We’re never far from a little overindulgence: a boozy weekend, a lavish family dinner, a best friend’s wedding, the festive season… So many temptations we end up giving in to, and the results aren’t always great: a dull complexion, a heavy feeling, a bit of tiredness. Sound familiar? Us too! So how do you ‘detox’ day to day, in the sense of getting back into good habits? Here are 8 simple tips to bring some balance back into your routine: lemon water first thing, fruit and veg at every meal, staying well hydrated, cutting back on salt, working up a sweat, deep breathing, good lifestyle habits and a little time to reconnect with yourself.
Tip 1: start your day with lemon water
We can’t say it enough: lemon water is a classic of any ‘detox’ routine. A glass of lemon water is a lovely way to kick-start your day on the right foot. The recipe couldn’t be simpler: lukewarm or room-temperature water (definitely not too cold, as neither your stomach nor your gut will be keen!), half a squeezed lemon, and you’re done! Drinking a glass every morning is a chance to:
- Rehydrate the body after a night’s sleep
- Start the day with a simple ritual
- Support good habits and a more balanced lifestyle
- Enjoy the tangy taste of lemon, thanks to which you also get a source of vitamin C
The perfect way to start your day, right from the moment you wake up!
Tip 2: eat fruits and vegetables at every meal
It’s more common sense than a real secret, and yet… it’s always worth repeating: fruits and vegetables at every meal are a solid foundation for looking after your body! Fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins and minerals that our bodies truly need, especially in winter. So let’s bring some colour (and flavour) to the plate:
- Foods rich in potassium: spinach, fennel, sun-dried tomatoes, seaweed, spices (cumin, curry, ginger, coriander…), parsley, dried fruits, Swiss chard, beetroot.
- Foods with a high water content: lettuce, cucumber, aubergine, artichoke, courgette, asparagus, citrus fruits, pineapple.
- Fibre-rich foods: broccoli, avocado, kiwi, dried figs, legumes, prunes, pears, cauliflower, leeks, apples.
- Foods rich in vitamins A and C: sweet potato, grapefruit, orange, bell pepper, mango, pumpkin.
If you’re adding more fruit and vegetables to your meals, begin with cooked and warm preparations (steamed, stewed, as soup…) to be gentle on your digestion. Then gradually introduce raw foods to make the most of all their different textures and flavours.
Tip 3: stay well hydrated
We’ve already talked about lemon water… But you’ll also need to keep drinking regularly throughout the day. Water remains the go-to drink (alternate between magnesium-rich waters and low-mineral waters). But if you struggle to drink enough, you can also turn to other beverages:
- Tea, and green tea in particular, is a way to add variety to your drinks. Not sure which tea to choose? Take a look at our body care products!
- Certain herbal infusions are a pleasant way to vary what you drink, particularly those made with ash, hibiscus, Java tea, mouse-ear hawkweed, cherry stalks or meadowsweet. Good news: take a look at our body care products.
- Green juices have their place too. Rich in vitamins and minerals, they’re a great way to keep things varied. Use your favourite ingredients (cucumber, spinach, Granny Smith apple, celery, berries, black radish) and mix it up with the seasons!
- Some preparations, added to your drinking water, can also be part of your routine. Take our dilutable drink, for example: a plant-based formula with a delicate pineapple flavour. Simply dilute one dose a day in a large glass of water, with a meal.
Four plant extracts, one dose a day
- Instructions for use
- Friendly advice
Tip 4: cut back on salt
You may already know this, but salt is worth keeping an eye on. Sodium acts as a true ‘water trap’. If you eat a lot of salty food, don’t be surprised to find yourself dealing with water retention and feeling bloated. So it’s best to go easy on your daily salt intake. And it’s not just about the salt you add to your dishes: it’s also the hidden salt lurking throughout your kitchen, in ready-made sauces, cheese (especially aged varieties), cured meats (we did say moderation!), shop-bought soups, tinned vegetables and fish… It hides in so many products. Opt for home-cooked meals and the most natural ingredients possible, so you’ll know exactly how much sodium you’re consuming.
