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I’d always associated detox with alcohol and drug rehabilitation, not in terms of cleansing your organs. I realised food was a focal part of my life and removing it from the equation was liberating. I did a ten-day detox in the summer which was more relaxed than the regime in Thailand.

As an Eighties’ icon, is there pressure to maintain the big hair and lip gloss look?

At the time there was more pressure from the record company and the media — now I just want to be as foxy as I can muster.

Ever been a bean counter?

I’ve tried different diets in the past, such as the Atkins. I lost several pounds but then put it all back on as soon as I started eating normally. I don’t detox to lose weight, it’s to encourage me to eat better. To keep off the pounds you need to exercise regularly.

Any vices?

I’m a total foodie. I love food — anything! But now I’m more focused on what I’m eating, how often and in what quantities. It’s about balance and not eating too many cheese toasties.

Ever give in to the cravings?

I do have the occasional blowout such as a beer and an Indian in front of the TV.

General maintenance tips?

Since the detox I’ve pretty much eliminated caffeine from my diet. I have hot water and lemon for breakfast now. It’s a much gentler way to start the day and by not drinking alcohol and eating smaller portions of food I find I have more energy. I can feel the benefits from the nutrients and my skin has improved too.

Enjoy working up a glow?

I don’t go to the gym but I power walk for about 40 minutes twice a week and I do some yoga, usually at night before I go to bed. And gardening’s great exercise.

How do you chill out?

Once I’ve put the children to bed, I usually sneak off to the bathroom and fill it with essential oils and candles. It’s the type of treat you can have frequently without it bothering anyone else in the family.

If you could have one wish?

That I could have brought a masseuse home with me from Thailand. It was so nice, so healing. I’d love to have a massage like that every week.

Michael van Straten’s 10 Day Detox video with Kim Wilde, from £12.99, was released on December 26

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