Why holidays can be a great time for weight loss / detox

The choice of spa holidays and wellness getaways has mushroomed since the mid 1990’s. Today there are literally hundreds of healthy holidays available from boot-camps in Britain to ashrams in California.

In truth, any healthy holiday, away from the usual routine, can provide inspiration for weight loss and detoxification.

Good health is all about making the right choices – the right exercise, the right food and drinks and finding the right people to help you along your way. A holiday often means more free time to consider what will work for you.  It can also be a time to try new activities. At many reputable resorts nowadays there are usually plenty of classes to sign up for, like yoga, Pilates and aqua aerobics. There are usually spa treatments to get acquainted with too, like Thai massages, Ayurvedic facials and reflexology.

If time allows, a few sessions with a personal trainer could be the kick-start you’ve been waiting for.

Even if your well-earned break includes the odd wicked pudding rather than a bean curd salad, your holiday could also be just the time to gain some new nutritional know-how.

Talk to the chefs, nutritionists and therapists on-site who can often divulge some location-specific tips and know-how. For example, Miami chefs are likely to understand the South Beach diet and are often dab-hands at raw seafood, juices and gluten-free meals. Whereas in south-east Asia it’s more likely to be all about clean and lean Asian flavours, think raw vegetable spring rolls, lotus and green mango salads and rock-lobster curries.

What could be better than returning home with newly found knowledge and cooking which you can apply to your weekly kitchen routine?

Holidays should also mean going off grid. By switching off your iPhone and other devices, you will find more space and time to think. You will also find sleep improves too when the pinging and lighting up of screens is absent.

Lastly, use your holiday time to gradually change your daily ritual. Start by getting into the habit of doing a positive activity every day at 6pm when the work day is done. This could be jogging, meditation or taking time to cook a delicious, fat-burning meal.

A healthy holiday can provide just the right amount of downtime needed to take the small steps of change towards the life you crave and a shinier, more polished and happier you.

Since 2003, in:spa has been hosting its unique brand of 7 night health, fitness and detox retreats in glamorous destinations such as Marrakech and the South of France. As Tatler Spa Guide said: “in:spa remains the health holiday pioneer… the finest all rounder out there.” The in:spa programme includes gourmet cleansing cuisine (perfect for both detoxifying your body and for weight loss) combined with expert nutritional advice and lots of fun exercise (hiking, circuit training and private personal fitness sessions), yoga, massage treatments, and plenty of time to relax by the pool in the sunshine too. 7 night retreats start at £1,895.

If a retreat with a small group of like minded people isn’t your cup of (green) tea, then The Healthy Holiday Company – which owns and operates in:spa – can advise on numerous other alternatives that are tailored just for you.