As we welcome spring and the Easter season, it's a beautiful time to embrace themes of rebirth, renewal, and enjoying nourishing traditions with loved ones. At our integrative clinic, we believe celebrating holidays mindfully is an important part of a balanced lifestyle. Here are a few ways you can celebrate minfully and set new intentions this spring! 

Embrace Mindfulness: In the spirit of springtime renewal, Easter can be a lovely opportunity to restart healthy habits and shed what isn't serving you and your goals for this year. Try a digital detox, recommit to a meditation practice, or go for a vigor-inducing hike in nature's newly blossoming landscapes. Spring is symbolic of new ideas, creativity, and productivity. If spring cleaning helps you to declutter and make room for new ideas, now is the time! 

Of course, the heart of Easter still revolves around coming together with family or chosen family. Enjoy quality time free of hustle, reconnecting over...

At our integrative medicine clinic, we believe food is foundational for health and healing. What we put on our plates each day has a profound impact on how we feel mentally, physically and emotionally. That's why we host weekly culinary medicine group visits to help patients discover the joy of cooking nourishing foods to treat chronic conditions and build a healthy lifestyle.

This Tuesday at 3 PM, our culinary medicine group visit will explore "Cooking Foods for Medicine and Joy." We'll discuss simple, delicious recipes that bring pleasure and satisfaction to the cooking process itself - not just eating the final dish.

Studies show that taking the time to prepare your own meals mindfully can increase gratitude, improve mood, and help you become more attuned to your body's hunger and fullness cues. The very act of choosing fresh, wholesome ingredients and combining them into something delicious is an act of self-care.

At the same time, many of our favorite comforting recipes are...

In our fast-paced, interconnected world, it's ironic that many of us feel isolated and disconnected, especially when navigating the complexities of chronic illness. At Texas Center for Lifestyle Medicine, we understand the profound impact isolation can have on health and well-being. That's why we started our group visit programs in 2019, designed to foster community, support, and empowerment for those managing chronic conditions. We've come a long way and have even added different types of group visits that are diagnosis-specific to bring like-minded individuals together who share similar struggles. 

Living with a chronic illness is a journey filled with challenges, from managing symptoms to navigating treatment options. One of the most significant hurdles individuals face is the sense of isolation that often accompanies their condition. When flare-ups occur or symptoms worsen, it can be difficult to maintain social connections. Others may not understand the unique struggles...

At Texas Center for Lifestyle Medicine, our commitment to holistic wellness extends beyond individual consultations. We believe in fostering a community where individuals with similar health concerns can come together to learn, support each other, and grow. Our Hypermobile Group Visits are a testament to this belief, providing a platform for individuals to delve into the complexities of their bodies and symptoms in a supportive environment.

This week's session, held every other Tuesday morning at 8:30 AM, was particularly enlightening. Led by Dr. Ruan, our discussion centered around understanding our bodies and symptoms on a deeper level.  From mapping out a process of creating balance and harmony to identifying common symptoms and personality traits, our discussion was both eye-opening and empowering. Dr. Ruan shared invaluable insights on how to connect with our bodies and interpret symptoms, shedding light on commonalities shared by those with connective tissue and...

At Texas Center for Lifestyle Medicine, we believe in the power of integrative medicine to transform lives and heal chronic illnesses. Our approach goes beyond treating symptoms; we focus on addressing the root causes of illness while nurturing the connection between mind and body. Through a comprehensive range of services and procedures, we empower our patients to achieve optimal health and well-being.

Addressing Mind-Body Connection: Central to our integrative medicine approach is the recognition of the intricate relationship between mind and body. We understand that physical health is deeply intertwined with mental and emotional well-being. Therefore, we prioritize therapies and interventions that support both aspects of our patients' health. From mindfulness practices and stress management techniques to counseling and psychotherapy, we offer a holistic approach that acknowledges the importance of mental health in overall wellness.

Practical Strategies for Healing: In our pursuit...

Group visits at TCLM are crafted to empower, educate, and equip participants on their journey toward holistic wellness and optimal mental and physical health. It's crucial to acknowledge that we are all constantly evolving, redefining what wholeness and a fulfilling life mean for each of us. In these group visits, we offer a safe space for individuals to be seen, supported, and encouraged to express themselves authentically. Together, as a community, we strive to create and cultivate our unique paths to a quality life.

Our Dysautonomia group visits, led by Dr. Ruan, provide a supportive and educational environment where members with shared symptoms come together to learn and heal. These sessions offer a valuable opportunity for individuals to connect with others who understand their experiences and offer support along their journey. Below is a summary/recap of this week's discussion in our group.

During our session, we explored the crucial role of connective tissue in our bodies and...

Most of us are aware that vegetable oils are contributing to chronic inflammatory diseases. Yet, a common challenge arises as individuals grapple with the decision of identifying which oils they should substitute for their cooking or frying oils. If this is your current dilemma when it comes to cooking at a high temperature, not to worry! We have you covered. 

When it comes to cooking oils, we have quite a few recommendations! You may need to experiment to see which flavors you prefer in fried, baked, stir fried and pan seared dishes. Try any of the following to avoid creating an inflammatory response from toxic vegetable oils: 

1. Avocado oil
2. Ghee (clarified butter) 
3. Coconut oil (unrefined)
4. Flaxseed oil
5. Walnut oil
6. Extra virgin olive oil (unrefined) - low temperature only! 

In this blog post, we are going to focus solely on the healing benefits of coconut oil to inspire you to potentially break out of your comfort zone! Cooking with coconut oil not...

Happy New Year, Texas Center for Lifestyle Medicine community! As we stand on the threshold of a brand new year, it's the perfect time to reflect on the journey we've shared and to look ahead with anticipation and excitement. The past year has been filled with growth, resilience, and collective achievements, and we can't wait to see what 2024 has in store for each and every one of you.

Gratitude for a Vibrant Community

First and foremost, we want to express our deepest gratitude to all our members who have been a part of the Texas Center for Lifestyle Medicine family. Your commitment to embracing a healthier lifestyle has not only inspired us but has also forged a community that radiates positivity, support, and a shared passion for well-being.

Reflecting on Achievements

As we bid farewell to 2023, take a moment to acknowledge your personal achievements and milestones. Whether it's making better food choices, adopting a consistent exercise routine, or focusing on mental well-being,...