Path to Vitality Clinic

13/01/2023

Stepping into the new year with goals and aspirations of weight loss and better health can be daunting, but here at Path to Vitality clinic, we can help!
One of the services Path to Vitality offers is colonic hydrotherapy, which supports any type of diet and can really help with weight loss.
If you would like to achieve optimal wellness and try it for yourself, contact our fully qualified and highly experienced therapist - Muiread 🥰
Phone: 07 460 1575 | Email:info@pathtovitalityclinic.co.nz
https://pathtovitalityclinic.co.nz/

03/05/2022

Hi everyone a couple of appointments available this week. Wednesday 3.30pm and 5pm

03/05/2022

11/08/2021

Walk down the vitamin and mineral aisle of any supermarket, and you’ll see rows of capsules, liquids, and powders — all packaged to suggest they’ll improve your health and well-being.

Supplements can appear in many forms: vitamins, minerals, amino acids, healthy oils, fatty acids, botanical extracts with active ingredients isolated from specific plants, or a combination of any of these.

Though many supplements are certainly beneficial to your health, evidence varies widely, and it’s important to separate fact from fiction. That's why, today, we're sharing 3 things you should know about supplements:

1. Supplements can't replace a healthy diet and exercise (supplements can simply be used to fill in nutritional gaps - for example, folic acid for women who are pregnant)

2. You should speak with your healthcare provider before taking any supplements (your first step should be discussing your options with your healthcare provider, since a supplement’s effectiveness and safety may depend on your individual situation and health).

3. Each supplement works differently (some are supposed to be taken after meals - others work better on an empty stomach. That's why it's critical to read the label on your supplement, or consult with the manufacturer, to find out the best way to take yours).

If you'd like to learn more facts about supplements, and how you can optimise your wellbeing through both nutrition and supplements, email Muiread at info@pathtovitalityclinic.co.nz to book a free 20-minute consultation or make your next appointment.

05/08/2021

Dubbed the "celebrities of healthy diets", superfoods have an impressive following - with people spending up large on items that claim to improve health, help with weight loss, and even cure diseases.

But, are superfoods really worth the hype? And the price tag?

The term superfood is used to refer to a food that is promoted as having extra nutritional benefits or being rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Dieticians are not shy to admit that the term superfoods was actually coined by marketers, to boost sales. including superfoods in your diet is simply a way to add variety and a boost of vitamins and minerals.

Regardless, today, we thought we'd separate the science from the sales pitch and reveal what superfoods are actually worth the splurge:
- chia seeds (they contain large amounts of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, plenty of high-quality protein, and several essential minerals and antioxidants)
- quinoa (it's low GI, high in fibre, and is higher in protein compared to other whole grains - plus, it's super easy to cook)
- kale (it's full of nutrients such as folate and vitamin C)
- turmeric (it has fantastic anti-inflammatory properties)
- green tea (it's packed with antioxidants known as flavonoids, which have been linked with a reduced risk of heart disease and stroke)
- oats (are low in GI, high in fibre, and full of B vitamins)
- greek yoghurt (a great source of protein, calcium, iodine, and potassium - all while helping you feel full for few calories)
- eggs (the humble egg is rich in nutrients, including proteins, vitamins and minerals)
- berries (they have high levels of phytochemicals called flavonoids — these are antioxidants that reduce inflammation)

The key thing to remember that although superfoods alone will not make you healthier, incorporated into a well-balanced diet, these foods can promote heart health, weight loss, improve energy levels and even reduce the effects of aging.

To learn more about superfoods and how you can optimise your wellbeing through nutrition, email Muiread at info@pathtovitalityclinic.co.nz to book a free 20-minute consultation or make your next appointment.

28/07/2021

Our guts are responsible for everything from breaking down the foods we eat, absorbing nutrients that support our body's functions, balancing our hormones, and even eliminating toxins and waste.

That's why it's so important that we take good care of our gut.

Although there are a wealth of ways to optimise your gut health, one of the best places to start is with the foods you are eating daily.

In fact, diet and gut health are very closely linked.

The good news is that supermarket shelves are lined with foods that actively promote the growth of beneficial bacteria, and contribute to your overall health.

