Devised by leading nutritionist Dr Sarah Schenker the watercress soup diet was inspired by Liz Hurley who famously claimed that she tucked into a bowl of watercress soup to curb her hunger pangs rather than raiding the fridge. 

But unlike that diet this is a nutritionally balanced healthy eating plan to ensure weight is lost in a proper manner.

Sarah Schenker said: “Watercress soup is extremely healthy as it is packed full of vitamins.”

Watercress Soup

Makes three bowls of soup

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 pints of chicken or vegetable stock

2 small potatoes, diced

3 (85g) bags of watercress

A pinch of salt and freshly milled black pepper

In a large saucepan sweat the onion in two or three tablespoons of stock or water. Add the rest of the stock and potatoes together with the seasoning to the pan. Bring to the boil and simmer until the potatoes are soft. Add the watercress, and stir for three minutes. Remove from the heat and blend in a liquidiser. Serve hot or cold.