The HCG diet requires you to take a daily dose of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin also known as HCG. It’s available in injections, pellets, sprays, oral drops, and pills. The HCG is best known as the hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy.
HCG consists of 244 amino acids and was first discovered to assist with weight loss by Dr. ATW Simeons, a British endocrinologist, when he learned that it played a critical role in controlling women’s metabolism.
The HCG Diet is a pro-hormone that helps the body produce more hormones. Since a hormone deficiency or imbalance is usually part of the reason for weight gain, whether it’s your thyroid, menopause, or andropause, this hormone can help reverse the effects.
HCG is a hormone in which the body can produce naturally. HCG causes the body’s metabolism to change and triggers the body to burn abnormal fat for energy. The presence of this hormone in the body (combined with a specialized diet plan) can result in a ½ lb to 1 lb fat loss per day.
According to patients, the HCG hormone reduces feelings of hunger. Because this is also a low-calorie diet this allows them to eat very little comfortably. It is believed that the presence of the HCG hormone in the bloodstream takes away your appetite.
HCG Diet and Muscle
One of the benefits of HCG injections, aside from weight loss, is that it keeps you from losing muscle while you diet. By elevating the hormone levels in your body, including testosterone, the HCG hormone creates a muscle-building state which counteracts the muscle-breakdown state.
This sets the HCG diet apart from other weight loss systems because typically during a fast, dramatic weight loss with crash dieting, there is a high amount of muscle that is lost, which the type of weight that you want to lose. Because muscle is heavier than fat, it may look like you have had a dramatic weight loss when in reality all you’ve lost is muscle. When you lose muscle, it sets you bad from your weight loss goals because it’s bad for your body, shape, and metabolism. The metabolism slows so much that you’re at risk of regaining the weight you’ve lost quickly, often regaining all the weight that was lost and then some. It also will take quite a bit of time, effort, and work to build back the muscle that has been lost.
What Can You Eat On An HCG Diet?
Because of the low-calorie intake, the diet substantially restricts fat. It is recommended that you eat some fruits, such as oranges, strawberries, apples, and red grapefruit. For veggies, it is recommended that you eat nonstarchy vegetables, like lettuce, celery, cabbage, cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes. And finally, when it comes to meat it is recommended that you only eat lean meat and fish, this includes chicken breast, lean ground beef, shrimp, lobster, and white fish.
HCG Diet Recipes
Here at AgeRejuvenation, we have tons of HCG diet recipes that can help you create wonderful meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner that are healthy, delicious and easy-to-make. Check out our HCG recipes today.
Pumpkin Protein Pancakes – Check out these amazing tasting pumpkin protein pancakes. These pancakes aren’t just healthy and full of protein, they’re also delicious!
Zucchini Cakes with Salmon – This HCG recipe is healthy and filling.
Low Carb Egg Curry – You can’t beat this low-carb HCG recipe!
Additional HCG Hormone Benefits
According to the HCG Diet website, there are numerous additional benefits when you start the HCG diet. For instance, rheumatic pains can decrease within a few days of an HCG treatment and this allows patients to interrupt prolonged cortisone treatment. This interruption is key due to the disadvantages and negative effects associated with prolonged cortisone treatment.
High cholesterol has also been known to decrease with the introduction of the HCG hormone, helping to lower overall blood pressure. HCG usage has been proven to help patients with gout pain, even if levels of blood uric acid are increasing during treatment.
The overall lowering of blood pressure was also a significant discovery when it came to the use of HCG. When a woman with high blood pressure became pregnant, her blood pressure would often drop quickly, before slowly increasing once again after pregnancy. However, studies showed that their blood pressure never got back up to the same levels it was at before pregnancy.
HCG Diet at AgeRejuvenation
Remember that results may vary by individual, consult your doctor today or if you have questions about how the HCG diet works, be sure to stop by one of our offices today or give us a call about diets and recipes at 888-865-8370 to learn more! We have tons of resources right here to help you along your weight loss journey.
