Namaste Detox Retreats South Africa

Namaste Detox Retreats South Africa Specialist detox retreats.

How to stay healthy during the festive seasonMost women dread the festive season as for many this means temptations, mak...
21/12/2018

How to stay healthy during the festive season
Most women dread the festive season as for many this means temptations, making poor choices and starting the new year with weight gain, bloating and guilt. The festive season doesn’t have to be like this and with a positive mental shift and a little self-care and motivation you can start 2019 feeling light, energised, happy and healthy.

A few tips on how to stay healthy:
• Never go to a party hungry. When we go to a party not having eaten the whole day, we are more likely to make poor choices as everything will look good. Eat a small snack before going, this will enable you to make better choices as you will feel more in control
• Eat your greens. Make sure to include as many greens as possible whether in your smoothie, juice or on your plate.
• Stay hydrated. Make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day especially if you are going to be drinking alcohol.
• Still include a form of exercise into your day. It is easy to forget about exercise when we are on holiday but doing some sort of exercise whether walking, swimming or yoga will keep you fit and healthy during the holidays.
• Dish up the veggies first. When dishing up food for yourself, always make sure half of your plate is full with salad and veg before dishing up the rest of the options available such as meat, potatoes etc. This will help keep the meals balanced and healthy.
• Drink alcohol moderately and pace yourself with a glass of water in between each drink. Choose healthier options such as white wine or vodka with fresh lime and soda water.
• Be kind to yourself. Being offered seconds, desserts and more can be tempting and if you choose to indulge then don’t be too hard on yourself as you are only human after all. Allow yourself a few treats here and there but watch the portion size and share with a friend or partner.

Tips to eating healthy on a budgetEating well doesn’t have to be expensive, there are a lot of low-cost health foods to ...
14/12/2018

Tips to eating healthy on a budget

Eating well doesn’t have to be expensive, there are a lot of low-cost health foods to be found at your local stores. Eating well just requires some planning and some time set aside to cook the meals.

1. Keep an eye out for specials that your weekly supermarket may be having, this can include shops that stock organic produce as sometimes there will be specials on these items as well. It is cost effective to buy in bulk and at some farmer’s markets you will find good deals.

2. Keep it simple. Some great cost-effective foods include oats, chickpeas, lentils, beans, wholemeal pasta, brown rice, eggs, minced meat and tuna. Inexpensive vegetables include cauliflower, zucchini, carrots, sweet potato and pumpkin.

3. Check what you already have in the fridge and buy ingredients that can be used with what you have to make meals. Be sure to use what you already have first so that it doesn’t go off.

4. Make use of your leftovers. Keep them for lunch the next day or freeze them if you don’t plan to eat them during the week.

5. Make it yourself. You will save a lot more when you making items such a nut milks, nut butters, zuchinni noodles and cauliflower rice yourself. They are quick, simple and there are plenty of recipes to show you how.

6. Grow your own herbs. This is a great way to flavour your food instead of making use of expensively purchased condiments.

7. When fruit is starting to go off, freeze it and use it for smoothies or desserts. You can even freeze some veggies such as cauliflower, zuchinni and sweet potato which can also be used in smoothies.

8. Buy seasonal produce. Produce that is in season is better priced than those that have had to be imported.

Gingerbread Christmas CookiesChristmas is nearly upon us and for many who celebrate this festive season, it is tough to ...
07/12/2018

Gingerbread Christmas Cookies

Christmas is nearly upon us and for many who celebrate this festive season, it is tough to stay on track with your food choices. These cookies are a combination of healthy and delicious meaning you won’t be left starting off the new year with that all too familiar feeling of guilt because you would have treated yourself with the best possible alternative to the standard Christmas cookie.

