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Copyright (C) 2004 by Symbiant.

Last updated: Thursday 07th of June 2007 11:05:00 PM

 

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Louisa's Beauty News

Every month, Beauty News will list up-to-date, non-invasive, cutting edge treatments or products concerning general interest beauty topics such as skin and hair care, slimming secrets, health and beauty secrets.

Bookmark and check this site frequently! Or, if you'd like to receive Louisa's Beauty News by e-mail please join our mailing list! It's free - and you can unsubscribe at anytime.

Anti-Aging Ingredient Matrixyl
Can't Lose Weight - Try This!
Anti-Aging Sun-Chlorella
Say Goodbye to Ugly Scars ...
Green Tea Capsules Have Fat-Oxidizing, Anti-Aging & Anti-Cancer Benefits
More Best Beauty Buys
Reverse Aging, Diminish Acne & Pain with Light Therapy
Sun is responsible for 75% of wrinkles
Restylane, Hyaluronic Acid Cosmetic Filler
Perfect Anti-Aging Workout, The "Bar Method"
Slimming Secrets

Anti-Aging Ingredient Matrixyl Stimulates Collagen 100 to 327% -- Reduces Deep Wrinkles by as Much as 68% !!!

If you're over 40, have normal, dry, wrinkled, thinning, sagging or sun-damaged skin, you'll want to read this:

Perfect Rx Night Serum, Perfect RX Beyond Essential Lotion and Perfect RX Eye Serum all contain 8% Matrixyl!! No other product on the planet contains this percentage of Matrixyl. The Biopeptides in the Night Serum contain the highest concentration (a proprietary blend) of the next generation of Biopeptides as well as Matrixyl., which is why so many women are seeing results after just a few weeks. It's non-irritating too!

Skin Rejuvenating Facts About Matrixyl.

The proof of the following studies were presented at the World Congress of Dermatology in Paris, France last year. These studies were accepted as fact by the World Congress of Dermatology. As of this date, there are no other active topical ingredients that will induce collagen/elastin formation to the extent of Biopeptides CL and EL and Matrixyl. Clinically proven more effective than Retinol and Vitamin C with no irritation. See below for complete articles. I highlighted the facts from the clinical studies if you don't have time to read the lengthy articles attached below:

1.Palmitoyl pentapeptide (Matrixyl) significantly decreased facial lines and wrinkles

2. The peptide formulation showed improvements in the appearance of age spots, dark circles under the eyes, and skin firmness.

3. Overall results, almitoyl pentapeptide improves the appearance of photo-aged skin.

4. Significant improvement of the skin profile (determined by profilometry of wrinkle depth, length, volume, roughness) for patients using the peptide was observed at the two-month evaluation versus baseline with further improvement versus baseline after four months.

5. Dermatological scoring as well as image analysis confirmed a decrease in overall roughness and deep facial wrinkles with both treatments after four months.

6. Although skin thickness increased by an average of 9 percent after four months for both treatments, the two-month data suggested that palmitoyl pentapeptide thickened the skin about 1.5 times faster than retinol.

7. Palmitoyl pentapeptide did not cause the inflammatory reactions frequently associated with retinol treatment.

8. The women who used 5 ppm of palmitoyl pentapeptide had substantial improvements in skin roughness, wrinkle volume, and wrinkle depth.

9. Skin biopsies conducted on six patients indicated that palmitoyl pentapeptide triggered growth in elastin and collagen IV and enhanced the structure of elastin and collagen IV.

10. The researchers note that the peptide was not associated with any side effects and was "a safe and potent alternative to Retinoids in wrinkle repair."

11. Matrixyl stimulates collagen synthesis by 100 to 327% and stimulates hyaluronic acid by 267%.

Below are the complete articles if you care to read more about Matrixyl and the studies.

