Category: Weight Loss

Your Path to Sustainable Weight Loss

1/7/2025

When it comes to weight loss, we believe it’s about so much more than just the number on the scale. At Flourish, we take a holistic, science-driven approach that focuses on uncovering the root causes of weight loss resistance. From assessing hormones and toxins to optimizing lifestyle habits, our program is designed to empower you with the tools and knowledge to achieve sustainable results.

Let’s dive into the key elements of our weight loss approach:

1. Addressing the Foundations of Weight Loss

Achieving healthy, lasting weight loss starts by addressing the factors that influence your metabolism, energy, and body composition. Here’s what we assess:

Hormones: The Body’s Master Regulators
Hormones like thyroid, testosterone, estradiol, cortisol, and insulin play a critical role in regulating your metabolism, appetite, and energy levels. When these hormones are out of balance, weight loss becomes an uphill battle. By optimizing these “master regulators,” we set the stage for your body to function at its best. Healthy weight loss isn’t possible without addressing these powerful messengers.

Sleep: The Missing Link
Sleep is often overlooked in weight loss journeys, but it’s a game-changer. Quality sleep supports energy production, cellular healing, and metabolism. Poor sleep can lead to increased cravings, late-night snacking, and hormonal imbalances that sabotage your progress. Here’s a simple weight loss hack: go to bed early!

Toxins: The Hidden Culprits
Toxins stored in fat can make weight loss incredibly challenging. For those exposed to toxins daily—like hairstylists, painters, or construction workers--detox protocols can be the breakthrough needed to overcome plateaus. Shedding toxins helps your body let go of fat more effectively.

Lifestyle Habits: Small Changes, Big Impact
From diet and exercise to mindful meal timing, sustainable habits are the foundation of success. We emphasize:

Prioritizing whole foods over processed ones.
Trying strategies like intermittent fasting or avoiding calories 4 hours before bed.
Customizing exercise routines to what you enjoy for long-term consistency.
Building muscle to enhance metabolism and support functional strength (because who doesn’t want to stay strong and independent well into their golden years?).

2. Body Composition Scanning: The InBody Advantage

We use advanced body composition analysis to look beyond the scale and track meaningful changes in your body.

Muscle Mass: Essential for strength, metabolism, and overall function. Muscle naturally declines with age unless actively maintained through nutrition and exercise.
Visceral Fat: The fat around your internal organs is a critical health marker linked to heart disease, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes. Body composition scanning offers a window into these unseen risks.
Body Fat Percentage: A more accurate measure of health than BMI or body weight, with healthy ranges being 18-28% for women and 10-20% for men.

By tracking these metrics, we can assess the effectiveness of your plan and make adjustments as needed.

3. Personalized Coaching for Long-Term Success

Fad diets may deliver short-term results, but they rarely last. That’s why our team develops individualized plans tailored to your unique needs, strengths, and lifestyle. We work alongside you, providing guidance, accountability, and encouragement every step of the way. Adjustments are made as your body evolves to ensure your goals remain within reach.

4. Maintaining Your Results

The journey doesn’t end when you hit your target weight—it’s just the beginning of a healthier life. Our tailored maintenance plans help you sustain your progress by:

Reinforcing healthy habits that have become second nature.
Supporting you through life’s hurdles like vacations, holidays, and special events.
Using body composition scanning every 3-6 months to monitor internal changes and make necessary tweaks.
Encouraging ongoing communication with your medical practitioner to adapt your plan as you age.

Are YOU ready to Flourish?

At Flourish Medical + Wellness, our goal is to help you achieve sustainable weight loss by addressing the root causes and empowering you with the tools to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about long-term transformation and living your best life. Take the first step toward your weight loss goals by booking a consultation with our team today. Together, we’ll create a plan that’s uniquely yours and set you on a path to success just like the partnerships we’ve had with current patients. Read on…

I began pursuing weight loss care at Flourish because I was so happy with the other care I’ve received. Armed with the Tirzepatide injections and the continuing care they’ve provided, I can happily say I’ve lost nearly 30 pounds. Not only do they educate you on the injections, they really support your choices and give guidance on realistic lifestyle changes to go along with it. I wouldn’t have felt safe going through another provider because I know that the team at Flourish really has my best interests and overall health in mind. The part that makes me feel most comfortable as they conduct body scans along the way to ensure you’re on the right path - losing fat, not muscle - and like always, the providers are encouraging, positive and caring.” -J.S.

