GP Consults: Lily Simpson - Detox Kitchen

Detox Kitchen was set up in 2012 from the kitchen table and was born from the idea of providing convenient, healthy nourishment to everyone. Fast forward to today and here we are, with a home delivery service that delivers over a million meals a year.

"We are on a mission to help people see, understand and consume food in a totally new way. We want people to eat our food and feel amazing afterwards, and we want them to be surprised by how delicious healthy food can be."

"To us food isn’t just food. It is a pathway to better energy levels, sharper mental clarity, improved mood, better health and well being."

Here, founder Lily Simpson discusses her approach to achieving a well-balanced diet.

GP: What was your personal journey to healthy eating?

Lily: I have always loved cooking. When I was younger I used to rush home from school to cook for my siblings. When I changed my diet to centre around healthy food, I noticed how much happier and more productive I was so I’ve never looked back.

GP: How did you come up with the idea for The Detox Kitchen originally?

Lily: I had started to hear about diet delivery companies and did a little bit of research into them, tried out a few and thought, I can do this better and I can make the food fresher and tastier. I was already running my own catering company from a commercial kitchen.

So in the end, I went from coming up with the idea to launching that business in a matter of two months! My mission was to get people to eat vibrant, unprocessed food, proving that a diet doesn’t have to be faddy, unsatisfying and difficult to stick to.

GP: What is the ethos of Detox Kitchen?

Lily: Food is something that should be celebrated, that should be enjoyed and shared with others. We believe that using local, seasonal produce not only makes the tastiest food but also provides us with the most nutrients, vitamins and minerals.

Our focus is on the foods that work with our bodies, that are natural and delicious, and that means we have nutritious, wholesome food in our lives for good. We’re very transparent about the ingredients that we use because when you’re sourcing fresh, local produce, and preparing and cooking it simply, there is no need for closed doors.

We choose not to cook with wheat, dairy or refined sugar. And whilst we don’t think it necessary for people to completely exclude these foods from their diet, we believe that because they are highly processed and stripped of their nutrients, it’s best to cut down on them. And we make it easier for our customers to do just that.

GP: What does your daily diet look like?

Lily: I’m lucky enough to eat most of my meals at our delis as I am usually in town for meetings. I tend to have porridge or a piece of toast for breakfast, a big bowl of salad for lunch, and then either a vegetable stew or stir fry with lean protein for dinner at home.

GP: What are your three can’t-live-without food staples?

Lily: Avocados, sweet potatoes and aubergine. My vice is chocolate!

GP: Do you have a regular wellness routine?

Lily: I’ll try to do yoga at least twice a week, although since having children I’ll admit it’s sometimes hard to find the time. I also have a bath before bed every night to unwind and love using Pai Skincare’s Rosehip oil on my face.

GP: What advice would you give to women who want to start their own business?

Lily: Just do it. Don’t overthink everything - it will give you fear and will prevent you from making decisions based on instinct. Having a vision and listening to people is also key, but in the end, trust your gut.

GP: How do you stay healthy away from home?

Lily: I never avoid food for health purposes when I’m travelling or eating out - both should be relaxing, indulgent and enjoyable. I love eating fresh fish and veggies, so I always go for that option. I pick the most seasonal option and normally order an extra side of green veg to ensure I’m getting a nice boost of nutrients.

Learn more about Detox Kitchen on their website and on their Instagram.