The "Iron Man" actress - who is married to Coldplay star Chris Martin - is taking drastic measures to shift the excess pounds she gained over the festive period.

In the most recent email from her GOOP.com website, Gwyneth wrote: "I need to lose a few pounds of holiday excess. I will be suffering along with you to kickstart my year a bit lighter - good luck to us all!

"You can detox easily and effectively while you continue to eat as long as you are cutting out the foods and other substances that interfere with the detoxification process."

According to reports, banned substances in Gwyneth's post-holiday diet include: dairy, gluten, meat, shellfish, all processed food, fatty nuts, potatoes and other related vegetables, condiments, sugar, alcohol, caffeine or fizzy drinks.

However, the 36-year-old US actress has warned anyone planning to detox to

 seek medical advice before starting, adding: "As I do not wish to subsist on lemon water in the middle of winter, I asked my doctor, a detox diet specialist, for guidelines. Make sure you check with your doctor before you start any detox. Drink A LOT of water."

(China Daily/Agencies January 7, 2009)