Weight loss surgery changes lives for the better—patients who have struggled with their weight for years and suffered from related issues ranging from joint pain to sleep apnea are able to shed the pounds, face each day with greater energy and self-confidence, and feel better than ever.

However, bariatric surgery isn’t necessarily the last stop on the road to a healthier, happier you. One “bump” many of my patients encounter post-procedure is excess, sagging skin. This extra skin can be not only a physical burden, causing chafing, discomfort and difficulty finding clothing that fits well, but also an emotional barrier, keeping one from fully enjoying the benefits of weight loss.

Body contouring surgery is a popular, effective option for removing excess skin and restoring contours; however, some bariatric patients are understandably hesitant to have additional surgery. If you’re among those wondering if a body lift after weight loss is worth it, read on.

Yes! Body contouring improves quality of life—and there’s research to back it up.

If you’re on the fence about body contouring, take a look at this article from Reuters Health, which reports on a recently published study assessing the benefits of weight loss surgery on quality of life. You may find the results encouraging.

Post-weight loss body contouring was shown to have a profoundly positive effect—study participants’ quality of life scores nearly doubled after undergoing cosmetic body contouring procedures.

Researched surveyed 112 female bariatric surgery patients, both before and after undergoing elective body contouring procedures. Quality of life was measured on a scale of 1 to 100, based on participants’ answers to questions about body image, sexual satisfaction, physical comfort, social activity, and other aspects of life.

Across the board, patient quality of life scores nearly doubled after body contouring surgery, from an average of 44 points after weight loss surgery only, to an average of 86 points after undergoing subsequent body contouring procedures. The positive effects endured—patients who were reassessed two years after their body contouring surgeries reported an average of 84 points on the quality of life scale. This increased happiness among body contouring patients comes as no surprise to me as a surgeon—in fact, it’s why I love my work so very much.

How body contouring after weight loss can help

While this is a relatively small study, it reflects what my colleagues and I see every day: patients who undergo body contouring after weight loss surgery feel more confident in their appearance, have an easier time finding clothing they like to wear, and find physical activity (sex included!) more enjoyable without the extra skin. These are all important factors for long-term weight loss success and a satisfying quality of life.

Considering body lift surgery? Let’s talk.

Weight loss is a personal journey that continues even after the excess weight is gone. If you’d like to pursue body contouring surgery, it’s important to talk to an experienced cosmetic surgeon who understands your concerns and will listen to your goals.

Here at Inland Cosmetic Surgery, body lift surgery is one of my specialties. As a diplomate of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery and fellowship-trained cosmetic surgeon, I work closely with our weight loss patients before and after their bariatric procedures to help them look and feel their best after reaching their weight loss goals. Wherever you are on your journey, I would be happy to meet with you for a personal consultation to discuss your procedure options to help you look your very best. Call 909-987-0899 or contact our office online to get started.

Calling all art aficionados—and selfie takers! According to the Daily Bulletin, Rancho Cucamonga’s art scene is about to take off all over town, thanks to a new city ordinance.

Creative gathering places

The Rancho Cucamonga City Council recently passed a requirement that new building developments in the area include a public art piece, helping to facilitate the intersection of creativity and development.

These public creations can be anything from functional artworks like a bike rack to vibrant murals or abstract sculptures. Local officials hope that increasing public art will ultimately help developers make our local buildings more interesting and enhance our community’s natural beauty for locals and tourists alike—all while supporting the many artists in and around the city.

The ordinance will impact new building projects that meet certain criteria, including residential developments containing four or more units and commercial, office, or industrial projects where building costs exceed $1 million. Once city staff members have determined if the building qualifies for the new ordinance, the developers will follow a formula to allow for art installment costs.

The ordinance passed with flying colors and will go into effect August 18th. To read the full story and to learn more about what this exciting news means for our community, follow this link.

Concerned about how it will affect your business?

