In honor of National Nutrition Month, we've sat down with Dr. Nicole Avena, an expert in the field of nutrition, to discuss the surprising role of nutrition in spa treatments. In this insightful interview, Dr. Avena shares how spa professionals can integrate nutrition science into their consultation and lifestyle recommendations to enhance their guest care approach, provide long-lasting results and celebrate the whole-body wellness experience.
WellSpa 360 (WS): How can wellness and spa professionals integrate nutrition education into their guest care approach?
Dr. Nicole Avena (NA): General nutrition education and input from a spa professional to clients can enhance the guest experience, as well as long-term results from their treatment! Clinicians can use the latest nutrition research for skin health and muscle maintenance, which can benefit client results.
WS: What role does nutrition play in enhancing the overall spa experience for clients?
NA: Nutrition is important for building and repairing skin, preventing accelerated skin aging, and maintaining muscle strength and recovery. By educating clients on increasing protein, omega fatty acids, and antioxidants in their diet, they can see better results far after their spa treatment - which can improve quality of life.
WS: How can spa staff tailor their services to support clients who aim to prioritize nutrition and wellness?
NA: When treating specific concerns for a client, spa staff should inquire about current dietary patterns, as this gives insight into tailored recommendations. Understanding how every system in the body is connected - including the gastrointestinal tract, gut microbiome, and skin - is crucial in tailoring the whole-body experience when visiting a spa.
Related: Key Nutrients and Nutrition to Build Immunity
WS: What are some small, but impactful dietary tips that we can share with spa clients for holistic well-being?
NA: Reducing body inflammation is key when looking for optimal results you can feel and see. I always recommend incorporating good sources of antioxidants, like berries and greens in the diet, as well as omega 3 fatty acids from foods like olive oil. Finally, I would recommend having high quality protein daily. This helps build muscle tissue, and keeps skin strong and healthy through collagen and elastin production.
WS: Are there any superfoods or nutrients that you believe align perfectly with the goals of spa wellness?
NA: I recommend using Pompeian Olive Oil, America's first national brand of imported extra virgin olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil contains oleic acid, which contributes to its anti-inflammatory properties. With skin in particular, olive oil is a superfood- as the antioxidant compounds in oleic acid can help protect against free radical damage to maintain youthfulness, smoothness and firmness over time.
WS: How can spas create a collaborative environment between nutritionists and other wellness professionals?
NA: Because nutrition plays such an important role in all areas of the body, partnering with nutrition professionals and dietitians can be beneficial for continuing education in the spa and wellness space. These are the best people to get specific education from, because they focus on the latest and greatest research daily!
WS: What ongoing nutrition trends are important for spa professionals to stay updated on?
NA: Trends in nutrition constantly change and evolve - especially with the use of social media. The best “trend” is a well-balanced, anti-inflammatory diet - and fads should be avoided, as they can lead to disordered eating behaviors. Sticking with evidence-based care is the best care!