1. Palmitoyl pentapeptide (Matrixyl) significantly decreased facial lines and wrinkles

  1. The peptide formulation showed improvements in the appearance of age spots, dark circles under the eyes, and skin firmness.
  2. Overall results, almitoyl pentapeptide improves the appearance of photo-aged skin.
  3. Significant improvement of the skin profile (determined by profilometry of wrinkle depth, length, volume, roughness) for patients using the peptide was observed at the two-month evaluation versus baseline with further improvement versus baseline after four months.
  4. Dermatological scoring as well as image analysis confirmed a decrease in overall roughness and deep facial wrinkles with both treatments after four months.
  5. Although skin thickness increased by an average of 9 percent after four months for both treatments, the two-month data suggested that palmitoyl pentapeptide thickened the skin about 1.5 times faster than retinol.
  6. Palmitoyl pentapeptide did not cause the inflammatory reactions frequently associated with retinol treatment.
  7. The women who used 5 ppm of palmitoyl pentapeptide had substantial improvements in skin roughness, wrinkle volume, and wrinkle depth.
  8. Skin biopsies conducted on six patients indicated that palmitoyl pentapeptide triggered growth in elastin and collagen IV and enhanced the structure of elastin and collagen IV.
  9. The researchers note that the peptide was not associated with any side effects and was "a safe and potent alternative to Retinoids in wrinkle repair."
  10. Matrixyl stimulates collagen synthesis by 100 to 327% and stimulates hyaluronic acid by 267%.

Below are the complete articles if you care to read more about Matrixyl and the studies.

Matrixyl

  1. What is it?
    1. It is a synthetic sequence of five amino acids (pentapeptide) and palmitol
      1. The pentapeptide is sequenced
        1. Palmitol-Lysyl-Threonyl-Threonyl-Lysyl-Serine
          1. also described as:
            1. Pal-Lys-Thr-Thr-Lys-Ser
            2. Or Pal-KTTS
      2. This is a fragment of the C-terminal portion of Collagen I
      3. When this peptide is added to a culture of human fibroblasts it enhances the production of:
            1. Collagen I
            2. Collagen III
            3. Fibronectin
      4. Adding palmitic aid to the peptide enhances its distribution into the skin
  2. What does it do?
  1. Fibroblast cultures:
      1. Stimulation of Collagen IV synthesis by 100 to 327%
      2. Stimulation of GAG (hyaluronic acid) by 267%

  2. Biopsy samples:

1. Stimulation of collagen by 30 to 117%

C.

Comparison studies with Pal-KTTKS, placebo and a commercial product with 5% Vitamin C:

1. Reduction of deep wrinkles by as much as 68%

2. Steady improvement over 2 months/4 months/6 months

3. Out performed the Vitamin C product

D. Self evaluation by test subjects:

1. Produces lasting moisturizing of the skin

2. Makes the skin smoother

3. Makes the skin more supple

4. Reduces wrinkles and lines

By Jill Stein
Special to DG News

PARIS, FRANCE -- July 2, 2002 -- Results of a randomised, double-blind trial suggest palmitoyl pentapeptide (Pal-KTTKS) improves the appearance of photodamaged facial skin. Dr. Larry Robinson, with Procter & Gamble Company, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States, presented the findings here at the 20th World Congress of Dermatology (WCD).

Palmitoyl pentapeptide is a lipophilic modified peptide originally developed based on wound healing research and currently being investigated as an anti-aging ingredient. The peptide was developed by Sederma SA in Paris, France, and is being tested by Sederma and Procter & Gamble. The 14-week, randomised double-blind, split-face study compared the technical and subjective efficacy of a facial skin care formulation containing 3 ppm palmitoyl pentapeptide versus a non-peptide formulation.

The trial consisted of a two-week preconditioning period and a 12-week treatment period. Each formulation was tested on 92 women aged 35 to 55 years. Subjects were generally healthy and had moderate to severe photodamaged facial skin and Fitzgerald skin types of I, II, or III. During the 12-week treatment period, subjects were given both test formulations and instructed to use them twice a day, in the morning and night, on the right or left side of their face. Facial lines and texture were assessed by image analysis and trained visual grading of high-resolution digital images taken at baseline and at weeks 4, 8, and 12. In addition, subjects completed a self-assessment questionnaire regarding their own skin appearance at weeks 4, 8, and 12.

Results showed that the addition of 3 ppm palmitoyl pentapeptide significantly decreased facial lines and wrinkles as measured by image analysis at weeks 4, 8, and 12 relative to placebo. Trained visual grading of images also demonstrated a significant reduction in the appearance of fine lines/wrinkles at weeks 8 and 12.

Self-assessment data indicated that the peptide formulation showed improvements in the appearance of age spots, dark circles under the eyes, and skin firmness. Overall, the results suggest that palmitoyl pentapeptide improves the appearance of photo-aged skin both by standardized measures and self-assessment, Dr. Robinson said.

