Starting a detox plan

Before you start to detox, look at your habits and how you can improve your lifestyle on a day-to-day basis.

Try the following tips to get you started on a simple detox plan:

Start each morning with half a lemon squeezed into hot water, instead of your usual caffeine jolt. One helpful bit of kit is a blender or, even better, a juicer. Weak tea, herbal teas, fruit juice 'spritzers', hot (but weak) cordials and dandelion coffee are all great drinks to enjoy

Drink 1.5 litres of water by sipping throughout the day

Avoid coffee, strong tea and alcohol

You should find that the urge to comfort-eat is reduced, as this plan focuses on good quality proteins, whole grains and lots of vegetables and fruits

Cow's milk products (apart from a little aged Parmesan, 'bio' yoghurt and cottage cheese) and wheat products are discouraged this week

Make a salad dressing with olive oil, walnut oil or flax oil mixed with balsamic or wine vinegar, and keep to hand in the fridge. Add mustard, honey, herbs or garlic according to taste

Avoid butter and margarine - use olive oil for cooking. Choose healthy cooking methods - steaming, baking and stir-frying with minimal oil

Detox your environment too by clearing away any clutter. A calming environment will help you to recharge your energy levels.