Melanie Morris went on a strict detox regime. Anyone else tempted?
The starting block: Summer slimming was not going according to plan. Motivation was at a standstill. Signed myself into Shrubland Hall with a friend for company.
Welcome to Wellville: Shrubland Hall is an old-school health clinic based in Suffolk, just an hour from Stansted Airport. Owned and managed by the de Saumarez family, nothing much has changed in the past 32 years of its operation. This is not the place to keep lipgloss in your bathrobe, it's a results-driven centre aimed at detoxification (see detox diet below), weight loss and improved general well-being.
The philosophy: Lady Julia de Saumarez, a former ballerina, originally established Shrublands in 1966. Her "naturecure" eating plan focuses on fresh, low-fat, limited protein choices with plenty of raw fruit and vegetables. This is combined with specialist treatments and light exercise, aimed at detoxifying and invigorating the body. The treatment is conducted with immense charm and consideration by the staff (a 2:1 ratio of staff to guests) in the most elegant surroundings. Three-quarters of guests return.
The duration: A short stay (Sunday to Wednesday or Wednesday to Sunday) is a good way to start - Shrubland die-hards check in for a week or a fortnight. With stays of a week or more, price is based on choice and size of bedroom and includes all meals, group exercise classes (optional) and two daily treatments.
What to expect: This is more clinic than spa. While pampering is on offer, mornings are filled with Shrubland's signature massages and heat treatments (included in the price of your stay) while afternoons are free for elected therapies. Nothing happens before a trip to the nurse for an assessment and diet plan, followed by a medical examination by a doctor. Like all detox plans, the limited diet sees energy levels drop initially, before a burst of well-being toward the end.
What to bring: Comfy/casual clothes (you'll live in a bathrobe), plenty of toiletries (bathrooms offer just soap and a shower cap), slippers, flip-flops and books. There's a TV in every bedroom.
What to leave behind: Your modesty, your jewellery, most of your clothes, your car and your work. Also, don't pack for high-impact exercise - you won't have the energy.
Highlights: The underwater massage which involves sitting in a massive bath and having your cellulite pummelled and lymph system drained by a therapist with a hose. Dignity? What's that? Results? Most certainly. The surrounding gardens are perfect for walks. The lunchtime salads are creative and tasty, considering the restrictions imposed on the chef.
The results: If following the detox diet, you can expect to lose between three to five pounds in three days. Personally, I lost 9lbs, plus two inches off my waist and half an inch off my thighs and upper arms. Hard work does pay. See www.shrublandhall.co.uk for further information, or call 00-44-1473-830404. The price for a five-day stay is £530, weekly rates start at £651.
Closer to home: Claureen Health Farm, Ennis, Co Clare is another well established, serious clinic focused on detoxification and weight loss through naturopathy. Residential stays run from Sunday to Friday and cost €485 per person (single) or €450 (sharing) including meals, classes, excursions, sauna/jacuzzi and sun beds. See www.claureen.com or telephone 065-6828969 for further information.
Detox Plan
The Shrubland Hall three-day detox diet is based on naturopathic principles, boosting the liver to detoxify the rest of the body.
The diet primarily consists of raw food Avoid all refined carbs The body needs no more than 113.49g protein per day (that's the equivalent of about two eggs) Drink lots of still water No caffeine, though herbal tea is permitted
DAY ONE
BREAKFAST: Half a grapefruit (pink is naturally sweeter). Glass of hot water with lemon juice and one tablespoon of honey.
LUNCH: Large plate of various raw salads (e.g. tomato, basil and garlic; mixed leaves; grated carrot with apple and lemon zest; sliced leek and mushrooms). Small tub of low-fat cottage cheese with chopped chives.
MID-AFTERNOON: Glass of hot water with lemon juice and one tablespoon of honey.
DINNER: Fruit plate. Choose one fruit, for example a mango, half a melon or pineapple, or an apple, and garnish with a second fruit (such as a handful of grapes, cherries or berries). A small tub of unsweetened natural yoghurt with one tablespoon of wheatgerm and one tablespoon of honey. Vegetable broth or soup (no dairy, minimal fat).
DAY TWO
As above, but alternate salads and fruit choice for variety.
DAY THREE
BREAKFAST: As before.
LUNCH: As before, but include higher calorie ingredients such as a small portion of nuts, feta cheese, olives and or egg.
MID-AFTERNOON: As before.
DINNER: Steamed/grilled chicken or fish with two portions of steamed vegetables (not starchy ones). Small portion of fruit.