Although there are plenty of options on offer, let's take a closer look at some of these foods:
- High-fiber foods - most of us eat too little fiber. But, our good gut bacteria love to feast on fiber. Luckily, there are lots of delicious snacks which are especially high in fiber, including popcorn, pears, bananas, berries, and avocado.
- Probiotics - these beneficial microorganisms help our guts fight off microscopic bugs, which cause inflammation and other problems. Fermented foods, like kimchi, sauerkraut, yoghurt, tempeh, miso and kefir, are amongst the best natural sources of probiotics.
- Prebiotics - prebiotics help keep our guts healthy by feeding our good gut bacteria what they need to thrive. Garlic, onions, asparagus, bananas, oats and apples are all great choices for prebiotics.
- Collagen-boosting foods - collagen is a special type of structural protein that is full of helpful amino acids which aid digestive health and help to repair the intestinal and stomach lining. Bone broth, chicken, berries, and salmon are all great sources of collagen!

There's no better time than now to try out new foods that your gut is sure to love you for! If you would like support with this, or to learn more about other nourishing foods you could explore, email Muiread at info@pathtovitalityclinic.co.nz to book a free 20-minute consultation or make your next appointment.

20/07/2021

As the nights get cooler, and the gloves, hats, and scarves make more frequent appearances, it's undeniable that winter is well and truly here.

But, rather than hate on winter, there's a Danish solution to enjoying it. It's called hygge.

Pronounced hoo-gah, the word is said to have no direct translation in English, though “cosy” comes close.

At its most basic level, hygge is the enjoyment of putting on candles, being wrapped in a warm blanket, slipping on woolly socks, enjoying a warm latte, and listening to a crackling fireplace.

However, what hygge is really about is incorporating a positive state of mind when the days are cold, short, and dark - and finding warmth and intimacy in your daily life.

So, how can you incorporate hygge into your life?
- Create the perfect hygge environment - incorporate warmth and comfort into your home, with rugs, throws, blankets, and candles.
- Get mindful - notice how you feel and embrace it - rather than indulge it.
- Get social - celebrate being with your friends and family!
- Eat cosy - indulge in warm and comforting foods, like hearty soups and steaming hot drinks.
- Relax - board games, books and movies are all considered very Hygge!

Why not give yourself permission this week, to cosy up and take cover with the people you love most?

To learn more about how you can optimise your wellbeing, email Muiread at info@pathtovitalityclinic.co.nz to book a free 20-minute consultation or make your next appointment.

12/07/2021

It's easy to get caught up in counting calories and grams of added sugars, fats, proteins, and carbs when you're trying to eat well.

But, there's one nutrient that too often gets thrown to the wayside: fiber.

Scientists have long known that eating fiber is good for health. Many studies have strongly linked high-fiber diets with longer and healthier lives. And yet many of us are still ignoring our fiber intake.

The importance of fiber is intimately tied with the importance of our gut microbes. A proper fiber diet literally feeds and makes these bacteria thrive. In turn, they increase in number and kind - and this not only aids our digestion but also lowers inflammation throughout the body.

Here are some quick tips to build a thriving and diverse gut biome and reap the long-term benefits of a fiber-friendly diet:
- Eat lots of fruit and veges - fiber is naturally found in all fruit and veges - meaning you can't really go wrong by adding these components to your daily regime.
- Avoid processed foods - during processing, the benefits of fiber are generally lost. That's why it's important to choose whole-food options over processed foods.
- Select high-fiber snacks, such as popcorn, and chia seeds.
- Leave the peel/skin on apples, cucumbers and sweet potatoes - when you peel fruit and veges, you often remove half the fiber!
- Bake with high-fiber flours - replace your white flour with something like whole-wheat pastry flour, which has triple the amount of fiber.

Overall, fiber is immensely important for your health. By adopting some of these strategies, you can increase your fiber intake to optimal amounts.

To learn more strategies, and other ways you can boost your health and wellbeing, email Muiread at info@pathtovitalityclinic.co.nz to book a free 20-minute consultation or make your next appointment.

07/07/2021

We are now well into the thick of winter.

Although winter gives us the perfect excuse to cosy up and spend the evening watching movies with a warm drink in hand, it also means:
- Colds and the flu are circulating.
- Shorter sunlight hours, so you get less vitamin D.
- You are probably working hard to juggle family, life, and study.
- You are probably feeling tired.
- You might reach for the ‘not so healthy’ comfort foods more often.