While more public art will likely bring more interest to local businesses, some may be concerned about excess foot traffic or attention to locations that aren’t open to walk-ins. Last year, when the Pokémon Go mobile game was at its height of popularity, we experienced something similar: our office became a Pokéstop location.

Fans of the game were flocking around our offices, setting up lures and catching their favorite Pokémon. But instead of getting frustrated with the extra attention, we used it to our advantage and got to know our community! While some businesses may find this disruptive, we enjoyed having a break from the work day and getting to meet a few new faces. (But if you do find your business an unwilling Pokéstop or gym location, there are ways to have them removed.)

We look forward to seeing these creative additions to our city and having more Instagram-worthy spots around town—and we are optimistic that the city will address any concerns businesses may have. Are you excited about having new things to see in the Inland Empire—or do you already have some fave local public art? Let us know in the comment section.

Creating the perfect eyelid contour with makeup is tricky in the best of circumstances. If you have hooded eyelids—the natural crease in your upper lids is hidden when you open your eyes—the challenge is even greater. Naturally hooded lids are a beautiful trait (famous hooded ladies include Emma Stone, Blake Lively, and Jennifer Lawrence), but they don’t fit the mold of traditional eye makeup methods, which are designed for a well-defined crease. Some women also experience age-related skin sagging, and once-open eyes gradually become hooded, rendering their tried-and-true makeup techniques obsolete.

Naturally hooded lids are a beautiful trait—try a few of these makeup tips to play them up and get a look that captivates.

If you’re frustrated that by-the-book eye makeup application just doesn’t look right, read these 7 makeup tips for hooded eyelids. If you’re doubtfully rolling your (hooded) eyes, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to learn that just a few easy changes can make a huge difference. For instance, did you know that simply swapping out dark eyeshadow for a lighter shade and applying just above the crease can help make hooded eyes look bigger? And that focusing your mascara on the center lashes is an easy trick to create a rounder, more open eye shape?

We hope the makeup tips in the article help you get an eyelid look you love! There’s nothing like stepping out with confidence.

Makeup is temporary, confidence can last forever

Makeup tips can help you bring out the beauty in your natural eyelid contour, but if you’re simply unhappy with having hooded lids, or if sagging eyelid skin is causing you to look tired and/or obstructing your vision, you may wish to consider changing your eyelid contours.

Upper eyelid lift surgery is a long-lasting solution that can be tailored to achieve the amount of change you wish to see—anywhere from a subtle touch-up to a substantial lift is possible. In the hands of an experienced, qualified cosmetic surgeon, eyelid surgery is a relatively short outpatient procedure that requires only a week or two of downtime. Best of all, the results last for years and can make a huge difference in how confident you feel about your eyes—with or without makeup on!

Another option is laser eyelid rejuvenation. By remodeling collagen and/or removing outer layers of dull, damaged skin, an expertly performed laser treatment can firm and smooth the upper and lower lids to reduce mild sagging and diminish fine lines. On its own, laser eyelid rejuvenation can help makeup go on more smoothly and postpone the need for surgery. When combined with eyelid lift surgery, laser treatments can enhance the results without additional recovery time.

Learn more about eyelid surgery in Rancho Cucamonga

If you are interested in making lasting cosmetic improvements to any aspect of your appearance, we encourage you to get in touch with us. Our cosmetic surgeons are very experienced in upper & lower eyelid lifts and also offer non-surgical options for looking your best. Contact us online or call 909-987-0899 to schedule your complimentary initial consultation with Dr. Jacob Haiavy or Dr. Emma Ryan. We will be happy to discuss your options for refreshing your look.

From Kylie Jenner’s lips to Kelly Ripa’s love of BOTOX, injectable treatments are one of the most talked-about anti-aging options on the market. Unfortunately, such widespread popularity spawned many myths, making it difficult to know what’s possible with injectable treatments, or even what you’re getting. Allure’s cosmetic experts recently tackled truth vs. fiction when it comes to anti-aging injectables, and we thought we’d share the points we found most important to help you make a more confident decision next time you’re considering getting BOTOX or fillers.

