There is often a lull in the downtime between Christmas and New Year, but its also the perfect opportunity to hit the reset button and detox.

If you really want to be in decent shape for New Year’s Eve, then you need to start today!

After the festive over-indulgence, I think we could all benefit from a full body MOT, to help flush away those Christmas sins.

Eating the right foods will give your body a re-boot by helping you to cleanse, energise and lose weight naturally.

A four-day juicing fast however, is NOT beneficial for you in any way, shape or form. If you cut your calorie intake to such a degree, the body senses famine and responds accordingly by cutting its metabolic rate (slowing everything down).

Creating a healthy attitude around food via sensible eating is key.

Over the Christmas period, one huge m­eal tends to slide into another with endless alcohol and snacks in-between.

Here are some rules which will help you reach the end of the week in better shape, with new resolve and without putting your waistband under too much strain:

(1) Take a break from alcohol - which is nothing but empty calories that plays havoc with your blood-sugar levels.

(2) Drop all snacks until the New Year - crisps, dips and nuts tend to make people hungrier and overeat at their next meal.

(3) Cut refined carbohydrates - say NO to sugar, cake, biscuits and white pasta which do you no favours (insulin spikes).

(4) Eat protein with every meal - it will help you to feel fuller for longer.

(5) Include large portions of vegetables - providing a healthy dose of fibre and antioxidants as well as help lowering cholesterol levels and helping prevent inflammation.

(6) Get out and exercise - Add in some fitness work that fires up your metabolism and in return you’ll have an energy boost and improved mood.

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