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Gina Balado, Director of Aesthetics
Director of Aesthetics
As the Director of Aesthetics, Gina oversees the Aesthetic Division. Gina’s work experience includes 5 years of medical aesthetics experience and an extensive background in Organizational and Business Management within the TV Broadcasting and Law Enforcement fields. She currently holds real estate and contractor’s license(s). Gina is a people person that has always led an active lifestyle. She attributes her accomplishments to staying healthy and strongly believes in the company’s purpose that internal wellness exudes external beauty.
Yvette Suarez, MD / Chief Medical Officer
Emergency Medicine, Fellowship Trained Anti-Aging and Metabolic Medicine, Allergan Trainer for Botox and Fillers
Dr. Yvette Suarez has been on a mission for nearly two decades to serve her clients the best way she knows how and provide them with the tools to feel their healthiest. 15 years ago, she launched Bella Excellence, the first medspa of its kind in Florida, setting in motion a new standard of aesthetic care.
As the daughter of immigrants, Dr. Suarez attributes her success to her parents’ relentless support and lead-by-example philosophy. She is proud to be the first generation in her family to attend college, obtaining her Doctor of Medicine from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and completing her residency at the Arnold Palmer Hospital in Orlando, Florida.
Whether she is rejuvenating, remedying, beautifying, or bettering people’s lives, Dr. Suarez continues to “shoot for the moon” at every turn—an outlook she adopted from her father at a young age. Even with the demands of a booming practice and two children, Dr. Suarez regularly carves out time to personally train every provider and practitioner who walks through her doors. It is worth noting that Dr. Suarez takes the golden rule of “doing unto others as you would like done to you” literally when it comes to working with her patients.
Dawn Ericsson, MD / Medical Director
Board Certified Obstetrics and Gynecology, Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine Trained
In 2016, Dr. Ericsson was voted Tampa’s Best Obstetrician/ Gynecologist. She attended Yale University in CT, where she completed premedical requirements and earned her bachelors degree in History of Science and Medicine. A native New Yorker, Dr. Ericsson received her medical degree from the State University of New York at Stony Brook Health Sciences Center. Dr. Ericsson went on to complete her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at St Barnabas Medical Center, New Jersey’s busiest Program. She was the program’s first female African American graduate.
Dr. Ericsson has experience as a Pharmacy Technician and also as a Medical Diagnostics Market Research Analyst. In 2006, she relocated to Tampa with her husband, of 20 plus years, and their three children. Dr. Ericsson is a Board Certified Obstetrician/ Gynecologist and a fellow of the American Congress of OB/ GYN. She has held membership in the American Medical Association, Florida Medical Association, Hillsborough County Medical Association, Medical Society of the State of New York, Bay Area Medical Association, and the Student National Medical Association.
For over 10 years, Dr. Ericsson has been certified in various Aesthetic procedures. She is trained in PRP, stem cell therapy, thread lifting, bioidentical hormone treatment, dermal fillers, Botox, sclerotherapy, mesotherapy, and cosmetic lasers. Dr. Ericsson enjoys helping patients restore their health through hormonal balance, decreased inflammation, and improved sexual function – promoting longer, healthier living at any age.
Johanna DeVryer, MD
Board Certified Internal Medicine, Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine Trained
Dr. Johanna deVryer received both her undergraduate and Medical Degree in Internal Medicine from Northwestern University’s School of Medicine in Evanston, Illinois. After an internship encompassing surgery, obstetrics, and emergency room (ER) care in Philadelphia, she completed her residency and began practicing in the Pittsburgh area.
Born and raised in the Chicago area, deVryer moved to Tampa in 1996 with her two children. She enjoys spending time with her family, bicycling, and challenging herself in other outdoor activities. Through her own struggles with weight, she has gained empathy and passion for helping others lose weight and become healthier and more energetic versions of themselves. Through weight loss and age management Dr. deVryer strives to help patients improve their health and prevent disease.
