The Wellness Scoop

Fussy Eaters, BMI Myths & The School Dessert Debate

How can you boost nutrition for fussy children without changing the foods they already love? How reliable is BMI as a measure of health, particularly for women or people recovering from disordered eating? And should desserts really be served every day in primary schools? This week we answer your questions on hidden nutrients for picky eaters, navigating BMI without damaging your relationship with food, and the debate around sugary desserts in school meals. We also talk about spotting misleading health claims online and share lots of practical tips to help make everyday wellness feel simpler. Send your questions for our weekly Q&A to ⁠hello@wellness-scoop.com⁠. Order your copy of Ella's new book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quick Wins: Healthy Cooking for Busy Lives⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Order your copy of Rhi's book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Fibre Formula⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Can Multivitamins Slow Ageing? Obesity Myths & Brain Boosts

Can a daily multivitamin really slow biological ageing? Is obesity simply about willpower, or is the biology far more complex? And could just 15 minutes of exercise help your brain work more efficiently? This week we unpack the science behind obesity for World Obesity Day, break down the new research linking multivitamins to biological ageing, and explore how short bursts of exercise may boost brain performance. We also look at two trends shaping the wellness conversation right now: a campaign calling for a social media ban for under-16s and the resurgence of dangerous sunbed misinformation online. Send your questions for our weekly Q&A to ⁠hello@wellness-scoop.com⁠. Order your copy of Ella's new book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quick Wins: Healthy Cooking for Busy Lives⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Order your copy of Rhi's book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Fibre Formula⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stress Eating, Sugar Substitutes & Fixing Your Gut

Why do we reach for sweet food when we’re stressed? Are zero-sugar sweeteners actually better for our health? And can digestive enzymes really help if dairy doesn’t agree with you? This week, we unpack stress eating in busy seasons of life, the science behind low and zero-sugar substitutes like stevia and monk fruit, and whether digestive enzymes can support lactose intolerance. We also dive into fibre targets, plant counting and how to make small, practical shifts to improve your health in ways that work in real life. Send your questions for our weekly Q&A to ⁠hello@wellness-scoop.com⁠. Order your copy of Ella's new book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quick Wins: Healthy Cooking for Busy Lives⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Order your copy of Rhi's book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Fibre Formula⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Diets That Lower Cancer Risk, Collagen Hype & The Mental Health Divide

Does collagen actually do anything for your skin? Which diets are linked to lower cancer risk? Is mental health really declining in younger generations, and have we surpassed peak wellness as we head into 2026? This week we break down collagen hype versus reality, the largest diet studies on cancer risk, and the growing generational mental health divide, alongside the biggest wellness trends set to shape the year ahead. From global data to practical tips, it’s everything you need to make sense of the headlines and apply them to real life. Order your copy of Ella's new book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quick Wins: Healthy Cooking for Busy Lives⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Pre-order your copy of Rhi's upcoming book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Fibre Formula⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Psyllium Husk, The Cost of Over-Optimising & Health Hacks

Episode 98 and the countdown to 100 is officially on. This week is a listener Q&A special. We break down the rise of psyllium husk and what it actually does for gut health, separating meaningful fibre support from supplement hype. We also tackle blood sugar anxiety and the growing obsession with glucose “hacks”, asking how much the average person really needs to worry about spikes, post-meal walks and carb timing. We explore 14:10 fasting for energy and digestive health, and what to do when wellness routines start to feel restrictive rather than supportive. Alongside that, we share practical, nourishing snack ideas for last-minute guests, discuss how to protect bone health after an osteopenia diagnosis, and reflect on the wider conversation around moving out of London in search of a slower pace of life. As always, we’re cutting through the noise and focusing on what’s sustainable, evidence-based and actually helpful in real life. Order your copy of Rhi's upcoming book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Fibre Formula⁠⁠⁠⁠ - out today! Thirty Plants App - Track your plant points through the week on this handy app, as recommended by our listener Olivia Order your copy of Ella's new book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quick Wins: Healthy Cooking for Busy Lives⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cortisol, Cardio & The Everyday Habits Protecting Your Brain

