My experience at Ti Sana Detox Retreat definitely taught me a few things: vegans apparently eat egg white – and a lot of it, Lian Gong is not my choice of exercise, and I’m in no rush to book another colonic.
Arriving at the retreat in Milan, my mum and I were instantly thrown into our four-day Summer cleanse programme; starting with full body tests, I had everything measured, from body fat and skeletal muscle to how many calories my brain burns – fascinating to say the least. These tests also established what daily supplements I’d be given each morning – four white tablets (I still don’t really know what they were) and a large Vitamin-C looking drink.
Once the tests were completed, dinner was served, which I soon realised was basically the same everyday: a green soup followed by a frittata and either tofu or vegetables. Though I went with the intention of doing gym classes and working up a sweat, as well as eating healthy food, Ti Sana is much more focused on the food side of things. We had five meals a day – breakfast, mid-morning snack, lunch, afternoon snack and dinner – and both snacks included an albumen (egg white protein powder) drink. The chefs and specialists stick to an alkaline diet and ensure we’re given enough protein throughout the day to retain muscle and burn fat. And luckily, having never touched tofu or soya milk in my life – and it was served most days – the food was delicious! From kidney bean hummus, avocado and mint dips and green soups to flax seed crackers, quinoa and chickpea salads and tofu fritters, every last crumb was demolished off my plate. But breakfast was definitely my favourite, as we indulged in fresh fruit juices, chia pudding, buckwheat granola and banana bread. I should probably drop in here that coffee is not allowed, although my mum smuggled some granules in just in case…
Exercise wise, I personally would’ve liked more, having read online that there would be yoga and pilates as well as hikes or weights. Saying that, the lack of strenuous classes helped me to switch off and relax more, instead taking part in canal walks, short weights classes or something focused on movement, like Qi Gong or Tai Chi (I’d be lying if I said I attended them all).
And talking of relaxing, the treatments and spa facilities were incredible! They had a sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, and the ‘Mince Bio-Active body treatment’ was the best massage I’ve ever had! On the other hand, I went blindly into a few, like their Savonage Ritual: imagine lying on a warm granite block, being scrubbed until you felt numb and then having buckets of water thrown over you – all with my mum in the same room, on the same block, basically naked.
So, come the last day, though I did feel lighter and thoroughly cleansed, I was excited to get back to civilisation. And with everything I learnt, like not having fatty foods after a workout – my downfall being roasted nuts – and eating at least 60g of protein a day, I’ve come back with the intention of eating more protein. I know I won’t turn vegan – my first meal was yoghurt and salmon – or start eating tofu, but, since being home, I’ve had soya milk everyday, made chia puddings and even my own quiche with egg white and chickpea flour. It sounds so good so far, but I know what you’re thinking – and I’ll let you know how long it lasts…
Syrup & Spice 