The perfect pretox for party season

Party season is here and with the prospect of festive food, Christmas cocktails and endless amounts of chocolate in store, there is no time like the present to start a mini health kick and prepare to look amazing in that LBD!

Start your day with hot water and lemon. It’s the quickest way to alkalise the body and neutralise acid caused by processed, fatty foods and sugary or caffeinated drinks. After one week you will have clearer skin and notice a difference in your digestion and energy levels.

Make each meal clean. That means focus on whole, natural and unprocessed foods, making lean protein and fresh vegetables the key ingredients in each meal. Limit acid forming foods such as refined sugar, wheat and dairy, and increase healthy fats such as avocado, salmon and nuts.

Do a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise each day. Whether it’s walking instead of taking the bus, going for a morning jog or signing up for a fitness class, mix it up! Variety is key and the more areas of the body you work, the better results you will see.

Getting your beauty sleep is an essential part of a pretox. Party season brings many late nights which drain energy and leave you with dull skin and hair. Commit to bedtime no later than 10pm in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Getting 8 hours sleep a night will give your body time to heal and leave you feeling rested and refreshed each morning.

Staying hydrated is beneficial for good health. Drink two litres of water each day, or more on days where you are exercising. Reduce your alcohol intake to a maximum of two units per week to prevent cellulite and enhance your complexion. Try limiting caffeine and have no more than one cup of coffee a day, even better, swap it for green tea.

The skin is our largest organ and plays a major role in daily detoxification. Dry body brushing helps shed dead skin cells and supports cell renewal, circulation and lymphatic drainage. Spend five minutes a day gently brushing your body in circular motions before showering, your skin will be smoother, brighter and cellulite free in no time.

Investing in a good skincare routine will promote a clear, glowing complexion. Remove makeup each night using micellar water and take time to cleanse, tone and moisturise. Use an exfoliating scrub twice a week and if you really want to push the boat out, treat yourself to a facial.

A pretox should not feel like deprivation, you are doing a positive thing for your body therefore it should feel good! However it is important to still allow yourself treats. Have something you enjoy once a week, but don’t go over board – just think of the hard work you have put in and how much better you feel in the long run.