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However much you love Christmas, it is often an energy-sapping marathon. A gentle detox now will help you feel and look as sparkling as the decorations. 

Tibby Olivier, the detox experts at Shrinking Violet, the clinically proven body wrap that transforms celebrity bodies at The Sha Wellness Clinic, have devised a three-stage detox plan for you, which you can do easily at home.

Toxins from food, drink, pollution and synthetic chemicals in cosmetics can unbalance our bodies and potentially cause disease. ‘A good detox lifts the toxic load and helps our liver, gut, lymph, circulation and perspiration systems work effectively to return our body to a state of balance where we feel full of energy, with natural sleep patterns and clear skin,’ they explain.

Here are the principles of the Shrinking Violet Body Wrap at Home Detox:

Shrinking Tea drink to your good health – drinking Shrinking Tea AM & PM Blends

STAGE 1: 7-DAY CLEAN-UP

Take plenty of SlimBathe Baths

This prepares your body and brain for Stage 2: Cleanse.

DO CONSUME 

• 3 meals and 2 snacks daily (eg, an apple/pear and 6 almonds) to help stabilise blood sugar.
• Fresh simple food with a small amount of protein at each meal (white meat, fish, shellfish, eggs, nuts, seeds).
• 5 to 7 vegetables in rainbow colours (no potatoes or parsnips), 2 helpings of fruit (apples, pears, berries; no bananas).
• Some fat with each meal: 1 tsp olive oil, coconut oil or a small portion of butter.
• Lots of still fresh water, and our fat burning Shrinking Teas - we like our Shrinking Tea AM - Fat Burning Tea in the morning and Shrinking Tea PM in the afternoon.
• Two days before your detox, start the day with 2tbs of ground flax seeds organic soaked overnight in half a cup of organic prune juice to eliminate toxins from the colon. Or if you prefer opt for the more substantial chia pudding which can be made in one big batch. Scroll down for recipe.

 AVOID 

• Processed foods, sugar, alcohol and caffeinated drinks, which can overwork the liver and cause a build-up of toxins, leading to fatigue, headaches, gas, constipation, acne, bad breath and PMS. A detox can relieve these symptoms by lightening the load on the liver.
• Gluten-containing grains, milk or soy-based products. Gluten may cause intestinal permeability (leaky gut), leading to food sensitivity. Choose gluten-free bread and coconut or almond milk.
• If you do crave caffeine, try our Shrinking Coffee available also in caffeine free.

STAGE 2: 2/3-DAY CLEANSE

Ideally, organise this as a home spa weekend. Clear your diary and relax. 

Use the Shrinking Violet Body Wrap Kit daily or alternate using Shrinking Violet Body Wrap Kit and the Shrinking Violet Bums & Tums – AM & Shrinking Violet Cellulite Oil - PM.

• On rising, continue your bowel cleanse (2tbs ground flax seeds soaked overnight in half a cup of organic prune juice OR chia pudding). 
• Drink 3 cold-pressed juices or smoothies and 1 protein shake each day, around 8am, noon, 4pm and 7pm. Or swap your third juice for a green veggie soup. Finish by 8pm so your body has 12 hours to rejuvenate. See recipes below.
• For your protein shake use our Shrinking Violet Protein Shake, or blend a handful of soaked almonds in a green juice.

 Drink lots of water and/or Shrinking Tea  AM & PM- up to three litres.

STAGE 3: MAINTENANCE 

How you break(your)fast Is vital 

AM & PM Shrinking Violet Bums & Tums & Shrinking Violet Cellulite Oil or Shrinking Violet Stretch Mark Oil.

• Choose easy-to–digest fruit (eg melon) with alpro coconut yoghurt.
• For lunch have thicker vegetable soup - add beans such as edamame, frozen, to the pureed soups below.
• Return to the Stage 1 Clean-up diet for a week, longer if you can.
• Carry on with the bowel cleanse (chia pudding or soaked flaxseeds) first thing for two days.

NB: Children and pregnant/breastfeeding women should not detox. Please consult your doctor first if you have a medical condition or take any prescription medication. 

