health and live your best life. We look forward to supporting you while you achieve your goal!

Disclaimer: The information contained here was not written by a medical doctor and is intended for informational purposes only. This is not a substitute for medical advice.

The truth is that hormones can play a role in weight loss, but they are not the whole story. Hormones can influence how much fat your body stores, how much energy you have, and how well your metabolism works. If your hormones are imbalanced, it can be more difficult to lose weight, and it may feel like your weight  loss efforts are not working.

So, what are hormones? Understanding  how they work can help you figure out if your hormones are keeping you from losing weight.

Hormones are chemicals that are produced by the glands in your body. They travel through the bloodstream and act as messengers, telling the body what to do. There are many different types of hormones, and they all have different roles in regulating various body functions. Both men and women have hormones, and having an imbalance not only can lead to weight gain, but also:

• Hair loss
• Fatigue
• Muscle weakness
• Mood swings
• Difficulty concentrating

So, this likely feels a bit daunting. After all,  if hormones play such a big role in our weight, how can we ever hope to lose weight? The good news is that there are steps you can take to help balance your hormones and improve your chances of losing weight.

But, before even embarking on your weight loss journey,  it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider. They can order tests to check your hormone levels and see if they are the reason you are struggling to lose weight. If they are, they can work with you to create a treatment plan that will help get your hormones back in balance and improve your chances of achieving your weight loss goals.

Here are several reasons why you should choose CrispAZWellness for Your Weight Loss Program

• Our weight loss program is guided by healthcare providers, and offers a metabolic reset that works with each individual’s unique biochemistry to help with losing weight. This includes hormone imbalance and other obstacles that may be contributing to your difficulties with weight loss.
• We are different in that we offer options for appointments in person or virtually, accountability coaching, lifestyle modification, and prescription medication into one customized program to help achieve sustainable weight loss.
• Our patients are the focus.  We tailor our programs to fit the individual. No two people are the same, so why would we treat them the same? We offer an approach to weight loss that not only helps our patients lose weight, but also teaches them how to keep the weight off for good.
• Our approach is both holistic and comprehensive.  With this approach, weight loss is achieved sustainably and for a longer period of time. Losing weight is hard, but you don’t have to do it alone. The team at CrispAZWellness is here to help you every step of the way.
• We’re medical professionals, not a random fad diet program or TikTok video.  When it comes to your health, you deserve the best care possible.

Hormonal Imbalances and Weight Loss: Begin Lifelong Healing Today

Whether your issues with weight loss are due to a hormonal imbalance or some other contributing factor, the team at CrispAZWellness can help.

We offer a comprehensive and individualized approach to weight loss that can help you finally achieve your goals. Contact us today to learn more about our weight loss program in Avondale, AZ and how we can help you lose weight and keep it off for good.

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Disclaimer: The information contained here was not written by a medical doctor and is intended for informational purposes only. This is not a substitute for medical advice.

Weight is such a highly charged subject in western culture. Being too heavy or too thin invites a plethora of commentary, most of which is unsolicited and critical. Anyone whose body type is outside the currently accepted social standard is often subjected to a myriad of misguided opinions about their physiology, especially if they’ve gained weight.

Contrary to the opinion that anyone who has gained weight can simply eat less, exercise more, and solve their weight problem, there are numerous physical processes that cause fluctuations in one’s body mass. Hormonal imbalances, including an imbalance in the thyroid, can cause weight gain.

What is the Thyroid?

The thyroid is an important part of the endocrine system, which regulates numerous bodily functions. For example, the endocrine system is responsible for sending messages throughout the body that relate to metabolism, growth, sexual development, sexual function, and mood.

The thyroid, which is located at the base of the throat, is a butterfly-shaped gland (although it is sometimes called an organ), and it is an integral part of proper endocrine function. The thyroid is responsible for secreting hormones throughout the body that help regulate:

• Body temperature
• Weight gain or loss
• Cholesterol levels
• Muscle strength

How Does it Work?

