detox diet Detoxing has come in for a lot of criticism recently and sometimes with good reason. The key is not to go over the top. If you're planning a detox to hone your bikini body, make sure you do it safely and focus on vitality, health and fitness

Detoxing is not a new invention and most societies and religions have times of dietary abstention which allow the body (and spirit) to revitalise and 'declog'.

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A detox is really just a digestive rest period. And in this day and age when we tend to overload on caffeine, alcohol, sugar and food additives while consuming diets that are high in proteins, refined carbohydrates and fat, it is no bad thing to redress the balance occasionally.

But don't invest a detox with more powers than it really has. Some of the things a detox won't do is to change your life, cure all illness or make you slim overnight. What it will do, however, is give you a spring in your step, and get you on the road to trimming off a pound or two!

When you start a detox you may well get a headache (often from caffeine withdrawal), or a furry tongue (as your digestive system throws off toxic compounds). You should not feel hungry, but you should feel digestively 'lighter'. You should never feel unwell on a detox if you are following a sensible plan.

Your urine may change colour but if you are drinking sufficient water then it should be a pale straw colour. You may find you have changes in your bowel movements for the better. You should never attempt a radical detox if you are pregnant, diabetic, have an eating disorder or have a diagnosed medical condition. But eating healthily is always on the agenda.

The following weekend detox plan is really just a healthy eating regime focusing on light, fresh foods. Start your weekend on Friday evening after work and plan to take it easy over the weekend.

Take a reasonably brisk half hour walk each day rather than an intense workout in the gym. Eat as much as you want to satisfy your hunger but only from the recommended foods. Make sure you also get eight hours sleep each night, and take the time to pamper yourself or learn a new technique such as meditation.

This weekend you will be eating lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, getting your proteins from pulses, beans, nuts, seeds and fresh fish, enjoying wheat-free grains and live yoghurts.

By doing this you won't really miss the caffeine, alcohol, red meat, gluten grains and high-fat dairy products. Some of the food mentioned, such as roast barley coffee substitute or nut butters, can be found in good health food shops rather than supermarkets.

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Bikini detox