The study was sponsored by Procter & Gamble.

WCD: Palmitoyl Pentapeptide Challenges Retinol as a Treatment for Photo-aged Skin

By Jill Stein
Special to DG News


PARIS, FRANCE -- July 3, 2002 -- Two teams of investigators say palmitoyl pentapeptide (Pal-KTTKS) is as effective as retinol in improving the effects of photo-aging but lacks the side effects often associated with retinol.

The findings from two separate trials were presented here today at the 20th World Congress of Dermatology (WCD).
The first study, conducted by Dr. Karl Lintner, with Sederma SA in Paris, France, and colleagues, examined the effects of palmitoyl pentapeptide 3 ppm versus retinol 700 ppm on photo-aged skin. This double-blind half-face study enrolled 16 healthy women. For four months, they applied a cream containing 700 ppm of retinol to the crow's feet area on one side of the face and the same base cream containing 3 ppm of palmitoyl pentapeptide to the other side of the face.Patients applied the creams once daily for the first two months of the trial, then twice daily during months 3 and 4.

Significant improvement of the skin profile (determined by profilometry of wrinkle depth, length, volume, roughness) for patients using the peptide was observed at the two-month evaluation versus baseline with further improvement versus baseline after four months.

Dermatological scoring as well as image analysis confirmed a decrease in overall roughness and deep facial wrinkles with both treatments after four months. Although skin thickness increased by an average of 9 percent after four months for both treatments, the two-month data suggested that palmitoyl pentapeptide thickened the skin about 1.5 times faster than retinol.

Palmitoyl pentapeptide did not cause the inflammatory reactions frequently associated with retinol treatment.

Overall, the results suggest that palmitoyl pentapeptide is as effective as retinol at regenerating the skin but without the irritation that often occurs secondary to retinoid use, Dr. Lintner said.

Dr. Lintner and Dr. Jean Revuz, with Mondor Hospital in Paris and the current president of the WCD, presented the results of the second study, which examined the effects of palmitoyl pentapeptide 5 ppm on the structure of elastin and collagen IV in 49 women with photo-aged skin.

Over the course of the four-month, blinded study, the women who used 5 ppm of palmitoyl pentapeptide had substantial improvements in skin roughness, wrinkle volume, and wrinkle depth. Skin biopsies conducted on six patients indicated that palmitoyl pentapeptide triggered growth in elastin and collagen IV and enhanced the structure of elastin and collagen IV.

The researchers note that the peptide was not associated with any side effects and was "a safe and potent alternative to Retinoids in wrinkle repair."

Palmitoyl pentapeptide is a lipophilic modified peptide that is presently being investigated as an anti-aging ingredient. The peptide was developed by Sederma SA and is being tested by Sederma and Procter & Gamble Company in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Both studies were supported by Sederma SA.

 

PERFECT RX PRODUCTS CONTAIN 8% MATRIXYL!

In the evening after cleansing, apply Perfect RX Night Serum on the entire face, on and around the eyes, and on the neck. In the Morning apply Perfect RX Beyond Essential Lotion on the entire face, around the eyes and on the neck. If you have dark circles, or sagging skin around the eyes, you can apply the Perfect RX Eye Serum around the eyes in the morning. Patients and clients have reported dramatic results after just 10 days to two weeks use.

Click here here for our Perfect RX Combination Special Price.

(Copyright Louisa Maccan-Graves, 2004)


Anti-Aging Sun Chlorella

Incredible anti-aging and nutrient-packed supplement Sun Chlorella is a super toxin-fighter and immune-booster that can help turn back the clock and energize your body. Within weeks you'll have more energy and you'll see lines, wrinkles and age spots diminishing, pores tightening, smoother skin, improvement with dry skin or adult acne and you'll have a rosier, healthier complexion. It also improves and strengthens nails and can help hair become more shiny and soft. This is the Hollywood beauty secret of many celebrities and doctors and now more Americans are discovering the incredible benefits of Sun Chlorella.

