LESSONS LEARNED FROM DESTINATION SPAS
- On April 10, 2016
By Debra K, Host of “Journey into Wellbeing”
Destination spas are the original spas and are dedicated to the inner and outer wellbeing of their guests. They provide support for weight loss and proper nutrition, while offering a slew of fitness activities, workshops/classes, and spa services. They are sanctuaries for the soul. For the rest of us, there is much we can learn from these spas on how to offer another component of wellbeing to our guests.
During my journeys, I picked up a few things to share. These tips will help you live healthier daily, or at least until you can make it to a spa!
No need for salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats
I tasted some of the most fabulous foods ever at destination spas and all were minimally prepared with a low amount of salt and artificial seasonings. Fresh herbs taste amazing and minimize the need to add fake flavors. At home: for salads, add in some chopped cilantro and mint. Herbs add enough flavors so that you only need a simple oil and rice vinegar.
Less is enough
Some spas offer a reduced-calorie plan. Even when I was on a 1,200 calorie diet at the Oaks of Ojai, I felt completely satiated and full. The lesson: less really is okay. Try eating smaller meals and filling snacks more frequently. Not only will this balance your blood sugar levels, but you will be less likely to eat large portions at meal times.
Exercise came easily
I have not always been the most active person, so I was nervous about the prospect of exercising daily. Happily, I was amazed at how quickly my body adapted (and liked) up to three hours of exercise every day that included hiking, Zumba, and cardio boxing. The lesson: Regardless of your current condition, your body welcomes and quickly responds to activity. If you have been inactive for a long time, start slowly with activities like walking and yoga.
Not only your body benefits from the lessons taught at destination spas, but your mind learns a lot, too. Spa programs are great at helping you put things into perspective and shift your points of view.
About Debra K
In mid-2007, deciding it was time to be done with corporate America, Debra took her big leap into entrepreneurship. Holding a passion for health and wellness, and wanting to spend the second half of her life working in positive environments, Debra co-founded two companies in the Wellness Industry, imassage, Inc. (a massage education and consulting business) and the Journey into Wellbeing (A TV show currently airing on PBS and producing her second show this year, “Senior Moments”). The intention with this leap was to land in the spa industry; since then, Debra has been fortunate to visit and work with some of the most respected destination spas around the world.
In The Journey into Wellbeing on PBS, Debra K. uncovers the secrets to living a high-energy, vibrant life. A former Fortune 250 exec. who turned her passion for natural health and wellness into her life’s mission, Debra K. is co-founder of imassage, Inc. and author of “Success from the Start.” Known as the natural health explorer, she is a regular writer, blogger, and national speaker.
