The must-do detox

Phew. We managed, by the skin of our teeth, to make it through the endless rounds of parties and roasts being fabulously festive. But no amount of sparkle or slap can conceal the fact that it's taken its toll. It's high time for some serious redressing. It's time to cleanse from the inside out.

Look who's toxin

There are many things that detoxing is not. It's not shorthand for deprivation. Nor is it eking out enough energy from a packet of cabbage soup so that you find clicking a mouse strenuous by 11am. It's the first full week of the New Year; your body needs to be fortified and your energy levels replenished. Carol Vorderman does look lovely, but she probably didn't have the rush-hour to contend with and January's sales targets to hit. What's required is a doable detox - based on purging toxins, drinking water, eating simply so that your body isn't sidetracked and can concentrate on vitality, exercising (reluctantly) and rewarding commitment with massages, pamper kits and treatments. Follow it and not only will you be able to juggle your usual responsibilities, but by next week, you'll be doing it with the dexterity of Shiva and the vitality of Vorderman.

Junk the junk

A good detox lets the body heal itself, unfettered by the usual assault of toxic trash. Freed from its workload of rich food and alcohol, the liver can get lean; the stomach can stop working at full tilt and producing as much acid and enzymes; and the adrenal gland can work on generating slow-burning, long-lasting adrenalin instead of the occasional angry squirt. In short, to quote Belinda Viagas, author of Detox: The Lazy Person's Guide, our body 'will finally be able to empty its toxic in-tray.' Geez, the 'pending' file may even get a look-in.

Viagas believes there are three immutable tenets of any good detox, the first being 'eat simple': as a rule of thumb, the closer the food is to its natural state, the better. Biomechanically, we're still functioning like cavemen, so eat according to the seasons, one food group at a time. Secondly, drink lots (two litres of water a day). And thirdly, junk the toxins (no alcohol, soft drinks or cigarettes; swap coffee and tea for fennel and nettle teas).

Less weak in only a week

Metro has road-tested a week-long detox prescription that - if followed correctly - should pay huge dividends. Your energy will be boosted, your skin will feel softer and clearer, perspiration and body odour will noticeably change as built-up toxins are released, your eyes will brighten, your immunity will be strengthened and your lymphatic system will be able to better remove any localised water and beat the bloat.

A fitter body equals a clearer mind. Mentally, you should feel more alert and enlivened as your blood is clearer, with nutrients being delivered more effectively. Oh, and you'll probably drop some of those Christmas pounds. It's a week out of your life, and it could be a life-changing week. You'll feel so good that you'll be ready for Christmas all over again.