This week on The Wellness Scoop, we’re looking at the small, everyday habits that may influence our long-term health more than we think. From early research on stress hormones and cancer biology to new data on heart disease risk in men and women, we break down what the science actually shows and where the nuance matters. We revisit dementia prevention through a wider lens, exploring lifelong learning, oral health and cognitive engagement, and what they tell us about how closely the brain is connected to the rest of the body. We also unpack the gender gap in exercise habits and what it means for heart health. In our trends section, we explore fibre layering versus fibremaxxing and why variety may matter more than totals for gut health. We finish with practical, evidence-based sleep tips, because quality rest underpins everything from stress resilience to metabolic health. Recommendations: Shawn Achor on Super Soul Order your copy of Ella's new book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quick Wins: Healthy Cooking for Busy Lives⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Pre-order your copy of Rhi's upcoming book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Fibre Formula⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Superfood Hype, Collagen, Air Fryers & Hidden Veggie Wins

This week on The Wellness Scoop, we are answering your questions and unpacking some of the biggest wellness trends shaping everyday choices. We start with spirulina. Is it a true superfood or more marketing than substance? We look at what it actually contains, whether it meaningfully contributes fibre, why it is not a reliable source of B12, and what to consider during pregnancy and breastfeeding. We then tackle the air fryer debate. Does it really save money on energy bills and is it healthier than using a traditional oven? We break down how it works, what the science says about fat use and cooking methods, and when it makes sense to invest in one. We also share practical ideas for increasing fibre in children who struggle with vegetables, explore whether gums and emulsifiers in plant milks are something to worry about, and answer your questions on omega 7, dried fruit, collagen and protecting brain health as we age. Send your questions for our weekly Q&A to hello@wellness-scoop.com. Order your copy of Ella's new book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quick Wins: Healthy Cooking for Busy Lives⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Pre-order your copy of Rhi's upcoming book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Fibre Formula⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Fasting Myths, Gut-Boosting Pasta & A Five-Year Brain Boost

This week on The Wellness Scoop, we unpack four headlines shaping how we eat and think about health. A major Cochrane review finds intermittent fasting is no more effective for weight loss than standard calorie-controlled diets, despite its surge in popularity. We explore what the evidence actually shows and why public perception may not match the data. We then dive into resistant starch, the underrated fibre found in foods like lentils and cooled pasta, and explain how simple preparation tweaks can support gut health, cholesterol and blood sugar balance. New research also suggests that lifelong reading, writing and learning could lower dementia risk by nearly 40% and delay onset by up to five years. We unpack what this means for cognitive reserve and long-term brain resilience. And finally, we look at the rise of matcha. From high street launches to social media hype, we break down whether it really deserves its health halo and how it compares to coffee. Order your copy of Ella's new book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quick Wins: Healthy Cooking for Busy Lives⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Pre-order your copy of Rhi's upcoming book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Fibre Formula⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Easy Food Swaps, Snacking Smarter & Anti-Inflammatory Supplements

In this week’s episode, we’re answering your questions on making everyday food choices simpler and more nourishing. We start with micronutrients on plant-heavy diets, including how to think about calcium, magnesium, zinc and iodine across the week without tracking apps, and when blood tests can be helpful during breastfeeding. We then look at easy food swaps that save time, including packaged grains and lentils, where they sit in the NOVA system, and why they can be a genuinely useful shortcut. Next, we share nut-free snack ideas for work, focusing on whole-food-leaning options that support steady energy. We also unpack bloating and inflammation, how hormones and stress affect gut health, and what to know about anti-inflammatory supplements like butyrate. Finally, we break down chickpea pasta versus white pasta, looking at fibre, protein and how it fits into a balanced way of eating. Send your questions for our weekly Q&A to hello@wellness-scoop.com. Order your copy of Ella's new book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quick Wins: Healthy Cooking for Busy Lives⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Pre-order your copy of Rhi's upcoming book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Fibre Formula⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is Coffee Good for You? The AI Monk & Gut–Brain Health