As only part of the endocrine system, the thyroid relies on the pituitary gland for messages regarding how much of the thyroid hormone T4, or thyroxine, to send throughout the body to regulate the bodily functions for which it is responsible. If thyroid function becomes unbalanced, it can result in either hyperthyroidism, in which the thyroid is overactive, or hypothyroidism, in which the thyroid is underactive. Symptoms of an overactive thyroid include:

• Feelings of anxiety
• Heart palpitations or an increased heart rate
• Losing weight
• GI symptoms, including frequent bowel movements
• Feeling hot

Symptoms of an underactive thyroid include physical complaints that are the opposite of an overactive thyroid:

• Fatigue
• Constipation
• Weight gain
• Feeling cold

Symptoms associated with an underactive thyroid can be symptoms of other conditions, however, so it is important to procure an accurate diagnosis.

To diagnose a thyroid condition, your health practitioner may order blood tests that measure T4, TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone), and, possibly T3 (triiodothyronine), a second primary thyroid hormone. In addition, your clinician may do a physical examination of the thyroid by palpating it. Depending on the results of the lab work and physical exam, there may be additional imaging ordered.

Treatment

For those in the Avondale, Arizona area, CrispAZWellness provides an integrative medical approach to weight loss, including a plan for those who are affected by a thyroid imbalance. Board-certified family nurse practitioner, Vianka Cesena, will assess your thyroid to determine whether its function is affecting your weight. As a practitioner who integrates traditional medical treatment with alternative treatment methodologies, Megan can help you develop a comprehensive, supportive weight management plan that might include:

• Medication
• Hormonal support
• A nutritional evaluation and plan
• Coaching
• Individualized management plan

Setting You Up for Success

The best recipe for success in your weight loss journey is the one that works for you. CrispAZWellness can help you determine exactly what works for you through evaluation of your biomarkers to determine whether any underlying imbalances are contributing to weight gain or difficulty losing weight. Megan may use a combination of strategies to support you in achieving your health and weight goals.

By combining her knowledge of traditional medicine and her passionate commitment to whole-person wellness, Megan can help you free yourself from the stress and stigma of the weight gain weighing you down in more ways than one.

Disclaimer: The information contained here was not written by a medical doctor and is intended for informational purposes only. This is not a substitute for medical advice.

1. What to Look for in a Weight Loss Program

When choosing a weight loss program, there are several things you should take into consideration. First and foremost, you need to make sure that the program is safe and effective (more on that a bit later!). There are a lot of weight loss programs out there that promise quick results, but many of them are not backed by science. Look for a program that has been proven to be effective in clinical trials.

Second, you need to make sure the program is sustainable. A lot of weight loss programs are based on restrictive diets that are difficult to stick to long-term. You want to find a program that will help you make changes to your lifestyle that you can maintain for the long haul.

Finally, you need to make sure the program is affordable. Weight loss programs can be costly, so you want to make sure you choose one that fits into your budget. Fortunately, many insurance programs will reimburse users for frequency of attending the gym, so this can be a way to help buffer the cost of a weight loss progam.

2. Weight Loss Program Safety

When it comes to weight loss, there are many programs and products available that claim to be safe and effective. However, not all of these claims are backed by scientific evidence. For example, some fad diets can be unsuccessful and perhaps even detrimental to your health.

Before starting any weight loss program, it is important to do your research and consult with your healthcare provider to make sure it is safe for you. Some weight loss programs may cause health problems, such as electrolyte imbalances, dehydration, or malnutrition. Others may be ineffective and can lead to frustration and a waste of time and money. To be safe and successful in your weight loss journey, choose a program that is medically supervised, uses evidence-based practices, and has been proven to be safe and effective.

3. Choose a Weight Loss Program that Includes Exercise

Exercise is a vital part of any weight loss program. Not only does it help to burn calories, but it also helps to build muscle mass, which in turn helps to boost metabolism. Furthermore, exercise has a host of other health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke, improving mental health, and reducing stress levels.

Weight loss programs that do not include exercise may be less successful in promoting weight loss, or may not have lasting effects.

4. Choose a Weight Loss Program that Includes a Healthy Diet

When it comes to weight loss, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. However, there are some general principles that can help you create a healthy diet that will promote weight loss.

A weight loss program should include a healthy diet for several reasons. 