Sun Chlorella is a single-cell freshwater green algae that is a rich source of nucleic acid. It helps your body reproduce immune cells to help you feel energized and helps keep you youthful-looking. Sun Chlorella can help alleviate digestion or stomach problems, can help stop weight gain, diminishes joint pain, helps banish pigmentation spots and improves acne or dry skin. Sun Chlorella can help your body renew itself by fighting off premature aging and contains 18 amino acids that protect your body's defenses. It includes cystine, T-cell building arginine and Lysine. Here are more benefits of Sun Chlorella:

* When fat cells become clogged with toxins, the system becomes sluggish, constipated and weight gain is inevitable. Sun chlorella aids in weight loss and helps clear skin.
* You will have more energy and your mood will be uplifted. Sun Chlorella helps cleanse cells of fatigue-causing toxins that rob you of energy.
* You will increase oxygen to the cells. Many experience relief of asthma, fatigue, joint pain, stiffness and swelling.
* Because Sun Chlorella contains the highest amount of chlorophyll of any plant, it can help keep you regular.
* You will help protect your system from hormonal imbalances.
* You will help maintain healthy cholesterol levels, better circulation and blood pressure

For more information and a free sample of Sun Chlorella, call 800-595-6776. Please tell them that Louisa from Hollywood Beauty Secrets referred you.


Say Goodbye to Ugly Scars and Help Diminish Stretch Marks with Scar Gel

Scar Gel is not a concealer but a scar treatment. This is a top selling product so it must be working!!

Everyone has scars as this is the body's natural response to burns, scrapes, surgery, acne and more. Scar Gel can be used on new (after wounds heal) or old scars to make them look softer, smoother and less noticeable. The active ingredients help break down scar tissue and also have the opposite function of encouraging cell renewal. This process of breakdown and renewal helps diminish the discoloration associated with scars. The result is that scars are softened, flattened and their appearance is markedly diminished as they blend in with surrounding tissue.

Scar Gel works on old, new, keloid, acne, burn or surgery scars. If a scar is lumpy or bumpy or has discoloration, this product will be of benefit. You can also use Scar Gel on stretch marks to help remove the reddish or purplish color that many stretch marks exhibit. Scar Gel is superior to Vitamin E oil and is non-oily and non-greasy so it won't stain your clothes.

Scar Gel contains:
Allantoin to help heal and soften the skin and aid in tissue building,
Panthenol to increase skin suppleness,
Onion Extract (Allicin) an anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral.

It takes anywhere from two to six months of at least twice-a-day application to see maximum results. Click
here to order Scar Gel.


You've Tried every Diet and Still Can't Lose Weight. You've got to read this:

We've heard it a million times -- drink 8 glasses of water a day. Well, after you read these amazing fat loss facts, I guarantee you'll increase your water intake! After I did the research, I increased my water intake for three days and guess what --- I lost three pounds and my tummy stayed flat all day long. No more bloating for me.

If you can't lose those stubborn 5 or 10 pounds, if you've tried every diet and can't lose weight, if you're bloated, constipated or retaining fluid, try increasing your water intake. It's been proven to be THE easiest and most affordable way to lose body fat. Here's why:

Water helps the body naturally metabolize fat and toxins.

- Your kidneys can't function properly without water. When the kidneys don't function properly, the liver has to take over some of the work of the kidneys.

- It's the liver's job to metabolize fat, but if it has to do the additional work of the kidneys, the liver slows down metabolizing fat and WEIGHT LOSS STOPS!

- If you're overweight, you need to drink more water than the average person. For every 25 pounds of additional weight you are carrying, add an additional glass of water. I.E. If you're 45 to 50 pounds overweight, you need to add two more glasses to your daily intake. More than two glasses is even better.

- Water helps keep your muscles and skin looking toned and tight. Water helps hydrate the muscles which in turn enables the muscles to contract. When you lose weight, particularly larger amounts, your skin can sag. However, if you increase your water intake while losing weight, your shrinking cells become plump with water, which helps keep the skin looking firm.

- Water helps suppress your appetite. Drink a cold glass of water when you feel hunger between meals.

- Cold water helps the body metabolize fat faster. Cold water absorbs more quickly than warm.

- If you have water retention, you may want to decrease your salt intake. The more salt you add to meals, the more your water your body will retain, UNLESS you drink sufficient water. To stop water retention, drink more water to eliminate excess salt.

- Water helps eliminate the body of waste, toxins and most importantly, fat! While dieting, the fat you're metabolizing needs to leave your body. An increase in water flushes out the fats, toxins and waste.

- Stop constipation by drinking more water. When you increase your water intake, your colon has sufficient water to utilize and regular bowel movements occur.

