Detox the simple way

An occasional detox works because it gives your body a break. By channelling the body’s energies away from dealing with meals and snacks that are difficult to digest and metabolise, and which play havoc with blood sugar, you can free up energy for regeneration and cleansing.

Try the following tips to get you started on a simple detox plan for one week.

• Start each morning with half a lemon squeezed into hot water.
• Drink 1.5 litres of water by sipping throughout the day.
• Avoid coffee, strong tea and alcohol.
• Cow’s milk products (apart from a little aged Parmesan, ‘bio’ yoghurt and cottage cheese) and wheat products are discouraged this week.
• Avoid butter and margarine - use olive oil for cooking. Choose healthy cooking methods - steaming, baking and stir-frying.
• When detoxing avoid strenuous exercise. Make a point of going for daily half-hour brisk walks.
• Over the week tackle one clutter hot-spot each day - your wardrobe, a stack of junk mail or a messy car.
• Take long, relaxing baths with candles, scent, bubbles and go to bed early.
• Call a friend you haven’t spoken to for ages. Make a plan to stay in touch.
• Purge your clothing of at least 5 items that don’t fit, need repair or you no longer like.

You don’t need to feel hungry on a detox plan. If you feel the urge to snack, choose one of these options:

• A couple of wheat-free oatcakes or a bowl of soup.
• A handful of fresh unsalted nuts with an equal amount of dried fruit.
• Some crudites (carrots, celery and peppers) with some hummus.
• A piece of fruit - go exotic with fresh lychees; peaches and strawberries.