When Yoga by Jacqui founder and friend Jacqui Doyle asked me if I knew anyone that would be able to cater a day retreat she was running, I racked my brains for a couple of days and then realised the answer was staring right at me! I catered the event with a few dishes and also ran a talk to discuss all things menopause. Continue reading for more about the day.
I have always personally loved retreats and if you have been to one before, you will understand why. A gathering of people, who all share a common goal and interest and come away feeling revitalised, grounded and connected. My first retreat to Ibiza in 2017 is where I had the space and time away from my busy life and previous career to make my mind up that I was going to stop thinking about nutrition and wellness and actually retrain as a Nutritional Therapist. I signed up at The College of Naturopathic Medicine as soon as I got home!
Move Over Menopause was created by Jacqui of Yoga by Jacqui and Joanna of Positive Change Pilates. Both have a special interest in the Menopause and are fully certified to support women during this time. The location was at Jacqui's beautiful home and purpose-built studio, nestled away in the centre of bustling St. Albans. It really was the most perfect location and we lucked out on the weather that day!
The day started at 10am with a welcome and introduction from Jacqui and Joanna. At 10.30am the attendees enjoyed their first class with menopause pilates led by Joanna. I arrived at 11am, ready to start making the lunch. The ladies had a break for tea, chats and games at 11.30am including Menopause Bingo, before their first menopause yoga led by Jacqui at 12.30pm in an outside class just as the sun started to make an appearance!
Lunch at 1.30pm was all completely plant-based, dairy-free and gluten-free and supportive of hormone balance and the menopause.
Edamame Bean & Artichoke Dip Served with GF Oatcakes
Edamame beans are soybeans in their natural original state and are naturally high in Phyto-oestrogens (plant oestrogens) which can help support oestrogen levels during the perimenopause and menopause. Artichokes are naturally prebiotic, feeding the beneficial bacteria in the gut so great for gut health.
Roasted Aubergine and Tomatoes with Basil Pesto
Full of antioxidants thanks to the aubergine, tomatoes and basil, this packs in lots of vitamin C to help support the immune system.
Sweet Potatoes with Tahini Drizzle
Orange vegetables like sweet potato are rich in vitamin A (beta-carotene), which supports a healthy immune system. Tahini is a fantastic plant-based source of calcium, which will help protect bone density post-menopause.
Mixed Rice Salad with Peppers & Spring Onions
The red rice used in this dish is fantastic to help lower cholesterol levels, protecting against cardio-vascular disease. Brown rice is a good source of magnesium and will help support energy levels much more than white rice. The peppers give a good dose of vitamin C to support immunity.
The ladies also enjoyed green juices prepared by The Program and Joanna had prepared some sweet treats for after.
Lunchtime followed a talk from me on how to support the menopause with nutrition. As the menopause is associated with health conditions, it was an informative talk with lots of ways to positively reduce those associated risks.
At 3.30pm the ladies finished their day with a restorative yoga Nidra session. Yoga Nidra helps activate the relaxation response (parasympathetic nervous system) and improves the functioning of the nervous and endocrine systems which in turn, affects your hormones.
The day drew to an end at 4.30pm and the ladies each received a goody bag jam-packed with goodies including eye pillows, candles, affirmation cards, lots of natural skincare products, and from myself, a natural women's blend of plant-based protein powder and a bottle of Jarr Kombucha. Everyone received the recipes too and other useful handouts and leaflets.
We had some amazing testimonials come through, here are a couple of them:
"An informative day which was relaxing and a total de-stress from my
usual busy lifestyle. The ladies I met were like minded and I felt at
ease in their company immediately. The food was delicious and I learned
lots of things about nutrition. Would book again in a heartbeat."
"If you are considering this retreat, don't give it a moment's
hesitation. Thoroughly enjoyable, informative, relaxing and a superb way
to spend the day. The goody bag is such a wonderfully well thought out
treat too. Go see for yourself!"
I am excited to announce that the retreat will be running again on Saturday 7th August, in St. Albans. If you would like to join us, click the link here to sign up! There is an early bird offer of £89, until 11th July, after which this day retreat will be £99. Also, just to mention that 50% of the tickets have been snapped up already so don't wait too soon! I can't wait to see you there!
