How to Prepare for a Detox Retreat

Detoxification. It sounds intimidating, right? Detox programmes are attractive because they help the body to flush out toxins. Once this occurs, the body is able to function more effectively, which leads to a wide variety of benefits. A detox can strengthen your immune system, boost your energy levels and improve your skin. An added bonus is that detox can aid weight-loss, so the results of such a programme are definitely worth it. A detox regime entails huge lifestyle changes, and the tips below will help you to adequately prepare. 

Avoid These Foods.

During your detox programme, you will not be allowed to consume a range of foods that you normally eat. By cutting out certain substances before your retreat, you will reduce the shock to your body as it processes your dietary changes. If you struggle to completely eliminate the following items, even reducing your intake will help. 

It is essential to stop consuming fatty meals, such as pork and sausages. If possible, it is also recommended that you forego eating all meats. Removing refined carbohydrates from your diet will also help you to prepare for your detox retreat. This means you should avoid pasta, white rice, bread and pastries. 

Other items to avoid are dairy, eggs, hydrogenated oils, sugar and artificial sweeteners. Even the food preparation plays a role in how your body reacts, so do not select food that has been fried, baked or roasted in fat. Additionally, it is best not to eat pre-packaged and frozen or readymade food.

Finally, while hydration is important, when you take a drink, do not reach for coffee or alcohol. This includes beer, wine and liquor.  
 

Consume These Foods.

Now that you know the forbidden foods, you will have to find suitable substitutions. The bulk of your pre-detox diet, should be fresh and seasonal fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds. You will want to increase the amount of whole grains you eat, as well. The category includes barley, oats, rye, wheat, quinoa and more. Whole grain foods, as opposed to refined grain foods, contain antioxidants absent in produce and can reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity and cancer. 

Cook your food by the baking, broiling and steaming. You should also strive to control your portion sizes. While you may be tempted to overeat, you will be more satisfied when you practise mindful eating. If you are preparing to join a Mayr detox programme, you should drink between meals, but not during. Try to consume 2 – 3 litres of water each day. You may substitute with herbal tea (also known as tisanes) or green tea. 
 

Rest Up.     

While it is important to begin adjusting your diet pre-detox, it is also important for you to rest well. During the detox, you will undergo physical and emotional changes, which may cause sleep disturbances. Leading up to the detox, you should head to bed early and relax with a warm compress around your stomach. Another tip that will help you to rest properly is to take 10 to 15 minutes to allow your thoughts to settle before you tuck in for the night. You can play a quick recap of the day in your mind, without lingering on anything that did not quite go your way, and jot down a quick to-do list for the next day so you can clear your head. Turning off your digital devices an hour before your set bedtime will also improve your sleep quality. Gaining the rest you need will significantly help you through the detox process. 

Remain Active.

Although your body will react most positively to a detox if you are well-rested, you should not completely cease all physical activity. Staying active is necessary before your detox because it will actually help to prevent fatigue. The best types of exercise to complete before a detox are yoga, Pilates and weight training. Once you begin your detox, your muscles are more likely to become well-defined. However, aerobic exercise can also help to increase the breakdown of fat stored in the bottom. This will allow some waste to be eliminated via sweat, which will help you to kick-start the detoxification process. And depending on which detox retreat you choose, you will perform different exercises during the detox, too. For example, the programme at Verdura Resort includes personal training sessions and the programme at Lefay includes stretching sessions and guided walks. A majority of the programmes will also offer group activities, but you will decide which you would like to participate in and can adjust the intensity of the exercise.

For more information about detox retreats and tips about pre-detox regimes, speak to our Wellness Experts by enquiring here or calling on 020 7843 3597.