In this week’s episode, we’re diving into the headlines shaping how we think about brain health, everyday habits and modern wellness. First up, we look at a major long-term study exploring tea and coffee consumption and dementia risk, and what it adds to the conversation around coffee and brain health. Then, we unpack the growing evidence linking gut health, inflammation and cognitive decline, and why what’s happening in the gut may matter more for the brain than we once thought. And finally, we turn to what’s trending in wellness, from the viral AI monk offering algorithmic calm to the resurfacing of AG1 supplement data, and what both stories reveal about trust, influence and the commodification of wellbeing online. Send your questions for our weekly Q&A to hello@wellness-scoop.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sweet vs Savoury Breakfasts, Celeb Supplements & ACV Shots

This week on The Wellness Scoop, we’re answering your questions on breakfast smoothies, savoury breakfasts, blood sugar balance and the wellness habits everyone seems to be talking about right now. We unpack whether blending foods like oats and bananas actually changes their nutritional value, take a closer look at glucose-focused eating, ACV shots and food-order hacks, and explain what the evidence really says about managing blood sugar in midlife without extremes. We also discuss celebrity-backed supplements like NMN, what we know (and don’t know) about longevity claims, and finish with a calm, evidence-based look at deodorant versus antiperspirant, aluminium fears and how to think about everyday chemical exposure without panic. Send your questions for our weekly Q&A to hello@wellness-scoop.com. Order your copy of Ella's new book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quick Wins: Healthy Cooking for Busy Lives⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Pre-order your copy of Rhi's upcoming book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Fibre Formula⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Reclaiming Our Attention, Cancer-Linked Ingredients & Fermented Foods

This week on The Wellness Scoop, we’re talking about why so many of us feel constantly distracted, what new research is revealing about cancer-linked ingredients in everyday foods, and why fermented foods are one of the most evidence-backed habits worth building into real life. We break down why attention feels so hard to hold onto right now, how scrolling, sleep and alcohol quietly shape focus and memory, and what the science actually shows helps us reclaim concentration without cutting technology out altogether. We also unpack major new studies linking long-term exposure to certain food preservatives with increased cancer and type 2 diabetes risk, what this says about how our food system has changed, and the realistic food swaps that matter most. We close by looking at fermented foods, why aiming to include them weekly, or ideally daily, is strongly linked to better gut health, lower inflammation and overall wellbeing, and how to do it simply. Send your questions for our weekly Q&A to hello@wellness-scoop.com. Find out more about today's contributor, Sophie Medlin at City Dietitions - and check out her work with Which? where she gives the lowdown on supplements Order your copy of Ella's new book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quick Wins: Healthy Cooking for Busy Lives⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Pre-order your copy of Rhi's upcoming book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Fibre Formula⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

IBS, Oils and the Fats We’re All Confused About

This week on The Wellness Scoop, we’re talking about everything from navigating long-term IBS and nutrient gaps on a plant-forward diet, to making sense of fats, oils and everyday cooking choices. We answer questions on flax and chia, including whether heat affects their omega-3 content and how to use them practically in meals. We look at iodine intake on a mostly plant-based diet, which foods contribute meaningfully, when supplementation can be helpful, and how to approach it without unnecessary anxiety or restriction. We also explore IBS, why symptoms can persist for years, why one-size-fits-all diets often fall short, and what sustainable, personalised support can look like. Alongside this, we reflect on messages about phone use and digital habits, and how small shifts away from constant scrolling can support overall wellbeing. Finally, we dig into fats and oils. We break down saturated fat and coconut oil, what the evidence says about cholesterol, how often it’s realistic to use, and how to think about vegan cheeses. We also compare olive oil and cold-pressed rapeseed oil, when each works best, and why variety tends to matter more than perfection. Send your questions for our weekly Q&A to: hello@wellness-scoop.com  Recommendations:  The Night Manager The Wedding People Tell Me Lies on Disney+ Bridgerton The Housemaid (film) The 30 Plan by Catherine Rabess Order your copy of Ella's new book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quick Wins: Healthy Cooking for Busy Lives⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Pre-order your copy of Rhi's upcoming book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Fibre Formula⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Scrolling Less, Moving More & Tips for Everyday Health

