I just attended a wonderful retreat in Wakefield Quebec. I needed a quick getaway to recharge my batteries. Gaia Wellness Retreat did not disappoint.
Gaia takes care of you so you can take care of yourself and if you believe in magic you will find some here.
As a registered dietitian I feel compelled to review my experience with the food at the Gaia Wellness Retreat.
Owner and head cook, John Armstrong, oversees the vegetarian menu with help from Andrew and Jerome. These guys live for cooking and providing guests with nourishing healthy meals. Guests can expect home grown flavours right from the Gaia gardens with an emphasis on local produce. John knows that vegetarian cuisine is not just salads and quinoa.
While on a 5-day retreat I experienced a variable menu containing a healthy dose of plant-based protein. Meals are balanced and contain the recommended amount of protein, carbohydrate and fats. My favorite lunch meal during my stay was the Mexican inspired bean salad with sweet potato tortilla chips, local green salad with homemade vinaigrette and a cold yogurt melon soup. My favorite supper was a sage flavored frittata served with cucumber tomato salad and a simple lentil soup.
To satisfy your sweet tooth there is an abundance of fresh and dried fruit available at any time of the day; as well as other healthy treats such as dark chocolate, hummus and crackers and my personal favorite a crunchy nut brittle. Beverages include a huge tea selection, freshly ground regular or decaf coffee and flavored spring water (during my retreat it was cucumber with apple). Feel free to bring your own drinks like kombucha. They have small refrigerators in each cabin.
At mealtime, I experienced new textures and combinations of flavors I never thought to try together. I guarantee you will be fully satisfied with each meal. If you are not accustomed to eating vegetarian you will love the variety and satiety achieved through this way of eating. You might even ask John for a recipe to bring home and incorporate into your own eating style! (Remember that eating vegetarian is just one of a myriad of healthy diets.)
The best part is that John and his team will go out of their way to work around any food allergies, food preferences and fussy eaters (no questions asked). No meat, fish or poultry are allowed on the premises.
Rest assured that the menu at Gaia provides for proper nutrition.
Enjoy the peace, enjoy the food….
Montreal Nutrition 