Your daily detox diet plan

A detox regime increases your intake of foods and drinks that serve our bodies well as building blocks. This plan provides protective antioxidants and simultaneously cuts out those habits that rob you of nutrients and optimal health.

  • Day 1

    Breakfast: 'In the pink' smoothie - soya milk, banana and raspberries.
    Lunch: Garlic mushrooms on rye toast.
    Evening: Fresh (or carton) vegetable soup, baked salmon and steamed vegetables.

    Tip of the day: Try going without newspapers and the TV for a week and see the difference it makes. Instead, listen to uplifting, calming or inspiring music as the mood takes you.

  • Day 2

    Breakfast: Gluten-free muesli with sheep yoghurt and blueberries.
    Lunch: Chicken, celery, tomato and bean salad.
    Evening: Multicolour jacket potato - add grated carrot, raw beetroot, cabbage, fennel and salad dressing.

    Tip of the day: When detoxing avoid strenuous exercise. Make a point of going for daily half-hour brisk walks and take the opportunity to enjoy your surroundings.

  • Day 3

    Breakfast: Tropical smoothie - rice milk, mango and papaya.
    Lunch: Three ready-made dips - guacamole, salsa and bean - with crudites.
    Evening: Buckwheat pasta with pesto and a handful of sun-dried tomatoes.

    Tip of the day: Over the week tackle one clutter hot-spot each day - your knicker drawer, a stack of junk mail or a crowded shelf. At the end of the week you will feel great about this.

  • Day 4

    Breakfast: Watermelon and green apple juice, and organic or low-fat peanut butter on oatcakes.
    Lunch: Greek salad (diced feta cheese, olives, cucumber, tomatoes, grapes, chopped mint).
    Evening: Wholegrain rice stir-fry - add lots of thinly sliced vegetables and large prawns. Add sesame, ginger and a splash of soya sauce.

    Tip of the day: Take long, relaxing baths with candles, scent, bubbles and eye pads made from camomile tea bags or cotton wool pads steeped in camomile tea. Go to bed early.

  • Day 5

    Breakfast: Vanilla smoothie - rice milk, pear, lychees and vanilla essence. Sprinkle with finely chopped nuts.
    Lunch: Tomato and basil soup with a large corn on the cob drizzled with olive oil.
    Evening: Salad Nicoise (lettuce, canned tuna, olives, steamed baby potatoes, spring onions, grated carrot, flageolet or French beans).

    Tip of the day:Create an oasis of calm. Even an armchair with a pretty throw, a side table with good light and a book in the corner of a room works a treat. If you can't get any peace at home sit in the library with a book, or in a cafe with a magazine for half-an-hour.

  • Day 6

    Breakfast: Millet porridge made with soya milk and grated apple.
    Lunch: Asparagus, red pepper strips, rocket leaves, lean bacon croutons and Parmesan shavings.
    Evening: Curried root vegetables with brown rice and chutneys.

    Tip of the day: Call a friend you haven't had the chance to speak to for ages. Make a plan to stay in touch or to visit more often.

  • Day 7

    Breakfast: Boiled eggs and rice cakes. Orange juice.
    Lunch: Three-bean salad and skinned chicken quarter.
    Evening: Stuffed red peppers (brown rice, chopped sauteed onions, chopped celery, pine nuts).

    Tip of the day: Purge your wardrobe of at least ten items that don't fit, need repair or you no longer like.

    Caution

    Remember that if you detox too quickly, you could get adverse side effects, such as headaches or bad breath as your body throws off some of its stored toxins. If this is too unpleasant, go straight to the slower maintenance tips in stage two (hyperlink here), which are aimed at creating long-term healthy habits. You should never attempt to detox if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, on medication, have an eating disorder, are diabetic or are under medical supervision.