The Lazy Ways to Youth & Beauty

Text and translated by Diva Yang
Photos by Andy Lin

For centuries there have been thousands of fables about immortality. From the ancient myth of a moon fairy that drank a forbidden potion, to the mermaids of Greek mythology, humans have a rich history of striving towards immortality. In the twenty-first century, we desire the youth of an 18 year-old and the body of a 25 year-old. However we live in a fast food world and are usually not to willing to really work for it, so we turn to quick results. What's the latest fad in fighting the signs of aging, staying youthful and keeping fit efficiently? Well, just keep reading.

INT CO., LTD.

0800-818-858

Wheatgrass Juice: You Are What you Eat
Five thousand years ago, the Emperor of Qin Dynasty sent a group of alchemists along with youngsters to the East Sea in search of the elixir of life. They never completed the mission (of course) and instead settled down in modern-day Japan. When I attended the Tokyo International Film Festival last year, I noticed that most Japanese women kept their figure slim and their skin was nearly impeccable. I was curious about the green water bottles they carried wherever they went, so I looked into it. According to the news, drinking wheatgrass juice is the latest health fad in Japan.

Green leafy vegetables are rarely seen in Japanese cuisine and now even less so, as wheatgrass juice has become the most popular substitute for green vegetables in the urban population. Most praise wheatgrass because it packs a might punch of chlorophyll and dietary fiber. According to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, consuming 27 grams of dietary fiber every day is highly recommended for proper digestion.

When I first tried wheatgrass juice in Japan, I was surprised by its taste! It was very much like concentrated Matcha. Not only did I fell full after drinking it, but it is also full of several supplemental nutritional elements--now I've been drinking it everyday. The changes I've noticed are an improved digestive system, a nearly flawless complexion, and less dark circles around the eyes. But then again, that is just me--and perhaps it is unrelated to the wheatgrass.

Many modern diets are made up of too much meat and processed food. As a result, the age of diabetes and cancer patients is becoming younger and younger. The doctor's order for longevity, as always, is to eat more green vegetables. Drinking wheatgrass juice as a vegetable substitute can help aid in digestion and help you get your recommended daily amount of fiber.

Dadido

0800-882-988
Hours: 11:30 am-12 am
Credit cards accepted. 10% service charge.
MRT: ZhongXiao/DunHua Station Exit #3
www.dadido.com.tw

Dadido: Calorie CPA (Certified Public Accountant)
Recently a famous female pop singer in Taiwan admitted on television that she hasn't had a real meal since she got into showbiz. For the last 10 years her diet has consisted only of fruits and vegetables, and she painstakingly calculates her daily caloric intake. If you want to jump on the bandwagon, then come to Dadido, where counting calories is as easy as pie.

Catering to a more health-conscious demographic, Dadido offers ten shabu-shabu set menus that are meant to be low-calorie. The Vice President, Lin Yu-ru, says her goal is to cut back on calories without sacrificing the taste. Meals range from 228 calories in the kid's meal to 680 in the heartiest set. Despite the fact that the set menu is low in calories, which suggests the taste is lacking, satisfaction is guaranteed! Honestly! When I visited, I had doubts about their claim; I can hardly be satisfied with a BigMac, which has 540 calories, if that's all I have for lunch. Dadido's Blissful Happiness (NT$988+10% service charge), one of their most popular among regulars, consists of 580 calories, but can it really pass the taste test?

To get us started, a veggie salad and shark fin soup were served. I watched expectantly as king crab and Toro-Pork boiled in a pot of soy bean milk and pumpkin broth. The first bite was unforgettable and the rest was gone within seconds. A large portion of assorted vegetables and tofu, as well as a choice of whole grain rice, spinach noodles, or glass noodles can make most people full. If not, there's a white fungus dessert and herbal tea in the end. My worry about there not being enough food was uncalled for--I couldn't even finish everything on my plate!

After my satisfying lunch at Dadido, I skipped dinner that night; there was no room for any more food.

Orient Retreat

(02) 2713-1565；0800-000-816
Hours; 11 am-9 pm
Members only
www.enjoyspa.com

Orient Retreat Spa: Urban Fountain of Youth
After partying all night I woke up feeling exhausted and bloated. Having too much fun certainly took a toll on me and my face aged overnight.

I showed up at the door of Orient Retreat Spa looking like a zombie. Nico, the regional manager, explained the treatment step by step. Someone brought me a hot wash cloth and a cup of specially blended herbal tea. Then, I took a shower before going into steam room and sauna for about 10 minutes each. It felt so good to be warm from head to toe. As I slipped into the bathrobe I was ecstatic because I'd never worn anything that soft. It turned out that the bathrobe was made of cashmere. Things like the tea and the robes are a testament to the fact that only a well-established spa, with a 20-year history, knows how to do the little things right.
In the lounge area guests can enjoy complimentary crackers, fresh fruit, and herbal tea while they browse through daily newspaper and magazines. When I laid down on the luxurious sofa bed, I was in love. The body pillow was big enough to cover me, keeping me warm. When Ruby, the massage therapist, came for me, I was half asleep. Before starting, Ruby quickly briefed me on details of my Aqua Facial treatment. For the next 90 minutes, my face and neck were cleansed, pampered and massaged, which was then followed by two layers of beauty masks. This treatment is especially designed for those who lack the courage to go through a traditional face lift. Afterwards I returned to the lounge area and thought to myself, "What a fabulous way to spend an afternoon! My skin has never looked better!"