Shrinking Violet at Home, a 30- or 90-day tailored Body Wrap Kit delivered to your door. It includes Shrinking Violet Slimming Solution, Shrinky Suit, Tape Measure, Measuring Cup & Measurement Before & After Cards. £99.99 for 30 days, £247.00 for 90 days, www.GetShrinking.com

THE RECIPES 

BOWEL CLEANSE This helps eliminate old waste from the colon. Begin two days before your Stage 2 detox cleanse and continue until two days afterwards.

EITHER 

1 Prune juice and ground flax seeds

Soak 2tbs ground flax seeds overnight in half a cup of organic prune juice.

OR 

2  Chia pudding

Makes 8 small portions
50g / 1 ¾ oz / ½ cup chia seeds
250ml / 8floz / 1cup 100% unsweetened prune juice
2tbsp tahini
6 pitted dates, chopped
Handful of unsalted pistachios
Pinch of sea salt
Pinch of cinnamon
225g / 8oz blueberries

Method 

1. Place the chia seeds in the juice and leave to soak for 20 minutes. The seeds should swell up and thicken the liquid.
2. Place all the ingredients but only half of the blueberries into a blender. Process until smooth and creamy. Stir in the remaining blueberries.
3. Spoon into bowls

CLEANSE PHASE - DAY 1

1 Bowel cleanse - Chia pudding or flaxseeds with prune juice, as above

2 Green juice A (ideally use a cold press juicer and organic vegetables. If using a blender, blend with coconut water).

2 Green juice A 

1/2 apple
1/2 cucumber
1/2 lemon 1/2 cup of spinach

3 Green juice B

1 kiwi
1 handful spinach
1 stalk celery
1 cucumber
1 handful parsley

4 Protein shake or juice with protein

1 Scoop Shrinking Violet protein powder
Handful of Spinach
300ml coconut water or unsweetened almond milk

OR

Green juice C with handful almonds on the side for protein

Green juice C

1/2 cup of spinach
2 stalks of celery
1/2 fennel bulb
Thumb of ginger

5 Green juice C (above) or Green Soup

Green soup

1 tbsp virgin organic coconut oil
1 large chopped onion
2 garlic cloves
2 large handfuls broccoli
3 chopped carrots
Handful watercress
Chicken or vegetable stock to cover - approx two pints. Avoid stock cubes 
A small handful of chopped fresh parsley leaves
Himalayan pink salt to taste
Black pepper to taste

Method 

1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan
2. Fry onion and garlic until onions soften ]
3. Add stock and vegetables
4. Bring to the boil and simmer until vegetables are tender
5. Add the fresh parsley and simmer for a further 5 minutes
6. Blend until smooth

Eat one bowlful and freeze the remainder to eat immediately post-detox.

DAY 2 

1 Bowel cleanse. Chia pudding or flaxseeds with prune juice as before.

2 Red juice

1 small beetroot
2 carrots
1 celery stalk

3 Green Juice D

1/2 fennel bulb
1/2 cup romaine lettuce
1/2 cucumber
1/2 grapefruit squeezed
Handful coriander

4 Protein Shake as before or yellow juice with handful almonds on the side

Yellow juice

1/2 cucumber
1 stick of celery
1/4 medium pineapple
1 tsp ground turmeric or 1 finger fresh turmeric root

5 Yellow juice or orange (carrot and coriander) soup 

Orange (carrot and coriander) soup

1 tbsp coconut oil
1 onion
1 clove of garlic
One finger length fresh turmeric root chopped or 1tsp ground turmeric
10 carrots
Handful of fresh coriander
Vegetable stock to cover (around two pints).
Himalayan pink salt to taste
Black pepper to taste 

Method

1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan.
2. Fry onion and garlic until onions soften
3. Add stock and vegetables
4. Bring to the boil and simmer until the vegetables are tender
5. Add fresh coriander and simmer for a further 5 minutes
6. Blend until smooth

Eat one bowlful and freeze the remainder to eat immediately post-detox. 

AND FINALLY...