Injectables can be preventative.

Though it’s up for debate in the beauty world, we’re in agreement with the article in that yes, injectable treatments can in fact be used to help prevent certain signs of aging. Here’s how.

Don’t rule out injectables because of your age. If you are noticing some lines here and there, and that makes you uncomfortable, starting treatment sooner could help maintain a youthful look longer.

BOTOX works by preventing repetitive facial muscle movements that lead to frown lines, brow furrows, and other wrinkles. If you reduce these repetitive movements with BOTOX, you can essentially break the frowning habit and over time expression lines will cease to worsen. In this way, preventative BOTOX can keep you looking younger for longer. Fillers can also have a preventative effect. For instance, hyaluronic acid fillers increase collagen in the skin, a key factor in keeping skin firm, smooth and youthful. We’re not saying to start getting injections in high school, but if you are noticing some lines beginning to form and that makes you uncomfortable, you shouldn’t rule out injectables because of your age (it could help you in the long run).

If the price seems too good to be true, it is.

If you see any cosmetic enhancement options advertised at a greatly reduced price, walk away—it’s a huge red flag. Cheap BOTOX is a sign that it’s been over-diluted or that injections are not going to be done by an appropriately trained provider, so you might either end up having paid for nothing, or with a “frozen” look for months following poorly performed injections. Another scary possibility when it comes to injections: unethical providers have been known to use unapproved, dangerous products as dermal fillers, disfiguring patients in the process.We urge you never, ever to compromise on your safety to save a few dollars. It will cost you more in so many ways in the long run. Instead, discuss your beauty concerns and budget with a qualified cosmetic surgeon. They will be happy to help you choose cost-effective treatments and typically offer payment plans, so you can reach your goals safely and efficiently.

How long injectables last varies, and that’s normal.

Although many injectable manufacturers state results will last for a certain amount of time, every patient is different. Depending on the severity of your wrinkles, the way your body processes the injectable, and the amount of time between injections—your results may last longer than what the manufacturer claims, or you may need a touch-up somewhat sooner. Be patient; you’ll learn your needs over time.

Are injectables safe?

The idea of injecting a toxin (of all things) into your body makes many people shudder—but when performed correctly, neurotoxin injections such as BOTOX and Dysport are actually very safe (and fillers are too). Not only are these products approved by the FDA, they have been extensively studied for their effectiveness and carefully monitored for side effects.

The best way to ensure injectables results you’ll love? Work with an expert.

When deciding which injectable treatment is right for you, it’s crucial to find a qualified medical professional. To achieve the safest, most natural looking results, choose someone who has extensive knowledge of facial anatomy and who is experienced in the product you are considering. If you’re ready to shed some years off your appearance, contact us today. During your consultation, we can determine what options will give you your best results.

In case you haven’t heard, full, luscious lips are in (thank you, Kylie Jenner)! But healthy, and thus gorgeous, lips don’t just happen overnight—you’ve got to put some work in. We’ve put together a list of the 4 things you need to be doing to keep your kisser in shape.

1. Stay Hydrated

We know you know, but it bears repeating: not drinking enough water can be detrimental to your health and to your skin. Dry, chapped lips aren’t cute, and preventing this uncomfortable and unattractive condition can be as simple as drinking more water—and you’ll get other great side effects, like more lustrous hair, healthier nails, and a happier body in general.

A post shared by Logan (@loganblackgrey) on May 4, 2016 at 2:18pm PDT

Make sure to drink up to 2.7 – 3.7 liters of water every day (if your urine is very light yellow or clear, you know you’ve hit the sweet spot). To help your skin stay even more hydrated, also run a humidifier in your bedroom at night.

Struggling to remember to drink enough water? Try one of these:

• Pick up an inspirational and cute water bottle.
• Download a water reminder app to keep you on track.
• Try making infused water with healthy but tasty flavors, like fresh lemon, cucumber, or berries.
• Pick up a filter for your tap or portable water bottle, as tap water can have an off-putting taste for some.