This week on The Wellness Scoop, we’re talking about why variety in movement matters for long-term health, what new data is telling us about the rise in bowel cancer among younger adults, and why so many of us are starting to question how screens shape our time, attention and wellbeing. We break down large new studies showing that mixing up how you move, even in small amounts, is linked to a lower risk of early death, and why the benefits level off long before extremes. We then explore new data on bowel cancer in under-50s, looking at alcohol intake, ultra-processed foods, red and processed meat, fibre and physical activity, and what the evidence consistently shows helps reduce risk without fear or all-or-nothing thinking. We also dig into research showing that scrolling is the most common but least enjoyable way we spend our free time, and what people actually find more rewarding instead. Finally, we explore the growing return to analogue living, from craft hobbies and physical books to analogue bags and low-tech swaps, and why this shift may be less about nostalgia and more about reclaiming attention in an increasingly digital world. Send your questions for our weekly Q&A to hello@wellness-scoop.com. Check out Ella's new Substack HERE Order your copy of Ella's new book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quick Wins: Healthy Cooking for Busy Lives⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Pre-order your copy of Rhi's upcoming book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Fibre Formula⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Blood Sugar Spikes, Magnesium & Eating Well on a Budget

This week on The Wellness Scoop, we’re answering your questions on eating well in real life, especially when routines are disrupted, budgets are stretched and online wellness advice starts to feel overwhelming. We talk about healthy eating around shift work, whether fruit on its own really causes harmful blood sugar spikes, and how to avoid a whole food approach tipping into restriction or food anxiety. We also unpack the surge in protein-focused TV shows and “nutrient-dense” supermarket ranges, and what’s genuinely useful versus clever marketing. There’s practical guidance on fibre too, including how to lower intake temporarily when advised, and how to reintroduce it without gut discomfort. We answer a brilliant question on magnesium and sleep, cutting through supplement hype to look at what the evidence says and whether food can meet your needs. Finally, we explore smart supermarket shopping, whether budget and premium stores differ nutritionally, what’s worth spending more on, and where you can save without compromising health. Along the way, we share listener tips on affordable swaps and low-tox home choices. Send your questions for our weekly Q&A to hello@wellness-scoop.com. Recommendations:  Books: The Housemaid and Heart the Lover Podcast: The Rest is Entertainment Brooklyn Beckham’s Explosive Statement Tea: Dragonfly Rooibos Vanilla Tea Order your copy of Ella's new book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quick Wins: Healthy Cooking for Busy Lives⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Pre-order your copy of Rhi's upcoming book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Fibre Formula⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Optimism, Immunity and the Truth About Burning Fat

This week on The Wellness Scoop, we’re talking about whether optimism can influence immune health, what the science really says about exercising on an empty stomach, and why cabbage is being tipped as 2026’s “it” vegetable. We break down new research linking mindset and immune response, look at the evidence on fasted exercise, fat loss, metabolic health and hormones, and explore the rise of fibre, gut health and fermented foods through the return of cabbage to centre stage. We also dig into the darker side of modern wellness, including the rise of extreme detox trends like blood “cleaning”, and why supporting the body’s natural detox systems remains far more grounded in science. Send your questions for our weekly Q&A to hello@wellness-scoop.com. Order your copy of Ella's new book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quick Wins: Healthy Cooking for Busy Lives⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Pre-order your copy of Rhi's upcoming book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Fibre Formula⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Are Portion Sizes Sexist? Meditation and Heavy Metals

This week on The Wellness Scoop, we’re unpacking some of the health debates that have been quietly everywhere. We start with the question that sparked a lot of reaction in December: should restaurants offer smaller portion sizes for women? We look at where the idea came from, what the data actually says, and why it struck such a nerve. We then turn to meditation and breathwork. We talk about why they’re suddenly part of so many conversations around stress, hormones and the nervous system, what they’re actually doing in the body, and how to get started without turning calm into another thing to get “right”. We also dig into your questions about food and health claims, from concerns around heavy metals in dark chocolate to whether “wellness” versions of everyday foods really offer anything extra. It’s a grounded look at what matters, what’s overhyped, and how to think about health choices without adding more pressure. Send your questions for our weekly Q&A to: hello@wellness-scoop.com Order your copy of Ella's new book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quick Wins: Healthy Cooking for Busy Lives⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Pre-order your copy of Rhi's upcoming book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Fibre Formula⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Exercise as Therapy, Super-Salads & the Pressure to Optimise

