Now you've probably guessed that I'm pro - juicing! My conviction is not based only on theory however - I've experienced the benefits personally, and have seen on countless occasions how so many others have benefitted too - I've been facilitating detox retreats for 13 years now and expect to continue sharing this amazing secret for a good many more years to come... 

In a nut-shell, juicing is a quick and powerful means to being vibrant, energetic and truly healthy - on every level!! 

One reason for this is that the juice is raw - it's still in its original and natural state (well, almost... - the fibre has been removed). When food is cooked or heated, valuable micro-nutrients are damaged or destroyed, and so some of the goodness and health benefits are lost. Of course, this means it is also important to buy (or grow!) organic fruit and veg, otherwise it's not as nature bestows it, but is possibly full of pesticides and preservatives.

Another reason why juicing is so powerful is that it can help ensure we get our daily quota of fruit and veg. We all know that we should consume 6-8 servings of fruit and vegetables per day, but this sometimes feels close to impossible - we just don't seem to eat often enough to warrant this! Juicing is an easy way to achieve this - it may seems like hard work to eat six whole, raw carrots, but there's easily six carrots in a carrot juice.

A little on fruit juice - some people are not huge fans of fruit juice because of the high levels of fructose (natural sugars). In my opinion, some fruit juice is good for us - it's natural and we do need some sugar for energy... and some sweetness in life... Juicing fruit does mean that these sugars are more concentrated however (no fibre to soak up the sugar), and so fruit in juices shouldn't be excessive. Anyone with high blood pressure or diabetes however, should limit the amount of fruit juice until these conditions are stabilised. An exception to this 'rule' on fruit juices are lemons and limes. Although lemons and limes are fruit, they have virtually none of the offending sugar / fructose that causes complications. In fact lemons and limes are an amazing addition to juices - they are alkalising and great at at eliminating the bitter taste of any dark green leafy vegetables (and it's these green leafy vegetables that provide so many of the benefits of juicing).

By removing the fibre from the fruits and vegetables, we make it even easier for the body to absorb all the nutrients.  In a way, juicing is a way to pre-digest the fruits and veg, much like chewing, but even more effectively. So the body receives most of the nutrition, rather than having some of it being lost to the digestive process.

Further more, with juicing, you can juice a wide variety of fruit and vegetables that you may not normally get through simply eating. Variety is good as it reduces the chances of developing sensitivities or allergies to certain fruits and veg due to eating them too often.

Happy Juicing!!!

Today is the first day back to 'normality' after the busy Christmas and New Year celebrations, and although I loved seeing old friends and celebrating with good food, I'm a little relieved that life has returned to its usual pace here in our valley.

The return to normality includes focussing on what's happening in 2014... and informing you of  yoga detox retreats' retreats. As an added incentive to you to plan a healthy and fun holiday this year, I'm offering a 10% early bird discount if bookings are made before Feb 1 2014. This is in addition to the usual 10% discount for returning guests, so it could be a 20% discount for you! 
(Note: this applies to my Turkey and Italy retreats, not the Portugal retreats).

2014 Retreats
Yoga & Raw Food Detox Retreats - Puglia, Italy
1000 Euros / £850 - shared (with 20% discount - £680 / 800 Euros)
This is the first time I'm offering this retreat and I'm very excited about it. The location is wonderful, the venue is very comfortable with under-floor heating and a heated swimming pool, and the food is delicious and so, so healthy!!!
Dates: March 22 - 29
click here for more info...

Yoga & Juice Fasting Detox Retreats - Faralya, Turkey
£740 shared / £840 single (with 20% discount - £592 shared / £672 single)
This is my 11th year at Faralya and I keep returning because it's such a beautiful location!! I'm offering a spring and a summer retreat...
Dates:
April 28 - May 5
August 4 - 11
click here for more info... 

Yoga & Alkalising Diet Detox Retreats - Carrapateirra, Algarve Portugal
980 Euros shared / 1280 Euros single
These retreats are organised by a friend of mine, Diana, and I am facilitating them. The retreat venue is a magnificent retreat centre on the west coast of the Algarve and boasts an on-site sauna and steam room and a wonderful team of therapists. The food is alkaline, delicious and healthy.
Dates: 
April 13 - 19 (led by Lauren)
May 25 - 31 (led by Lauren)
June 22 - 28 (led by Lauren)
Sept 28 - Oct 4 (led by Lauren)
Oct 26 - Nov 1 (led by Lauren)
click here for more info...

Yoga & Surf Holidays - Salema, Algarve Portugal 
890 Euros shared / 990 Euros double / 1050 Euros single
These are fun and physical holidays and you'll leave being able to stand up on the surf board (or improve your surfing technique if you're not a beginner) and feeling fit and healthy. The food served is vegetarian, delicious and healthy. I am facilitating just one of these retreats, and the others are facilitated by other experienced and inspirational yoga teachers.
Dates:
June 8 - 14 (led by Lauren)
July 13- 19
July 27 - August 2
August 10 - 16
August 31 - September 6
September 14 - 20
click here for more info...

Yoga Delight Holidays - Salema, Algarve Portugal
790 Euros shared / 890 Euros double / 950 Euros single
These yoga holidays include two daily yoga classes, meditation sessions and talks on various aspects of Yoga. The venue is right on the beach and also has a swimming pool. The food is vegetarian, healthy and delicious. I am facilitating two of these retreats and the others are led by other experienced and inspirational yoga teachers.
Dates:
July 6 - 12 
July 20 - 26 (led by Lauren)
August 3 - 9
September 7 - 13 (led by Lauren)
click here for more info...

Hormone Yoga Retreats - Salema, Algarve Portugal 
890 Euros shared / 990 Euros double / 1050 Euros single
This is a women only retreat where the focus is on connecting to the feminine energy and balancing hormones. This retreat is led by an experienced hormone yoga teacher.
Dates:
May 11- 17
click here for more details... 

So, lots to choose between...

Wishing you a wonderful 2014... and it would be great to see you somewhere, some time...