What is Spa Cuisine?

Spa holidays differ from other types of holidays because if you go to a destination spa on a dedicated retreat,  you will most likely be put on a specific diet of spa cuisine that is personalized to fit your body type and to help you reach your goals.  Spa cuisine is lovingly prepared by experienced chefs who work closely with nutritionists to provide healthy, balanced meals that are beautifully presented. If you visit high-end spas, the food served is a culinary delight that will satiate even the most discerning epicureans.

Generally speaking, spa cuisine is:

• Portion controlled
• Low calorie
• Locally grown
• Organic
• Nutrient-rich
• Balanced
• Detoxifying

Some spas focus on specific dietary philosophies developed by doctors:

• Dukan Diet: This high-protein, French diet focuses on a four phases approach to losing weight quickly and keeping it off.
• Mayr Cuisine: This  detoxifying diet is based on cutting-edge science and is used to get to the root of serious health issues that stem from the digestive organs. 
• Raw Food Diet: This Swiss diet to promote detoxification  and longevityconsists of eating unprocessed, uncooked foods or foods heated to less than 40 C.  Raw foodists are primarily vegan or vegetarian, but the consumption of raw fish or meat is also practiced.
• Macrobiotic Diet: This simple, healthy diet is touted as the key to longevity through eating grains, local vegetables, and avoiding processed/refined foods as well as most animal products.
• Ayurvedic Diet:  This ancient Indian philosophy focuses on fresh, organic, locally sourced foods to create a unique eating program designed to balance the body, based on each person’s individual dosas (three energies that circulate in the body).
• Detox Diet: This is a general term for diets that promote the body’s natural process of eliminating toxins.
• Fasting Diet: This is a general term for diets that restrict calories and solid foods in order to promote weight loss and longevity.  Depending on the diet, herbal teas and broths are allowed.

MY RECOMMENDATION –

Speak to Karen at Healing Holidays on 020 7843 3597 for advice on choosing the right diet for your next spa retreat.  She has first-hand experience and some funny stories that she’s happy to share!

Do you know of any popular diet philosophies (that aren’t Hollywood fad diets) that I’ve left off?  Please let me know and I’ll update the blog.

By Spa Samurai

How to Prepare for a Spa Holiday

A spa holiday is a wonderful way to focus on your wellbeing.  Spa retreats are very effective in treating specific health issues, but more importantly, they offer an opportunity to break your daily habits and to develop fresh, healthful behaviours that will have a beneficial impact on your life in the longterm.

Spa holidays differ from other holidays because most retreats held at destination spas have an element of detox and stress relief that may take some preparation.  By preparing your mind and body for your retreat, you will get better results from your retreat and you will enjoy it much more.

For some, separation from work, the internet, and their smart phone is unthinkable.  Not all spas require you to submit your links to the outside world upon arrival, but certain programmes (e.g., Stress Relief) will wean you off your habitual reliance on filling your life with distractions. Many spas have an imposed silent hour during the day, so reading (books,  Kindles, and iPads for reading are allowed) and meditation are good ways to take advantage of this serenity of the silence. 

Many people struggle with detoxing on a spa holiday.  Even if you consider yourself healthy, you may be unaware of how many toxins (e.g., air pollution, processed foods, alcohol, caffeine, sugar) you absorb in your daily life and the reaction that your body has when they are removed.  Some people have acute psychological reactions where repressed emotions are brought to the surface and they may be brought to tears suddenly. Most people experience headaches and extreme sluggishness when they take caffeine and sugar out of their diets.  If you haven’t prepared your body for the shock of withdrawal, then your first three days of holiday can be spent in a foul mood, most likely in bed. 

If you want to get the most out of your spa experience, here are some tips to help you prepare in order to get your money’s worth and enjoy your time away improving yourself:

Before you go:

• Three to five days prior to departure, stop drinking coffee, black tea, soft drinks and alcohol.
• Two days prior to departure, reduce the amount you smoke and phase out the excessive use of internet and mobile phones.
• You should drink herbal infusions, fruit juice or water.
• Avoid consuming sugar or sweeteners, meat or dairy products and reduce the amount of salt consumed.
• Try to eat your last meal of the day before 7:00 pm and choose a low carb option.
• Get a good night’s sleep so that you do not arrive exhausted.

On the flight:

• Drink water to stay hydrated which will help you combat  jet lag.
• Wear comfortable clothing to travel in so that you arrive relaxed and comfortable.
• Prepare yourself to be without your mobile phone constantly at your side.

Have you been on a spa retreat?  I’d love to hear your tips.  I’ll update my blog  with your advice and give you a shout out & backlink!

By Spa Samurai