Nutrition is a key part of our well-being.  Food affects us in more ways than we think. It can afffect our mood, vitality level, health, physical and mental strength.  Many years ago now when I changed my diet radically by cutting out some foods, I immediately noticed the benefits on my overall health.  I have learnt a lot about this subject over the years but last week I learnt even more at the Festival des Fruits du Soleil.

I was lucky to be selected as a volunteer at this amazing festival organised by a Naturopath Zineb Réghay, a multi talented natural born cheerleader!  During this festival, people come all over Europe and beyond to fast for as long as they want on water or vegetable juices and then they are slowly reintroduced to food with raw food cuisine.  Everybody is looked after by everybody, there is no judgement nor expectations only support, compassion, acceptation. 

Able to fast on juices for 3 days I then decided to eat again to taste the absolutely delicious food prepared by our raw food cook Emilie. This detox was physical as well mental for every participant.  We had many opportunities to express our experiences, feelings and growth during this process by attending talking circles or other self-care workshops organised by other fantastic people specialised in other therapies.

My aim first was to meet other like minded people but I came out of this long week somewhat changed on some level.  The detox diet affects not only the physical like losing fat and weight but also the psyche.  Everyone who participated at the festival for wahtever period of time (from 2 weeks to 1 week and for some some for just a few days) reported improvement in tehir wellbeing, feeling changed and returning home a new person with less emotional baggage or let's say less weight! The positive feedback from everyone and the true emotional tears on everyone's faces were witness to the powerful changes everyone felt during the festival.  No need to say everybody wants to go back, me included. 

New friends and beautiful memories were made by all and my Thanks go particularly to the festival leader Zineb the most energetic, enthusiastic, compassionate, understanding and fun woman I have ever met.

If you would like to attend next year festival and experience fasting within a group (which is easier than on your own) or just want to come for a detox by eating delicious raw vegan food, let me know and I will put you in contact with the organiser.

Remember that your health starts in your plate.

Namaste

Christel 🙏