Caroline Lomboy, DO
Board Certified Medical Review Officer and the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine
Caroline Lomboy, D.O. earned her Doctorate of Osteopathy degree from Des Moines University, in Des Moines, IA. She completed residencies at Wilson Memorial Regional Medical Center in Johnson City, NY, Suncoast Hospital in Largo, FL, and at University General Hospital in Seminole, FL. Caroline Lomboy, D.O. is certified as a Diplomat of the Osteopathic National Boards, Board Certified Medical Review Officer, and is a Diplomat of the American Board of Anti-Aging/Regenerative Medicine. Dr. Lomboy has been awarded the Patient Choice Award and the Compassionate Doctor Award in both 2010 & 2011.
Dr. Lomboy is a dedicated and goal oriented individual with a personal interest in patient wellness, holistic medicine, and aesthetic medicine. She understands the common stressors of life that most individuals undergo and that is why she is passionate about utilizing functional medicine through the combination of hormonal supplementation and nutraceutical therapy to build upon proper healthy, lifestyle habits and improve or restore overall health and wellness to her patients. She balances a happy family life, being a mother of 2 wonderful children and giving her patients the optimal care that they deserve.
Kelly Parmenter-Eck, APRN
Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine Trained
Kelly is an Indiana native who relocated to South Florida in 2013 and most recently to the Tampa Bay area in May of 2017. She earned her Family Nurse Practitioner degree from the University of Southern Indiana in 2010. Kelly’s work experience includes Corporate Wellness, Women’s Health, Urology, and Family Practice, bringing over 24 years of experience to AgeRejuvenation. Having taught fitness for 18+ years, most recently becoming a certified yoga instructor, as well as functioning as a health coach, her passion for health and wellness is genuinely extended to her patients to help them reach their goals. Her own health struggles led her to functional medicine, which allows her to better understand her patients and underscores her belief that we all wish to be healthy and vibrant. Kelly looks forward to making that dream a reality.
Jessica Tonkin, APRN
Nurse Practitioner
Jessica is a Florida native who was lucky enough to be raised in the Bay Area, spending most of her time enjoying all the natural beauty and delightful company the area has provided. She earned her Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner degree from South University in 2017. Jessica’s work experience includes Primary Care, Addiction Medicine, Weight Loss, and Hormone Replacement. As an active National Physique Committee competitor, her knowledge and experience with proper nutrition and consistent physical training provide her with optimal insight to help patients reach their health and fitness goals. Her belief that health is more than the absence of disease allows her to assist those who may be struggling to reach their peak physical condition and overall wellness.
AJ has over 39 years of health and fitness education and training. He graduated with honors from the University of Washington School of Medicine and has 18 years’ experience in surgical and clinical practice. He is a member of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, International Peptide Society, Clinical Peptide Society and has completed hundreds of hours of integrative and functional medicine education.
AJ believes in facilitating the body’s natural ability to heal and become optimized by using bio-identical hormones, peptides, stem cells, nutrition, exercise and supplementation.
Mary Bouie, APRN
Aesthetic Injector
Aesthetic Injector
Kerry McDonald, APRN
Aesthetic Injector
Aesthetic Injector
Angelica Loebenberg, APRN
Angelica ‘Angel’ Loebenberg has immersed herself in functional medicine and aesthetics since graduating from the family nurse practitioner graduate program from University South Florida after being a nurse for 9 years in the Tampa Bay Area! Angel was born and raised, and currently resides in beautiful in St. Petersburg. Angel’s passion is her family (3 beautiful children), nature, her children’s sports, and traveling this beautiful world!