STAY RELAXED Breaking down cortisol, the stress hormone, is more work for the liver, so in Stage 2 do gentle exercise such as walking or yoga and avoid action movies and stressful arguments.

Apply SlimBathe slimming solution BEFORE YOU SHOWER This helps the lymph and circulation systems to get toxins out and starts to shrink your body.

USE NATURAL BEAUTY PRODUCTS Tibby Olivier.com

***** rated by our testers.

Health experts have known about digital eye strain for a while, and the potential for all that blue light from digital devices to do eye damage. But can screens damage your skin, too? 

What is blue light? 

Blue light, is part of the spectrum of visible light, a high-energy, short-wavelength light (not to be confused with UVA or UVB rays). 

The main source of the blue light we're exposed to is the sun. However, we also get a significant dose from our computer screens, phones in fact all digital devices and indoor lighting. "It has been reported to contribute to eye strain as well as cataracts, glaucoma, and other eye disease." 

But blue light isn't all bad. "Blue light plays a critical role in maintaining good health, as it regulates our body's circadian rhythm — our natural sleep-wake cycle, blue light also elevates mood and helps memory and cognitive function." 

Is blue light damaging your skin? 

Recently, you might have noticed your favourite skin-care brand Tibby Olivier launched the Five Phase Ritual skincare system, NEW blue-light-fighting products — so, does that mean it's damaging your skin? "Visible light, especially in the blue wavelength, has become a hot topic in skin care, as there is mounting evidence that supports its contribution to photo-ageing, including wrinkles, worsening skin laxity, and hyperpigmentation." 

Research on how blue light affects your skin is ongoing, but what dermatologists know so far doesn't look good. One study of the effects of blue light on the skin, published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology in 2010, found that exposing skin to the amount of blue light we get only from the sun caused more pigment, redness, and swelling than when the same person's skin was exposed to comparable levels of UVA rays. 

The effects were mostly observed in people with darker easier to detect skin tones, but the researchers noted that pigmentation also lasted longer. "This study absolutely made us realise that blue light produces visible skin change, including redness and pigmentation."

Another study published in Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, suggested that exposure to blue light might stimulate the production of free radicals in skin, which can rapidly accelerate the appearance of ageing. 

The blue light effect on skin still needs more research, though early evidence seems to suggest it has the potential to be very damaging. 

At Tibby Olivier we believe in preventative rather than curative, so we started working on protecting blue light actives a while ago and now the result of our research and testing has resulted in us launching Blue Venom skincare range.  

Featuring a unique blend of Bee Venom and Blue Light Protecting Actives, high performance next generation skincare. Suited to anyone who needs daily protection from their phones and computer screens, as well as office lights and the sun, especially if you are sat in front of your phone or computer all day at work, for any skin type aiding to protect against the advanced signs of ageing, helping to restore conditions of chronological ageing & digital pollution.

Blue Venom restores the skin’s adaptive capacity to overcome hypoxic stress. Limiting the appearance of free radicals and damage to the matrix caused by blue light. Blue Venom provides a true gust of oxygen, it strengthens the barrier function, smooths the skin relief and improves skin quality.  The healthy glow effect restored and the complexion radiance revived; a double deep formula that is then enhanced by the powerful effects of bee venom, help and also plump out fine lines and wrinkles, giving that immediate anti-ageing effect and lift. 

So, what exactly is the blue light doing? 

"Dermatologists have good evidence to show that visible light triggers certain skin conditions, such as melasma, where the skin is stimulated to produce more pigment."  

"There's also evidence that as blue light penetrates the skin, reactive oxygen species are generated, which leads to DNA damage, thereby causing inflammation and the breakdown of healthy collagen and elastin, as well as hyperpigmentation." 

There is mounting evidence that supports [blue light's] contribution to photo-ageing, including wrinkles, worsening skin laxity, and hyperpigmentation. 

"Although recently, scientific data points to blue light in general penetrating into the skin contributing to wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and ageing, so, the more time we spend on our devices, the worse off our skin might be." 

