Easter detox - genius or insanity?

With that in mind, men and women across the country will be gearing up to shift the pounds and get in shape in time to hit the beach in just a few months time.

Everyone knows the best way to lose weight is to eat less and move more but sometimes we need a little helping hand or a bit of a kick start to get us on the right track.

Step forward Nosh Detox, an online company which offers, amongst other things, a six day juice detox, delivered straight to your door.

Now, I do not have the strongest willpower in the world but, determined to lose some weight for the summer, I have decided to test drive the detox plan. I have decided to start on the road tomorrow (Thursday April 1) and no this is not an April Fools joke.

Instead of scoffing chocolate eggs over the Easter holiday I have decided, wisely or not, to embark on the Nosh Detox.

I am looking forward to four freshly made smoothies each day, as well as some herbal tea and a lot of water. Not to mention a whole lot of pampering.

I have no delusions about how easy this process will be but I will keep you posted on how it is going and at the end of it all answer the big question - was it worth it?

Check out www.noshdetoxdelivery.com for more information.

DAY ONE

Here we go with day one. To be honest it hasn't been that bad. And that is despite the overabundance of chocolate in the office and numerous Easter eggs being left on my desk. I have been strong and have followed the plan to the letter...so far. The morning started with hot water and lemon, followed by a teaspoon of castor oil and a cup of green tea. I had lots of water and I really, truthfully, wasn't hungry in the morning. My first juice went down well at 11am. 'Lunch' was at 1.30pm and I have to be honest I wasn't a big fan of the lunchtime drink. Having said that, with a little water, it was over fairly painlessly. I am looking forward to an evening of pampering with some lovely bath salts and a little gentle dog walking. I am sure an early night will be called for and then we'll be onto day two.

Day Two

I think this was probably the hardest day for me. I didn't really feel hungry but I struggled with cravings and just wanted to eat something - anything. I had a bad headache for most of the day and felt quite tired. I nice long bath and an early night got me through though. I think the evening baths are rapidly becoming my favourite part of the detox experience!

Day Three

I can definitely start to feel the benefits of the detox today. The headache has subsided and I have a lot more energy. I am quite surprised, although I probably shouldn't be, by how much my life revolves around food - thinking about it, talking about it, planning what to eat. I have really found the handbook you get from Nosh Detox to be incredibly helpful. It made me think about things in a very different way - especially the part about how all the rubbish you have piled in the dustbin of your body. I won't give too much away as, if you decide to do the detox, I would really like this to be as much of a revelation to you as it was to me.

Day Four

Another side effect of the detox started today. I say another because one of the first side effects was the multiple toilet visits throughout the day and night. I will spare you anymore details than that! Anyway, the new side effect today was the spots that have appeared on my face. I did expect this so I'm not too worried about it because, in the words of my mother "It's all the badness coming out"!

Day Five

I have a lot more energy today than I have had in a long, long time. I took my little dog out for a long walk and the poor thing could barely move for the rest of the day. I really feel great and am hoping the energy and new frame of mind will last after the detox ends.

And so to the big question - was it worth it? Well, I feel better and have a lot more energy. My stomach isn't as bloated and I have a new mindset about dieting - no more calorie counting, just healthy eating and exercise. I refuse to torture myself any further with diets that are impossible to stick to. And, as an aside, because I am sure you are dying to know - I lost 11lbs!! So yes, I'd say all in all, it was definitely worth it.