How to cheat at dieting

Do weight loss treatments that don't involve diet or exercise actually work? Read Claire Young's blogs to find out about treatments she's tried

As a typical woman who has to watch her weight (I literally look at food and it lands on my thighs) I jumped at the chance to test out treatments which claim to slim and tone. Are they full of false promises? Are they worth the money?

Blog one - green coffee body sculpting massage

I'll be giving my honest feedback, starting with this week's treatment which was a green coffee body sculpting massage. As I'd never heard of green coffee, I was intrigued.

The treatment takes 60 minutes and claims to show results within 2 hours – brilliant, potentially 3 hours to a newer slimmer me and into my party dress. The massage uses two stages to stimulate water reduction - chilli oil and green coffee gel.

I was relieved when Lauren, my wonderful therapist, talked me through the treatment and explained it would be targeting my hotspot areas - bum, tummy and thighs! The first application is the chilli oil. This has a strange but wonderful tingling sensation and it almost feels like it's 'burning' my fat and cellulite away.

On top of this is the green coffee gel, which is cooler and a nice contrast to the chilli oil. Everything is applied with a good firm stroke, literally pounding my fat cells away. Afterwards I felt relaxed and invigorated but a bit odd - I'm also desperate for the loo!

This treatment will make you want to spend a penny so stay close to the bathroom afterwards. Two hours later and I didn't see a huge difference shape wise, but psychologically I feel slimmer and more toned. The treatment was very relaxing and my skin felt fantastic.

My party dress looks better but I don't know if that's down to genuine weight loss or if I'm standing taller, happier and with better posture. Either way I enjoyed the treatment, would definitely have it again and would recommend it to everyone.

Blog two - CoffeeBerry Slimming Complex

I absolutely loved this treatment! My skin feels firmer, smoother and most importantly I feel slimmer - in particular my thighs which are my biggest problem area. The whole treatment from start to finish (60 minutes) was super relaxing.

I'd never heard of 'CoffeeBerry' so was really interested to see if it worked or was just another gimmick. CoffeeBerry is the capsule which coffee beans grow inside and up until now it's been thrown away - until they realised the bean pickers had beautiful hands and the berry maybe was useful.

The spa is beautiful and I think I am on the warmest, most comfortable bed I've ever laid on! After the skin is cleansed and exfoliated with warm mitts I'm heading off into a dozy peace of mind.

Next, the coffeeBerry is applied with a very firm massage and when I say firm I mean firm! (Harriet my therapist is much stronger than what she looks!!).  

Straight away it starts tingling and I'm wrapped up in tight clingfilm. Whatever is happening it feels like it's working! Whilst the wrap is on I have an amazing yoga scalp massage which sends me off into a semi state of sleep and let's me recover from the pounding Harriet gave me.

The wrap comes off and again I'm washed with lovely warm water and the CoffeeBerry cleanser. Then the slimming complex is applied in another massage. If this is possible Harriet massages me even harder than last time!

The treatment is a good balance of activity and relax. Within an hour I've been washed, exfoliated, wrapped, had two massages, feel slimmer and am relaxed - the treatment packs a lot in and makes you feel fantastic. I can't wait to do it again!

Blog three - Colonic

I have mixed feelings ahead of my colonic treatment; curiosity, fear and nervousness! I've heard so many 'scare stories' over the years from people about colonics but on the other hand some people rave about them and even go on special holidays where you have them every day!

There's only one way to find out and I couldn't be going to a better place - the top salon in the UK which is on Harley Street London (it's also the most expensive!).

It's a sensitive treatment dealing with a personal area so you have to really check out where you're going is approved and meet your therapist beforehand to ensure you feel comfortable. All good colonic salons will insist on a consultation beforehand to ensure the treatment is right for you.

Vel my therapist is fantastic at putting me at ease and talking me through what's going to be happening. There's no way round this - a colonic isn't pretty or glamorous but in for a penny, in for a pound - I'm going to put on my brace face and grin and bare it!

Once settled into 'position' - this involves a very small tube being placed up the bottom, to be honest it's so small you can feel it but it's not painful or uncomfortable. The water is turned on and this will have the gravity effect sucking what's inside outside and eliminating.

The water is a mixture of temperatures to get the best effect. The first five minutes of the colonic make me feel like a human washing machine - I feel like I'm filling up with water and everything is mixing around. It's very odd and first instinct is to hold your tummy muscles and stop everything happening! The trick with a colonic is to relax (easier said than done!) and push everything out.

Like I said, not pretty or glamorous! However, it is amazing to see what comes out. The treatment lasts for approx 45 minutes and Vel places an aromatherapy heat pad on my tummy and massages which is relaxing and helps.

Afterwards I feel slightly shell shocked; a colonic is like marmite - you will either love it or hate it. You need to stay close to the loo for 15 minutes afterwards as you may need to go ASAP!

Instantly my stomach is flatter, I was bloated and during the process could see hundreds of air bubbles passing. The next day I'm 2lbs lighter.

I can't put my finger on it but I feel fantastic. I definitely feel lighter and healthier - plus for a week I'm following Vel's advice of no alcohol (dehydrates) or red meat (very hard to digest). I would have another colonic but manage my expectations that it's not a beauty treatment and relax more. As a nation we don't like talking bottoms but once you get over that it's OK!