2. Exfoliate & moisturize (and just say “no” to the toothbrush hack)

No matter how much water you drink, there will be times that your lips are dry and flakey, thanks to the weather, low humidity levels, drying products, and even the natural cycle of your skin. But most of us forget to apply our normal skincare principles to our lips—and very few remember to exfoliate.

While the philosophy is the same, the rules are very different. Avoid using face or body scrub on your lips, steer clear of DIY toothbrush exfoliating, and don’t exfoliate your lips more than once a week at the most.

Here’s what to do:

• Purchase a quality lip scrub. These are typically gentler and more moisturizing than their face and body scrub counterparts, making them a worthy investment.

• Don’t be shy when it comes to heavy moisturization. Unlike the skin on your face, your lips can handle thick products without risk of breakouts. After exfoliating, apply a thick ointment such as Aquaphor, keeping it on for 5-10 minutes, for an extra dose of moisture.
• Now is the time to color outside of the lines! When you apply chapstick or a moisturizing lip treatment, push the product around the outer edges of the mouth as well. This area is often the most chapped because it doesn’t get much attention. This can also help delay the appearance of lip lines.

3. Stop licking them (no, seriously!) & stock up on lip balm instead

It’s tempting to do when you need a quick fix for dry lips, but licking your lips does much more harm than good. The enzymes in saliva can break down the outer protective layer of your lips, leading to further and more severe dryness.

Not all chapstick is created equally. Certain varieties that contain drying ingredients can actually exacerbate the problem.

We know it’s a tough habit to kick, but the remedy is easy: always keep Chapstick or lip balm with you. There’s a caveat, though: not all chapstick is created equally. Varieties that contain drying ingredients can exacerbate the problem! Here’s what to avoid:

• Humectants, like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, that may be good for other skin areas can zap your lips of moisture—unless the product also includes occlusive agents like beeswax, shea butter, or oils.
• Unnatural scents and flavors are not your lips’ BFFs, so you’d be better off replacing your Dr. Pepper flavored Lip Smackers with a professional and/or all-natural product.
• That minty fresh twinge of certain lip balms can be addictive, but menthol can be an irritant to the sensitive skin of your lips.
• Here’s yet another reason to replace your lip balm: your mouth is one of the most vulnerable areas to sunburn (lips have less melanin). So find a balm that contains an SPF 15 or higher and use it regularly.

4. Don’t let beauty habits hurt your pucker

A nice matte lip or pop of color that lasts all day is amazing, but certain lipsticks can seriously dry out your lips. If you do want to wear a matte or long-wear lipstick, make sure to thoroughly moisturize your lips overnight as well as before applying your lipstick. A non-shiny balm can also be applied over long-wearing lipstick to keep your pucker moist throughout the day.

5. Looking for plumper lips overall? Consider lip enhancement with a hyaluronic acid based filler.

If you wish your lips were fuller and more shapely, there are a number of options for natural-looking enhancement. Here at Inland Cosmetic, we like to use injectable lip fillers, such as Volbella and Restylane for making lips fuller and more gorgeous than they already are. The main ingredient in these popular lip fillers is hyaluronic acid, a naturally-occurring substance already in your body—meaning there’s basically no risk of allergic reactions and you can think of your lip enhancement as being totally natural, even if you had a little help!

Just remember: if you want to plump your lips, it’s important to work with a professional. Stay away from fad plumping options and DIY methods (we’re lookin’ at you, wasabi lip plump hack!), and instead contact an experienced provider who will use only safe, FDA-approved products. To further ensure you get a look you’ll love, be sure to have a thorough consultation before getting injected. You’ll want to clearly communicate your goals, hear about which fillers might be best for you, and check before and after photos of their patients to be sure you like their aesthetics and results.

If you’re in Southern California and ready to amp up your pout, we invite you to contact us today. We would be happy to help you learn more about our Rancho Cucamonga lip augmentation options.