Ingredients:
1 cup Almond flour
1 cup self-raising gluten-free flour
¾ cup organic coconut sugar
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp Himalayan salt
1/3 cup coconut oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp cinnamon
Pinch of ground cloves
Pinch of nutmeg

Method:
Preheat oven to 180C. Grease a baking tray with a little coconut oil.
Use a handheld mixer or food processor and mix together coconut sugar and coconut oil until fluffed up a little. Coconut oil must be soft but not melted.
Sift all dry ingredients into a bowl and add to mixture. Mix together. You will need to scrape down the sides of the food processor if making use of one.
The mixture should start to form a dough ball. If too dry then add a little almond milk or water and if too wet then add some more almond flour.
Sprinkle a handful of flour on a clean counter top and roll out dough with a rolling pin.
Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place on a baking tray.
Bake for 10 mins and then remove to cool.
Decorate with icing. Healthiest choice is to buy non-irradiated, non- GMO icing sugar and make use of natural food juices/ powders to make the colours. Turmeric for yellow. Beetroot juice for pink. Blueberries for a blue/purple colour and a little spirulina for a deep green.

Should you be drinking celery juice?You have most probably seen the many articles, pictures and success stories of indiv...
30/11/2018

Should you be drinking celery juice?

You have most probably seen the many articles, pictures and success stories of individuals restoring their health just by drinking celery juice but, is drinking celery juice something you should be incorporating into your daily routine?

Celery is crunchy, can be salty or slightly sweet and has a high-water content which can prevent dehydration and reduce bloating. Celery also contains many nutrients such as vitamins A, K, C as well as B vitamins. It is also a source of calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus.

Benefits from drinking celery juice may be:
• Reduced water retention. Celery is a natural diuretic therefore can help reduce water retention
• Lowers blood pressure
• May reduce oxidative stress which is stress put on your cells due to free radicals.
• Reduce inflammation. Celery is rich in antioxidants so this can help reduce inflammation
• Protects the liver
• Boosts digestion and reduces bloating
• Can help prevent urinary tract infections. This is due to celery containing anti-microbial properties that can fight bacterial infections within the digestive tract and reproductive organs

With all the health benefits mentioned above, it’s easy to see why this veggie may make an impressive improvement to your health. So, if you are thinking of making celery juice a part of your routine, we have a few suggestions.

1) Make sure when purchasing your celery that you are buying organic as you don’t want to be juicing the toxins and pesticides from conventional celery.
2) Juice the entire celery stalk including the leaves.
3) We recommend starting with juicing enough to make 1 glass a day and leading up to 2-3 glasses a day.

Colon CleansingColon cleansing also known as colonic hydrotherapy involves flushing the colon with fluid to remove waste...
23/11/2018

Colon Cleansing

Colon cleansing also known as colonic hydrotherapy involves flushing the colon with fluid to remove waste. This practice has been around for years and involves removing toxins from the colon which accumulate over time due to digestive waste.

Colon cleansing can provide you with numerous benefits such as weight loss, better digestion and increased energy. Other benefits include:

• A lower risk of developing bowel cancer
• Improved digestion, especially beneficial for those experiencing discomfort from IBS, chronic constipation or diarrhoea
• Less bloating and flatulence
• Better absorption of vitamins and minerals
• Lightness and comfort in the abdominal area

If you are not warming to the idea of a colonic then we recommend introducing colon cleansing foods into your diet such as

Plant based fibres. A high fibre diet supports a healthy digestive tract

Greens such as wheatgrass, barley grass and spirulina. These greens are rich in chlorophyll which is great for colon cleansing

Fermented Foods. Kefir, sauerkraut and other fermented foods can help feed the friendly bacteria in the gut which will keep your colon healthy

Water. Make sure you are drinking plenty of water daily as this helps keep the digestive tract lubricated and reduces the risk of constipation and toxic waste build up.

If you are considering doing a colonic, we highly recommend consulting a professional as if not done properly, it can lead to colon damage.

We offer professional colonic hydrotherapy on our 4, 7 or 10 day retreats.
For more info on our retreats and colonics visit our website https://www.namaste-retreats.com/

As summer approaches so does an abundance of delicious fruits such as mangoes, nectarines, peaches and even figs. Figs a...
16/11/2018

As summer approaches so does an abundance of delicious fruits such as mangoes, nectarines, peaches and even figs. Figs are our favourite and it’s not hard to see why as these little fruits are full of antioxidants, calcium, some B vitamins, potassium. Figs are even high in fibre so they can help keep your bowel movements regular. There is even research that suggest figs are great for hormone balancing as they can help remove excess oestrogen from the body. Paired with tahini they become the ultimate hormone balancing treat as tahini is high in phytoestrogens which can further help keep your oestrogen levels balanced.

