Michelle Obama's detox diet

Reuters

HEALTHY EATER: Michelle Obama goes on "cleanses" for several days, which always make her feel better.

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Michelle Obama couldn't "live her life" on a cleanse, but doesn't mind sticking to one occasionally.

The US First Lady is famously open about her exercise regime, and her toned arms and legs have been praised the world over. She works hard to stay in shape, saying she has been known to get up at 4.30am in order to fit in her workout.

Michelle also believes in eating healthily, but does allow herself treats too. If she feels like she's overindulged she goes on "cleanses" for several days, which always make her feel better.

"Recently, I was on a sort of cleanse and I was just eating vegetables. Cleanses are good for a short period of time. I can't live my life on a cleanse. But they help me clean out my palate," she told the Ladies' Home Journal magazine.

"Because when you start adding things like sugars into your diet, you start craving them. And the more you eat, the more you crave. So, maybe I'll do a cleanse for two days. It isn't a way of life, because I like food too much."

Michelle and US President Barack Obama have daughters Malia, 12, and nine-year-old Sasha together, and Michelle is determined they should grow up with a healthy attitude towards food. She makes them eat vegetables, and if they don't finish them they aren't allowed dessert.

That said, Michelle knows her kids won't like everything that's healthy. She can't stand beets, even though she knows they would do wonders for her body.

"I am a believer there is a beet gene. People who love beets love them and people who hate beets can't stand them. Neither the President nor I have the beet gene," she laughed. "And there are a lot of healthy things my kids don't like."