Spring is here! Time to get moving, declutter, and let some fresh air in—and we’re not just talking about your home. Whether you are suffering from the winter blues, have put on a few pounds since the holidays, or are just ready for a fresh spring look, now is the perfect time to clean up and get a fresh start in many areas of your life.

Get started with these simple, yet effective spring cleaning tips, and see just how soon you notice how great you look and feel.

Step #1: De-Gunk Your Diet

Most of us could stand to clean up our diets after a winter menu heavy on comfort food. If you want to lose weight or gain energy for spring, overhauling your diet is a necessary first step.

Start by cleaning the cupboards of processed foods, which are the biggest culprits for hidden sugar and often low on nutrients. Eliminating chips and cookies from your cupboards will help you instead choose a healthy snack (such as celery or apple topped with peanut butter) when hunger strikes.

The next step is to eat meals comprised entirely of whole foods. Avoid white carbs (rice, bread, pasta) and endeavor to taste the rainbow of fresh fruits and veggies. Filling your grocery cart with produce across the color spectrum, quality protein (such as raw nuts and fish), and healthy fats (like extra virgin olive oil), will maximize the amount of age-defying antioxidants in your food. Within a few weeks of eating this way, you’re likely to feel a whole lot more energetic and your skin will look more vibrant.

Don’t always have time to cook at home? Check out our post listing the best healthy restaurants in Rancho Cucamonga.

Step #2: Reassess What Gets You Stressed—and Do Something About It!

Excessive stress can be harmful to your health; there’s even evidence that stress can cause skin to age prematurely. While some stress is unavoidable, you can reduce it. Avoidable stress comes from many avenues, such as toxic relationships, an overly full schedule, or disorganized finances. Take some time to write out what stresses you out, and then brainstorm some ways to reduce its impact. Maybe you need to break things off with the “frenemy” who constantly puts you down, or sit down with your partner and redo your budget. Whatever you need to do, set a goal date to complete the task.

Another way to dramatically reduce stress’ impact on your life is to start meditating. Luckily, there are a number of places in Rancho Cucamonga that can help get you started on this simple, free and healthy habit; check out these top rated local options. Bonus: meditation is proven to reduce cortical thinning, potentially helping you to avoid Alzheimer’s Disease.

Step #3: Spring Clean Your Skin

Want glowing skin? A healthy diet and keeping stress in check are steps in the right direction, but there’s a lot more you can do:

• Clean out your makeup drawer, and throw out cosmetics and brushes you’ve had more than 6 months. Time flies, and it doesn’t take long for potentially harmful microbes to build up on old makeup, which could put you at risk for infection.
• Wear broad-spectrum SPF every day, starting today! Protecting against UV radiation is one of the simplest and most effective ways to postpone fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and other signs of aging, not to mention reduce risk of skin cancer. Invest in a high quality, medical-grade SPF that will protect without weighing down skin. An experienced skin care professional can help you choose the right product for your skin type.
• Treat yourself to a professional skin resurfacing treatment. There’s no substitute for an expertly performed, in-office treatment to address specific skin problems, such as fine lines, age spots, acne, or large pores. There are plenty of low to no downtime options, such as peels, facials, and microdermabrasion, which take an hour or less to complete.

The best way to get beautiful skin this spring? See a licensed skin care professional, who can offer safe, effective tips for clarifying skin and help you design a skin care plan that’s personalized to your needs and goals.

Step #4: Declutter Your Closet

Do three dresses fall to the floor every time you wrestle one from your overstuffed closet? Most of us have clothes we never wear, and the change of season provides the perfect excuse to weed out the never-again jeans from high school and organize the classic pieces you love. Once done, you’ll actually feel like you have more clothes rather than less, since you’ll be better able to see all the things you love. Need some motivation? Check out this awesome “how to spring clean your wardrobe” guide from Elle.

Step #5: And Finally, Spring Clean Your Home!