Melissa Jumpp, APRN
APRN
Colleen Schleppy
Aesthetician
Aesthetician
Danielle Wheeler
Aesthetician/Laser Specialist
Aesthetician/Laser Specialist
Liana Garcia
Aesthetician/CoolSculpting
Aesthetician/CoolSculpting
Christine Kimball
Aesthetician/Brand Ambassador
Aesthetician/Brand Ambassador
Kaitlan Alexandrea
Administrative Assistant
Administrative Assistant
Christina Vallez
Medical Assistant/CoolSculpting
Medical Assistant/CoolSculpting
Shay Brown
Microblading Specialist
Microblading Specialist
Monique Rivera Sanchez
Medical Office Administrator
Medical Office Administrator
Zachary Rubin
Patient Care Coordinator
Zachary Rubin was born in New York, but moved to Florida when he was 9. Zach has struggled with weight throughout his childhood which really fueled his passion for health and fitness. Most of his family works in the medical field. This, in combination with his personal struggle, has motivated him to pursue a career in health care. He graduated from the University of Florida with his Bachelor’s in Health Science and plans to return to become a Cardiologist. His goal as Patient Care Coordinator is to help every patient realize their potential to achieve their goals and best health. Zach enjoys spending time with friends, going to the beach, fishing, and traveling to new places.
Demy Whitaker
Patient Care Coordinator
Demy Whitaker was born and raised in Toledo, Ohio. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelors in Healthcare Administration from Robert Morris University in Chicago, Illinois. While attending school, Demy played collegiate soccer and was captain of her team.
Demy has always had a passion for working with others, bringing out their strengths, and inspiring them to reach their goals. Her goal is to help all patients and co-workers alike achieve the best version of themselves. Demy is always looking for ways to better herself so she can be at her absolute best when it comes to helping each patient reach the goal they have set for them self.
In her free time, she enjoys anything that relates to sports, reading a good book, going to the gym, and spending time with her family and friends.
Selena Cafaro, Patient Care Coordinator
Selena was born in Ft. Lauderdale but has lived in the Tampa Bay Area for over 11 years. She graduated from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor’s in Public Health. GO BULLS! With her education in Public Health and experience as a medical scribe, Selena has gained a passion for helping others understand how important it is to take care of their health and live a much healthier and happier lifestyle! In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, going to concerts, and traveling. She looks forward to helping you become a better YOU!
Shakira Morris, Patient Care Coordinator
Shakira Morris is originally from the U.S. Virgin Islands but moved to Florida at a young age. She received her bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences from the University of South Florida. Shakira has a passion for the medical field, and prior to joining AgeRejuvenation, she achieved a wide breath of experience as a medical assistant, ER medical scribe, and COVID-19 case investigator. She has also worked with Hearts for the Homeless and has numerous volunteer experiences. Shakira loves being a part of a healthcare team that is compassionate, and patient-centered. She strives to make a positive impact on patients’ health and their overall quality of life by providing excellent care, resources, and education. In her free time, she enjoys reading, brunch, traveling, attending Caribbean carnivals, listening to Soca music, meditating, and spending time with family and friends. She hopes to someday continue her education with a Master’s in Public Health with a Nutrition focus and plans to attend Physician Assistant school. She ultimately dreams to work in medically underserved communities in the United States, U.S. Virgin Islands, and abroad.
Katie Bassett, Patient Care Coordinator
Katie graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s in Healthcare Supervision and Management from Polk State College. As a Tampa native she enjoys spending time at the beach, going to Disney, and cheering on the Tampa Bay Lightning! She entered the world of healthcare to explore her passion for people and their well-being. Katie strives to positively impact patient’s lives with the highest quality of patient care.
Amanda Stansill
Patient Care Coordinator Assistant
Judley LaRoche
Patient Care Coordinator Assistant
Judley is a Sunshine State native. Born and raised in Miami, FL and has resided in Tampa over the past 5 years. She graduated from the University of South Florida where she received her bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences; “Go Bulls!” Most of her free time is dedicated to spending time with her family, paper crafting and studying to become a nurse. Her daily goals are to help every patient possible reach their health desires and provide a resolution to any concerns. Looking forward to being a part of bringing happiness, confidence, and total wellness to you all!
