The theory: Detox diets are supposed to rid our bodies of the toxins that naturally build up in them due to the air we breathe and the foods and drinks we consume. As a short term blitz rather than a lifelong plan, Carol's diet aims to remove these toxins from the body to kick-start a healthier approach to eating. It promises an overall improvement in health and well-being with weight loss experienced as a happy side effect. Dieters will be waving goodbye to wheat, sugar, meat, dairy, additives, caffeine, alcohol and fags. ("But what else is there?" we hear you cry!). Say hello to two litres of water a day, veg, fruit and grains like millet and bulghar wheat. (And yes, that's all).

The up-side: Carol's diet is choc full of vitamins because of all the fruit and veg it includes. The lack of diet baddies like caffeine, sugar and alcohol mean you'll have more energy and even an improved sex drive!

The down-side: Many dieticians and doctors believe that our bodies' specialised detoxifying organs like the liver, lungs, kidneys and skin are perfectly capable of doing the job without having to resort to a diet plan. Strict detox diets in the long term can lead to nutrient deficiencies - the lack of dairy in Carol's diet, for example, could lead to a calcium deficiency.

So does it work?: This is a total slog of a diet to stick to but if you can manage it, you can look forward to clearer skin, increased energy and a reduction in cellulite. It could even reprogram the way you think, so you'll eat more healthily even after you've finished the plan.

Further reading:
Carol Vorderman - 28 Day Detox Diet DVD
Carol Vorderman's Detox for Life: The 28 Day Detox Diet and Beyond
Carol Vorderman's Summer Detox: The 14 Day Mini Detox