No excess baggage!
the vegan dishes served at Slimmeria were surprisingly filling.
After fruit juice for breakfast, we ate specialist vegan dishes for lunch and dinner, which included carbs.
As well as lots of veg, we dined on brown rice, buckwheat and pearl barley, so I never felt hungry during my Slimmeria stay.
However, I have to admit that on the fourth day of clean vegan eating, when I asked for a raisin, but the breathtaking view of Ilfracombe below proved an even better treat.
Our days at Slimmeria were very well structured.
After the two-hour morning walks each day, we unwound with a gentle hour of pilates and yoga. Other classes throughout the day included general fitness, mindfulness, belly dancing and self-defence.
In the afternoons, Galia encourages guests to go on their own walks around the town but there’s also the option to curl up in the lounge with a good book. Afternoon spa treatments are also on offer, including Indian head massage, facials, reflexology and lymphatic drainage.
One afternoon, we made the 20-minute drive to Woolacombe Beach, officially an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
We walked along the three-mile stretch of golden sand, enjoyed a fruit picnic that our cook at Merlin Court had provided for us, then walked the three miles back to the car park.
As I had enjoyed the week so much and had not felt hungry, despite all the walking, I didn’t expect to lose much weight. But on the final day at weigh-in, I was delighted to discover I had lost nine pounds.
Many of the others in our group also recorded impressive weight losses.
As we said our goodbyes, we all agreed that this weight-loss retreat felt like a proper seaside holiday – an escape from the day-to-day grind.
Since returning home, I’ve found my Slimmeria experience has given me the impetus to do all I can to keep on the wellness track.
It’s a break from the routine that will remain with me.