Spring Detox

Spring has officially sprung, which means it's time to get your body out from under wraps. But if you're feeling flabby and under par, don't panic - a gentle 2 week detox plan will kick-start the good diet lifestyle habits you need to get in shape.

Day 1 - Eat Light
Give your digestive system a holiday by eating only highly nutritious foods.

Day 2 to Day 7 - Cut the Junk
Avoid processed foods, ready meals, as well as deep fried or surgery foods.

It's also a good idea to give up, or at least minimise, wheat and dairy products.

Day 8 - Check your fluid intake
Make sure you are drinking at least 6-8 cups or glasses of fluid, preferably water or diluted juices.

Day 9 - Eat porridge
Oats and pulses are excellent super foods as they have an extremely low GI (glycaemic index). This means they don't cause a rapid rise in blood sugar, which in turn keeps levels of fat-forming insulin low.

Day 10 - Keep on top of things
All those little jobs can pile up and drain your energy. Use a spare hour to clear your desk or at home, don't let cleaning and ironing stack up.

Day 11 to Day 14 - Add resistance exercise to your repertoire
This is the type of exercise that helps to tone and build lean muscle mass rather than burn fat but in the long run it will help you lose weight just as effectively.