• help to keep you feeling full and satisfied
• help boost your metabolism
• reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke
• help improve mental health 
• reduce stress levels

If a diet isn’t nutritionally balanced,  a person may not get the right amounts of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. This can lead to health problems. For example, a lack of iron can cause anemia, and a lack of calcium can lead to osteoporosis. A nutritionally balanced diet is important for everyone, but it’s especially important for people who are trying  to lose weight. When you’re trying to slim down, you need to be sure that you’re still getting all the nutrients your body needs. 

First, focus on eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These foods are packed with nutrients and fiber, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied. As we talked about in a blog previously, keeping to the outside aisles of the grocery store can help you find the most healthy food items. Some examples of these types of healthy foods are:

• Raspberries, blueberries, strawberries
• Colorful vegetables
• Whole-wheat breads
• Fresh meat

Second, limit your intake of processed foods and sugary drinks. These items are often high in calories but low in nutritional value, making them less than ideal for weight loss.

Third, make sure to get enough protein. Protein provides the body with the building blocks it needs to repair muscle tissue and build new lean muscle mass.

Finally, be sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. By following these tips, you can develop a healthy weight loss program that will help you reach your goals.

Important note:  Before starting any weight loss program,  always consult with your healthcare provider to make sure it is safe for you.

At CrispAZWellness, we offer a weight loss program that is safe, evidence-based, and affordable. Our team of experts will work with you to create a tailored plan that meets your individual needs. To learn more about our weight loss programs, contact us today.

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Disclaimer: The information contained here was not written by a medical doctor and is intended for informational purposes only. This is not a substitute for medical advice.

Drink More Water

Did you know that dehydration can actually increase inflammation in the body and reduce the metabolism? Along with filling you up and suppressing your appetite, water can be great for boosting the metabolism and removing toxins from the body. Drinking more water can help you lose weight and feel better overall.

Eat Healthy Food

Food is a major factor when it comes to losing weight and feeling good overall. We recommend avoiding packaged and processed foods as much as possible and instead opting for the outside aisles of the grocery store where fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and other healthy things are located.

Get Exercise

We’ve all heard how important exercise is for weight loss and it is true. Getting exercise daily, even if it is just a walk around the neighborhood can help you not only lose weight but also build muscle, feel stronger and be overall more healthy.

Seek Professional Weight Loss Treatment

When it comes to changing your lifestyle for weight loss, it can be important to trust in a trained professional. Our programs are tailored to each patient to ensure maximum results.

Schedule Your Weight Loss Consultation in Avondale, Arizona

Interested in losing weight and keeping it off? Considering Mesa weight loss management? Contact CrispAZWellness today to schedule your appointment, we look forward to helping you with your goals.

Benefits of Medically-Assisted Weight Loss Programs

When it comes to losing weight, trusting in a healthcare professional can be a wonderful choice. At CrispAZWellness, we take into account the entire body, lifestyle choices, dietary choices and even exercise. Our Mesa weight loss treatment is tailored per patient, ensuring that it works for them. We offer natural supplements that can help to curb hunger, teach our patients about tasty, healthy food that actually provides the body with what it needs and can even help with an exercise plan and lifestyle changes. Our ultimate goal is to teach patients to live a healthier lifestyle that results in a more desirable weight.

How Do I Start Weight Loss Treatment in Mesa?

At CrispAZWellness, we would be happy to offer a weight loss consultation near you. We’ll discuss your health history, diet, exercise, lifestyle, etc. Based upon that, your weight loss program will be custom-tailored to you. Throughout your weight loss journey, Vianka Cesena will be available for support, guidance and oversight.

Schedule Weight Loss Management in Avondale, Arizona Today

Ready to start losing weight in Avondale, Arizona? Contact CrispAZWellness today to schedule your weight loss consultation. We would be happy to discuss how our weight loss treatment nearby might be right for you.

Causes of Hormonal Imbalances

When it comes to hormonal imbalances, there are a vast number of factors and causes to take into account. Some of the most common causes of hormonal imbalances include an underactive thyroid (also known as hypothyroidism), an overactive thyroid (known as hyperthyroidism), diabetes, pregnancy, menopause and even birth control use, however, there are many more causes for men, women and even teens.

Common Hormone Imbalance Symptoms

When it comes to hormonal imbalances, there can be a wide range of symptoms depending upon the patient and the exact cause. For both men and women, these are the most common symptoms of a hormonal imbalance, however, you may experience additional symptoms as well.

