Modern society places a huge emphasis on the concept of a �healthy diet� and there are myriad diet plans available, each claiming to be the most effective. If you have ever tried to diet with a friend, you will know that what works for one may not work for another, so purescapes, which operates luxury holistic fitness retreats throughout Europe, aims to educate individuals in metabolic type nutrition; proving that the secret to a successful diet can be found in your genes.

purescapes (www.purescapes.com), founded by trainer and holistic lifestyle coach Reza Niam, is based firmly on the �triad of health� � incorporating the physical with the mental and the chemical. purescapes� individually tailored retreats combine state-of-the-art fitness training with lectures and one-to-one counselling in nutrition, to dispel the myth that �one diet fits all�, and kick-start a healthier lifestyle.

Metabolic type nutrition is no new concept; for many years research has been carried out into the health and wellbeing of native populations based on local diets and climatic factors. Many today believe that an excess of fat in the diet causes a person to become fat, yet the Inuit have been seen to flourish on a diet rich in animal fat and rarely suffer from cardiovascular problems. History shows that individuals can successfully adapt to a wide range of locally available foods in different conditions, however modern man seems determined to create a global, standardised diet, which for many is just not suitable. In the same way that no two people have the same fingerprints, individuals are all unique in their ability to process food and utilise nutrients. Metabolic typing allows each person to recognise their own dietary needs and learn the correct �fuels� to form the basis of a healthy regime alongside fitness and adequate mental and physical relaxation.

Internationally-qualified Niam comments; �Any type of food can be fattening if you eat enough of it. Whether you should eat more or less of a particular food group depends on your genetic make-up and a thorough metabolic type nutritional analysis will help to determine what foods are most suited to your body. It is important to remember that a good diet alone will not create a healthy body or aid weight management goals; a good diet must be combined with good movement and effective relaxation.�

purescapes retreats cater to everyone from couch potatoes starting a health regime from scratch, to elite athletes seeking to boost their performance. Each guest receives a one-to-one consultation to investigate past and current eating habits, in order for the experts to better understand each guest and to provide them with the tailored eating plan most suitable for their body and most appropriate to the goals they wish to achieve. Healthy lifestyle novices will find they can not only loose weight, but that they have more energy to tackle fitness challenges; more experienced athletes often find that they can move faster and more effectively once eating the best diet for their body type.

purescapes retreats take place in stunning private villas, surrounded by private grounds and boasting extensive facilities, and offer guests a healthy balance of education, exhilaration and relaxation. Special rates available from �1450 on selected retreats. Includes all meals and accommodation, but excluding flights, based on two sharing a twin room at the retreat in the Algarve, Portugal, in October. For more information, full pricing, retreat dates, and bookings, visit www.purescapes.com or call 020 7644 6110.

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For more press information please contact: Alex Everall, Flora Gandolfo or Eleanore Longley Bacall Associates, 63 Catherine Place, London, SW1E 6DY Tel: 08704 288 401 Fax: 08704 288 402 E-mail: firstname@bacall.net