Retreat Is The Answer
Illawarra Mercury
Tuesday January 19, 1999
Overindulged during the past few months? LISA SEWELL talked to the experts about the most effective ways to detox after the festive season.
Traditionally the festive season is associated with excess.
Too much of the good life causes many of us to start the new year irritable and weary.
Overeating and drinking causes a build-up of toxins in our bodies which makes us sluggish and paves the way to stress and illness.
Toxins also attack us from the outside with increasing levels of pollution in the environment causing allergies and sensitivities that affect both our body and our minds.
Our bodies are designed to detoxify by themselves - the liver, kidneys, lymphatic system, intestines and lungs are constantly getting rid of toxins.
However at some times, such as after the excesses of a few months, the body needs a helping hand.
According to Australian Food Council deputy director Harris Boulton, sensible eating habits may go out the window over Christmas.
``Consumers often think healthy living is about dieting, fasting and skipping meals after the Christmas holiday, which may lead to bad eating habits, but the key is balancing energy intake with regular exercise," he said.
Mr Boulton said people should not feel guilty about eating treat and snack foods at any time if they kept to a regular exercise program.
``A wide variety of fresh and packaged foods is available to consumers to be enjoyed in balanced diets combined with a healthy lifestyle," he said.
``Dieticians recommend that most people's diets should consist of 60 per cent complex carbohydrates, 30 per cent of fats and 10 per cent of protein.
``The dietary message is to enjoy life in the party spirit but to consume a variety of foods rich in vitamins and minerals, of course in balance and moderation."
Those wanting to get back on track with their eating habits after the festive season would do well to heed these words. But most of us need a bit of help.
A great way to detox is to leave your health and fitness in someone else's hands. Many people are choosing to go to health retreats for exactly that reason.
Solar Springs Health Retreat is a popular choice. Nestled in the quiet Southern Highlands village of Bundanoon, overlooking the Morton National Park, the retreat has a stimulating program of activities that make the most of the surrounding environment.
The great thing about the retreat is that it is about choice - you decide whether your focus will be on activity, relaxation, pampering, lifestyle issues or a little of each.
If you are after a week or two to get away from the stress of city living or work pressures then you can relax in the generous spa and be pampered with a variety of facials, body peels, wraps and massages.
Those looking for a bit of action can take part in the daily bushwalks through the national park, join in the pool volleyball or aerobics classes or cycle around the picturesque village.
Those interested in a complete detox of mind and body can talk to the professional lifestyle consultants including a dietician, naturopath and health and fitness consultant.
According to Kevin Munro, dietician at Solar Springs, to eliminate toxic food people should stick to the rules of the healthy eating pyramid.
More fresh fruit and vegetables, cereals, breads and grains, a moderate amount of protein and dairy products and less oils, fats, sugars and salt.
Solar Springs provide visitors with three nutritional and delicious meals a day while fruit and a wide range of herbal teas are always available.
Mr Munro developed the retreat's cuisine with the help of chef Wayne Fraser.
Meals take advantage of the fresh fruit and vegetables grown in the area and include adequate amounts of bread, cereal, chicken and fish.
Meat is cut from the menu while most meals are kept to three grams or less of fat.
``For women 40-60 grams of fat a day is suggested and men need about 50-70 grams while for weight loss 40 grams or less is recommended. This all depends on a number of factors, which is why I like to talk to the individual about their particular circumstances," Mr Munro said.
Solar Springs health and fitness department manager Helen Troup said any reduction in fat intake would be preferable considering that most Australians consumed more than 100 grams of fat per day.
``We offer a lifestyle program to guests which looks at both diet and exercise," she said.
``It includes a dietary consultation, a physical health assessment, a fat burning walk, various treatments and a session with a personal trainer.
``The aim is to encourage guests to keep to the program once they go home."
Ms Troup said the main thing was to set realistic goals for people.
``They have to enjoy the exercise they are set or they won't want to do it. Gyms are great but they aren't for everyone and many people may enjoy a brisk walk," she said.
``We also look at their lifestyle to find out what works for them and what their time constraints are."
Ms Troup said health retreats were perfect for those trying to detox after Christmas.
``Over Christmas people don't tend to spend a lot of time on themselves. Solar Springs allows them to get away from everything so they can focus on their needs," she said.
``After Christmas people may be feeling guilty about what they have eaten or how little exercise they have done but those feelings aren't very constructive. They just need to be positive and get back to healthy eating patterns as soon as possible. A health retreat can provide the kick-start needed to get back to basics."
Skin and bodycare therapies can also help to detox the system and boost the energy levels.
Solar Springs offers a wide range of such services including deluxe facials, pedicures and body peels as well as a variety of different massage techniques.
Massage therapist Jennifer Brown said massage was a great way to reduce stress.
``Swedish massage in particular has long lasting benefits to clients as it increases blood circulation to the surface tissue," she said.
``Tight muscle areas are relaxed and toxins are released which in the long term helps to build up the immune system."
Ms Brown also performs lymphatic drainage massage, which offers relief for specific disorders of the body's lymphatic system.
``This again helps with immune system problems as well as sporting injuries, chronic fatigue, acne, insomnia and arthritis."
Health retreats are not as price restrictive as some would imagine and Solar Springs sees a wide range of guests.
Even a short stay yields plenty of information on nutrition and exercise and the motivation to carry on the good work back home.
For more information on the Solar Springs Health Retreat, call 1800044944.
© 1999 Illawarra Mercury