Last year we ran a promotion with The Body Toolkit to win a six-night, all-inclusive detox retreat in the Highlands. Well, curiosity got the better of us, so we decided to catch up with our competition winner, Imogen Dey, to find out how she had fared after her week of juice detoxing…
How did it feel to win a place at the retreat?
When I got the phone call, I was undeniably excited at the thought of spending a week in the beautiful west coast of Scotland. However, my excitement was quickly followed by some trepidation as the prize involved committing to a ‘juice cleanse’, in other words to go a full week without a ‘conventional’ meal, caffeine or… wine! Despite the nerves, I was quietly hoping to find the secret to getting a consistent night’s sleep, as well as face the big challenge of having an alcohol-free week.
Who did you take with you?
After I told Colin (my husband) he decided to join me, much to my surprise, citing a list of his ailments both real and imagined that he expected to disappear after a period of abstinence and healthy living. So expectations were set rather high. We arrived on the Saturday, as the evening sky was just picking out the beautiful scenery of the Ardnamurchan peninsula, and Katrina Mather, owner of The Body Toolkit, was there to give us a warm welcome.
So, what happens on a ‘detox retreat’?
On the Sunday morning we were introduced to our ‘detox routine’ for the week with various techniques which included ‘oil pulling’, hot and cold hydrotherapy, magnesium baths and of course the regular, delicious juices and soups. One of the highlights for me was enjoying the scenic walks surrounding Garmoran Square, where the retreat is hosted. Our first morning walk was to Castle Tioram, a 14th century castle, which made a spectacular centrepiece for our rambles around the area.
Through the week Katrina ran short seminars to introduce several concepts and activities designed to improve both physical and mental wellbeing. Colin and I fully embraced the concept of ‘grounding’, which is meant to increase circulation, reduce pain and even lower blood pressure, so we dutifully added a walk around the cottages in our bare feet to our morning routine.
Unlike a bootcamp, the schedule allowed plenty of time to chill out or further explore the local area, also known as the ‘outdoor capital of the UK’. On the Wednesday we took the opportunity to drive out to the lighthouse at Ardnamurchan point, the most westerly point of mainland Britain. On the way back we were held up for half an hour by a herd of cattle being escorted to new pastures. Ordinarily this would have prompted a stream of impatient protestations from Colin, instead he waited serenely, commenting on the changing sky and the stunning scenery. Perhaps the week will have given me a new, chilled-out husband?
We both learned a lot from the week, Katrina’s approach is very gentle but she answers all of your questions with patience and a great depth of knowledge. Her passion for health and nutrition came from searching for solutions to a variety of her own health problems. And the guidance that she gives at the retreat is all the more compelling as she is probably the best advert for her own advice with a healthy radiance and a positive outlook that engages with all the detoxers.
How did your husband find the experience?
Colin really loved the week actually, although his highlight was the optional Altai Massage. He claims that was because it gave him a great sense of wellbeing, but I suspect it was because the pretty young masseuse, Daniela Broder, told him that he had an athletic body. Which he repeated to me several times, and insisted I mention. In all seriousness, he really enjoyed it and wrote a fantastic poem about his experience which he shared on the last day.
“What journey now after a winter’s retreat,
Stride forward with the world at our feet.”
Did you notice any difference at the end of the retreat?
I certainly noticed how much I had looked forward to meeting round the kitchen table for our juice meals and unexpectedly did not suffer from any hunger pangs. At the end of the week we all had our weigh in, although not the sole focus of the week, losing some weight was certainly an expectation. I was pleased that I left the retreat 3kg (7lbs) lighter and my husband managed to lose 5kg (11lbs). Equally satisfying were the before and after photos where we all looked considerably healthier.
What changes, if any, has the week inspired you to make?
The big question I left with was, will this new found health have a lasting effect? Well, I have bought a juicer, become a juicing convert and have made a bit of a lifestyle change avoiding those through-the-week glasses of wine. And I am delighted to report that as a result, I am sleeping much better and I feel happier and more positive about life in general.
Colin has had quite a few curries and whiskies since our return, but he is very happy to join me with the juices – so long as I make them. I really was looking forward to the retreat, but it exceeded my expectations by far – I have learned so much and having the time to heal my physical and emotional wellbeing has been wonderful. I loved my week at The Body Toolkit, I am delighted that we both got so much from the experience.
YL readers are eligible for an exclusive £50 discount towards a retreat of their choice with The Body Toolkit. You can redeem this offer by emailing Katrina via the website’s ‘Contact Us’ page at www.thebodytoolkit.com