Here’s a healthy treat that is great for you and your hormones. You can use cacao powder instead of carob but for those sensitive to caffeine we recommend using carob.

Ingredients:
6-8 dried figs (can be bought from local markets or health shops)
3 Tbs Coconut Oil
3-4 Tbs Tahini
11/2 Tbs Carob powder

Method:
Melt coconut oil on low heat in a small pot or in a bowl over a pot of boiling water
Add Tahini to pot and stir in until smooth and creamy.
Add Carob powder and stir in. Mixture should be thick and similar to nut butter. If too runny, add more Tahini.
Add more Carob powder to taste
Remove pot from stove and leave to cool for a few minutes.
Dip figs in the mixture and make sure entirely covered. Place on a plate or flat container. Do the same for the remaining figs.
Put in the freezer for 1/2 an hour then enjoy :)
Best kept in the freezer until you would like one then remove and let defrost for 2-5 mins before eating.

If you simply enjoy fresh figs then just cut in half and smother with some tahini for that ultimate healthy sweet treat.

What are superfoods?A superfood is described as a nutrient-rich food considered to be beneficial for health and well-bei...
09/11/2018

What are superfoods?

A superfood is described as a nutrient-rich food considered to be beneficial for health and well-being. They are foods which have been revered by ancient cultures around the world for thousands of years as healing and nourishing to the human body.

Superfoods are foods that are considered to have incredible healing abilities due to their nutrients. Not only can these foods nourish our muscles, brain, skin, hair, nails, immune system, reproductive system etc. they also have the potential to correct imbalances in the body over a period of time. Some examples of superfoods are Maca root powder, Chia seeds, Goji berries and Cacao.

“Chia” means strength in Mayan and has been used by the Aztecs for three thousand years. It is known as the runner’s food as it is believed to contain nutrients which boost energy and increase one’s stamina. Chia seeds are nearly a complete protein and are also high in omega 3s which help with focus and clarity. Due to the soluble fibre chia soothes the digestive system and stabilises the blood sugar levels.
Chia seeds can be used as it comes or soaked to make a gel like consistency.

Maca is the highest- altitude food grown in the world and is native to the Peruvian Andes. Maca is a cruciferous vegetable and looks similar to a radish or turnip. Maca is extremely rich in nutrients and vitamins and is also known to be an adaptogen. A long with its ability to help us deal with stress, Maca is known for hormone balancing, thyroid support, increased stamina and enhanced fertility.

Goji Berries have been used for an estimated 5000 years as is highly regarded as a natural medicine in China. Goji’s are believed to promote longevity, boost the immune system, improve eyesight and aid the digestive system. Goji Berries are also an adaptogen which means they can help us more easily adapt to stressors that we experience on a day to day basis.

Cacao, most probably the most famous of all superfoods. Cacao is a great addition to the diet as it is high in magnesium which is required for a healthy heart. It also contains nutrients which can boost one’s mood as it is a great source of serotonin, dopamine and PEA which are all neurotransmitters known to increase levels of happiness and well-being. Raw cacao also increases one’s energy and can aid in weight loss due to its satiating effect on the body.

Cacao is not to be confused with cocoa. Cocoa is raw cacao powder that has been heated at high temperatures. Due to being heated at high temperatures, all the nutrients and minerals are lost therefore you won’t get the same benefits as if you were to eat raw cacao.

Superfoods are great additions to your diet and can added to smoothies, breakfasts, dressings or eaten just as is.

What is intermittent fasting?Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern that cycles between periods of fasting and eating...
02/11/2018

What is intermittent fasting?

Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern that cycles between periods of fasting and eating. It is one of the most popular styles of fasting and thought to be the easiest and most sustainable as it only involves abstaining from food for a portion of the day.

The practice of intermittent fasting involves allowing yourself a “feeding window” and then abstaining from food for the remainder of the hours. You can still enjoy herbal teas, water and coffee outside of the “feeding window”.