Anecdotally, some dermatologists say they've seen what they believe is skin damage from blue light. "I am seeing a new pattern of hyperpigmentation in some patients that I am concerned is coming from holding a cell phone to their face, we have been tracking the effects of blue light exposure throughout the last few years. "Melasma is now often more on the sides of the face than on the central cheeks, where it had been most common." 

That's not all. "Dark spots after acne are often worse on the side of the face where the person is holding their cell phone."  

"It seems that, in these cases, the cell phone being right on top of the skin surface is giving high levels of blue light to the skin." Your computer screen, meanwhile, might not be so worrisome, because you sit farther away from it. 

Do skin-care products targeting blue light really work? 

Luckily, a wave of blue-light-specific products that work to block the high-energy wavelengths radiating from the sun and your digital screens is hitting the skin-care world. "We do think there is a place for blue light protection within skin-care routines, especially if you spend a lot of time in front of digital devices."  

At Tibby Olivier, we have just launched Blue Venom and have a five phase ritual skincare system, containing two face creams (one for day and one for night), a face mask, face serum, and eye cream formulated with active extracts, to protect against blue light and to help protect skin against damage caused by environmental pollution to specifically help protect skin from blue light damage. 

There is a place for blue light protection within skin-care routines, especially if you spend a lot of time in front of digital devices. 

Some skin types might have more need for a blue-light-fighting serum than others, like people who have "sun sensitive" skin disorders, such as lupus and rosacea. (sunscreens, which protect against ultraviolet A and B rays, don't do anything to help protect you from blue light rays.

Even if you're not "sun sensitive," we recommend our Blue Venom antioxidant-rich skincare to help counter the effects of blue light. "Blue light exposure is one of the reasons why our use of Blue Venom antioxidant serum in the morning is critical."  

"My favourite is Blue Venom Mask followed by Blue Venom night cream for a double whammy, protection with maximum lift and relax." says Tibby Olivier.

In addition to catching the blue-light-fighting skin-care wave, we suggest lowering the brightness level on your screens to help prevent skin damage. (Just don't dim it so much that you’re straining your eyes). And to cut down on the risk of hyperpigmentation where you hold your phone, go hands-free. 

Buy Blue Venom here:

Losing weight after pregnancy is not something that happens naturally. Your tummy will have been stretched, and you are likely to have put on several pounds to ensure your baby is adequately nourished. Luckily help is at hand. At Shrinking Violet we are committed to helping you with losing weight after pregnancy, and we have several specially designed treatments to assist you with regaining your shape and managing your weight. The one thing you should avoid is rushing with losing weight after pregnancy. When pounds are taken off too quickly through crash or fad dieting, you very often find:

• It can prolong your body’s natural recovery process
• Any weight loss gets put back on again very quickly when you stop crash dieting

Diet is an integral part of losing weight after pregnancy. But dieting alone won't help you to regain your shape. You will benefit from one or more of our Shrinking Violet Inch Loss treatments kits as well. Shrinking Violet Spot fat reduction treatment kits target unwanted fat in specific areas of your body. Take our Shrinking Violet Home Kit as an example.

The Shrinking Violet Inch Loss Body Wrap Kit
This clinically proven body wrap treatment is very effective in helping you lose inches and successfully removes inches in problem areas, such as thighs, buttocks and abdomen, which can be the main target areas for post baby bodies. Available in a 30 or 90 day supply.
The Shrinking Violet Waist Training Kit
Another Shrinking Violet treatment that is effective with losing inches after pregnancy is the Shrinking Violet Waist training Kit. The ultimate in waist training, shrinking inches and successfully creating an hour glass figure! Wear our Shrinky waist trainer to shrink those inches and intensify the results with our clinically proven slimming solution, helps to contour and sculpt a post baby body. Available in a 30 or 90 day supply.
The Shrinking Violet Body Wrap kit and Shrinking Violet Waist Trainer Kit are only two of the many product treatments we offer here at Shrinking Violet to assist with losing inches and weight loss after pregnancy. If you’d like our slimming experts to create a customised post-pregnancy slimming plan for you, join the chat on our website.

Buy online here:

Do you have certain areas of your body where fat builds up and doesn’t seem to shift?

