Summer Diet Plan - The three stages

Day 1-3: De-bloat

''Bloating is a common side effect of an unhealthy diet, usually triggered by refined carbohydrates and sugar. Eliminating these foods will tackle bloat, and prepare your body for an overall cleanse.

You’ll find plenty of whole-grains in these three days to keep you feeling full, while yogurt will help reset the balance of good bacteria in your digestive system, making sure your food is better absorbed.

Just as important as what you eat and drink, is how you do it. The plan helps ease your body into the cleansing process with cooked and soaked foods, rather than raw, which is harder to digest. This is also the time to get your eight glasses of water a day to thoroughly hydrate yourself.

While you’re making this change to your diet, be kind to yourself - set aside eating time, when you can relax and focus on your food. Chew slowly and deliberately, and enjoy the wonderful flavours and textures.''

Day 4-6: Glowing skin

''Our largest organ needs proper nurturing and nourishment from within. Fatty acids (particularly omega 3), Vitamin E and Vitamin C are essential for its care and maintenance. So these days are packed with ingredients rich in these fats and nutrients, such as oats, spinach, nuts, seeds, salmon and avocado.

Our skin’s health is supported by good liver function, and citrus fruits play an important role, as they’re highly alkaline and are known to promote liver detoxification.

Antioxidants are a must, which you’ll find in the range of colourful leafy greens, sweet peas, fresh herbs, peppers and beetroot.

For an added antioxidant boost, drink green tea several times a day, as well as maintaining your water intake to ensure all toxins are being flushed from the body.''

Day 7-9: Boost energy and metabolism

''These last three days are designed to leave you feeling refreshed, energetic and body-aware.

The recipes focus on stabilising and balancing your blood-sugar levels, with plenty of protein-rich snacks and by including protein at every meal. Combined with good (unsaturated and polyunsaturated) fats, this slows down the release of sugars into the blood and leaves you feeling satiated, but not overly full.

Magnesium and B vitamins are vital for converting foods to energy. Our recipes include eggs, spinach, lamb’s lettuce, whole grains, chickpeas, mackerel and lamb, and have been designed for their energy-giving properties, as well as for the relaxing properties associated with magnesium.

Finally, now that you’re in great shape from the food, add some physical exercise into your day to channel your extra energy, and help control your weight. Walking, swimming, dancing - whatever you enjoy, exercise triggers the production of serotonin – the feelgood hormone that helps you glow even more!''

Read more about the Summer Diet Plan