I swear by the care I've received at Flourish. Jackie and her team are fantastic. For so many years I have felt low. I've struggled with low energy, low mood, and brain fog. My weight was out of control, and it was next to impossible to maintain any amount of weight loss. Since coming to Flourish and working to regulate my thyroid and hormonal balance, I've felt improvements all around. I've lost weight and maintained that loss. My mood is improved and I have more energy - for the first time since I was a teenager I actually enjoyed working out. I am 45 years old and I love the changes I can see and feel in my body. I wish I would have found Flourish years ago.” – M.V.

Truly life changing. I am not a pro medicine guy. We were introduced to Tad and Flourish from a friend. A year into our health transformation, I can say I honestly have never felt better. I am down 50 pounds, and I am more active than I have been in a number of years. It was not that I did not want to be active in the past, I just lacked the energy. The personal approach of Tad and the team at Flourish is a game changer. It is truly like I have a friend with a vested interest in my health and well-being. Thanks for all you do, Tad, and your team!” - K.E.

Ten Ways to Flourish in 2024

12/31/2023

At Flourish Medical + Wellness, we're all about making sure your body works at its best. We’re very aware of the research compiled over hundreds of years on how to keep people healthy and thriving. And we aren't fond of just extending life by taking meds every day to cover up symptoms. Our approach to medicine is all about helping you live long and stay healthy, as God intended. Here are ten ways to flourish as we partner with you in your wellness.

#1 Weight Loss

At FMW we believe that an effective weight loss program needs to be tailored to each individual’s lifestyle, health, age, and hormone levels. Therefore, we offer a variety of weight loss options in order to provide optimal results for each individual patient. With the goal of sustainable weight loss, the best approach is with a balanced and individualized strategy that considers factors like nutrition, exercise, mental well-being, and long-term habits. Restoring optimal hormone levels, testosterone, estradiol, and thyroid, is an integral part of a successful weight loss plan. This makes weight loss more attainable as well as sustainable! Learn more about FMW weight loss testing and treatments>>

#2 IV Therapy

Intravenous (IV) nutrient therapy is a treatment which includes ingredients like essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids proven over decades to play a significant role in our health and wellness. IV nutrient therapy is a safe, effective, and restorative therapy used to aid in treating several medical conditions and to boost your immune system. Our IV therapy is customized to meet each individual’s nutritional needs and is administered directly into the veins which provides significantly more benefit than oral and traditional supplements and medications. Check out the benefits and our nutrient menu>>

#3 Hormone Therapy

Hormone imbalance happens to both men and women and can have a significant impact on overall health and wellness. Hormones are one of the most important regulatory systems in the body. They function as messengers, interacting with specific target cells and organs to stimulate them into action. Hormone replacement therapy offers relief from many of the uncomfortable symptoms caused by a hormone imbalance. It can change your life! Read our patient’s stories>>

Understand your options and learn more in the video from Jackie Tewes>>

#4 Toxin Removal

God designed our bodies to be able to detoxify and heal in most circumstances, however, with continuous toxin exposure and a lack of nutrient dense foods to nourish our bodies and support healing, those natural detoxification pathways can become blocked or stagnant. When this occurs, toxins build up inside the body and can cause diffuse inflammation, leading to disease processes. At Flourish, we offer thorough toxin testing and detoxification options. Discover the symptoms of toxin overl oad>>

#5 Nutrition

We have all heard (and likely tried) dozens of diets to help us achieve our weight goals. Nutrition means so many different things to each of us. The focus that we offer is to rely on natural, healthy foods that nourish our bodies in order to help us function optimally. Small, sustainable changes are the focus as they are often longer lasting solutions and easier to implement. That’s why we offer a handy (free) Food Swap Guide to make healthy grocery shopping a little easier. At Flourish, we also partner with you through holistic Functional Medicine methods. Perhaps intermittent fasting is an approach you’ve been wanting to investigate. We’ve got a great resource for you.

#6 Supplementation

Our best resource for nutrition should be food but there are many situations where we need to look at supplementation to enhance the amount of vitamins and minerals our bodies are receiving. Most American diets are full of refined carbohydrates and sugars and are insufficient in essential vitamins and antioxidants. This can leave you deficient in many key nutrients that are needed to prevent chronic disease, and to run all body systems effectively. A balanced diet provides a source of vitamins and minerals, but taking dietary supplements with your healthy diet is beneficial in ensuring your body has enough of the nutrients it needs each day. Our (free) Holistic Home Remedies booklet is a great place to start! And our supplement recommendations are available for you to purchase online or at our clinic.