If you lead a busy life and wish to be pampered to ward off signs of aging, then reserve two hours every week at Orient Retreat Spa and let them bring back your youth.

Dr. Chan Heng-Leong
Fu-Xin Dermatology Clinic

MRT: NanJing E. Rd Station
(02) 2778-0822
www.ourskin.com.tw

Cosmetic Facial Treatment: Rejuvenate Your Skin
Last year, the new fad of cosmetic facial treatments took Taiwan by storm. Many career women now schedule appointments with dermatologists during lunchtime, hoping to achieve younger-looking skin. Dr. Tseng Xin-long, a veteran cosmetic dermatologist, has conducted numerous facial skin care treatments for local celebrities and non-celebrities alike. He said that nowadays everyone has a lot more control over their outward appearance. Whether it's forehead wrinkles, acne, moles, or freckles, modern facial skin care technology has a way to fix the problem.

Aging on the skin begins at the age of 25. Pressure from work and poor quality of sleep accelerate aging even further. A chemical peel is one aide to lessen the impact of brown spots, wrinkles, and uneven pigmentation. After the age of 30 you might experience enlarged pores, facial veins, and freckles; if so, then an IPL (intense pulsed light), the most in-demand treatment, could be your saving grace.

Cosmetic facial treatments have become increasing popular because there is no downtime after the procedure, like there is with surgery. However, Dr. Tseng would like to remind everyone that, even though a cosmetic facial treatment is convenient, one of the best ways to help protect your skin is to wear sunscreen before heading outdoors. What Dr. Tseng has learned in his 30 years of experience in dermatology is that, as long as you eat right, exercise, get quality sleep and protect your skin from sun damage, your skin will remain youthful--just the way you like it.

I Care Health Institute

MRT: ZhongXiao/DunHua Station Exit #3
0800-024-520
www.icareyou.com.tw

Smart Lipo Treatment: Feel Young and Attractive!
With the most advanced technology looking your best has become easier than ever before. A Smart Lipo Fat treatment is the latest method in removing fat and cellulite from unwanted areas. Dr. Hsieh Guan-rong explained, "The beauty of smart lipo is that the procedure will take no more than one hour and there is no need for anesthesia." The wound is barely visible and the procedure won't leave a scar. Furthermore smart lipo is design to treat areas such as double chins, upper arms, and inner and outer thighs. The drawback is that smart lipo is slightly more expensive than traditional liposuction.

The machinery for smart lipo treatment doesn't come cheap. Currently there are a handful of clinics in Taiwan that are equipped with it. Before the bikini season begins again I foresee women who take pride in the way they look lining up for smart lipo treatment.

Lolinya

(02) 2378-3838
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10 am-9 pm; closed on Sundays
www.lolinya.com.tw

Lolinya Garment: Keeping You Appetite under Control and Your Body in Shape
During a recent gathering with my girlfriends everyone was complaining about their bulging tummies. Someone proposed a solution, "What do you think of body shaping underwear? I hear that it's quite effective!" At that moment all I could think about was the image of a 17-year-old Elizabeth Taylor and her 19-inch waist.
I searched the Internet for body shaping garments in Taiwan and the most talked about is Loliyna, a high-end brand with more than 30 years of experience in the body-shaping garment business. Lolinya's PR manager, Debby, explained, "Lolinya's garments are designed based on the theory of Chinese foot binding, wrapping the body tightly so that there's no room to grow, so that the garment keeps the body in shape."

With a semi-scary explanation like that, I had imaged the garment fabric to be rough and restrictive, an archaic iron-maiden corset out to torture me. When I braved a test, the material was surprisingly soft and light, plus every garment is tailor-made according to the customer's measurements. And it comes with built-in bra and pair of underwear. With a string that laces through the garment Lolinya's design makes wearing body shaping garment simple. Lolinya has registered their patent in Taiwan and won a gold medal at an international "new invention" competition.

Debby said with confidence that even though there is fierce competition in the body shaping garment industry Lolinya's has the most effective designs available. However, these things are not for everyone. Some wear it to re-shape their bodies into pre-childbirth condition; some wear it simply for maintaining their physical appearance. Debby recommends Lolinya to those who loathe exercising and have no restrain of their hearty appetite. Debby proclaimed that Lolinya has even received requests from males to design a body shaping garment for men.