It'll soon be spring & after the 'not so cold ' winter months we start to think about how we can start to embrace the new season. It isn't necessary to follow a hard core detox routine - incorporating some simple steps into our daily lives is a gentle way of shedding a few pounds , improving skin tone & waking up the senses.

So here are 7 steps to spring clean the body !

1.   Up your intake of naturally detoxing foods. Some of the best include berries ( raspberries , blueberries, strawberries) which are all packed with bioflavinoid antioxidants , water & fibre to gently help you eliminate toxins , and cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli & cauliflower which are naturally high in glucosinolates helping to cleanse the liver.

2.   Rejuvenate yourself. Eating nuts & seeds which contain essential fatty acids ( omega 3 & omega 6) will help regulate metabolism , improve skin condition & lower stress. Ever tried wheatgrass ? A daily shot of this powerhouse of nutrients contains chorophyll which cleanses & energises the whole body.

3.   Go exotic. Eat pineapple & papaya for a week or so - both fruits are particualrly good for cleansing the bowels & digestive tract

4.   Cut down on caffeine & increase your water intake. Research shows that most of us drink far more caffeine during the colder months so now is the time to redress the balance. Experiencing a mild headache is a perfectly natural reaction when you cut down on caffeine but this should pass after a few days.

5.  Say no to sugar. Yes, I know Easter is coming with the promise of all those eggs, but refined sugar is one of the biggest nutritional toxins we ingest. It enters our bloodstreams instantly and too much of it can lead to everything from raised insulin resistance (and weight gain) to increased levels of bacteria and yeasts, which have been linked to conditions such as digestive disorders and skin problems. If you need a sugar high, eat fruit instead.

6. Breathe.  Yes -  I know we all do this  but be more mindful of your breathing. Practise real , rhythmic deep breathing to increase oxygen to all tissues in the body. This will help decrease stress & boost skin & circulation

7. Skin Brush.  Every morning , before you take a shower or bath brush the skin with one of those special bath brushes. Working towards the heart & covering the legs , arms , chest , tummy & as much of the back as you can reach brush for about 5 mins and feel how smooth &  glowing the skin feels. Skin brushing boosts the circulation and helps get rid of all those dead skin cells