• fatigue
• temperature sensitivity
• constipation
• frequent bowel movements
• dry skin
• puffy face
• nervousness
• anxiety
• irritability
• blurred vision
• sweating
• infertility
• a fatty hump between the shoulders
• rounded face
• purple or pink stretch marks
• unexplained weight loss
• unexplained weight gain
• increased/decreased heart rate
• frequent urination
• increased thirst
• thinning, fine, brittle hair
• increased hunger
• depression
• decreased libido/sex drive
• muscle aches
• muscle tenderness
• muscle stiffness
• muscle weakness
• joint pain
• joint stiffness
• joint swelling

Women-Specific Hormonal Imbalance Symptoms

Due to the changes women experience each month and during their lifetime, there are certain hormonal imbalance symptoms specific to them, these include:

• heavy/irregular periods
• missed periods
• no period
• frequent period
• excessive hair on the face, chin, or other parts of the body
• acne on the face, chest, or upper back
• thinning hair/hair loss
• weight gain/trouble losing weight
• skin darkening
• skin tags
• vaginal dryness
• vaginal atrophy
• painful sex
• night sweats

Men-Specific Hormone Imbalance Symptoms

Testosterone can play a huge role in the development of a man, when levels are not adequate, certain symptoms may be experienced, such as:

• development of breast tissue
• decreased sex drive
• infertility
• decrease in facial/body hair growth
• osteoporosis
• difficulty concentrating
• hot flashes
• breast tenderness
• erectile dysfunction
• loss of muscle mass

Schedule Hormone Imbalance Therapy in Avondale, Arizona

Think that you or a loved one may need hormonal imbalance treatment in Avondale, AZ? Contact CrispAZWellness today to schedule your appointment.

Weight loss management in Mesa can improve your overall health.

Did you know that obesity can actually impact your overall health and entire body? Being overweight actually causes strain to various parts of your body, including your blood vessels, heart and other organs. Losing weight can improve your body’s overall ability to function properly.

Weight loss treatment in Mesa can improve your self confidence.

Along with being super great for your body and overall health, weight loss in Mesa can also be a wonderful boost for your self confidence. Many patients report feeling more confident as they lost weight, kept it off and continued to better their lives.

Weight loss therapy in Mesa can reduce your risk of various diseases.

As mentioned above, being overweight can have a big impact on your whole body, not just your appearance. People who are overweight are at a higher risk for heart disease, diabetes, heart attack, stroke and various other conditions. Starting weight loss treatment near you can reduce your risk for these ailments.

Weight loss in Mesa can improve your overall pain/discomfort.

When we gain weight, there is little to no change to our overall skeleton, meaning that extra weight and pressure is being placed on our frame. This can ultimately lead to pain and discomfort due to the body having to support so much extra weight.

Start Weigh Loss Treatment in Avondale, Arizona Today

Interested in starting your Mesa weight loss treatment near you? Contact CrispAZWellness today to schedule your consultation and get started.

Dietary Guidance

Did you know that most gastrointestinal disorders and symptoms can be worsened depending upon diet? Low fiber, high fat meals are directly correlated to the symptoms related to “irritable bowel syndrome”, while eating certain things like tiny seeds or nuts can lead to a diverticulitis attack. CrispAZWellness can help you eat better for your health, reducing your overall symptoms and improving how you feel on a daily basis.

Lifestyle Advice

Lifestyle choices can also play a big role in how our gastrointestinal system is working on a daily basis. Cigarette use, excessive drinking, lack of sleep and even stress can lead to a wide range of gastrointestinal complications. CrispAZWellness will look over your history and make recommendations to your lifestyle that could reduce your symptoms and improve your daily life.

Physical Activity & Exercise Assistance

The amount of physical activity and exercise you experience on a daily basis can also have a big impact on the function of your gastrointestinal system. CrispAZWellness can discuss your exercise and physical activity regime and make recommendations to help improve your digestion, gastrointestinal function and day-to-day life.

Start GI Disorder Treatment in Avondale, Arizona Today

Interested in naturally treating your gastrointestinal disorder? Want to address the cause of your discomfort instead of masking it? Contact CrispAZWellness today to schedule your appointment, we are always accepting new patients and would be happy to help.