Tip 5: get moving and work up a sweat
Sweating is a perfectly normal part of how the body works: that’s how the body regulates its temperature. And sweating, whether you’re moving or relaxing, can feel really good. There are several options:
- Steam baths, saunas and hammams are excellent ways to relax. Under the effect of heat, the body sweats to maintain its temperature.
- What about trying Bikram yoga? This fairly intense style of yoga is practised in a heated room where you sweat a lot: a way to release tension.
- Exercise, especially endurance-based activities practised over longer sessions, remains one of the simplest ways to sweat. And as a bonus, regular physical activity is great for your mood!
Tip 6: breathe deeply
And why not pay some attention to the way we breathe? It deserves just as much care! Taking the time to breathe deeply feels good. Regular physical activity improves your breathing capacity, but you can also benefit from regular sessions of abdominal breathing. You can practise at any time of day, even at your desk:
- The inhale begins at the pelvic floor, then rises through the belly, the abdomen, the lungs, all the way up to the collarbones. A deep, complete breath engages the entire torso.
- The exhale follows the reverse path, like a bottle emptying from the bottom up.
Every day, take at least five minutes to practise this deep breathing, eyes closed, tuning into the sensations of your body. Admit it, it feels wonderful, and your mind is so much clearer afterwards! And to go further, have a look at our tips for looking after your tummy.
Tip 7: cut out excess
It’s hard to feel better without taking a closer look at your lifestyle… Time to tackle all kinds of excess:
- Restore restful sleep by re-establishing regular wake and bedtimes and creating the right conditions for rest (complete darkness, no screens, a comfortable temperature, cosy sleepwear).
- Cut out cigarettes and alcohol, both of which are hard on the body.
- Reduce your intake of fatty and/or sugary foods, which weigh down your plate and are best kept for occasional treats.
- Embrace a more active lifestyle, as a sedentary routine is no fun for your body or your mood.
The idea: restore a balanced lifestyle, at your own pace.
Tip 8: learn to reconnect with yourself
Looking after your body… but what about your mind? It’s worth giving yourself a mental break too, because we know how much stress can weigh on your mood! Meditation is one option among many. Take a few minutes each day to come back to yourself. A quiet space, comfortable clothes, and you’re ready to begin!
- Find a comfortable position: lying down, cross-legged, whatever feels right for you.
- Close your eyes to help yourself unwind.
- Breathe deeply — your breathing will naturally settle into a calm, steady rhythm as you go.
- From there, find the technique that works for you: a mantra, positive visualisation, gently observing the thoughts that pass through your mind, or a full body scan…
You can use a meditation app on your phone to guide your practice, or explore books on meditation and mindfulness: there are plenty to choose from. Be patient with yourself: meditation is something you get the hang of gradually.
Where to start, in practice?
There’s no need to change everything overnight. The easiest way in is with your morning habits: a glass of lemon water when you wake up, followed by a few minutes of deep breathing. Throughout the day, keep a bottle of water within reach, add fruit and veg to every meal and go easy on the salt and processed food.
In the evening, a herbal infusion and a regular bedtime round off the routine. Once these habits are in place, you can move on to exercise, a hammam or Bikram yoga, and meditation. It’s better to take things step by step, at your own pace, than to aim too high and give up halfway.
Frequently asked questions
How can I detox my body quickly?
There’s no quick fix. Simple habits you can stick to over time are better than drastic changes you’ll soon give up on.
What should I drink day to day?
Water is still the go-to drink, alternating between magnesium-rich waters and low-mineral waters. For variety, you can try green tea, herbal infusions (meadowsweet, cherry stalks, hibiscus…) or homemade green juices.
How can I look after both my body and my mind?
Looking after your body starts in your head too. A few minutes of meditation each day, in a quiet space and comfortable clothes, can help you reconnect with yourself. If tiredness persists or you have a medical concern, ask your GP or another medical professional for advice.
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Useful categories: Slimming Nutrition, Slimming Solutions.