Then Shrinking Violet reduction home treatments could be the perfect solution for you.

Shrinking Violet slimming solutions are increasingly popular, clinically proven treatments that are non-invasive and uses a process called ‘Lipolysis’ to aid removal fat from the body. These treatments are a highly desirable alternative to liposuction as there are no needles, incisions or downtime.

Shrinking Violet slimming solutions and home treatment kits help to tackle these 5 common areas of body fat:

Belly fat
Belly fat can be very difficult to shift, even with regular exercise and a healthy diet. However Shrinking Violet Bums & Tums, helps in the reduction of losing inches, aiding shrinkage of stubborn belly fat, giving you a more defined shape. Want a more intense treatment? then the Shrinking Violet Waist trainer kit or body wrap kit is also an option.

Inner and outer thighs
The inner and outer thighs are common areas where fat builds easily up and can be hard to shed. Helps to shrink those inches aiding to banish flab and enjoy slimmer legs with a Shrinking Violet Cellulite Oil. Intensify with the Shrinking Violet Body Wrap home kit to get quicker results.

Flabby arms
No one likes flabby arms. Say good-bye to excess drooping fat on your arms with Shrinking Violet slimming solution aiding in the reduction of inch loss from your upper arms. You may also wish to see the Shrinking Violet home kit for a whole body boost.

Back
Back fat, particularly around the middle of the back and shoulders, can be particularly tricky to shift, as it is hard to find suitable exercises to tone this area. Shrinking Violet inch loss kits are particularly great at targeting these hard to treat areas.

Loose chin
Saggy skin around the chin can look unsightly. Shrinking Violet slimming solution will aid in the reduction of any excess to significantly improve the look of your neck area. Massage am & pm and Faith Lift Mask may also be use to tighten and tone.

The Shrinking Violet Inch Loss Body Wrap Home Kit takes around 60 minutes. The procedure is non-invasive and pain-free, hailed as the Inch Loss Leader by the press, simply apply the Shrinking Violet slimming oil and put on the shrinky suit, then relax, during the at home spa treatment you will feel comfortable enough to read, sleep, or even catch up on work!

Shrinking Violet offers a non-invasive solution to aid in the banishment of stubborn areas of fat and can help re-contour your body beautifully.

Buy yours here:

The Mrs Hippi Collection is heating up the race for the title of best non-surgical firming and toning treatment.

Thunder Thighs?

Mrs Hippi – Cellulite Oil "The treatment that helps gets rid of Thunder Thighs."

Mrs Hippi – Cellulite Oil is a non-surgical home or salon procedure to help improve the appearance and profile of moderate to severe fat on the thighs, also called "Thunder Thighs".

Need A Tummy Tuck? Voted No 3 from the Top 5 Fat Reducing Body Treatments

Mrs Hippi – Tummy Tuck "The treatment that helps gets rid of Tubby Tummy."

Mrs Hippi – Tummy Tuck is a non-surgical home or salon procedure to help improve the appearance and profile of moderate to severe fat on the tummy, also called "Tubby Tummy".

Body Sculpting?

Mrs Hippi – Body Sculpt "The treatment that helps gets rid of those Love Handles."

Mrs Hippi - Body Sculpt is a non-surgical home or salon procedure to help improve the appearance and profile of moderate to severe fat on the torso, also called "Love Handles".

Arm Sculpting?

Mrs Hippi – Arm Sculpt "The treatment that helps gets rid of those Bingo Wings."

Mrs Hippi - Arm Sculpt is a non-surgical home or salon procedure to help improve the appearance and profile of moderate to severe fat on the arms, also called "bingo wings."

Chin Sculpting?

Mrs Hippi - Chin Sculpt "The treatment that helps gets rid of a Double Chin."

Mrs Hippi - Chin Sculpt is a non surgical home or salon procedure to help improve the appearance and profile of moderate to severe fat below the chin, also called "double chin."

And for all you men out there do not worry there is a male version of this treatment, The Flynn Collection - Toning Oil, Muscle Sculpt, Body Sculpt, Arm Sculpt, Chin Sculpt