That's why, today, we thought we'd share our top tips for winter wellbeing:

1. Choose nutritious food as often as you can: Don’t underestimate the humble soup! Nutritious, filling, and comforting, it has fewer calories and guilt than those hot chips.
2. Get moving: Even when it's raining, a short sharp burst outside for a quick walk or bout of exercise can really get the blood pumping and improve your mood.
3. Be mindful: Mindfulness is about being present, aware, and non-judgmental in the moment. Mindfulness lowers your stress cortisol, heightens empathy, improves sleep, aids concentration, and boosts your immune system.
4. Experience positive emotion daily: Can you do one thing every day that brings you joy? High-frequency positive emotion is imperative for our well-being and mental health.
5. Disconnect from screens: Our brains weren’t designed to be “on” all the time, so living amongst technology can create mayhem for our well-being. Create periods of your day where you can unplug and reboot, to boost your mental wellbeing.

Have you tried any of these wellbeing-boosting strategies?

If you'd like a helping hand in achieving optimal wellness this winter, email Muiread at info@pathtovitalityclinic.co.nz to book a free 20-minute consultation or make your next appointment.

29/06/2021

Sugar has been part of the human diet for centuries - but it's hard to find a more controversial (and confusing) topic than sugar.

There are 2 types of sugars in our diets that we hear about most often: natural and added.

Natural sugars are just as they sound - they occur naturally in certain foods such as fruit, vegetables, and milk. Not only do these sugars come with added health benefits, like fiber and antioxidants, but since our body is able to digest them slowly, they offer a steady supply of energy to your cells.

But, problems occur when we consume too much added sugar - that is, sugar that food manufacturers add to products to increase flavour or extend shelf life - but, they don't provide any nutrients (besides calories).

Unfortunately, added sugar can be found in just about everything boxed or packaged at the supermarket - from soft drinks and cookies, to flavoured yoghurts and cereals, and even in soups, breads and sauces. That means that you're probably eating and drinking more sugar than you realise.

So, how can you reduce added sugar intake?

Well, reading food labels is one of the best ways to monitor your intake of added sugar! Look for names such as corn sweetener, fruit juice concentrates, molasses, and sugar syrup molecules ending in "ose" (dextrose, fructose, glucose, lactose, maltose, sucrose), and try to avoid, or cut back on the amount/frequency of foods where they're found.

You may also like to try drinking water or low-fat milk instead of sugary sodas or sports drinks, opting for reduced-sugar varieties of syrups, jams, jellies and preserves, and buying canned fruit packed in water or juice, not syrup.

Another good option is to choose nutrient-rich snacks, such as vegetables, fruits, low-fat cheese, whole-grain crackers and low-calorie yoghurt.

Here at Path to Vitality, we know this can get a bit overwhelming. But, the bottom line is that balance is key, and deprivation is not the answer. You can have a healthy meal plan without having to give up every single source of sugar.

If you would like help understanding this, email Muiread at info@pathtovitalityclinic.co.nz to book a free 20-minute consultation or make your next appointment.

21/06/2021

"All disease begins in the gut".

These words were famously uttered 2500 years ago by Hippocrates - the father of modern medicine.

Like many of his insights, this quote has stood the test of time - and today, research continues to highlight just how important our gut is when it comes to our health and wellbeing.

Behind the curtain, our gut is responsible for putting our body into working order. In fact, about 70% of our immune system is housed in the gut - which means that if our gut isn't healthy, then the rest of us will struggle to be.

As our gut breaks down the foods we eat, it absorbs nutrients that support our body’s functions - from energy production to hormone balance, nutrient absorption, skin health to mental health, and even toxin and waste elimination.

So, what can you do to keep your gut healthy?

Well, the good thing about gut health is that it's very responsive to nutrition and lifestyle interventions. here are 5 quick tips!

1. Eat more healthy whole food - fresh fruit and veges, as well as things like beans, legumes, barley, oats, and quinoa all serve as nutrition for the bacteria in our gut.
2. Cut back on processed foods - these are generally high in salt, sugar, fats and additives - all of which upset our metabolism and the balance in our gut.
3. Eat mindfully - eat your food slowly, and eat it in regular portions at regular times. It sounds easy, yet with our increasingly busy lives, so many of us end up grabbing food on the go, or wolfing it down in front o the TV.
4. Reduce your stress - stress negatively impacts many aspects of our health, including physical, mental, and even gut health.
5. Sleep well - poor sleep can interfere with your metabolism and digestive process, both of which can negatively affect your gut health.