#7 Essential Oils

Essential oils are concentrated extracts derived from various plants and have been used for centuries for their potential health and wellness benefits. While individual experiences can vary, here are some commonly reported benefits of essential oils: aromatherapy, stress and anxiety reduction, improved sleep, pain relief, immune system support, headache relief, skin care, natural air freshener, home cleansers, mood enhancement, and repelling insects. With so many benefits and essential oils to choose from, it’s a great way to flourish! You can learn more and order from our own doTERRA essential oil shop>>

#8 Aesthetic Therapy

At Flourish, our definition of wellness encompasses all aspects of whole-person care, including physical, mental, and emotional wellness. Appearance can have a profound impact on wellness and how we interact with those around us. That is why we offer aesthetic treatments and have chosen to use the safest FDA-approved products to keep you feeling and looking your best. Botox® Cosmetic is the first FDA-approved treatment to improve frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead lines in adults. The best results come from a well-trained medical provider who understands facial anatomy and musculature and customizes treatment to each individual patient. That's one of the reasons to schedule your Botox® Cosmetic treatments with us. Learn more>>

#9 Gut Health

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the relationship between gut health and overall well-being. We now understand that the gut plays a central role in our health, impacting everything from digestion to the immune system and even mental health. One approach that's gaining traction in the pursuit of optimal gut health is functional medicine. At FMW we also know the increasing exposure to toxins in our environment can worsen symptoms. That is why we offer a parasite protocol. Parasites weaken the body’s natural defense mechanisms which allows for easier invasion by parasites. They may be the underlying trigger for a variety of chronic health conditions, like autoimmune diseases and irritable bowel syndrome. We offer testing and treatment! Learn more about parasite protocol>>

#10 Emotional Health

To flourish, we must place a priority on our emotional wellness. Our medical practice seeks to bring wholeness through physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. That’s why we offer more in-depth testing. If you have been struggling with physical, mental, or emotional symptoms that have no known or identifiable cause, a trapped emotion may be the cause. Working with the Governing Meridian energy pathway and applied kinesiology, these trapped emotions can be identified and removed, leading to healing and improvement or resolution of the associated symptoms. Learn more>>

We’ve shared a few of the ways you can flourish in 2024! Hopefully, you’ve discovered what makes us different from other medical clinics. Our personal approach to YOUR individual needs is the focus. And the treatments and plans we suggest for you aren't determined by insurance companies. Instead, we give you the care that fits you like a glove. We look at your symptoms, offer appropriate testing, complete a comprehensive assessment to determine your care plan.

It's all about personalized care here at Flourish Medical + Wellness. Learn more about our Team and call us to schedule your first visit!

Fast-Track to Wellness: The Benefits of Intermittent Fasting

12/4/2023

Intermittent fasting has gained immense popularity in recent years as a powerful approach to not just weight management but overall health improvement. Let’s explore the top benefits of intermittent fasting, shedding light on how this eating pattern can positively impact your body and mind.

Weight Loss and Fat Burn

Intermittent fasting is renowned for its ability to aid in weight loss. By restricting the eating window, the body has a limited time to consume calories, leading to a calorie deficit. Additionally, fasting periods encourage the body to burn stored fat for energy, promoting effective weight management.

Improved Metabolism

Fasting periods can boost metabolic health by enhancing insulin sensitivity. This helps the body process glucose more efficiently, reducing the risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. A healthier metabolism can also contribute to better overall energy levels.

Cellular Repair and Autophagy

During fasting, the body undergoes a process called autophagy, where cells remove damaged components and regenerate. This cellular repair mechanism is linked to a lower risk of various diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.

Heart Health Benefits

Intermittent fasting has been associated with improved heart health. It may lead to reduced blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and triglycerides, all of which are risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.

Brain Health and Cognitive Function

Fasting may positively impact brain health by promoting the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein associated with cognitive function, learning, and memory. Some studies suggest that intermittent fasting may help protect the brain against age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's.

Increased Human Growth Hormone (HGH) Production

Fasting can lead to a significant increase in the production of human growth hormone (HGH), which plays a crucial role in growth, metabolism, and muscle strength. Elevated HGH levels are associated with anti-aging effects and improved muscle recovery.

Inflammation Reduction

Chronic inflammation is linked to various diseases, including arthritis and heart disease. Intermittent fasting may help reduce inflammation markers in the body, potentially lowering the risk of inflammatory conditions.

