By Sophie Gridley
What is it?
Broadly based on the theory that a day of fasting each week is beneficial to both body and mind, Evie Collins, nutritionist, pharmacist and yoga teacher, runs six-week courses and one-day retreats in west London. Courses incorporate yoga, meditation and informative sessions on adopting a healthier lifestyle, from juicing, to a raw food diet to the slightly more intimidating notion of the health benefits of coffee enemas (but don't let that put you off). Think of it as wellness coaching and you'll begin to understand what happens at Urban Daytox.
Should I consider it?
While the content of the Urban Daytox workshops probably suit the slightly more health-obsessed better than McDonald's-devotees, you don't need to know your psyllium from your sea vegetables from the off, Urban Daytox is all about learning new techniques for treating your body better. If you're not ready for big change, it's not compulsory, a quiet day at Urban Daytox has the potential to be a really relaxing and indulgent experience. It's for you if you feel city life has got the better of you - the run-down, emotional, out of sorts, or nutritionally deprived will all find some answers here.
How does it work?
Choose from a one-day workshop of Qi-yoga (energising and grounding rather than strenuous), juices (more delicious than you might imagine), walking (taking in the Thames and nearby nature reserve) and an introduction to Evie's theories, or opt for a more immersive weekly course, run over six sessions. These sessions will cover a lot of ground in a fair amount of detail, from detox to weekly fasting, theories of meditation and yoga, how to juice and why, raw food, cleansing the body inside and out, and more. It could be the perfect kick-start to a total lifestyle overhaul, which no doubt will find Evie no end of new year resolution-making clientele.
Detox or deprivation?
That depends. My Urban Daytox experience proved fasting isn't easy for everyone - while my fellow Daytoxers felt energised, I felt deprived. I really missed the comfort factor of eating 'proper' food, though this probably revealed my heavy reliance on the emotional comfort of three meals a day more than anything else. But everyone's different and some Daytoxers struggled with the yoga sessions while I valued them most out of all the sessions - Evie's calm approach and appreciation of moderation means no one's response feels wrong. While this is not a luxury day, I felt it was a real indulgence to take the time out to focus on myself and my own wellbeing - and it was certainly more beneficial in the long-term than a duvet day in bed.
The verdict?
Evie's gently instructive manner and enthusiasm for moderation and listening to your body's needs will be key to Urban Daytox's success. Within the content of the day or the course there'll be something to inspire change in everyone, from one tip to a total lifestyle overhaul. This is not glamorous detoxing and it's not a spa day and, what's more, alternative health cynics need not apply. Evie really believes in the theories behind the lifestyle she practises and her enthusiasm in sharing this way of life is infectious.
How do I get involved?
Urban Daytox will be running one-day workshops from January, while the six-week courses will begin in February. Courses will run in Barnes, west London. To book your place on an Urban Daytox retreat, please contact Evie Collins at Urban Daytox on 0208 274 9206 or email evie@urbandaytox.com. Visit www.urbandaytox.com for more information.
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