Don’t overlook the traditional spring cleaning day! Having clean, clutter-free space to live can go a long way in helping you feel relaxed, energized and less stressed. A few areas to focus on:

• Designate a deep cleaning day. When was the last time you cleaned the inside of the fridge? Make a list of 5 to 10 things you really want done and challenge yourself to complete them in exchange for a reward: a nice bottle of wine, a trip to the movies, etc.
• Upgrade your essentials. Now that your closet’s clean, take some time to give your bed and bath some TLC. Treat yourself to new pillows and towels—it’s good to replace these close-to-your-skin items every few months anyway.
• Clean your gadgets! You probably don’t want to know how much bacteria is on the average smart phone or keyboard. Just take a few minutes to clean them. Don’t use household cleaners, which could damage the screen. Instead, dab rubbing alcohol diluted with water onto a microfiber cloth and gently wipe down the device.

Ready, set, spring clean!

We hope you’re motivated now to make positive changes for your life. When you’re ready to improve your look, we’re here to help. Just contact us to schedule a consultation with Dr. Jacob Haiavy or Dr. Emma Ryan. Our surgeons are experienced in a full range of cosmetic procedures for the face, breast and body. We look forward to helping you look and feel your best this spring, and for years to come!

Pull up your favorite fashion site or beauty Instagrammer, and you’re sure to see a focus on voluptuous mouths. Beauty lovers everywhere are using makeup tricks, lip plumping products, and professional lip treatments to plump up thin lips. But do we have Kylie Jenner and her ilk to thank for this pouty trend? Or have we always been attracted to thick, shapely lips?

A recent article looked into the full lip phenomenon by studying over five decades of fashion models. Here’s what they found out.

Lips on the glossy pages of fashion mags have been pretty similar for the last 50 years

After the researchers reviewed over 50 years of models in over 350 copies of Vogue magazine, they discovered that a similar upper to lower lip ratio was maintained throughout the period. Most models had relatively full lips, with the bottom lip being about 47% larger than the top.

While the images studied suggested no significant upward trend toward plumper pouts, statistics do show that more and more women are visiting their favorite cosmetic surgeon for lip enhancement. If full lips aren’t a recent phenomenon, why the hike in lip enhancement numbers?

Getting lips you love is easier than you think

We say it because lip enhancement is easy, quick, and it works! And thanks to a wider range of affordable, safe, and effective options—and, yes, Kylie Jenner’s widely publicized, augmented pucker—it’s no wonder more patients are considering lip injections.

In sum, luscious lips have always been considered ideal, we just have more options now!

The latest options (such as Restylane®, and Perlane®) come with very few side effects, can be performed in just a few minutes, and produce beautiful, natural-looking results. In sum, luscious lips have always been considered ideal, we just have more options now!

If you are wanting to plump up thin lips, there are plenty of solutions to consider. Here at Inland Cosmetic, we offer a number of FDA-approved lip enhancement options—and we’d love to help you explore your options. Contact us today!

Read the full study here.

With Kim Kardashian, Beyonce, and Nicki Minaj all earning international admiration for their hourglass curves and voluptuous backsides, it’s easy to surmise that curvier figures are “in.” Cosmetic Surgery Times recently highlighted the recent history of the perfect posterior—and how cosmetic surgeons are helping patients finesse their curves.

“Baby got back”

Larger butts have been in fashion on and off since humanity’s beginnings. Prehistoric people in Europe sculpted the Venus of Willendorf; the old masters venerated beautiful, fuller figured women in their art; pinup model Betty Grable captured the imaginations of GIs in the 40s; and J.Lo outshined skinnier counterparts in the early 2000s. Today, a voluptuous figure is still coveted. Here’s a brief rundown of more recent history:

• The 50s aesthetic was all about Marilyn Monroe’s hourglass shape: a perky bust, cinched waist, and full hips and backside. Itty bitty waists and exaggerated hips continued to be favored over the course of the next decade.
• By the late 60s and 70s, admiration of fuller curves had been replaced with a much slimmer ideal, inspired by skinny beatniks, waif-figured crowds partying at Studio 54, and the iconic model Twiggy.
• Through the 80s and 90s, women were proudly showing off their augmented curves—but the focus was on the bust rather than the buttocks, which were more likely to be reduced than augmented in the US.
• Today, thanks to both international and stateside cultural influences, a more “bootylicious” appearance (small, fit waist with a larger, more shapely posterior) is once again in fashion.

