A detox diet need not be synonymous with deprivation. Keeping the comfort level of its guests in mind, Utah’s Red Mountain Spa designed a program where people new to the experience can ease their way into a cleanse. No fasting or colonics here; instead, there’s top quality food, plush accommodations and miles of red rock canyons to explore on foot or mountain bike. Red Mountain’s seven-night Detoxification Program weeds out foods that are known allergens, like corn, wheat and soy, as well as meat, refined sugar, caffeine and alcohol, while providing a menu designed by Dr. Ralph Ofcarcik, director of nutrition, that is studded with fresh vegetables, chicken and fish.

To assist the cleanse, guests are served vitamin- and mineral-rich smoothies made with UltraClear, a nutritional supplement devised for liver detoxification. “We like to think of our program as evidence-based,” explains Ofcarcik. “The key nutrients in UltraClear [antioxidants A, C and E, B vitamins and the minerals zinc and magnesium] are known to support the two-step process in the liver that converts fatsoluble toxins into water-soluble ones that can be flushed from the system.” In fact, Ofcarcik believes it’s because of the smoothies that guests rarely experience the flu-like symptoms sometimes brought on by a fast. “Around day number three, we see a dramatic difference in guests,” he says. “There’s a sparkle in the eye and they’re sharper and faster, responding to questions with more thoughtfulness.” Under the direction of Dr. Brad Crump, Red Mountain’s health services manager, the program has evolved into an integrated experience that supports the process on all levels.

Yoga sessions focus on twisting postures known to assist the organs in purification. In the spa, there’s a Detoxification Body Wrap using seaweed and thermal heat to draw out impurities, as well as acupuncture that stimulates a healing flow of energy to the liver and digestive organs. Balanced comfortably between scientific and alternative methods, Red Mountain’s program helps people take command of their health. “Our guests just feel better,” says Ofcarcik, “and that’s the proof in the pudding.”

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