January is traditionally the month for atoning for the previous year's sins and in at Shiny Towers we've been awash with teas, creams and potions all promising to make you a better person.
It's never a bad thing to take steps towards a healthier lifestyle but I don't agree with the enforced guilt and masochistic practices associated with detoxes. My everyday life isn't shameful enough to warrant a rehab-style period of privation. Sure we all have bad days (bacon cheeseburger and chips for lunch and dinner, oops!) but Catholic guilt is a step too far for me.
Instead of punishing myself all January with booze bans and strict diets I've been taking it easy. Drinking with your family at Christmas isn't exactly the most exciting prospect so I've been making up for it by drinking with friends in January and I don't think I've ever eaten so much cheese in my life. I call it fattening myself up for winter.
Next year if you're going to submit yourself to a detox wait until February, January is depressing enough without banning any stuff that might make it more fun!