Josie McKenzie
Lead Patient Intake Advisor
Josie graduated Summa Cum Laude with her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Georgia Southern University. Josie has struggled with her weight since she was a child and wants to help others look and feel better. Her passion is to help others lead healthier and happier lives through health and fitness. In her free time, Josie enjoys hiking, spending time with family and friends, adventuring to new places, and being outdoors.
Vianey Nieves- Diaz
Patient Intake Advisor
Cynthia Barreto, Patient Intake Advisor
Cynthia was born in Boston, Massachusetts but moved to Tampa, Florida when she was 7 years old. She graduated from the University of South Florida with a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences and a Minor in Biomedical Physics. She enjoys helping others achieve their goals and become the best version of themselves. She has been battling Hypothyroidism (Hashimoto’s) for most of her life which has fueled her passion to help others improve their quality of life. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, going to the beach, and traveling.
Michelle McCarthy
Medical Office Administrator Trainer
I, Michelle McCarthy, graduated with my Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration BSHCA in 2016 from University of Phoenix. While going to school full time, I was working full time as well, and taking care of my four children as a single mother. During this course of attending school my children are active in sports football, basketball, and baseball. The key to being able to accomplish and graduate with honor is time management. Once I graduated with my Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration , I decided that I wanted to continue to pursue my education. I enrolled at Independence University to start my Masters in Healthcare Administration MHA program and graduated in 2019.
I have always had the passion and drive for helping patients and helping make a difference in their lives. I take pride and enjoy what I do . I strive to provide the best care to our patients and employees with Age Rejuvenation. I ask myself every day what I can do to be better than I was yesterday.
I love working with Age Rejuvenation as our staff and Providers are here to help change people’s lives. Our Providers take the time to listen to our patients concerns/issues they are currently experiencing and help to put together a treatment plan so the patients can start to feel better and rejuvenated overall health. I’ve worked in several healthcare organizations and can say this is by far the best due to what we practice and specialize in. Another reason if it was not for Age Rejuvenation I would not have had some health issues as this would not be caught at a primary care provider. We look more in depth in lab work. Age Rejuvenation stands by what we practice Hormone Replacement therapy and Medical Weight Loss and Sexual Health .
I enjoy going to the beach, traveling , spending time with my children and going to watch and support them during their football, baseball, and basketball games. I’m their number one supporter.
Brett Markowitz, CEO
Founder and President
Brett has been in the health and fitness industry for over 15 years. Having experienced the affects of Candida and being overweight as a child, he pursued a degree in Nutrition from Huntington College of Health Science in Knoxville, TN. Alongside that, as a Certified Personal Trainer, he is qualified with the American Council on Exercise and the International Sports Science Association, and holds CPR and AED certifications. AgeRejuvenation’s integrative approach includes monitoring by a physician, providing customized diets by a nutritionist and registered dietitians, and offering assessments and training with a personal fitness trainer. Markowitz takes health and wellness personally; therefore his sole intention within this comprehensive approach is to provide a solid structure to help permanently change the patient’s lifestyles to live happier and healthier lives.
Yazmyne Akhtar
Chief of Operations
Yazmyne earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences from the University of South Florida. Her involvement with USF’s Student Health Services and local physicians has provided her with over 9 years of medical experience and knowledge. Yazmyne’s passion for health and wellness drives her to excellence in providing optimal patient care to assist each patient to make the necessary lifestyle changes to achieve better health.
Brittany Gomez
Administrator
Brittany has worked in the health and wellness industry for over 15 years, gaining experience in athletic training, strength and conditioning, and overall fitness & wellness. She is passionate about and finds joy in helping people improve their quality of life. Brittany earned her bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from the University of South Florida. She has held several roles at Age Rejuvenation, from running the front desk, to Nutrition Coordinator, to Accounting and Human Resources, she has proven her versatility and flexibility. Through her experience, she understands the value of every individual that keeps the company thriving. Brittany is currently applying her knowledge as the Administrator for Age Rejuvenation. Outside of Age Rejuvenation, Brittany enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and photography.