- On average, we should drink 64 oz, that's eight - 8 oz. glasses of water a day. More if you're overweight and more if you want to lose weight.

Another great weight loss trick is adding one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water and drinking it prior to meals. This can help the liver metabolize more fat. My parents did this before lunch and dinner and both lost 15 pounds and have kept if off for four years.

(Copyright Louisa Maccan-Graves, 2004)

Green Tea Capsules Have Fat-Oxidizing, Anti-Aging & Anti-Cancer Benefits

Want to protect your health, while you safely lose weight? Consider taking Thermo Green Tea capsules. They contain EGCG as mentioned above in the DDF kit. Along with antioxidants that help protect against colds, flus and some cancers, Thermo Green Tea is best known as a natural thermogenic (fat-burner) alternative. It is Ephedra-free and does not cuase nervousness or jitters. Green tea also helps stimulate collagen production which keeps skin firm and more youthful-looking. Lose weight, increase collagen production and protect your health with this best-selling supplement. Click here for more info. Always check with your physician before taking supplements.

(Copyright Louisa Maccan-Graves, 2004)

More Best Beauty Buys

The Best Mascara - Okay ladies - here's the best mascara - without a doubt!! I recently discovered this mascara while doing more investigating. Within a day or two of switching to this brand, I started receiving several comments from friends and even strangers inquiring about what mascara I was wearing. It's Maybelline Sky High Curves. I absolutely love it! And it's about $6 - $7 at most drug stores. This mascara does not smudge or run into my concealer and it comes off easily with Maybelline Expert Eye's Oil-Free Eye Make-up Remover.

The Best Concealer - You know that I don't usually recommend department store brands because they're often over-priced. But here's a wonderful concealer revealed to me by several models and an Emmy-Award winning make-up artist. It's Yves St. Laurent Touche Eclat. It's actually very reasonably priced considering how long it lasts. I've used the same tube for over eleven months. It stays moist, does not cause creases and stays put, while adding a nice highlighted effect under the eyes. I love this concealer. It's approx. $35.00 That's a little over $3.00 a month. Available at fine department stores.

Light Therapy Face Lift

Take years off your face using affordable L.E.D. Light Therapy. Anti-aging and healing light therapy could replace costly, painful laser resurfacing and face-lift surgery. Studies indicate that L.E.D. Light Therapy stimulates collagen production, firms skin, lifts aged skin, increases moisture retention, helps diminish brown spots, calms rosacea, smooth texture, forms new capillaries, increase circulation, and help repair wrinkles. Light Therapy is completely relaxing and non-invasive and can even help ease pain in muscles, back, knees and shoulders. Blue Light Therapy can help banish acne or blemish-prone skin.

Infrared Light Therpy and Blue Light Therapy are available in many skin care salons. Make sure you ask for infrared light therpy not IPL Light or Photofacial. For antii-aging. There's a difference. Infrared Light Therapy is just warm light and does not require numbing cream. It takes about 20 to 30 minutes.and should cost between $85 and $120 depending on location.

Click here for more information about how to order an affordable home unit.

Two locations for L.E.D. Light Therapy Office Treatments are:
- Dr. E. Llorente in Fountain Valley, CA, Tel.: 714-885-8980
- Lisa Fournier (a registered nurse) in Redlands, CA, Tel. 866-368-SKIN

Sun is responsible for 75% of wrinkles

Did you know that the harmful rays of the sun can damage skin within 60 seconds of exposure? Besides the risk of skin cancer, sun is also responsible for 75% of the wrinkles on your face, neck and chest. It also quickly ages hands. This is why it's imperative to wear sun screen each and every day -- rain or shine. Sunscreen creates a barrier that causes sunlight to reflect off skin, preventing UV rays from penetrating into the skin. For full protection, your sun screen should be 15 or 30 SPF and must contain ONE of the following effective ingredients: Parsol, Avobenzene, Titanium Dioxide or Zinc Oxide. Choose sunscreen formulated for your skin type. Try the Cutting-Edge C-30 Moisturizing Cream with SPF 30 Sun Block. This sun screen is oil-free, paba-free, light textured and can be used on all skin types.

