Women Only Weight Loss & Wellbeing Retreats
The taste of Christmas in Bowl. This soup can be lived up by the additional of the Marsala wine which adds a lovely richness. A prefect for a winter lunch will leave you warmed and satisfied all afternoon.
Slowly sauté the carrot, parsnip and celeriac in the butter, cook for about 5 mins until soft but not brown.
Add the chestnuts, stock and Marsala is using and cook for 15 mins.
Grate in the fresh nutmeg
Allow to cool for a few mins then transfer to a blender and blitz until smooth. You may want to do this in batches
Return to the pan and check the seasoning
Serve warm, topped with a tsp of crème fraiche and a sprinkle of chopped parsley
I never cease to be surprised and delighted by the dynamic of the groups of women who join us at The Body Retreat. Of course we work hard to create an environment that is both nurturing and supportive while at the same time challenging. But the glue that holds it all together is something the women bring themselves. Despite the fact that the women who join us come from different backgrounds, are of different ages and even sometimes from different countries, support is offered, encouragement is given and friendships are formed.
This weekend I had the opportunity to experience this for myself as I attended one of our Bootcamp Days in Berkshire. This group was all return clients but only two of the ladies knew each other having been on retreat together earlier this year. I did wonder if my joining the group as a member of staff might change the dynamic of the group, but I need not have worried.
From the start the group were warm and welcoming and I soon found myself laughing along as stories of past retreats were shared. Stories about challenges faced, barriers overcome and concerns about set backs were all discussed over kettlebell swings, tricep dips and russian twists. It was during the abs class, 3 hours into the day that it struck me, I hadn’t laughed this much for ages. So much so in fact that I dropped a kettle bell!!!! The hours flew by and because I was having fun I gave 100% in every class. The last class of the day was boxing, suitably we lined up in our pairs to the Rocky theme tune, everyone felt tired by this point even the regulars, but soon there were burst of encouragement “keep going” “you can do it” “only a minute left” …not from the instructor but the women spurring their partners on for a strong finish.
We finished the day over herbal tea and home made banana and walnut loaf and discussed how good we felt. I felt great.
I do regularly work out at home but it can be lonely training on your own, and if I’m honest I perhaps don’t always push myself. There are days when im in the gym and I think “im not really into this” or “id rather be on the sofa watching TV” and guess what… I don’t last much longer. But being part of the group was different, yes there were times when I thought “this is tough” or “how much longer” but I kept going and I felt better for it.
Its perhaps not surprising that research suggests that social support from groups helps you to achieve your goals and that you are two thirds more likely to not only lose weight but to keep it off if you have this support. I certainly found that my motivation and commitment was improved by the support of the ladies on Sunday and I’m looking forward to joining them on another day soon.
As we return from our latest Andalusian Weight Loss Retreat (did we mention an average weight loss of 9.2lbs?!) we have seen this fabulous article courtesy of Healthista, leading heath channel for women.
Click Here to read their experience of The Body Retreat.
During these autumnal months as the days get shorter and shorter there is a primal urge inside us that says wrap up warm, stay inside, eat!!!
Its not uncommon for people to experience SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) symptoms. Some individuals will need to seek medial help and support for the severity of their symptoms but for others you can support your system during this period to help alleviate SAD symptoms.
Really although it goes against all logical thought we need get out and expose as much flesh as possible to the daylight (let’s not freeze though!) this boosts out Vitamin D (an important nutrient produced through exposure to sunshine). Even better if you can exercise out doors.
It is also useful to observe a strict routine in terms of what time you go to bed, awaken in the morning and eat. Keeping a routine is important, even if in the early days you feel very tired upon waking this can improve over time.
The food we choose to eat during the winter months can also play a very important part in relieving the symptoms of SAD. Serotonin is derived from Tryptophan and we should be able to boost our levels of Serotonin by enriching our everyday diet with Tryptophan – rich foods.
Foods rich in Tryptophan
Lean meat –turkey, chicken, beef, lamb, pork.
Fish – salmon, cod.
Dairy – plain yoghurt, milk, eggs, cheddar, cottage cheese, parmesan.
Nuts – almonds, pistachios, pecan, hazelnuts, peanuts/soy nuts.
Seeds – poppy, pumpkin, sesame seeds.
Pulses – lentils, chick peas (hummus).
Legumes – kidney, lima beans, soya.
Vegetables – spinach, watercress, cabbage.
Wholegrains – porridge oats.
Fruits – bananas, pineapple, plums, dates, figs, prunes.
Check out our Heat warming Thai Butternut and Chick Pea Stew a perfect antidote to chilly nights.
Heat a large heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add the coconut oil, soften the onion then add the curry paste and stir for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Meanwhile take the hard outer layer from the lemongrass stick and then bash with the back of your knife to release the flavor and add to the pot along with the lime leaf.
Add the squash and stir to coat with the curry paste. Stir in the chickpeas. Add the coconut milk and ½ cup water and bring to a simmer.
Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer gently for about 10 minutes, or until the squash just begins to soften.
Stir in the red pepper, broccoli and gently simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes, or until the squash is tender but not falling apart and the sauce has reduced slightly. Season to taste with freshly ground pepper and fish sauce.
Remove the lemongrass and lime leaf and stir through the spinach leaves. Divide the curry among four soup bowls, top with chopped coriander, and serve.