Jamel Salter
Accounting Manager
As Accounting Manager, Jamel oversees all areas of the Accounting department including payroll, inventory, cash management, general ledger, and bank reconciliations. Jamel holds a bachelor’s Degrees in Business Management with minors in Finance and Management Information Systems and a master’s degree in Accounting. Jamel enjoys working at Age Rejuvenation because he believes in their mission to improve their patient’s quality of life. Born and raised in New York City, Jamel and his family moved to Tampa in January 2020. He enjoys fishing with his two children and working on household projects.
Charles Haselton
Patient Care Manager
Charles earned his Bachelor of Sciences in Health Sciences from the University of South Florida. He has worked in the healthcare field for over 8 years, gaining extensive knowledge about medications, patient care, and healthcare management through his experiences. Charles’ commitment to patient success is showcased by his dedication to the well-being of the patients he takes care of and the diligence he puts into all tasks he takes on. Charles’ number one goal is to ensure every individual gets the best care possible while achieving their personal goals.
Jasmine Shirley
Human Resources Manager
Jasmine earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences from the University of South Florida. Her experience working with the USF College of Medicine’s Office of Research and volunteering with Tampa General’s Adult Care for the Elderly unit has provided her with a passion for evidence-based, integrative nutrition, with a focus on health and wellness. Jasmine enjoys being a resource for patients and strives to help every AgeRejuvenation patient reach their goals!
Liz Galvan
Clinical Administrator
Liz Galvan was born in Cuba and moved to Florida as a teenager with her family. She has overcome many obstacles from gaining her citizenship to becoming fluent in another language. It is this hard work and dedication that has led her to be so successful in her life both personally and professionally. Liz’s parents are both in the medical field which has fostered her love for the health care field from a young age and fueled her desire to help others attain and maintain their best health.
Liz joined the Tampa Rejuvenation team in 2015 as a Certified Medical Assistant, but her work ethic, attention to detail, and commitment to her patients were soon noted. Wanting to instill these traits into all the Medical Assistants here at Tampa Rejuvenation, Liz now serves as Clinical Manager for all office locations. She is also a graduate of Coolsculpting University, certified in Intravenous Therapy, certified Viora technician, and has been trained in our PulseWave RX technology.
Glenda Rodriguez, Clinical Manager
Glenda was born in New York but moved to Tampa Bay with her family when she was 15. Glenda was on the dance team from Junior High on participating in various school events and plays. She has always enjoyed working as a team and has a passion for the health field both personally and professionally that was fostered at an early age. She graduated from Concord University with her degree in Medical Assisting and began working in a primary care office where she later realized she wanted to be on the other side of health care and joined the AgeRejuvenation team in 2013. Her passion for helping others has led her to the position of Clinical Manager where she is able to help each member of the clinical team hone their skills and inspire them to be the very best for our patients. Glenda graduated from CoolSculpting University and carries certifications in IV Therapy, Viora, GainsWave, CPR, and First Aid. Glenda’s personal desire is to help every patient reach their goals. Glenda enjoys dancing, going to Disney, watching movies, and spending time with her family.
Matthew Ziegler
Patient Experience Manager
Matt Ziegler was born in Elmira, NY. His family relocated frequently, which allowed him to meet many different people, inspiring him to help those along his path. Upon relocating to Tampa Bay, he soon joined the AgeRejuvenation team. He has been apart of AgeRejuvenation since 2015. Matt is driven to help people succeed in all aspects of life. Continuing his education and knowledge in healthy living and how to help people feel and look their best is Matt’s passion. Due to his success helping patients achieve their goals, Matt is a leader among the AgeRejuvenation community. Whenever you call AgeRejuvenation he can always be found on the answering end of that call.