There are various ways to include intermittent fasting into your daily routine. You can:

• Fast for 16 hours and feed for 8 hours. This is the most popular and simplest to follow. You restrict your daily eating period to 8 hours, such as 11am – 7pm or 12pm – 9pm and then fast for 16 hours in between
• One or two 24 hour fasts a week
• Fasting all day and having large meal in the evenings

Why would one want to fast?
Fasting gives the body an opportunity to detox and burn fat instead of focusing on digestion throughout the day.

Other benefits of intermittent fasting include:
• Encourages Weight loss
• Reduce insulin resistance
• Increase in energy
• Enhances heart health
• Decrease in hunger
• Lowering of inflammation

Women should be careful when looking to incorporate intermittent fasting into their daily routine as there is mixed research on whether or not fasting is healthy for female hormone levels. You should also be mindful if suffering from adrenal fatigue or gut health issues

Food as medicineEver heard of the saying “You are what you eat”? Lately studies are showing there is some truth to this ...
26/10/2018

Food as medicine

Ever heard of the saying “You are what you eat”? Lately studies are showing there is some truth to this saying. If you choose to eat healthy, vibrant and organic whole foods then you are likely to be a healthy and vibrant being. If you spend your time choosing to eat junk food, processed meals and fried foods then you are more likely to be lethargic and unwell.

Constant research and studies over the years have found that food has the potential to prevent and heal us from certain ailments such as type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, chronic fatigue and even cancer. A healthy diet rich in minerals and vitamins has even been found to restore emotional energy.

Choosing foods that are good for you such as veg and fruits provides your body with the nutrients it requires to function and ward off illness. A few examples of just how beneficial the right foods can be for you are mentioned below:

Kale is an outstanding source of nutrients and includes beta-carotene, calcium, iron, manganese, potassium and vitamins C and E. Kale also contains compounds that neutralise free radicals which can help protect the DNA in your genes.

Ginger can help prevent motion sickness, soothe upset stomach, relieve migraines and can reduce arthritis pain due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Kiwi Fruit is very high in vitamin C, sixteen times more than that of oranges, and is also high in vitamin E. Due to their rich array of antioxidants and phytonutrients, kiwis can be a great addition to your diet if fighting cancer or heart disease.

Cranberries are known for their ability to help with urinary tract infections but they also contain an antioxidant called quercetin which helps lower the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Ensuring you are eating a diet that will provide you with a lifetime of optimal health goes far beyond just eating plenty of fruit and veg. You can also get many vital vitamins and minerals from algae’s such as spirulina, mushrooms, sea vegetables as well as seeds, nuts and beans.

The quality of the food you eat is just as important as what you eat when it comes to being healthy and preventing disease. Make sure you source as much produce and other foods as possible that is GMO free, pesticide free as well as free from additives and other chemicals. Organic or pesticide produce can be found at local far markets or at health shops.

Food goes far beyond that just providing us with energy and when we start using modern nutritional principles can allow your body to activate its own natural inner healing which can bring your body back into balance.

Making use of essential oils to healInterest in Aromatherapy is growing year by year. As more and more brands of essenti...
19/10/2018

Making use of essential oils to heal

Interest in Aromatherapy is growing year by year. As more and more brands of essential oils and aromatherapy products are being found in stores there is an increase in the home use of aromatic essential oils.

Aromatherapy means therapy through aroma or scent. The practice of aromatherapy makes use of pure essential oils which are derived from plants. Essential oils are used in many beauty and health treatments. These oils should not be digested but should be mixed with carrier oils such as coconut oil, almond oil or borage oil and used topically. They can also be used with a diffuser.

Essential oils can be used simply for their fragrance and its effects on mood and emotion. They can also be used in massage or for skincare or house cleaning products.
Making use of these essential oils daily can benefit your mental and physical health. The most popular essential oils are:

Lavender. Lavender is extremely versatile and can be used for stress – related disorders as well as skin issues

Tea Tree is widely known for its antiviral, antiseptic and immune boosting properties

Peppermint is good for digestive complaints such as nausea and indigestion. It can also be used for respiratory problems as well as treating a fever.

Frankincense can be used to treat skin blemishes, scars, wounds as well as colds and respiratory issues. It is also great for anxiety and other stress-related conditions.