This week on The Wellness Scoop, we’re unpacking some of the health stories shaping how we think about wellbeing right now. We start with new research showing that regular, moderate exercise can be as effective as therapy for depression for some people, and what the evidence actually says about what works best. We then look at two stories that reveal how much our food environment matters. New data shows just how much hidden salt we’re consuming in the UK, alongside research revealing how quickly weight can return after stopping weight-loss injections. Together, they highlight why long-term health can’t rely on medication alone. We finish by exploring modern wellness culture, from the rise of the £12.50 super-salad as Gen Z’s new “treat” to the growing pressure to optimise every part of our lives, and when the pursuit of health can start to feel more stressful than supportive. Send your questions for our weekly Q&A to: hello@wellness-scoop.com Order your copy of Ella's new book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quick Wins: Healthy Cooking for Busy Lives⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Pre-order your copy of Rhi's upcoming book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Fibre Formula⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Fads, Fasting & Finding Calm

This week on The Wellness Scoop, we’re answering your questions on fasting trends, supplements, junk food advertising, and the beauty and wellness advice filling our feeds. Plus Ella deep dives into our time off social media and how she stopped doom scrolling to find more calm.  We also talk about low iron and how to support iron intakes without relying on red meat, genetically high cholesterol and why diet alone doesn’t always change the numbers, and whether viral trends like sardine fasts or sea moss actually offer benefits or unnecessary risk. We also unpack magnesium for sleep, red light face masks, and how to approach supplements and beauty tech without getting pulled in by marketing. We zoom out to the wider food environment too, including junk food advertising bans, celebrity endorsements of ultra-processed food, and whether these policies are likely to shape children’s health in a meaningful way. Along the way, we cover warm, nourishing meals that are easier to digest, budget-friendly shopping, and how to eat well without slipping into restriction. Send your questions for our weekly Q&A to hello@wellness-scoop.com. Recommendations:  Brick⁠ - win back a bit of presence in your day Emily In Paris⁠ on Netflix The White Princess⁠ on Channel 4 Loved Before⁠ - Eco-friendly toys!  The Great Escaper⁠ (find it on the BBC iPlayer) Order your copy of Ella's new book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quick Wins: Healthy Cooking for Busy Lives⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Pre-order your copy of Rhi's upcoming book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Fibre Formula⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Detox Myths, Morning Rituals & The US New Dietary Guidelines

This week on The Wellness Scoop, we’re digging into some of the biggest health stories shaping how we eat and live right now. We start with new data showing how weight-loss injections are quietly changing eating habits, with more people grazing on snacks instead of sitting down to meals, and what that could mean for nutrition, routine and long-term health. We then explore the idea of the “perfect” morning routine. Inspired by a Guardian piece we loved, we talk about why there’s no one-size-fits-all formula, but how a handful of simple, repeatable habits can genuinely improve how the day begins without turning mornings into another thing to optimise. We also take on detox culture. Drawing on a grounded BBC article, we explain why your body already detoxes itself extremely effectively, what actually supports those systems, and why fibre is emerging as one of the most important nutrition conversations of the year. And we unpick the new US food guidelines for you. Pre-order your copy of Ella's new book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Quick Wins: Healthy Cooking for Busy Lives⁠⁠⁠⁠ Pre-order your copy of Rhi's upcoming book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Fibre Formula⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Intermittent Fasting, Secrets to Gut Health and Biggest Nutrition Myths

This week we’re answering your biggest nutrition questions with Professor Sarah Berry, one of the UK’s leading nutritional scientists. Together we break down how to really understand UPFs, what the science says about seed oils and how to spot the healthier options, and the simple everyday principles that genuinely support how you feel. We dive into gut health and why diet diversity matters, the myths surrounding glucose, whether intermittent fasting is useful, and the truth about everything from plant points to low-fat foods. It’s a clear, practical, myth-busting conversation designed to cut through the confusion and help you feel confident in your everyday choices. Recommendations:  Teasy Tea Infuser ⁠Order your copy of Ella's new book: ⁠⁠⁠Quick Wins: Healthy Cooking for Busy Lives⁠⁠⁠ Pre-order your copy of Rhi's upcoming book: ⁠⁠⁠The Fibre Formula⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chocolate for Ageing? Friendship & The Nervous System Explained

