VEGAN FITNESS

Looking for a Safe, Natural Face-Lift? A n effective, chemical-free, surgery-free way to rejuvenate and refresh your face and reduce wrinkles and sagging is available at American Regenerative Clinic in Bingham Farms. Thread lifting and Ultra V High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) face-lifts are less damaging, less expensive and more beneficial than surgical face-lifts. In a natural thread face-lift, tiny multi-strand, absorbable threads are injected to form a sort of scaffold to maximize activation of the patient’s own cells and collagen production. The sterile threads are of the highest quality and cause minimal pain when inserted. During threading procedure we often add injections of stem cells, PRP, fat, lipodissolve solutions, etc. Another effective technique, the Ultra V HIFU, represents a breakthrough in technology by using ultrasound that penetrates deeper than the surface layers of the skin to target connective tissues in the face, from a drooping forehead to a sagging chin. Results can be seen with one treatment and can last for months to years. By applying one or both of these methods, facial skin is tightened and lifted, with a short recovery time and natural-looking result, making these youth-restoring options more and more popular among clients at American Regenerative Clinic. Dr. Andrey Lutskovsky, D.O. and certified functional medicine practitioner at American Regenerative Clinic, learned the thread and Ultra V HIFU face-lift techniques from Dr. Kwon. Dr. Kwon holds international acclaim for his techniques and products for aesthetic and antiaging medicine, which he has practiced and trained practitioners in for more than 20 years. He has a chain of Dermaster clinics all over the world. For more info, internet search "UltraV Lift." American Regenerative Clinic also partners with Elina Organics skincare products (ElinaOrganicsSkinCare.com), which are natural, organic, bio-energized and made in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The product line includes scrubs, elixirs, toners and more. For a limited time, Natural Awakenings readers can receive 15% off medical aesthetic services and 10% off skincare products purchased at the clinic. Look your best and give loved ones and friends a naturally refreshed complexion. Dr. Andrey Lutskovsky

Call 248-876-4242 For Your Free Consultation

American Regenerative Clinic 31000 Telegraph Rd., Ste. 140 Bingham Farms • AmericanRegen.com This face-lift technique is exclusively available in our clinic in Michigan. — Advertorial —

VEGAN FITNESS A Healthy Choice for Body and Planet

Tennis champion Venus Williams and New England Patriots star quarterback Tom Brady are among the athletes that opt for healthy, plant-dominant diets to reach their personal best, a trend that belies some misconceptions about what it means to be vegan. “Going vegan implies a larger, lifestyle choice based on personal ethics, but athletes report that they just feel better,” says Brenda Carey, editor-in-chief of Vegan Health and Fitness Magazine. “They’re also surprised at how well they put on muscle after making this dietary change.”

A balanced vegan diet can provide everything an active body needs for muscle mass, stamina and recovery while lowering the risk of heart disease. A 2018 meta-analysis of 40 studies published in the peer-reviewed journal PLOS One concludes that a plant-powered diet fosters a healthier cardio-metabolic profile. According to Dutch researchers, amping up nutrition from plants may also lower the risk of insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes. Devotees report unexpected perks.

“I recover faster. I also have more natural energy without the need for caffeine and reduced inflammation, as confirmed in blood tests,” says Matt Tullman, managing partner of the community-building website NoMeatAthlete.com and CEO of vegan supplement maker Complement, in Boulder, Colorado. by Marlaina Donato

Nutritional Superpowers Bolstering the diet with foods like quinoa, chia seeds, nut butters and vegan energy powders, as well as combining foods for a more complete protein profile, is important. For example, pairing wholegrain rice with beans makes a complete protein, says Stefanie Moir, international vegan fitness coach and founder of VeganAesthetics. co.uk, in Glasgow, Scotland. “Eating a wide variety of foods across the plant kingdom ensures that you reach your fitness goals,” says Moir, who trains six days a week and opts for a breakfast of oats with nut butter and chia seeds. “If you want a ‘superfood’ component, you can add cacao powder for antioxidants and a great chocolate taste.”

Tullman acknowledges that there are some exceptions to protein requirements—especially for the elderly, individuals with certain chronic diseases and pregnant women—but he notes that daily protein needs are less than we’ve been conditioned to believe. “If you track your macronutrients through a day, you’ll find that you’re getting adequate protein.”

Professional bodybuilder Torre Washington, in Tamarac, Florida, keeps it simple. “We’re all unique individuals, so it’s up to each person to test things without fear of lack.” The National Academy of Sports Medicine-certified coach loves antioxidant-rich blueberries, filling apples and potassium-packed bananas, and tends to choose calorically lower, nutritionally dense foods during periods that he’s competing.

Carey suggests vegan meal delivery services as an option and vegan-friendly restaurants in a pinch, but attests to an easy system of meal prep for consistency. “Some people like to meal prep one day a week—cooking brown rice, quinoa and chopping veggies. This way, you can just throw it together when it’s time to eat,” she says. “You can also eat more simply and throw a bunch of yummy fruits or veggies into the blender for smoothies or soups.”

For added fortification, some experts recommend supplement- ing with vegan sources of vitamin B 12 , especially for active women in their child-bearing years and older individuals, because B 12 absorp- tion is compromised as we age. Adding a vegan source of vitamin D is also a wise choice if exposure to natural sunlight is not adequate.

The Big Picture For the vegan athlete, workout gear that doesn’t contain wool or leather is the way to go. “Making conscious choices expands beyond your plate, and a lot of brands have vegan-friendly shoes,” says Moir. “The difference between ‘plant-based’ and ‘vegan’ has to do with ethical motivations and treatment of animals,” says Tullman. “Natural fibers such as cotton and synthetic fabrics like polyester are fine.”

The path of vegan fitness can not only offer health benefits, but also a personal connection to the Earth. “It’s given me an opportunity to share my journey with others and to allow them to reach their own specific goals,” says Washington. “Mentally, it’s given me more depth of thought and spiritually connected me with the ‘YOUniverse’ as a whole.”