So… quick reality check. How many of us started the New Year utterly convinced that this was the year we’d stick to our New Year’s resolutions? You know the ones: eat better, move more, drink less, sleep more. And now, a few weeks in, how many of us are already thinking, “Wait… what were my resolutions again?”

Add to that the festive season indulgence - the extra treats, late nights and “it’s only once a year” mindset and suddenly good intentions are feeling a little heavier around the waistline.

But now, the holiday visitors have packed up and gone home, the kids are back at school, routines are creeping back in, and there are officially no excuses left! This is the perfect time to pause, reset and take stock of our health.

One of the best ways to gently kick-start a healthier routine is with a sensible detox programme. And before anyone panics, this isn’t about extreme fasting or punishment. A proper detox is simply a supportive eating plan paired with a quality detox supplement that helps the body do what it’s already designed to do - eliminate waste and toxins efficiently. In store, we offer a comprehensive booklet with a practical eating plan, recommended foods and easy recipes so you’re not left wondering what on earth you’re allowed to eat.

There are many detox options available, but recently we’ve been recommending a tasty berry detox powder and yes, it really does taste good. It’s easy to incorporate into daily life: add it to water, your favourite protein shakes or even your greens powder. Over the years, many customers have told me they dislike detox programmes that involve swallowing handfuls of tablets. This powder solves that problem beautifully, which is probably why it’s become such a hit.

This gentle naturopathic formula is designed to support the liver and detoxification pathways. It contains Vitamins C, Selenium and Zinc to help protect cells from oxidative stress, along with B vitamins to support energy levels and help combat fatigue something many people notice during a detox. It also includes five key amino acids (glutamine, glycine, methionine, cysteine and taurine) that play important roles in liver detox pathways.

On top of that, there’s a powerful blend of superfruit berries like blackcurrant, blueberry and pomegranate, beetroot for liver support, and a carefully selected mix of herbs including milk thistle, turmeric, green tea, ginger and black pepper - all traditionally used to support digestion, liver health and antioxidant activity.

One of the most common questions we hear is, “When should I detox?” The simple answer is everyone should detox once or twice a year. Detoxing shouldn’t just be a last resort when we feel run down - it can be used as a preventative tool. We’re very good at servicing our cars regularly, yet somehow expect our bodies to keep running smoothly without the same maintenance.

Another question that often comes up is why toxins build up in the first place. Unfortunately, modern life makes it almost unavoidable:

1. Constipation - a surprisingly common issue. When waste sits in the colon too long, toxins are reabsorbed into the bloodstream, polluting tissues and cells. Not exactly what we’re aiming for.
2. Low water intake - most people don’t drink anywhere near enough water, which means toxins aren’t flushed out efficiently.
3. Stress - chronic stress disrupts digestion, absorption and elimination, contributing to toxicity.
4. Poor diet - low fibre, highly processed foods, excess sugar and unhealthy fats, plus preservatives, additives and pesticides all add to the toxic load.
5. Alcohol and cigarettes - well known contributors to toxicity, and no explanation really needed.

So there you have it, plenty of reasons to detox! If you weren’t convinced before, chances are you are now. Don’t wait until your body starts protesting loudly. Give it a break, show it some care, and remember: sometimes it’s worth fine-tuning your body instead of your car.

For more information about detox and cleanse, drop into Go Vita, Your Health Shop at 5 North Street, Batemans Bay. You can also call us on (02) 4472 9737 or visit us online at www.govitabatemansbay.com.au. Don’t miss our weekly segment on 2EC radio, where Marianne and Go Vita’s Nutritionist Sofia chat about health and wellness with Kimmi Saker every Wednesday after 12.30pm.