The Autumn detox diet

Lose weight and regain a youthful, glowing complexion with this 
deep-cleansing detox diet.

How it works
The liver acts as a filter for your body but overindulging can leave it under strain. Your liver eliminates toxins while controlling body sugar levels, regulating cholesterol and balancing  weight-loss hormones.
This meal plan is based around foods that are rich in vitamins, minerals and fibre to boost your liver’s performance. Plus, they help get rid of excess water and bloating, act as appetite suppressants and cleanse the stomach. Bonus!

Diet heroes

Melon – made from 95 percent water, it hydratse your skin and makes you feel fuller
Banana – high in fibre, it helps to restore normal bowel function
Spinach – this is vital for iron and potassium, which enables your body to regulate fluids
Oats – these contain silica and act as a diuretic, easing water retention

Your 5-day meal plan
Drink four pints of room temperature water with four cucumber slices in each glass every day to cleanse your system. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, and stick to herbal teas.

Day 1

- On rising: glass of cucumber water
- Breakfast: raspberry tea. 3tbsp cleansing muesli with skimmed milk (see recipe below)
- Mid-morning: glass of cucumber water
- Lunch: cleansing salad with 1tbsp dressing (see recipe below)
- Mid-afternoon: banana and almond smoothie (see recipe below)
- Dinner: ½ melon. Spinach soup with vegetables (see recipe below)

Day 2
- On rising: glass of cucumber water
- Breakfast: raspberry tea. 3tbsp cleansing muesli with skimmed milk
- Mid-morning: raspberry tea
- Lunch: cleansing salad with 1tbsp dressed and ½ avocado, sliced
- Mid-afternoon: banana and almond smoothie
- Dinner: ½ melon. Fresh tomato soup with vegetables

Day 3
- On rising: glass of cucumber water
- Breakfast: raspberry tea. 3tbsp cleansing museli with skimmed milk
- Mid-morning: raspberry tea
- Lunch: cleansing salad with 1tbsp dressing, 6 crushed walnuts and a dash of walnut oil
- Mid-afternoon: 1 slice wholemeal bread spread with 2tbsp peanut butter
- Dinner: ½ melon. Carrot and coriander soup with vegetables

Day 4
- On rising: glass of cucumber water
- Breakfast: raspberry tea. 3tbsp cleansing muesli with a few blueberries and 1tbsp plain bio yogurt
- Mid-morning: raspberry tea
- Lunch: banana and almond smoothie
- Mid-afternoon: 2 pumpkin seed Ryvita spread with 1tbsp peanut butter
- Dinner: ½ melon. Baked salmon fillet with steamed spinach

Day 5
- On rising: glass cucumber water
- Breakfast: raspberry tea. 3tbsp cleansing muesli with ½ apple, grated, and 1tbsp plain bio yogurt
- Mid-morning: raspberry tea
- Lunch: raw vegetable sticks (carrot, radish, cucumber, cauliflower) with low-fat houmous
- Mid-afternoon: banana and almond smoothie
- Dinner: ½ melon. Asparagus soup with vegetables


Your diet recipes
Cleansing Muesli – mix 10tbsp plain oats, 2tbsp toasted flaked almonds, 2tbsp toasted hazelnuts, 3tbsp pumpkin seeds and 3tbsp sunflower seeds and keep in an airtight container. This makes enough for 5 days. Add skimmed milk and fruits and berries.

Banana and Almond Smoothie - Whizz 200ml skimmed milk, 1 banana, 1dsp group almonds, 1tbsp plain bio yogurt and 2tsp honey (optional) in a blender and drink immediately.

Evening Soup with Vegetables - use shop-bought fresh soup for the base, then add a selection of steamed vegetables (including carrots, cauliflower, courgettes, broad beans and peas) and 2 boiled baby new potatoes. Heat through with the soup and serve.

Cleansing Salad – combine a selection of salad leaves, such as rocket, lambs lettuce, etc., shredded raw white cabbage, shredded red cabbage, large handful baby spinach, 1 carrot, grated or in batons, 1 head of chicory, sliced, 1 beetroot, grated or sliced, 2 celery sticks, sliced thinly, few raw cauliflower florets.

Salad Dressing – shake 2tbsp pure olive oil, 1tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1tsp wholegrain mustard, 1tsp honey, ground black pepper and grated zest of ½ lemon together in a jar and refrigerate.

For further information on our diet club, and to get a free 7-day membership, go to Woman’s Own Diets.