Feeling bloated after too much bubbly? Partied out? Stuffed after too much Christmas cake and turkey sandwiches? Stuart Roberts, nutritionist and founder of antioxidant juice AOk Drinks, confirms recent media reports that short-term detox programmes, typically a January detox, to ‘flush out your system’ are a waste of time and money.
“Do-it-yourself detox kits are widely available to buy, but your body has its own incredible detoxification system known as your liver and kidneys. DIY kits can cause more harm than good, particularly if your body has become accustomed to over-indulgence over a long period of time. The body can go into shock if you go from one extreme to another.
“Quick fixes are not the answer to long-term health improvements. Instead, I recommend small lifestyle changes that you can incorporate into your daily life throughout the year – rather than just focusing on January. You can increase the amount of fruit and vegetables you eat by adding chopped fruit and nuts to your morning cereal or making a winter salad for a lighter evening meal. You can try cutting out processed foods particularly those containing saturated and trans (man-made) fats. I also recommend walking more regularly, avoiding sitting down for long periods of time without moving, drinking more water, upping your vitamin and antioxidant intake and, when possible, getting more quality sleep during the night,” says Stuart Roberts.
“There are no quick-fixes to health and nutrition, however, there are small steps that we can take that add up to massive changes in how we look and feel.”
AOk is a red grape, cherry, aloe vera and ginger drink, with a hint of vanilla. One 250ml bottle of AOk provides your daily recommendation of antioxidants (nutritionists recommend 3,000-5,000 per day and AOk contains 3,600) and just 145 calories.
Stuart created the drink in 2008 to provide a synergistic combination of antioxidant packed ingredients. Designed to meet consumer demands for healthy convenience, the drink is a tasty alternative to mainstream flavours and offers an original flavour.
Stuart Roberts says: “Antioxidants are vital in our diets. With most things, consistency makes the difference. Consuming your ‘five-a-day’ and recommended amount of antioxidants (which can help prevent injury and muscle soreness after exercise too) will all add up to make you look and feel better over time.”
AOk retails for £1.69 per 250ml bottle and is available at selected Waitrose stores nationwide (http://www.aokdrinks.com/antioxidants/file/stores.php), Waitrose.com and Ocado.com.
Brace yourself! I’ve just discovered three of the greatest new healthy snack bars of all time: Nākd Cocoa Delight, Nākd Cocoa Mint and Nākd Berry Delight. (Although I didn’t really like the mint version, having an aversion to the combination of mint and chocolate, but others loved them). The manufactueres believe they are going to take the healthy snacking market by storm. 
With so many conflicting messages in the press these days about what is and isn’t good for you, it’s no wonder we feel confused about what we can do to keep our bodies healthy. 
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