6-Day Sourdough Retreat: Baking as Lifestyle Medicine (BALM)
Transform Your Health Through the Art of Baking
Join us for an amzing 6-day in-person retreat in Baking as Lifestyle Medicine (BALM). This retreat is not just a course; it’s a journey towards better health and well-being, guided by one of the world’s leading expert in health, bread, nutrition, and digestion of bread, Dr. Vanessa Kimbell. The retreat itself is about baking for the joy of it. A retreat to bake and laugh and de-stress. We have an amazing week planned of sourdough baking, wild swimming, making fruit compotes, cultured butter, fermented cakes and of course, our classic sourdough boules. You will immerse yourself in connecting to the Botanical Blend flour concept this week and make your own blend.
Beautiful surroundings
Set in 2/3 of an acre of beautiful gardens, the school’s tranquil surroundings help participants disconnect from their daily routines and immerse themselves fully in the retreat experience, enhancing relaxation and focus.Spring Retreat Payment Plan
We are pleased to offer a flexible payment plan to make it easier for you to join our Spring Retreat in March 2025.
Total Cost:
- £1499
Payment Breakdown:
- Deposit: £299 (due at booking)
- Remaining Balance: £1200
- Monthly Instalments: £200 each (over six months)
Payment Schedule:
- Initial Deposit: £299 (due at booking)
- Monthly Payments: £200 each, starting in September 2024 and ending in February 2025
Limited Numbers
Key Highlights
- Small group of 6
- Hands-on baking sessions with expert guidance.
- Educational demonstrations by Dr. Vanessa Kimbell.
- Exploration of the gut microbiome and its relationship to the planet and its impact on stress and digestion.
- Deep dive into the science and art of sourdough baking.
- Opportunity to create your own sourdough loaves.
Sumary of activities
A full timetable is in the tab below with more details however, here is a summary of the days:
- Tuesday – Introduction to BALM protocol, the gut microbiome, fermentation theory, bake flatbreads, and 10-Minute Sourdough.
- Wednesday – Mix sourdough, visit the Castle Ashby estate, wild swimming, and return to the school to bake loaves.
- Thursday – a visit to a flour mill to understand flour and the difference in milling and Daylesford organic farm shop; discussion on systems and agricultural farming practices, understanding chemicals, organic, regenerative farming, and soil.
- Friday – Mill a botanical blend flour, bake retarded sourdough boules, and learn timings, temperature, and boule shaping techniques.
- Saturday – Your morning is free to shop and rest, then you will bake and learn to score and enjoy an evening feast.
- Sunday – Final baking session, refresh starters, and depart with freshly baked bread
What to Expect:
- Immersive Learning Experience: Dive deep into the world of sourdough with hands-on baking and practical sessions. Learn how to make bread for every day and the ultimate porridge sourdough boule.
- Health and Well-being Focus: Understand how baking can support health in areas such as gut health, cardiovascular health, mental well-being, and more. Engage in discussions about the gut microbiome, fermentation, and the nutritional impact of different ingredients.
- Holistic Activities: Complement your baking sessions with activities designed to enhance your overall well-being. Enjoy wild swimming, visit the renowned Daylesford Farm shop, and explore agro-economics and sustainability in baking.
- Expert Guidance: Benefit from the expertise of Dr. Vanessa Kimbell and other health professionals. Participate in live sessions and discussions that provide a deeper understanding of how BALM can be applied to support various health conditions.
- Community and Connection: Join a supportive and friendly community of like-minded individuals. Share your experiences, learn from others, and build lasting connections.
Who Should Attend:
- Healthcare Professionals: Gain insights into how baking can be integrated into clinical practice to support patients with conditions such as IBS, cardiovascular diseases, chronic constipation, mood disorders, and more.
- Home Bakers: Learn to create delicious, nourishing bread that supports your health and well-being. Understand the science behind fermentation and its benefits.
- Anyone Interested in Health and Nutrition: Discover the transformative power of baking as a therapeutic activity. Whether you are managing a health condition or simply seeking to improve your diet, this retreat offers valuable knowledge and skills.
Endorsements and Testimonials:
- “Vanessa’s work on sourdough and the gut microbiome is changing the way we think of food, health and baking.” – Professor Tim Spector, Founder of Zoe
- “Vanessa’s approach to baking nourishes both the gut and the mind.” – Dr. Michael Mosley
- “This is a journey. And these aren’t just courses. Kimbell wants to change the bread we eat, one loaf at a time. She’s the real deal: a total inspiration.” – Diana Henry, The Telegraph.
Enroll Now:
This is a transformative time that blends the art of baking with the science of health. To learn more about the retreat and how it can support your health and well-being, feel free to call us. Spaces are limited, so secure your spot today and start your journey towards a healthier, more balanced life through baking.
Terms and Conditions
Please take a moment to read our terms and conditions and FAQ’s carefully. Once a booking is made, we do not offer refunds. This policy is in place because you will have reserved a space and received consultation and time from Dr Kimbell for your registration, and the enrollment date has passed.
If you cannot attend the retreat in person, you can participate in the online Bake for Health module from the diploma syllabus in place of your in-person course, in accordance with our terms and conditions.
We appreciate your understanding and look forward to welcoming you to our Spring Retreat. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us.