Enhanced Longevity

Research in animals suggests that intermittent fasting may contribute to increased lifespan. While more studies are needed in humans, the positive effects on metabolism, cellular repair, and disease prevention may collectively support a longer, healthier life.

Intermittent fasting is not just a trend; it's a lifestyle choice that offers a myriad of health benefits. From weight loss and improved metabolism to cellular repair and enhanced brain health, the positive impacts of intermittent fasting make it a compelling approach for those seeking holistic well-being. At Flourish, we invite you to take the first step towards a healthier, more vibrant you by downloading our Intermittent Fasting Guide today.

Healthy Kids, Brighter Futures: Tackling Childhood Obesity

9/1/2023

September is not just a month for the changing of seasons; it’s also a time to focus our attention on an alarming issue that affects the future health of our nation – childhood obesity. As National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month unfolds, let’s delve into the epidemic that has far-reaching consequences on the physical and mental well-being of our youngest generation. We want to shed light on the critical aspects of childhood obesity in America and the steps we can take to combat it.

Let’s look at factors that contribute to childhood obesity.

A big factor is unhealthy diets. The prevalence of processed foods high in sugars, unhealthy fats, and empty calories has skyrocketed. These foods are not only readily available but are often marketed aggressively to children. Processed foods also contain high amounts of chemicals that should not be consumed. Over time, these chemicals compound and create high toxin levels that disrupt endocrine function, nervous system function, and gastrointestinal health. Here are four more factors:

Lack of Physical Activity: With the advent of technology, children are spending more time indoors glued to screens rather than engaging in physical activities. This sedentary lifestyle directly contributes to weight gain.
Socioeconomic Disparities: Access to healthy foods and safe spaces for physical activities can be limited in lower-income neighborhoods, leading to higher rates of obesity among disadvantaged children.
Parental Influence: Parents play a crucial role in shaping their children’s eating habits and activity levels. Busy lifestyles, lack of nutritional education, and limited cooking skills can all impact the choices parents make for their children.
Advertising and Marketing: Food companies often market sugary and unhealthy foods to children, influencing their preferences from a young age.

How do we combat childhood obesity? National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month provides an opportunity for us to collectively address this issue.

Education: Raising awareness about the consequences of childhood obesity is paramount. Schools, communities, health care providers, and parents must all work together to ensure that children understand the importance of making healthy choices. While grocery shopping, parents can read nutrition labels to be sure they are choosing items without artificial sweeteners, such as fructose corn syrup.
Promoting Healthy Diets: Schools can implement healthier meal options, and parents can model balanced eating habits at home. The food industry can also play a role by reformulating products to reduce their sugar and calorie content, and most importantly their use of inflammatory oils and addicting chemicals.
Encouraging Physical Activity & Limiting Screen Time: Schools should prioritize physical education, recess, and after-school sports programs. Communities can create safe spaces for outdoor activities, and parents can lead by example by being active themselves. Limiting screen time to 30 minutes or less per day can positively impact the physical and mental health of our children.
Family Involvement: Parents and guardians can actively participate by engaging in meal planning, cooking nutritious meals, and spending quality time being active with their children, while avoiding processed foods and snacks.

The growing concern is that childhood obesity is no longer an isolated issue; it’s a full-fledged public health crisis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), childhood obesity affects about 1 in 5 children and adolescents in the United States. The implications of this statistic are far more profound than mere numbers – it’s about the children who grapple with health complications, social stigma, and diminished quality of life.

National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month serves as a wake-up call, urging us to recognize the urgency of addressing childhood obesity in America. By understanding the contributing factors and taking proactive steps to promote healthier lifestyles, we can pave the way for a brighter, healthier future for the younger generation. This month is not just about awareness; it’s a reminder for each family to access lifestyle and food choices. Let’s each make a commitment to foster an environment where children can grow up healthy and flourish.

Healthy Weight Loss: Why and How

4/20/2023

Maintaining a healthy weight is important for overall health and well-being. Carrying excess weight can increase the risk of a variety of health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. On the other hand, maintaining a healthy weight can help to reduce the risk of these and other chronic conditions, as well as improve physical and mental well-being.

A healthy weight is not necessarily a specific number on the scale, but rather a range that is appropriate for an individual based on their age, gender, and other factors. Maintaining a healthy weight involves a combination of a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and other lifestyle behaviors. In this post, we will explore six strategies for achieving and maintaining a healthy weight in a sustainable and enjoyable way.