This week we’re unpacking three of the health stories that have been everywhere as January gets underway. We start with why friendship and social connection are now being talked about as a serious health issue, from loneliness in our 30s to the growing evidence that connection supports mental health, reduces inflammation and even influences longevity. We then look at the headlines linking dark chocolate to ageing, breaking down the new research on cocoa compounds and biological age, why it was picked up so widely, and what it does and doesn’t mean in real life. As ever, context matters more than hype. Finally, we dive into the nervous system and the vagus nerve, one of the biggest wellness trends heading into 2026. We explain what’s actually going on beneath the buzz, why so many people feel overstimulated and wired, and what genuinely helps your nervous system feel calmer and more regulated, without falling for quick fixes. Order your copy of Ella's new book: ⁠⁠⁠Quick Wins: Healthy Cooking for Busy Lives⁠⁠⁠ Pre-order your copy of Rhi's upcoming book: ⁠⁠⁠The Fibre Formula⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gut Health, Supplements & Eating Well Without Obsession

In this episode, we’re answering your questions on gut health and everyday nutrition, focusing on what genuinely supports your body without tipping into overwhelm or rigid food rules. From fibre and fats to supplements and sweeteners, we unpack what actually matters and how to build habits that feel sustainable in real life. We talk about how quickly dietary changes can influence gut health, why small additions like seeds, fibre-rich foods and regular meals can make a noticeable difference, and what that tells us about how responsive the gut microbiome really is. We also break down the differences between omega 3, 6 and 9, how to think about seed oils without fear, and when supplements like zinc may be genuinely helpful, particularly after pregnancy. We also spend time on the emotional side of eating well. We discuss how to nourish your body without slipping into obsessive behaviours, how to navigate body image pressure and online trends, and why true health should support flexibility, enjoyment and resilience rather than control. Recommendations: Amandaland Christmas Special Super Pumped: The Battle for Uber Simon Cowell: The Next Act Poldark Order your copy of Ella's new book: ⁠⁠Quick Wins: Healthy Cooking for Busy Lives⁠⁠ Pre-order your copy of Rhi's upcoming book: ⁠⁠The Fibre Formula⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

5 Tips for a Healthy 2026, Anti-Cancer Jabs & Botox Risks

As we head into a new year, we’re focusing on what it really means to build a healthy 2026, without extremes or quick fixes. In this episode, we look at the health stories shaping the year ahead and what they tell us about making calmer, more informed decisions for long-term wellbeing. We explore hopeful developments in cancer prevention, following a Channel 4 documentary and UK reporting on vaccine trials starting this year for people at higher risk, and what this shift towards prevention could mean for the future of healthcare. We also unpack a major move from the World Health Organization to properly study traditional and natural medicine, from meditation and tai chi to simple food-based interventions, and how these practices fit alongside modern medicine. Finally, we look at a sobering wellness story gaining attention at the start of the year. Reports of botulism linked to anti-wrinkle injections raise important questions about safety, regulation and informed consent, and what people need to know to make safer choices. Order your copy of Ella's new book: ⁠Quick Wins: Healthy Cooking for Busy Lives⁠ Pre-order your copy of Rhi's upcoming book: ⁠The Fibre Formula⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2025 Highlights, Red Light Masks, Our Daily Rituals

This week we’re closing out the year with the moments that shaped 2025; the trends that genuinely made a difference, the habits that stuck and the simple rituals our whole community kept coming back to. From red light masks and fibre-maxxing to the wellness shifts that actually felt doable, we’re sharing what mattered most and why it resonated. We’re also diving into your end-of-year questions, from navigating UPFs and building easy plant-forward meals to creating cosy evening rituals and figuring out which habits are really worth prioritising. It’s a practical, honest look at what helped us feel grounded this year and the small anchors we’re taking with us into 2026. Grab your copy of Ella's new book 'Quick Wins' - out today! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sugar Cravings, Protein Shakes & The Secret to Better Sleep