Given it’s a rare person whose curves match whatever the current ideal may be, it’s no surprise that women have been using fashion choices, exercise regimes, and cosmetic surgery to enhance their best assets. Today, the Brazilian Butt Lift is making leaps in popularity year over year. And that’s not solely because curves are in fashion; it’s also because it represents a considerable improvement over past buttock enhancement methods.
Augmentation isn’t the only way women are choosing to enhance the appearance of their buttocks—often a subtractive approach, i.e. liposuction, is chosen to whittle the waist and make the buttocks look more shapely in comparison.

Whatever shape best reflects your personal style, if you want to make a change, it’s crucial to work with an American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS) certified cosmetic surgeon who is highly experienced in body contouring. Our team of Rancho Cucamonga cosmetic surgeons would be glad to talk with you and assess your needs. If you’re ready to make the most of your curves, contact us today to learn more.

Read the full article here.

Life is busy, and sometimes it can feel impossible to balance work, cooking, exercising, cleaning, and parenting on a day-to-day basis. Treating yourself to a meal out can make all the difference in your workload, but dining out often means forgoing healthy choices for convenience.

We’re lucky to live in a place with a diverse restaurant scene. To help you out, we’ve created a handy “go-to” list of restaurants in Rancho Cucamonga that will satiate your desire for fabulous, healthy food without having to cook for yourself.

1. Try something authentically good at Mezza-Terranean

Healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring, and Mezza-Terranean proves that point. Their authentic Mediterranean fare makes them one of the most popular dining options in Rancho Cucamonga, for good reason.
Start with a Lebanese Caprese or falafel salad and follow it with a mouth-watering chicken shawarma or salmon plate. Just ask them to hold the rice if you are working to reduce refined carbs.

Tip: Bring a friend so you can share multiple menu items.

2. Citrus Kitchen’s app is a cherry on top

Looking for simple, convenient, and healthy options that won’t break the bank? Look no further than Citrus Kitchen. Pick your protein, your sides, and your sauce—and they’ll prep it for you fast. Our favorite? Try the citrus salmon over kale & quinoa, topped with yogurt tzatziki sauce.

Tip: Download their app to help with your weekly meal planning. You plan it, they make it. It’s simple.

3. Salads that aren’t boring at the Chop Shop

When it comes to dieting, many picture a boring bed of greens with a tiny drizzle of dressing. That couldn’t be farther from the truth for the Chop Stop, which specializes in hearty chopped salads with gusto. You can even change up your fave salads there by having them wrapped in a nutritious whole wheat tortilla (which can be grilled to toasty perfection on request).

Tip: Try the “Chef’s Chop” for a high-protein, low carb meal.

4. Vegan options galore at Bright Star

If you like Thai food, Bright Star is a must-eat—particularly if you’re vegan. Bright Star is all about substitutions, and everything on their menu can be made vegan with ease. Plus, their flavors are unique and pack a punch.

Tip:You cannot go wrong with anything on the menu, but our go-to healthy meal combo is Tom Kah shrimp soup along with a green papaya salad.

5. Keep it simple with the Poke Place

If you’re wondering how to eat healthy at restaurants, try poke. For fresh and healthy cuisine that’s quick, the Poke Place is a great option. What is poke? It typically means meat that is cut into small chunks, and it’s usually served over rice with a sauce on top.

Tip: The spicy tuna with Korean chili sauce over salad and topped with pineapple, sesame seeds, and avocado is something to feel good about in more ways than one.

What are your favorite healthy restaurants in Rancho Cucamonga? Let us know in the comment section.