Spas and weight loss

All grapefruit diet. Low carb diet. No carb diet. High protein diet. Brown rice diet. Low fat diet. Generations of people have battled the bulge using the latest incarnation of the most disheartening word in the English language: diet.

For most of us, the very word conjures up feelings of deprivation or -- just as discouraging -- images of frozen pre-portioned meals, diet shakes and carrot sticks. But health and fitness experts in the spa industry assure us that the opposite is true. Eating well is about entitlement -- good, wholesome food, attractively presented and enjoyed. A quick scan of the Island Lake Resorts' menu (Fernie, B.C.) features show stoppers like Wild West Coast Salmon (macerated with cedar fronds and black pepper then seared to perfection with extra virgin canola oil presented with orange spiced basmati, golden cedar syrup and sesame asparagus).

"It's about making yourself feel good," says Christa Moffat of Island Lake Resorts. "We're geared to wellness versus beauty, about renewing and refreshing yourself."

At Calgary's Institut de Sante, nutrition counseling is one aspect of a three month program (called "Living Better") that includes personal fitness training, counseling for change and yoga/pilates therapy. Dr. Wendy Smeltzer, a family physician in private practice for 19 years and founder Institut de Sante, recently announced the opening of Sante Spa at Spirit Ridge where participants can sign on for a week of pampering and spa therapy. Deprivation isn't on the list for Spirit Ridge, but wine is!

The biggest surprise, says de Sante client Gloria, with a smile, is that she likes bean salad. "I'm finding my cravings are changing. I actually crave salad instead of burgers."

Photo: Courtney Van Dyk