The party season looms, you take out your favourite party dress and realise, with horror, that it’s just a little bit too tight for comfort. We all know that crash dieting is the wrong approach to weight loss — it’s not good for your bones or heart — but nothing will stop you trying to starve yourself slimmer if you need to fit into an outfit before a big event. But here is a two-week plan that should help you to shed those extra 5-6lb in the most healthy way possible, using mouthwatering recipes you’ll want to cook again after the programme is completed. There are tricks you can use to help you stick to the plan. Drink a glass of water or a mug of herbal tea and the hunger should go away. In fact, I’d like you to drink 2.5 litres of water every day. Water improves digestion and makes you feel full.

Snack on fresh fruits. Fill a big bowl and put it where you’ll notice it, on your desk or in the kitchen. Any fruit is fine, even banana, mango and pineapple, which are usually banned on diets (although don’t overdo it on these — one slice of pineapple at a sitting). Other good snacks for that afternoon low include unsalted nuts such as cashews and walnuts, but have just a few at a time, not the whole bag. You can also try raw vegetables with a little natural yoghurt and fresh mint and garlic. If you have a sugar craving, sniff a bottle of vanilla essence. The craving will disappear mysteriously.

In addition, I’d take a couple of remedies to help you along: 300mg of milk thistle twice a day (a traditional herbal remedy that will help you to detox), and 20ml of aloe vera juice three times a day, half an hour before having anything to eat or drink. Aloe vera is great for the gut and skin. Buy both of these from health food stores.

Finally, the weight won’t drop off instantly — try to remember that it may take the two weeks for you to notice a real difference. You might feel a little worse for wear after the first few days, as your body adjusts to a new way of eating, but stick with it and after that you should start to feel great.

I’d suggest starting the LBD diet on Wednesday (that way, you can enjoy the cooked meals at the weekends). Today should be about stocking up on basics and some fresh foods, and planning your meals and social life.

The rules

Avoid flavoured fizzy drinks. Reduce your tea and coffee intake to a couple of cups a day. All alcohol is off limits for these two weeks.

Remember that this plan is meant to be followed for only two weeks, and you should check with your doctor first if you’re on medication. It is not suitable for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you missed yesterday’s shopping list, and Days 1 and 2 of the diet, see Days 1 and 2 in Get back in the black

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DAY 3 (FRIDAY)

Breakfast: Yoghurt, honey and banana layer. In a bowl, layer 4 tablespoons of thick Greek-style natural yoghurt with a sliced banana. Add a trickle of honey on top.

Lunch: Hoummos and guacamole (see Day 1) with lots of raw veggies etc. A piece of fresh fruit for afters (choose something other than a banana, so that your body gets a variety of vitamins and minerals).

Supper: Root-vegetable bake If you’re ravenously hungry, have a couple of pieces of fresh fruit — apples, pears (ie, lighter fruits), before you start cooking. This recipe makes enough for 2-3 people. Put any leftovers in the freezer for another meal.

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