Set Realistic Goals

Set specific, achievable goals: Instead of setting a vague goal like “lose weight,” try setting a specific, measurable goal like “lose 5 pounds in the next month” or “walk 10,000 steps a day.” This can help you stay focused and motivated.

Keep a record: Write down what you eat, your physical activity, and any other factors that may affect your weight loss, such as stress or sleep. This can help you identify patterns and make adjustments as needed. Smart watches, health apps, and other tools are a great way to track and motivate.
Celebrate your progress: Recognize and celebrate your small victories along the way. This can help to keep you motivated and reinforce your healthy habits.
Be patient: Weight loss is a process that takes time. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results and remember that setbacks are a normal part of the journey.

Eat a Balanced Diet

It’s important to maintain a balanced diet for weight loss and provide tips for incorporating more fruits, vegetables, and lean protein into meals.

Start your day with a healthy breakfast. The first meal of the day should always include a significant protein – this is more filling, keeps you fuller longer, and does not spike the insulin levels like sugars and carbs.
Make vegetables the main attraction of your meals. Try roasting, grilling, or sautéing a variety of vegetables as a side dish or adding them to grain bowls, stir-fries, or pasta dishes.
Incorporate protein-rich foods into every meal and snack. Some options include eggs, Greek yogurt, tofu, beans, lentils, nuts, and seeds.
Keep a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables on hand for quick and easy additions to meals.
Make it easy to grab healthy snacks by prepping cut-up vegetables and fruit, or portioning out nuts and seeds, and storing them in the fridge or pantry.
Experiment with plant-based protein sources, such as beans, lentils, and tofu, in place of animal protein in some meals.
Add fruit to your meals for a natural sweet touch. For example, top your morning oatmeal with sliced bananas and a drizzle of honey, or add berries to your salad.
Choose whole grain options, such as whole wheat bread, pasta, and rice, over refined grains to increase your intake of fiber and nutrients.

Incorporate Physical Activity

Physical activity is essential to achieve and maintain weight loss. Here are some tips for finding enjoyable and sustainable ways to incorporate more movement into daily life.

Take advantage of opportunities to walk or bike instead of driving, such as walking to the store or biking to work.
Look for ways to add movement to your daily routine, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator, doing a quick stretching or yoga session at home, or going for a walk during lunch breaks.
Incorporate physical activity into your leisure time, such as joining a sports team, going for hikes, or taking up a new hobby like dancing or gardening.
Find an activity that you enjoy and that fits your lifestyle and preferences, as this will make it more likely that you will stick with it.
Consider working with a personal trainer or exercise professional to create a personalized fitness plan that meets your goals and needs.
Make physical activity a social event by exercising with friends or joining a group fitness class.
Don’t be afraid to mix things up and try new activities to keep your workouts interesting and prevent boredom.

Practice Mindful Eating

It is beneficial to pay attention to hunger and fullness cues and avoid distractions while eating. Here are some more benefits:

It can help you tune in to your body’s hunger and fullness signals, so you can stop eating when you’re satisfied rather than overfull.
It can help you identify emotional triggers for overeating, such as stress or boredom, and find healthier ways to cope with those emotions.
It can help you slow down and savor your food, which can lead to increased satisfaction and enjoyment.
It can help you make healthier food choices, as you are more likely to pay attention to the quality and nutritional value of your food when you are fully engaged in the eating experience.

Easy to say, hard to do! Here are some tips to help you practice mindful eating:

Eat slowly and pay attention to each bite.
Avoid distractions while eating, such as watching TV or scrolling through social media.
Notice the flavors, textures, and aromas of your food.
Check in with your hunger and fullness levels before, during, and after meals.
Eat without judgment and try to let go of any negative thoughts or feelings about food.

Get Support

Find support: Surround yourself with supportive friends and family members or consider joining a weight loss group or hiring a personal trainer or coach. Having support can help you stay motivated and accountable. At Flourish, we offer weight loss support. Contact us for more info! Here is a great resource we created to help you make good food choices. It’s our Easy Food Swap Guide ready for you to print>>

Stay Consistent

Consistency is important in weight loss efforts because it helps to establish healthy habits and behaviors that can be sustained over the long term. When it comes to weight loss, it is often the small, daily choices that make the biggest difference. By making consistent efforts to eat a healthy diet, stay physically active, and practice other healthy behaviors, you can gradually and steadily lose weight and improve your overall health.

By following these tips and finding what works best for you, you can achieve and maintain a healthy weight for a lifetime of good health. At Flourish, we will come along side you. Contact us for the guidance and support as a partner in your heath and wholeness.

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