Overall, gut health is a complex topic, with many intricate layers. If you enjoyed learning about some easy ways to support your gut, and would like support to take further action, email Muiread at info@pathtovitalityclinic.co.nz to book a free 20-minute consultation or make your next appointment.

15/06/2021

Berries, dark chocolate, chia seeds, nuts, seeds, salmon, and avocado ... do you know what the similarities between these seemingly unrelated foods are?

Well, they're all superfoods!

The name sounds pretty heroic, right? Well, superfoods are nutritional powerhouses!

Featuring an abundance of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, superfoods not only offer maximum nutritional benefits (for minimal calories), but they also play a vital role in boosting immunity ... and all while helping us feel great.

Today, we thought we'd share 3 things we know about superfoods:
1. Great news - you probably already eat them daily: superfoods are not quite as elusive as they sound - in fact, your diet probably already includes many superfoods. Do you have a cup of tea in the morning? Popcorn as an afternoon snack? Steak for dinner? Guess what? That's three different superfoods right there!
2. Variety is key - because each superfood provides different types and amounts of key nutrients, it's important to choose a variety of superfoods. Dark leafy greens are a great source of folate, zinc and calcium, while sweet potatoes and mushrooms will offer you lots of potassium and fiber.
3. It's still important to eat a well-balanced diet - while superfoods are good for your health, and provide many nutrients on a daily basis, eating superfoods alone does not contribute to a healthy diet. Superfoods should be added to a well-balanced diet, rather than replacing one.

Although superfoods are a quick and easy way to nourish your body with natural vitamins and nutrients, we know that stepping into the world of superfoods can be intimidating.

But, that's where we come in! If you would like help understanding how you can integrate superfoods into your diet, and use nutrition to help you achieve vitality, email Muiread at info@pathtovitalityclinic.co.nz to book a free 20-minute consultation or make your next appointment.

07/06/2021

Winter is officially here! As we face the chilliest months of the year, i's a good time to start considering how we can boost our immunity.

When you think of your immune system, think of it as your body’s personal defense system that is working 24/7 to keep you healthy. As long as your immune system is running smoothly, it isn’t something that you would notice on a day-to-day basis, however, when your immune system is compromised, this is when you can start to feel sick and run-down, as your immune system kicks into overdrive.

Experts and science alike tell us that with the right wellness strategies in place, we can strengthen our immune systems. So, what are some of those strategies?

- Sleep - sleep is a regenerative process for our bodies. When we are sleep deprived, our natural immune cells, or T cells, go down, and inflammatory cytokines (inflammation cells) go up. That means good sleep results in strengthening your immunity.
- Keep up the exercise - exercise can promote good blood circulation, which allows our cells and substances of the immune system to move through our bodies freely, and do their job efficiently.
- Add immune boosting foods to every meal - feeding your body certain foods, like citrus fruits, broccoli, ginger and yoghurt can help to keep your immune system going strong.
- Go for garlic - the high sulfur content in garlic does more than just boost flavour in food. It has potent antibiotic actions and supports your liver to effectively carry out detoxification, which supports immunity.
- Although it can be harder to find during the winter months, try soak up some sunshine, as vitamin D increases the movement of our T cells, which helps to keep the immune system strong. Foods such as oily fish, liver eggs, mushrooms and raw dairy can also help you up your intake of vitamin D on gloomy days.

To learn more about how you can optimise your health in winter and beyond, email Muiread at info@pathtovitalityclinic.co.nz to book a free 20-minute consultation or make your next appointment.

02/06/2021

Do you eat with the seasons?

Eating fruit and vegetables when they are in season is a great idea for many reasons.

One of the most tangible benefits is that you'll save money. When produce is in season, its relative abundance makes it less expensive.

But, even more so, fruit and vegetables contain the greatest number of nutrients when they are in season.

When we purchase food out of season, the produce hasn't been able to follow its natural growing and ripening rhythm - as companies will have packed them full of preservatives to keep them "fresh" for us. This inevitably means key nutrients (and flavours) will be lost.