This week we’re diving into the health stories you’ll actually want to know about as we head into mid-December. We’re unpacking why sugar cravings are so common and what’s really happening in your brain and body when they strike, plus the small, practical shifts that genuinely help. We look at the wild rise of protein shakes, from beef-sludge origins to celebrity smoothies and Michelin-styled blends, and what you actually need to know about protein for real-world health. We also explore the science of better sleep. A new wave of research is showing just how much gentle, consistent mind–body movement regulates cortisol, supports the nervous system and improves sleep quality over time. We break down what really makes the difference and how to build habits that help you sleep more deeply and wake up feeling human again. Ella’s book signing on the 16th: https://www.bookbaruk.com/event-details/meet-ella-mills-exclusive-pre-publication-signing-and-meet-greet 50% off code for Quick Wins with ⁠Waterstones⁠ - ‘QUICKWINS50’ (enter the code at checkout) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Best UPF-Free Chocolate, Greens Powders and Calories v Protein

This week we’re answering your biggest end-of-year questions, from greens powders and plant points to calories versus protein and how to make sense of it all. We look at what actually matters, what doesn’t, and the simple shifts that make eating well feel easier rather than overwhelming. We’re also doing a proper chocolate tasting to find the best UPF-free options. We break down what to look for, how to spot the clever marketing, and which ones genuinely deliver. Plus, we dive into your questions on sourdough starters, prebiotic fibres like Myota, berberine, and how to support your gut without getting lost in the noise. It’s a practical, down-to-earth Q&A to help you end the year feeling clearer, calmer and more confident about what actually works. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Beating Hangovers, Wellness Washing & The Chronic Disease Pandemic

This week we’re diving into the health stories you’ll actually want to know about as we head into December. We’re looking at how to beat a hangover and stay well through the festive chaos, from sleep dips to sugar overload. We unpack the rise of wellness washing, why so many “healthy” products are anything but, and how to spot the difference between real wellbeing and clever marketing. Our big story this week is the chronic disease pandemic. A major new Lancet review has brought global attention to the links between modern diets, ultra processed foods and long term illness, exposing the industry forces driving the trend and what the evidence really shows. We break down the key findings and share the simple, realistic habits that genuinely support long term health. Ella’s book tour events: https://www.bookbaruk.com/event-details/meet-ella-mills-exclusive-pre-publication-signing-and-meet-greet 50% off code for Quick Wins with Waterstones - ‘QUICKWINS50’ (enter the code at checkout) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Christmas Menus, Intolerance Tests and the Wellness Trends to Ignore

In this Extra Scoop we’re tackling your brilliant listener questions, from the confusion around food intolerance tests to what to cook for a summer Christmas lunch. We break down why IgG tests aren’t reliable, how to get a proper diagnosis and why unnecessary restriction can do more harm than good. Rhi shares her clinical insight into navigating misinformation online, from the rise of the AIP diet to the red flags around unregulated “women’s health practitioners.” We also answer your questions on omega-3 supplements, skincare ingredients like BHT and phenoxyethanol, and whether lots of small meals or three bigger ones best support digestion and sleep. Plus, we share your latest dark chocolate recommendations and talk through what a Deliciously Ella–style summer Christmas menu might look like. It’s a practical, myth-busting episode designed to bring a bit of clarity, calm and common sense to the world of everyday wellness. Recommendations: The best dark chocolates (so far!): Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Madagascan 80%, M&S 75%, Tesco 85%, Divine 85%, Hu Kitchen, Ombar 80% Ella’s book event: https://www.bookbaruk.com/event-details/meet-ella-mills-exclusive-pre-publication-signing-and-meet-greet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Food, Mood and the 2026 Wellness Trends to Watch!

This week we’re unpacking the stories shaping long-term health, from the latest research on ultra-processed foods to the global rise in childhood blood pressure. We look at a major new study linking UPFs to early bowel polyps in women under 50, what the data actually shows and what practical changes matter day to day. We also explore why hypertension in children has almost doubled over the past twenty years, what’s driving the trend, and the small, realistic habits that help protect heart health from early life. Alongside the big stories, we dive into two smaller but fascinating pieces of research: how gallery visits can lower cortisol and inflammation, and why speaking more than one language might help slow biological ageing. We pick up on last week’s GLP-1 discussion with a thought-provoking piece from The Cut on emotional blunting, appetite and pleasure, and round things off with the seven wellness trends set to shape 2026 including bone health, creatine, fibre, tech boundaries, cellular health and infrared workouts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices