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      How To Do The Festive Season Sober, Plus The 15 Best Alcohol-Free Drinks

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      SoberSeptember, OcSober, DryJanuary or even going #StraightEdge (no stimulants at all!) – there’s no end to the sober bandwagons you can jump on. Whether it’s for health and fitness reasons, a way to detox and reset or manage your tolerance levels, many people are opting to ditch the booze and embrace a teetotalling lifestyle. Here’s what you need to know about having a sober festive season.

      The Sober Trend

      According to Janet Gourand, founder of Tribe Sober, a South African membership programme helping people change their relationship with alcohol, they have seen more people wanting to decrease their consumption of alcohol or cut alcohol out completely lately.

      And women are leading the charge. Gourand says that 80% of those in Tribe Sober are women with most of the women being 40+ but despite that, there is still a trend for younger women to drink less. Plus, local non-alcoholic G&T brand The Duchess reported that 74% of its buyers are women between 18 and 34 years old.

      The truth is many millennials are driving a huge trend towards cutting booze completely – or never starting. Hashtags like #SoberSaturday and #SoberLife (over two million tags on Insta) are being seen more and more and form part of what has been dubbed the “sober curious” movement. The number of alcohol drinkers in the world has decreased by nearly five percent since 2000, according to reports by the World Health Organisation.

      In fact, 49% of Women’s Health readers said they would buy non-alcoholic beers or cider (up from 34% when we asked you in 2019), while 31% said they would be choosing Castle Free over Castle Lite this festive season. 47% of Women’s Health readers said if they were offered non-alcoholic wines – that actually taste good – they’d try it.

      READ MORE: Mindful Drinking: How More And More People Are Becoming ‘Sober Curious’

      Reasons To Have A Sober Festive Season

      According to Gourand, the stress and the “working from home” impact of the pandemic have created more dependence on alcohol.  “People who would only use alcohol for ‘socialising’ have now discovered that they enjoy drinking alone and their drinking has become more about self-medicating their anxiety than having fun,” she says.

      This has been dubbed “Grey Area” drinking and it has seen an increase since the pandemic. Healthline describes “grey area” drinking as the realm between healthy levels of alcohol consumption and a diagnosed alcohol use disorder. 

      It’s no secret that South Africa is known as a drinking nation, with 2.1% of total household spending in South Africa going to beer, according to Stats SA (only 1.5% is going to veggies). And the festive season is a period that sees a dramatic increase in consumption. But many people, even South Africans, are taking the downsides of drinking alcohol more seriously.

      “People are becoming aware that drinking more than a bottle and a half of wine a week puts their mental and physical health at risk.  The wellness trend is resulting in more people eating organic, doing yoga and meditation and they are realising that drinking alcohol doesn’t really fit in with this lifestyle,” explains Gourand.

      READ MORE: 17 Super-Stylish Stocking Fillers & Gifts Under R150 – That Aren’t Socks

      The Sober Life

      “The smart people are getting sober curious.  The wine industry has been marketing directly to women for the last 25 years – and they have been stunningly successful.  Many women cannot imagine having fun or socialising without it.  As many women get older the fun turns to self-medication and drinking alone,” says Gourand. 

      If you want to change your relationship with alcohol, finding your tribe helps. “Community is a big part of recovery,” says Gourand. In his TED Talk, writer and journalist Johann Hari explains the science behind the fact that connection is the opposite of addiction.

      “There is so much shame around drinking (especially for women) that joining a community of others with the same issue is a huge relief and we feel less alone.  We learn so much from hearing about other people’s experiences and as we progress in our alcohol-free journey we are able to inspire others,” explains Gourand.

      “Even if people are just “sober curious” or not even sure that they want to make a change they can join a tribe, listen and learn and it will help them decide which direction to take,” she says.

      READ MORE: The Top Gifts WH Team Want Under The Tree This Season

      Tips For Going Sober

      Janet Gourand has been sober since 2015, leading her tribe at Tribe Sober and inspiring people to have an alcohol-free life. These are three tips for people who are sober curious or looking to cut down their alcohol consumption:  

      1) “Take a look at your life”

      “What would it look like without alcohol in it?  If all your social activities involve drinking then it’s time for a change.  The first step is to increase your awareness – keep a drinks diary and note your consumption.  Are you drinking more than the low-risk limit of a bottle and a half of wine a week?”

      2) “Take an alcohol-free challenge – at least a month.”

      “If you can get through it easily then you are probably fine.  If not (or if you can’t even contemplate taking a break) then it’s time to make some changes.  Join a group like Tribe Sober to connect with others who are looking to quit drinking and to learn to thrive in their alcohol-free lives.”  

      3) “Start discovering the vast choice of alcohol-free drinks.” 

      “Try everything and you will find your go-to alcohol-free choice.  Integrate that into your lifestyle.  Alternate it with alcoholic drinks when you go out and make sure you have at least 4 alcohol-free days a week.”

      The Best Alcohol-Free Drinks For Adults

      Designated driver, watching your calorie intake, fitness stole your alcohol tolerance or realising it might be time to cut back? Going booze-free is a health trend that celebs, brands and just about everyone else is getting behind! 

      Below you’ll find the best wine, gin, beer and cider 0.0 versions. With half the calories and no need for a stash of painkillers in your bedside drawer, your sober summer is sorted!

      If you like fruity beer, try Bavaria 0.0% Pomegranate.

      If you like light lagers or Pilsners, try Beck’s Blue.

      If you like Castle, or lagers in general, try Castle Free Alcohol-Free Lager.

      If you like IPA, try Devil’s Peak Zero to Hero.

      If you like Weiss beer, try Erdinger Alkoholfrei.

      If you’re a Heineken gal, try Heineken 0.0.

      If you like an aperitif, try Babylonstoren BitterLekker.

      If you like gin and tonic, try The Duchess Virgin Gin & Tonic.

      If you like gin cocktails, try Seedlip Garden 108.

      If you like red wine, try Van Loveren Radiant Red Almost Zero % Alcohol.

      If you like white wine, try Natura De-Alcoholised Classic White.

      If you like bubbly, try Lautus De-Alcoholised Sparkling.

      If you like cider, try Savanna Non-Alcoholic Lemon.

      If you like a full-bodied beer, try Non-Alcoholic Super Bock 0.0%.

      If you like mocktails, try Fehmz Mocktails in various flavours.

      Women’s Health participates in various affiliate marketing programmes, which means we may get commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. More

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      Easy Summer Mocktails For The Festive Season

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      Mocktails are proof that virgin drinks don’t have to be boring. They embody all the fun and creativity of their alcoholic counterparts, minus the booze. You can customise them to suit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions easily. Whether you’re looking for a fruity explosion in your mouth or a tangy citrus sensation, there’s a mocktail out there for everyone. Check out these low-alc (and basically zero-effort!) drinks for summer

      Grapefruit And Rosemary Mimosas

      Grapefruit packs in a lot of nutrition but it is lauded for its high vitamin C content. Studies have found that this citrus fruit may help control insulin levels, meaning it can reduce likelihood of becoming insulin resistant. Grapefruits can add much-needed zestiness and flavour to everything from cocktails to salads.

      Grapefruit And Rosemary Mimosas

      The beauty of this mocktail lies in its simplicity; there are no complicated steps or fancy ingredients involved. It’s all about highlighting the natural flavours of grapefruit and Absolute Zero complementing with herby accents from rosemary.

      Prep Time 15 minutes mins

      Servings 4

      250 ml Freshly squeezed grapefruit juice500 ml Absolute Zero
      Place ice into 4 glasses Top with ¼ cup grapefruit juice Pour ½ cup Absolute ZeroAdd fresh rosemary sprig Garnish the glass with a grapefruit segment

      READ MORE: Make These 4 Low-Calorie Cocktails If You’re Watching Your Weight

      Spicy Passion Fruit Sangria

      Passion fruit, the tantalising tropical delight that bursts with a vibrant explosion of flavour, has essential minerals such as potassium and iron to support heart health and maintain optimal blood circulation. Despite its small size, it’s rich in antioxidants, fibre and vitamins.

      Spicy Passion Fruit Sangria

      If you’re looking for a mocktail that will tantalises your taste buds and cools you down simultaneously, reach for this spicy cooler. It’s guaranteed to become your go-to summer drink!

      Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes mins

      Servings 4

      Ingredients For Spicy Passion Fruit Compote8 Granadillas 1 Cinnamon stick2  Star aniseIngredients For Sangria60 ml Spicy passion fruit compote1 Pineapple, peeled and cut into triangles250 ml Sparkling water500 ml Absolute Zero 
      Method For Spicy Passion Fruit CompotPlace all ingredients into a small potCook for 5 minutes on highThen turn heat down to low and simmer for 15 minutesAllow to coolMethod For SangriaPlace ice, pineapple pieces, spicy passion fruit compote, cinnamon quills and star anise into a large jugPour over sparkling water and Absolute ZeroServe cold and enjoy

      READ MORE: 5 Low-Calorie Smoothie Recipes That Legit Taste Like Milkshakes

      Classic Mojito

      Mint, with its refreshing aroma and invigorating taste, offers an array of benefits that extend beyond mere sensory pleasure. Mint is a good source of antioxidants and vitamin A, although it is not typically consumed in large quantities.

      Classic Mojito

      Ready to quench your thirst with a burst of refreshing citrus? Look no further than this invigorating mocktail. This delightful classic drink combines the zesty flavours of lime and mint, making it the perfect drink for a hot summer day.

      Prep Time 5 minutes mins

      Servings 4

      20 ml Agave syrup250 ml Soda water500 ml Absolute Zero NectarServe WithCrushed iceLime slicesFresh mint leaves
      Place crushed ice, lime slices and mint leaves into a large jugUsing a wooden pestle or spoon smash the ingredients to bring out their flavoursTop with the soda water, Absolute Zero Nectar and agave syrup

      Mira Weiner

      Mira is an entrepreneur, food consultant and plant-based advocate.  She’s passionate about conscious living, plant-based nourishment and holistic healing.  She’s a networker, creative cook and country pumpkin who hopes to inspire people to eat more plants which is better for the planet, animals and our bodies.  More

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      The 2 Hangover-Curing Recipes You’ll Need This Weekend

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      Searching for hangover cures? These two cocktails are guaranteed to make you feel a whole lot better and with minimal fuss.

      The Science Behind Why A Blood Mary Is One Of The Best Hangover Cures

      They contain tomato juice and research has shown that that tomatoes contain compounds that protect against liver injury. The victim of a big night out: usually your liver. So stock up on tomatoes.

      But that’s not the only benefit the main ingredient of the Bloody Mary provides. Tomatoes also contain Vitamin C and B6 which could reduce the symptoms of a hangover.

      The Bloody Mary calls for a touch of salt. That could help because salt helps replenish the electrolytes you lose through the frequent urination and fluid loss that comes with drinking.

      READ MORE: Make These 4 Low-Calorie Cocktails If You’re Watching Your Weight

      Hangover Cures To Try: The Virgin Bloody Mary

      A Bloody Mary has long been touted as one of the best hangover cures. This one with no alcohol and the addition of kimchi is guaranteed to become a fast favourite.

      Non-Alcoholic Virgin Kimchi Bloody Mary

      A Bloody Mary has long been touted as one of the best hangover cures. This one with no alcohol and the addition of kimchi is guaranteed to become a fast favourite.

      Prep Time 5 minutes mins

      Course DrinksCuisine Cocktails

      Servings 2 people

      2 Bottles Marty’s Spiced Tomato Juice/Virgin Bloody Mary, chilled2 Tbsp Juice (liquid) from your kimchi¼ tsp Soy sauce (add more if needed)¼ tsp Fish sauce (optional)½ tsp Wasabi pasteGarnishing (optional):Togarashi spice/chili salt for the rim of the glassLime wedgesKimchiFennel
      Sprinkle togarashi spice/chili salt onto a plate.Run a lime wedge around the rim of your serving glasses to dampen the rim and dip the rim of the glasses into the mixture.Choose either Spiced Tomato Juice or Virgin Bloody Mary if you prefer a little more spice.In a cocktail shaker or mixing glass, season the Marty’s with kimchi juice, soy, fish sauce, and wasabi. Be sure to mix thoroughly until all the wasabi is dissolved. Add soy sauce to taste.Next, fill both glasses with ice, pour over the cocktail mix and add garnishes.

      Barman’s tip: Not all kimchis are the same; their strength varies depending on the brand, and some can have quite a fishy taste. Add the soy sauce, then taste, and then add the fish sauce if necessary.

      Keyword cocktail

      READ MORE: This Braai Dessert Is So Simple Even Kids Can Make It

      Hangover Cures To Try: The Red Snapper

      The Red Snapper cocktail is similar to a Bloody Mary except it uses gin rather than vodka. Try it and thank us later.

      Red Snapper

      The Red Snapper cocktail is similar to a Bloody Mary except it uses gin rather than vodka. Try it and thank us later.

      Prep Time 39 minutes mins

      Course DrinksCuisine Cocktails

      Servings 2 people

      90 ml Gin (preferably a London Dry)2 Bottles Marty’s Spiced Tomato Juice, chilled5-10 ml Lemon juice (add to taste)A few drops of Tabasco Sauce/Sriracha sauce (add to taste)1½ tsp Horseradish cream (optional)Salt or olive brine (to taste)Garnishing (optional):Chilli salt for the rim of the glassLime wedge2 Sticks Celery2 Skewers Olives
      Pour chili salt onto a plate.Run the lime wedge around the rim of your glasses to dampen each and dip the rim of the glasses into your chili salt.In a mixing glass, combine Marty’s with gin, lemon juice, hot sauce an horseradish. Stir thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly mixed. Add salt to taste or, if opting for a skewer of olives or pickles for garnish, you can also add about 1 tsp of brine to each drink.Fill the glasses with ice, pour the mixture between two glasses, and add your desired garnishes.

      Keyword cocktail

      Make sure to stock up on your tomato juice (we love Marty’s) before this weekend. More

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      5 Low-Calorie Smoothie Recipes That Legit Taste Like Milkshakes

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      These healthy and delicious smoothie recipes for weight loss are a great way to cool down and pack in nutrients. So give these five under-300-calorie concoctions a whirl, and sip your way to a slimmer body.

      A Penn State study found that people whose smoothies were blended for five minutes ate 12 percent less food afterwards and felt fuller than those whose smoothies were minimally blended. Now that’s a great weight loss tactic we can so get behind!

      READ MORE: The “Amazing Skin” Smoothie Recipe That Actually Works

      5 Low Calorie Smoothie Recipes For Weight Loss

      1. The Cherry Bomb Smoothie

      This low-calorie cherry smoothie is made with frozen cherries, kiwi, orange juice, coconut water and honey.

      Simple Cherry Smoothie Recipe

      This low calorie cherry smoothie is made with frozen cherries, kiwi, orange juice, coconut water and honey.Serves 1. Per serving: 665kJ, 1g fat (1g sat), 38g carbs, 129mg sodium, 5g fibre, 3g protein.

      Prep Time 5 minutes mins

      Course Breakfast, Drinks, SnackCuisine Healthy, Vegetarian

      Servings 1 personCalories 159 kcal

      ¾ Cup Frozen cherries1 Kiwi, peeled and quartered¼ Cup Orange juice½ Cup Coconut water¾ tsp Honey3 Ice cubes

      Up the ante: Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder for an additional 15 to 25g of protein.

      Keyword breakfast, healthy, Smoothie

      2. Apple Mojito Light Smoothie

      With only 107 calories, this apple smoothie is great as a breakfast, snack or cocktail. That’s because it’s made with apple juice, peach, cucumber, sparkling water, lime juice, mint and honey. So delicious!

      Apple Smoothie Recipe For Weight Loss

      With only 107 calories, this apple smoothie is great as a breakfast, snack or cocktail. It’s made with apple juice, peach, cucumber, sparkling water, lime juice, mint and honey. Delicious!Serves 1. Per serving: 450kJ, 1g fat (1g sat), 27g carbs, 3mg sodium, 3g fibre, 2g protein.

      Course Breakfast, DrinksCuisine Healthy

      Servings 1 personCalories 107 kcal

      ¼ Cup Unsweetened apple juice1 Medium peach, peeled, pitted and quartered¼ Medium cucumber, peeled, seeded and quartered⅓ Cup Sparkling water¾ tsp Fresh lime juice3 leaves Fresh mint¾ tsp Honey6 Ice cubes

      Up the ante: Add two tablespoons light rum (about 270kJ) and have it at happy hour.

      Keyword breakfast, healthy, Smoothie, vegetarian

      READ MORE: This Delicious DIY Tropical Coconut Granola Will Be Your New Breakfast Staple

      3. Island Refresher Smoothie

      This 221 calorie smoothie for weight loss is made from pineapple, mango, soy milk, cottage cheese and coconut flakes. Just trust us on this one; it’s so creamy, filling and delicious!

      Pineapple Weight Loss Smoothie

      This 221 calorie smoothie for weight loss is made from pineapple, mango, soy milk, cottage cheese and coconut flakes. Trust us on this one; it’s creamy, filling and delicious!Serves 1. Per serving: 925kJ, 2g fat (1g sat), 38g carbs, 244mg sodium, 4g fibre, 11g protein.

      Prep Time 5 minutes mins

      Course Breakfast, DrinksCuisine Healthy

      Servings 1 personCalories 221 kcal

      ¾ Cup Pineapple, cubed½ Cup Frozen mango¾ Cup Soya milk (with a drop of vanilla essence)3 Tbsp Low-fat cottage cheese¼ tsp Unsweetened coconut flakes, for garnish

      Up the ante: Add one tablespoon ground flaxseed for an extra two grams of fibre.

      Keyword breakfast, healthy, Smoothie

      4. Rise And Shine Smoothie

      Still looking for more smoothie recipes for weight loss? Then try this delicious and filling smoothie made with avocado, sweet potato, banana, milk and honey.

      Easiest Avocado Smoothie For Weight Loss

      Try this delicious and filling smoothie made with avocado, sweet potato, banana, milk and honey. Serves 1. Per serving: 1 215kJ, 8g fat (1g sat), 50g carbs, 135mg sodium, 7g fibre, 9g protein

      Course Breakfast, DrinksCuisine Healthy

      Servings 1 personCalories 291 kcal

      ¼ Avocado, peeled, pitted and cubed2 Tbsp Cooked sweet potato1 Small frozen banana, sliced¾ Cup Low-fat milk½ tsp Honey

      Up the ante: Blend in 1/4 cup raw or cooked oats for a thicker texture and more energy-fuelling carbs.

      Keyword breakfast, healthy, Smoothie

      READ MORE: The 12 Best Healthy Green Juice Recipes You Can Make With A Blender Or Juicer.

      5. Awesome Almond Smoothie

      Start your morning with a super satiating 233 calorie smoothie made from banana, kale, almond butter, cinnamon, nutmeg and ground ginger. So yum!

      Awesome Banana, Almond & Kale Smoothie

      Start your morning with a super satiating 233 calorie smoothie made from banana, kale, almond butter, cinnamon, nutmeg and ground ginger. Yum!Serves 1. 975kJ, 8g fat ( More

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      Try This Post-Workout Hack For A Much Better Recovery

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      So often we judge the effectiveness of our workout by how much we’ve sweated during the session. Yes, checking out your max heart rate comes next. But if you haven’t truly broken a sweat you might feel like you didn’t push your body to its limit. And while there is a certain satisfaction in peeling off a sweaty sports bra, it should be a reminder that you’ve just sweated out a few important minerals during the process. Here, an age-old post-workout hack you may have forgotten about. Because in the realm of post-workout snacks, drinks and other recovery methods, it’s easy enough to forget.

      What We Lose When We Sweat

      Sodium, the main mineral we lose through sweat, is vital for assisting with water absorption in your body. It works both during and after strenuous exercise and thus prevents dehydration. Sodium also stimulates carbohydrates in your body that help to replenish the muscle fuel stores that get depleted by prolonged exercise.

      What sports drinks really do

      Per Harvard’s School Of Public Health, sports drinks serve to replenish what’s lost in exercise. Think: sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium, all of which are essential to a proper working bod. The specific amount of sugar and salt is formulated for quick absorption and hydration. And, per Western Kentucky University, “Sports drinks can improve physical performance and increase the length of time that an athlete can perform or compete before reaching exhaustion.”

      So, What Do You Do About It?

      The post-workout hack? Replenish the electrolytes you’ve lost from exercise. Sports drinks are specially formulated to replenish both the fuel and minerals needed to help rehydrate you. They’re important for sustaining physical (muscular strength, endurance capacity and pace) and mental performance (concentration, reaction time and accuracy).

      If you forgo the drinks? You might wind up feeling weakness, muscle cramps, dizziness, confusion and sluggishness. Of course, this all depends on the intensity of your workout and how much fluid you lose during your workout. Estimates vary greatly, but according to the American Council on Exercise, exercisers should consume 500ml to 600ml of fluid two to three hours before exercise. 20 to 30 minutes before a workout, look to drinking another 230ml. Then, during exercise, 200ml to 300ml every 10 to 20 minutes. And, finally, 30 minutes following exercise, 230ml.

      Reach for these drinks

      BOS Ice Tea

      BOS Ice Tea is a rooibos tea full of antioxidants, electrolytes and essential minerals.

      USN Pro Recover

      Made with vitamin C and other nutrients, this blend works to aid muscle recovery and restore glycogen levels.

      Revive

      Put back the fluids you’ve lost with these sachets, with are calorie, sugar and carb-free. More

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      BOS Ice Tea Launches A Limited Edition Can With Rachel & Siya Kolisi

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      BOS, the much-loved South African rooibos brand best known for its colourful cans of Ice Tea, has partnered with South African rugby icon Siya Kolisi, his wife Rachel Kolisi and the Kolisi Foundation, launching Siya Kolisi’s Limited Edition BOS can to celebrate all things wonderful about our country. For each Limited Edition can sold, BOS is donating 5% of the turnover to the Kolisi Foundation.

      Making a difference

      The Kolisi Foundation was founded by Siya and Rachel Kolisi in 2020 with a vision to change the stories of inequality. They believe that every small act of change matters and that by “remembering the one, one by one,” we will impact the nation.

      “What’s great about this collaboration between BOS, the Kolisi Foundation, Siya and myself, is that there is such a value alignment for us. Firstly, the fact that it is a proudly South African product that has gone global, but also that as a brand they’ve chosen to go beyond making sales and to give back to South Africa through the Kolisi Foundation.”
      Rachel Kolisi, CEO of the Kolisi Foundation

      READ MORE: 5 Reasons Why You Should Be Drinking Rooibos Tea

      Prioritising self-care

      Rachel is a CEO, Founding Director, mother, student and wife to the captain of the World Cup winning Springboks. She also has over 340k followers on Instagram where she works with brands that she authentically relates to and with products that she herself uses.

      We asked her what personal care looks like for her within this busy schedule:

      “For me, it’s about mind, body and your spirit. Exercising every day is one of my greatest privileges and I just love to have an hour a day where I can have a strong start, with a really hard workout that challenges me mentally and physically. There’s just such a sense of satisfaction after that, so I try as hard as possible to make that a non-negotiable.I also make sure I have at least a couple hours a week to myself to be with my thoughts and I love to do puzzles.”

      READ MORE: All The Things To Braai This Public Holiday If You’re Vegan

      Proudly South African design

      A purchase of the Limited Edition can not only supports the foundation but gives you the chance to win a trip for two to Paris, amongst other prizes. 

      The bold beadwork design of the Limited Edition can draws inspiration from Siya Kolisi’s Xhosa heritage. The campaign drives the message that we are all brewed for greatness, with themes such as finding joy and connection, looking at people as individual works of art and exploring how we can each make a difference.

      Siya Kolisi says it’s very special for him to launch this can with traditional patterning from his culture: “It’s not just a can. It’s a can that will open so many doors, it will open so many opportunities in every community that we operate in. The support generated by this can could be supporting a woman; it could be getting a warm meal for a child. Those are things that I struggled with when I was young and this will be making life a bit better for those still living under similar circumstances.”

      Will Battersby, CEO of BOS Ice Tea, says the campaign is the culmination of BOS’s growth journey.

      “To partner with the Kolisi family and its foundation is a privilege, as they are uniquely South African, just like our rooibos tea. Siya has impacted the nation as a sporting icon and inspirational person and Siya and Rachel are both making a significant difference in our vulnerable communities through their foundation.”

      Siya Kolisi’s Limited Edition Peach Rooibos Ice Tea

      The Siya Kolisi’s Limited Edition BOS Ice Tea is available at Checkers, Spar, Woolworths, Pick n Pay and Takealot, or online at www.bosbrands.com/za. The Recommended Selling Price is R 15,99, or R 89,99 for the banded six pack.

      Go for it! Go BOS and impact the nation, ‘one by one’. More

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      These New High Protein Recovery Flavours Are So Good, You’ll Want to Drink Them Every Day

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      First Choice, manufactured by Woodlands Dairy, has added new flavours Strawberry Vanilla and Choc Mint to its popular High Protein Recovery (HPR) drinks range. Elite and amateur athletes will now be spoilt for choice when choosing the specially formulated drink. It offers rapid muscle recovery following intense workouts or competition.

      “HPR is consistently showing double digit growth and we hope that this trend will continue with the new flavours, as our distribution footprint expands and more consumers are exposed to the product.”
      Marisa Maccaferri, Marketing Executive for Woodlands Dairy and First Choice

      READ MORE: Try This Post-Workout Hack For A Much Better Recovery

      Netball World Cup

      First Choice has been selected as the official hydration and recovery supplier to the Netball World Cup (NWC2023). It takes place from 28 July to 6 August in Cape Town.

      “To be the official hydration and recovery supplier to the Netball World Cup (NWC2023), is a massive opportunity for the brand to shine on an international stage,” says Maccaferri.

      The sports nutritionist and brand ambassador, Candice De Mendonca, who has been an integral part of the brand team, will join in Cape Town during the event to help shed some light on the importance of recovery in an athlete’s preparation and success at any level. Woodlands Dairy pride itself on developing high-quality, relevant products with real benefits.

      Firm Favourites

      Thulile Memela, Brand Manager at Woodlands Dairy and First Choice, adds that to date their Chocolate and Banana Crème flavours have been the firm favourites, with Peanut Butter a close third. “We’re excited to see how the market responds to the new Choc-Mint and Strawberry Vanilla flavours,” she says.

      HPR delivers twice the protein of normal milk (21g/250ml serving) with all the added benefits found in dairy. It has been fortified with eight additional B vitamins, is high in calcium, Tartrazine free and ready to drink (simply shake, twist and enjoy).

      Try The New Flavours

      “I’ve tried all the flavours and they’re divine, but the Strawberry Vanilla is my absolute fave. The flavour is so subtle, but it’s just sweet enough to keep me coming back for more. It’s the perfect post-workout pick-me-up and I’m definitely bringing a few to Fit Night Out this weekend.” Chamain van Zyl, Digital Editor at Women’s Health

      High Protein Recovery Strawbery Vanilla

      High Protein Recovery Choc Mint

      With five flavours to choose from, First Choice HPR is available at Pick ‘n Pay and Dis-Chem nationwide as well as online at www.shopfirstchoice.co.za or recoverymilk.co.za/ at the RRP of R14.99 to R19.99. More

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      What Is Kefir? Kefir Nutrition, Benefits, And How To Use Kefir

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      Walking through the dairy aisle used to be simple. You just grabbed your carton of fruit-at-the-bottom yoghurt and low-fat milk and you went on your merry way.

      These days, though, the dairy aisle in specialist health stores is filled with all sorts of interesting options, from plant-based yoghurt to kefir. Not quite yoghurt and not quite milk, this fermented, probiotic-packed stuff has pretty much all of today’s hottest health buzzwords going for it.

      If you’ve seen it in the store and wondered WTF it was all about, you’re not alone. But don’t let kefir’s identity crisis stop you from trying it out: Dietitians say it can pack a serious punch in the nutrition department.

      In fact, kefir is “a great source of probiotics, which may help improve one’s digestive health,” says Keri Gans, a dietitian and author of The Small Change Diet. Plus, certain types of kefir can also be a great source of calcium, a must-have for healthy bones, too.

      If you have yet to give it a try (and need a break from your standard milk and yoghurt), here’s everything you need to know about the trending probiotic drink, plus why it’s worth adding to your diet.

      Hold on. What is kefir, exactly?

      Long story short, “kefir is a fermented milk product similar to yoghurt, but with a thin (rather than thick) texture,” explains dietitian Andy de Santis. “It contains a similar amount of protein as yoghurt, but offers more probiotic cultures.”

      Thanks to its drinkable consistency, Emily Kean, a nutritionist at Lifeway Foods (a brand that makes kefir in the States) calls it “the queen of probiotic drinks.”

      While your standard kefir is made from cow’s milk, it can be made from any type of milk or milk alternative — including plant-based milks, according to Gans. If you see “coconut kefir” on a product label, for example, that means it’s made with coconut milk.

      Another version, “water kefir,” meanwhile, is usually made with coconut water or fruit juice, Gans adds.

      So, kefir isn’t the same as yoghurt?

      Though people tend to call it “drinkable yoghurt,” that’s only kind of — not totally — accurate. “What sets it apart is its fermentation process, which is slightly different,” says Jessica Cording, author of The Little Book of Game-Changers: 50 Healthy Habits For Managing Stress & Anxiety.

      “Typically, yoghurt uses just bacteria for fermentation, while kefir uses both bacteria and yeast,” Gans explains. “The bacteria and yeast create cultures referred to as grains (no, they don’t contain gluten), which contain up to three times more probiotics than yoghurt.” Impressive, right?

      Is kefir healthy, then?

      As you can probably guess from its solid probiotic punch, it is totally healthy. Here’s what you can expect from one cup of plain, low-fat kefir (made from cow’s milk), according to the USDA:

      Calories: 102

      Total fat: 2 g

      Saturated fat: 0.66 g

      Carbohydrates: 11 g

      Fibre: 0 g

      Sugar: 11 g

      Protein: 9.5 g

      Opt for a cow’s milk-based kefir and you’ll get lots of calcium and vitamin D (30 and 25 percent of your daily needs, respectively). Plus, a bonus for anyone trying to get pregnant: Cow’s milk kefir is high in folate, which aids in warding off neural tube defects, too. Of course, just keep in mind that a coconut milk- or water-based kefir won’t boast the same nutrition stats as a kefir made from dairy.

      Kefir’s health benefits are pretty legit.

      Fermented foods like kefir command the spotlight because of their probiotics’ ability to help balance gut flora and regulate digestion. It won’t just help you become more regular, though. “Because of its probiotics, those suffering from irritable bowel disease or digestive distress from a course of antibiotics may experience relief after incorporating kefir,” says Santis.

      Thanks to kefir’s vitamin D, calcium, and folate content, it’s also good for your bones and your ability to have a healthy pregnancy, Cording adds.

      Luckily, if you’re like 25 percent of the American population with a reduced ability to digest lactose, take comfort in the fact that fermented dairy products might be easier to tolerate.

      Does kefir have any downsides?

      Like other dairy products, full-fat kefir does contain higher amounts of saturated fat, which the American Heart Association, recommends limiting to 16 grams (or 140 calories) per day in the average 2,000-calorie diet. (Though the topic is up for debate these days, experts have linked excess saturated fat consumption to heart disease.)

      And, while Kean recommends kefir for pretty much everyone, those with certain health conditions (like immune deficiencies) should avoid probiotics unless under a doctor’s supervision.

      Finally, as with anything you eat, just pay attention to serving sizes. “A lot of times a bottle of kefir contains four servings, not one,” she says.

      How to find yourself a quality kefir.

      When hunting for high-quality kefir to put in your cart, Kean recommends focusing on the following factors:

      Protein (the more, the better)

      Added sugar (though dairy products contain some natural sugars, avoid the added stuff as much as possible)

      Artificial ingredients (again, avoid!)

      Live active cultures (look for a product with at least one billion CFUs of probiotics per serving, preferably from a variety of strains)

      How to load up on kefir.

      Once you’ve got yourself a quality bottle of the good stuff, you can incorporate it into your eats in so many ways. De Santis recommends:

      Drinking it as a post-workout shake

      Adding it to your smoothies in place of your usual liquid or yoghurt

      Pouring it into whole-grain cereal or oatmeal (and sprinkling on some nuts) for a nutritionally-balanced breakfast

      Kean also swears by kefir in place of buttermilk or sour cream in all sorts of recipes. She also likes using it to add creaminess to dressings, dips, and soups.

      The bottom line: The exact nutrition you get from a kefir product depends on whether it’s made from dairy or a plant-based alternative. Either way, the smooth, fermented beverage is a great source of probiotics.

      This article was originally published on www.womenshealthmag.com More