How to apply sunscreen:
Apply sun screen every morning in this order:
1. Apply moisturizer.
2. Next, apply sunscreen to face, neck and chest all year round. During the summer of course, apply to all exposed areas (arms and legs etc.)
3. Lastly, apply make-up or foundation.
Apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before going out in the sun. Try to avoid sun exposure when exercising or walking outside. Walking or exercising early in the morning or after 5:00 p.m. is best. Try to walk on the shady side of the street, if possible. If not, wear a loose cotton, long sleeved shirt, a wide-rimmed sun visor, sun glasses and protective lip gloss like Blistex Pro Care SPF 30. If you plan to play sports, spend any length of time outside, or swim, reapply sun screen every two hours. When driving, wear cotton gloves to protect hands from damaging UV rays that can penetrate windshield glass.

A friendly reminder about sun and your pets

Please pass this around to all dog and animal owners. Take your doggy for a walk early in the a.m. and after 5:00 pm so paws are not exposed to hot pavement. We know you love your dog, but please don't leave him/her in the car during sunny winter days and especially on hot summer days as dogs can suffer from heat stroke, dehyrdation and may even die if left in the car for periods of only 20 minutes. These are facts from the SPCA. If you really have to take your dog with you, never leave him/her in the car unless you park it in the shade AND leave all four windows open for cross ventilation. Try sitting in your car with a fur coat on and you'll get my drift.

(Copyright Louisa Maccan-Graves, 2005)

Restylane, Hyaluronic Acid Cosmetic Filler

Restylane is the latest FDA-approved non-animal cosmetic filler. Other hyaluronic acid fillers are made from rooster combs. Restylane restores fullness to skin and corrects wrinkles and nasolabial folds by using the body's own moisture. It can also plump lips. Restylane lasts twice as long as collagen (approx. six to nine months versus three months). It is a made of hyaluronic acid, a substance which the body naturally produces to make connective tissue like cartilage, for example. As we age, hyaluronic acid production decreases.

The hyaluronic acid in Restylane is "cross-linked" - this is what makes is a more stable and long lasting molecule. There is no allergy pretesting required. Avoid using Aspirin and St. John's Wort prior to treatment to prevent bruising or bleeding at the injection sites. Temporary redness and swelling at sites may occur, but resolve within three to five days. A numbing injection on novacaine under the gum-that is, a dental block like the one you get at the dentist's office, may be recommended in specific sites of the face prior to injecting Restalyne to reduce pain during injection. Topical anesthetic like EMLA generally offer inadequate anesthesia around the lips and nasolabial folds.

If Restylane is injected too deeply into the skin, the body will absorb it quickly. When injected correctly, Restylane should last approximately six months to nine months and sometimes longer.

To view our list of effective hyaluronic acid skin care products, click here.

(Copyright Louisa Maccan-Graves, 2005)

The perfect Anti-Aging Workout - "The Bar Method"

Want the body you had in your 20's? Try the anti-aging, total body workout called 'The Bar Method.' This effective, sculpting workout defines the muscles, flattens abdominal, firms and lifts buttocks, elongates legs, slims hips and tones arms. The combination of controlled isometric, dance and yoga movements can trim, sculpt, elongate and firm the entire body. Watch your body transform within weeks. "These moves are guaranteed to put your butt back where it used to be," says Mimi Fleischman, owner of the Los Angeles location. Mimi's sister, Burr Leonard, developed the Bar Method based on an exercise system created by Lotte Berk, a European dancer, back in the 50's. Could this be the perfect anti-aging workout? I think so!

The Bar Method works by using repetitive moves (reps) while holding onto a ballet barre, chair or ledge. Additional floor exercises target the abdominals and buttocks, then the workout is completed with a series of back and leg stretches. The Bar Method works large muscle groups, adding muscle density and increases metabolic rate, providing a more "cut" appearance. Many students have also experienced weight loss.

A newly released video is available on this website! Click here for details and to order!

Bar Method studios are located in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Greenwich, Westport and New Canaan, Conneticut. Another location will be opening in Palo Alto.

Slimming Secrets

The following sensible slimming suggestions can effectively help promote weight loss. Be sure to check with a qualified health care professional before beginning a new diet, exercise regimen or taking new supplements.