Ylang Ylang is wonderful for acne, irritated skin as well as depression, insomnia and nervous tension

Cedarwood. The oil is extracted from the wood and stumps and can be used as an insect repellent as well as for arthritis, hair loss, dandruff and eczema

Neroli is wonderful for PMS, diarrhoea as well as flatulence and poor circulation.

Aromatherapy offers us just one way to improve your health but your health will quickly improve when other factors such as nutrition, exercise, relaxation as well as mental and emotional wellbeing are also considered.

Gut Healing Cabbage and Fennel SoupAfter our article on Collagen a few weeks ago, we were inspired to try and include Co...
12/10/2018

Gut Healing Cabbage and Fennel Soup

After our article on Collagen a few weeks ago, we were inspired to try and include Collagen into our daily routine. For some it isn’t the best taste so we found a sneaky way to incorporate this gut-healing health food into one of our many meals - a hearty, delicious soup.

For those who missed our blog post, here is a quick summary on Collagen and why it is good for you.

Collagen gives our skin strength and elasticity, along with replacing dead skin cells. Naturally, it is found in the gut's connective tissue so including this supplement can help support and protect your gut lining. This is fantastic if you suffer from Leaky Gut as with leaky gut, food particles pass through the gut lining into the bloodstream. You can add collagen to your diet via bone broth, powdered gelatin or collagen peptides. We chose hydrolised collagen peptides for this meal as hydrolised means the amino acids have already been broken down, making them more easily digested and absorbed by the body.

Ingredients:
3 tablespoons extra virign olive oil (I used Crede Oils)
1 fennel bulb, leaves and stalks removed, then thinly sliced
1/2 white onion
4 cups shredded cabbage, cored and thinly shredded
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 Tbs Pea protein (optional)
2 1/2 to 3 cups yeast-free vegetable stock (I used Health Connection's)
2 tablespoons collagen peptides (I used at Mojo Me Collagen Peptides)
Spices of your choice
Handful raw almonds

Method:
1. In a large pot, add 2 Tbs Olive Oil, fennel and onion and stir on medium heat until veggies are lightly softened
2. Add half of cabbage and salt, stirring and cooking for two minutes to wilt slightly, then add remaining tablespoon of olive oil and cabbage.
3. Continue stirring occasionally and cooking over medium heat for 10 minutes. You should see light browning on the vegetables.
4. Then add spices of your choice, pea protein and 2½ cups stock. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, on medium-low heat.
5.Take off heat and gently transfer half of it to a high-powered blender. Add collagen and blend. Then add the other half and blend until smooth. Add more stock or salt for the texture you like.
6. To serve, spoon into bowls and drizzle some olive oil and a handful of chopped raw almonds to garnish

Why water is beneficial for youLet’s talk about water. We all know how vital water is for you and your body. The body re...
05/10/2018

Why water is beneficial for you

Let’s talk about water. We all know how vital water is for you and your body. The body requires water to help balance all of its fluids, digest food, transport nutrients from food eaten to the cells in your body as well as to regulate the body’s temperature.

There are many more reasons to keep your body hydrated which are mentioned below:

Maintains Regularity
Water is necessary for the digestion of food and to prevent constipation.

Promotes Weight Loss
Drinking water is essential to losing weight. Not only does it have zero calories, but it also is a natural appetite suppressant and can reduce the amount you eat if consumed before meals. Water can also boost your metabolism.

Increases Energy
Dehydration reduces your energy levels leaving you feeling depleted and tired. Staying hydrated also helps you concentrate as it transfers oxygen and other nutrients to your body’s cells.

Improved Fitness
Drinking water helps prevent muscle cramps and lubricates the body’s joints.

Great for your skin
Water hydrates your skin cells which is essential for keeping wrinkles at bay.

Flushes out toxins
Water flushes out toxins and improves circulation and blood flow, helping your skin glow.

How to ensure you are getting enough water?
- Always have a jug of water on your desk so you can top up your water glass throughout the day
- Set a reminder on your phone or put a memo on your desk
- Make it a habit to drink a glass of water before every meal
- Add fresh mint or lemon to water so that it is tasty and has even more nourishing benefits
- Have a spare water bottle in your car to drink whilst driving
- Add water-rich foods to your diet such as cucumber, celery, watermelon, and zucchini

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