By contrast, in-season food is able to ripen naturally - meaning it will contain all of it's natural nutrients. Plus, it's more likely to be organic and spray-free!

So, what is actually in-season right now?

Well, lucky for us all, the winter months have tons of delicious, nutrient-filled fruit and vegetables on offer! From feijoas and grapefuit, to lemons, limes and oranges, as well as carrots, cauliflower, cucumber and broccoli, there are plenty of nourishing choices available, that are bound to not only taste amazing, but also, do wonders for our body.

To learn more about optimising your health through nutrition, email Muiread at info@pathtovitalityclinic.co.nz to book a free 20-minute consultation or make your next appointment.

25/05/2021

Here at Path to Vitality, we aim to support, teach, and empower you to reach your true vitality.

Did you know that one of the services we offer, to help you reduce stress, relax, and ultimately, achieve vitality, is Swedish Massage?

Known commonly as a "classic massage", the Swedish massage is the best known and most widely practiced type of massage therapy.

A Swedish massage is ultimately designed to help your entire body relax and find balance - but, the benefits go far beyond relaxation - in fact, this therapeutic massage technique can help increase the level of oxygen in the blood, improve circulation and flexibility, and remove toxins from the muscles.

During a Swedish massage, long, gliding strokes, deep circular movements, kneading, tapping, and other techniques are used. Though the pressure can be customized to your liking, generally speaking, Swedish massages use a lighter touch and are often paired with some gentle stretching and aromatherapy - meaning this particular type of massage is perfect if you:
- haven't had a massage before
- are nervous about getting one
- just want to relax and unwind!

If you would like to experience the power and magic of Swedish Massage for yourself, get in touch with us today to arrange your session. Prices start at just $70 for a 30 minute session.

17/05/2021

Did you set a New Years resolution earlier this year?

New Years resolutions are a great way to make a positive change in your life - whether it's going to the gym, waking up earlier, or saving your money.

But, did you know that a whooping 80% of these resolutions will have failed by now?

It's not hard to understand why - although there's a wealth of reasons why resolutions may fall through, we know that as we come out of holiday-mode, and things return to normal, sustaining these positive habits can be challenging.

But, not all hope is lost ... we're here to help! That's right - we can help you achieve any of your health-related resolutions.

At Path to Vitality, we look at people as individuals. Simply let us know what it is you're striving to achieve, and we'll take you through a consultation process that looks at everything from your personal and family history, to your eating patterns, and everything in between.

With that information we'll help you figure out your very own path to vitality - whether that be through body ecology, colonic hydrotherapy, gaps nutrition, Reiki, or something else.

Along the way, we'll empower you, and equip you with all the tools an information you need to make a long term commitment to your health goals.

To learn more about how we can help you, email Muiread at info@pathtovitalityclinic.co.nz to book a free 20-minute consultation or make your next appointment.

11/05/2021

Now that we're almost halfway through 2021, things are certainly ramping up, and getting busier ... which means that finding balance is increasingly harder.

Balance means something slightly different to each of us.

But, here at Path to Vitality, we believe that achieving balance is all about finding meaning, purpose, and joy in each day. Balance gives you the energy to do what you have to do, and the things that you enjoy. It helps you live a happy and enjoyable life.

So, what are some practical tips and tricks for finding balance each day?
- Try some meditation, to help you find your inner calm.
- Do some belly breathing. Find somewhere comfortable to sit, put your hands on your belly, and do ten deep and slow breaths. Watch your hands rise and fall with each breath, and notice how calm you feel afterwards.
- Start a daily gratitude practice, to help you notice and appreciate the little things that bring you joy and vitality.
- Nourish yourself with some nutrients. Why not blend up a delicious smoothie, filled with summer fruits?

At Path to Vitality, we are passionate about supporting people in their journey to true vitality. If you would like to learn more about how you can find balance, and how else you can achieve optimal wellness, email Muiread at info@pathtovitalityclinic.co.nz to book a free 20-minute consultation or make your next appointment.

16/04/2021

As many of you know I have relocated to 144 Jackson Road Hamurana. I couldn't fit all of my precious things in so I've decided to have a garage sale, If you can't make it but think someone you know would be interested please share this post. or pm me if you would like more info