1. Constipation can cause weight gain, gas, bloating and discomfort. Replace processed foods with fiber-rich foods such as green, leafy lettuces, colorful vegetables, beans, asparagus, broccoli, artichokes, peas, and fiber-rich cereals that contain kashi, flax, or bran. Also include nuts such as raw almonds, walnuts or pumpkin seeds. Try spreading raw almond butter on a rye cracker with all-fruit (no-sugar) jam. Eat low-glycemic fruits such as blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries. AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, if you are adding more fiber to your diet, you must add more water to your diet. Eating fiber without drinking plenty of water can cause constipation or a blockage. Incorporate at least 10 to 12 glasses of water or fluids daily.

2. Eating starchy or sugary foods can cause water retention, bloating, weight gain, high blood pressure and high insulin levels. When insulin levels are high, the body stores more fat. Stick to a high protein, high fiber, low-fat diet and avoid the following processed, starchy or sugary foods including bread, rolls, corn or potato chips, potatoes, corn, beets, rice or rice cakes, pasta and other noodles (ramen), cakes, cookies and any processes sweets. Always check with your physician before starting a new eating regimen.

3. Begin every meal with a few bites of protein. This little trick can help keep insulin levels low. Low insulin levels promote weight loss. Have either 5 or 6 raw almonds or nuts of your choice, two olives, a piece of cheese, a boiled egg, or a tbsp. of cottage cheese before beginning each meal. Or take a few bites of the protein portion on your plate before eating the rest of your meal. Other proteins include beef, chicken, lamb, fish, and soy. Include a leafy green salad with lunch and dinner if possible. Try to stick to nitrate and hormone-free meats and cheeses. Hormones in meats have been linked to obesity.

4. Eat healthy fats such as olive, almond or grape seed oil. Keep butter to a minimum and avoid margarine. It's loaded with hydrogenated, unhealthy fat! Read labels on all foods to ensure that you are not consuming hydrogenated fats.

5. If you insist on eating pasta, rice or pizza, the portion should be the size and thickness of a deck of cards. Don't forget to start your meal with a couple of bites of protein and add a green salad to your starchy meal.

6. Carbohydrate blockers can neutralize over 60% of starch from a meal, however they contain a kidney bean extract (phaseolus vulgaris, Phaseolamin 2250, or Phase 2 Starch Neutralizer) that can also cause bloating. Your health food store carries carbohydrate blockers.

7. Taking flaxseeds or flaxseed oil supplements can help keep your system regular as well as ease bloating and constipation. Flax also ignites fat-burning, helps balance hormones and slows down the aging process. It's key to great health!

8. Calcium can aid in weight reduction and prevent osteoporosis. Many calcium supplements can cause bloating so you may consider trying OsteoMax.

9. For years French women have relied on Green Tea Extract to keep slim. Green tea extract is a natural fat-burner (thermogenic) from the bud of the green tea plant. Try Thermo Green Tea for under $20 for 90 capsules. It's ephedra and ma huang-free. Exolise is another brand, available at health food stores however, it is about twice the price of Thermo Green Tea. Find this at your health food store or in Louisa's Shop.

10. Stress releases a hormone called cortisol that can prevent weight loss and add inches around the waist. Regular exercise blocks cortisol production. Regular exercise is imperative to good health. Recent studies indicate that taking a brisk 30-minute daily walk can keep weight down. Go for a walk during your lunch hour at work. Ask a co-worker to join you. Talking while walking burns more calories! You may want to talk to your doctor about a supplement called Relora which can block cortisol production. Or try ProEndorphin. This tasty, energy drink can help reduce cortisol production in one dose. It's loaded with B vitamins, DMAE and prodides endurance and is a great 3 p.m. pick-me-up. Instead of a candybar, consider ProEndorphin. See "Louisa's Shop" for more on ProEndorphin. Check with your physician before taking supplements.

11. Lifting weights increases muscle mass and stimulates the body's own natural production of human growth hormone (hGH). Human growth hormone keeps the skin and body looking toned, firm and youthful. It's imperative to add weight resistance exercises to your regimen especially after age 40 when natural production of hGH declines dramatically. Read more about this in my book, "Hollywood Beauty Secrets: Remedies to the Rescue." I also developed my own personal "Under 30-Minute Model Sculpting Workout." It is a series of bodysculpting, weight resistance exercises that can be done in the privacy of your own home. All you need is a chair and a set of 3 lb. weights. This is primarily the regimen I have done for past 20-plus years. It's convenient and it keeps my body 'model' shape.

(Copyright Louisa Maccan-Graves, 2005)