Lynbrook | New Hyde Park | NY

weight loss

Motivation Monday: Sue’s Story

Today we share the success story of our member Sue!

Her energy and excitement is contagious and we couldn’t be more proud of her journey.sue

“My journey with Peak Performance began with PT after falling and suffering a fractured shoulder. I started PT last October and had a very successful experience. Every therapist and assistant was amazing! As I did my therapy exercises each week I noticed signs displayed advertising their guaranteed weight loss program. I had a strong desire to finally lose weight as it was something I battled with most of my life. After speaking with Pam Geisel, one of the Physiologists, I became more excited and encouraged. I started working out under Pam’s guidance in March. I joined the Guaranteed Weight Loss program that included both exercise and nutrition. I have spent about eight months working weekly with Pam and I cannot say enough good things about the program. I have lost close to 30 lbs. and dropped several clothing sizes. I not only feel better physically, but emotionally too. I have reached a goal that I never thought possible. Pam has treated me with encouragement, enthusiasm and kindness. Thank you for helping me to achieve my goals! Thank you so much Pam for everything!”

How Do You Get The Sunshine Vitamin In The Wintertime?

Vitamin D is important for our bodies, but how can we get enough during the winter months?

Research has linked Vitamin D to decreased rates of cancer, osteoporosis, diabetes, heart disease, anxiety and depression. Vitamin D levels in the body are not as much of an issue during the summer when people are going outside. However, during the winter months, people spend a lot more of their time indoors due to colder temperatures and snowy days. This often leads to a drop in the body’s vitamin D levels.

But how can you get Vitamin D in the winter? Go outside! Even when there is snow on the ground, you can still get enough sun to boost your vitamin D levels. When you’re outside, let as much skin show as you comfortably can- your face, neck, and hands can get some sunshine. Go outside during “solar noon.” This is the time of day when the sun is at its highest point in the sky. When you’re outside, use your skin as a cue. If your skin starts to turn pink, you’ve had enough. Keep in mind that you don’t need to spend hours in the sun. Even ten minutes a day can help boost the level of vitamin D in your body.

We live in an area where the sun shines enough in the winter that vitamin D supplements may not be necessary. However, especially with supplements, we need to ensure that we don’t get “toxic” on vitamin D. A better way to get vitamin D is simply by eating more of the foods rich in this vitamin. There are a handful of foods that can help boost vitamin D levels. Good food sources include fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, mushrooms, eggs, and vitamin D fortified foods such as milk. Wild salmon is a great source and just a small 4 ounce serving can give us more than enough of the recommend daily allowance. For those with dietary restrictions, any type of milk will do! Cow, soy, almond, and coconut milk are all vitamin D fortified.

Following these simple recommendations can help everyone enjoy the health benefits of vitamin D naturally not only during the winter, but all year long.