The Wellness Scoop

Manifesting, creating your dream life and adaptogenic mushrooms with Roxie Nafousi

I’m joined by self-development coach, manifesting expert, and author, Roxie Nafousi. Roxie turned her life around by practising manifestation and shifting her mindset. She is deeply committed to helping others see the infinite power that lies within them so that they can create the lives they desire. We discuss: What manifesting is and why it can change your life The importance of being clear on your priorities The myth of willpower and discipline from a place of self-compassion How sitting in discomfort is the way forward Why letting go and stepping into the unknown is a power move How to cultivate self-trust and self-love Each week I unpack a wellness trend with GP Gemma Newman. This week on Fact or Fad we’re looking at adaptogenic mushrooms – are they healthful or overhyped? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How to lead a more fulfilled life, let go of ‘perfection’ and the power of a daily gratitude practice with Sarah Stein Lubrano

I’m joined by Sarah Stein Lubrano from The School of Life, a global organisation of psychologists, philosophers and writers dedicated to helping people lead more meaningful, fulfilled, and resilient lives through useful tools and resources We discuss: Why you need define what success means to you How to create a mindset for a more fulfilled life How to let go of the need to be ‘extraordinary’/’perfect’ The importance of the quality of your relationships on your wellbeing and happiness How to engineer more meaningful relationships Why you need to get used to tolerating discomfort and ambiguity Each week I unpack a wellness trend with GP Gemma Newman. This week on Fact or Fad we’re looking at having a daily gratitude practice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How to beat stress, build resilience and the lowdown on collagen with Dr Sam Akbar

I’m joined by clinical psychologist, trauma expert and author, Dr Sam Akbar. From understanding how your brain works and challenging your thought-processes to having more self-compassion, Sam’s work centres around providing sensitive and realistic guidance and tools to feel calmer, less stressed, and more resilient to life challenges. We discuss: How to find psychological flourishing Why your thoughts are not the boss of you How to change your relationship with your thoughts Exercises to cultivate self-awareness How to beat stress & build resilience The importance of living life in line your values Each week I unpack a wellness trend with GP Gemma Newman. This week on Fact or Fad we’re looking at collagen supplements.   More about Sam:   ‘Stressilient: How to Build Stree and Build Resilience’ https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0008448043/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_dl_AF3DXW7323ERQZ4G7XN7 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Habits to live to 100, Blue Zones and cold showers with Dan Buettner

I’m joined by National Geographic explorer, longevity expert and author, Dan Buettner. Dan’s work centres on reverse-engineering the lifestyles of individuals living in the Blue Zones, the regions in the world with the greatest number of centenarians, and specifically, how these individuals eat, move, live, and interact with others to live long and healthy lives.   We discuss: How to eat to live to 100 Why deliciousness is the key to eating well for life Shaping your food environment for health and happiness Exercise habits for longevity The impact of community on your wellbeing How to reduce stress and why it matters for longevity   Each week I unpack a wellness trend with GP Gemma Newman. This week on Fact or Fad we’re looking at cold showers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Working with your body, finding courage and celery juice with Hazel Wallace

I’m joined by Dr Hazel Wallace, medical doctor, registered nutritionist (ANutr), best-selling author and founder of The Food Medic. Hazel is currently leading the conversation on making women’s health count within medicine and healthcare. We discuss: The power of understanding your body and cycle How hormones influence mood, digestion, and sleep How to work with your body to improve your health Gender inequality in biomedical research and healthcare Why mental health and mood changes are more than just biology Finding the courage to pivot professionally and personally Each week I unpack a wellness trend with GP Gemma Newman. This week on Fact or Fad we’re looking at celery juice. Does the research back the ‘healing elixir’ claims? More about Hazel: ‘The Female Factor’ https://www.amazon.co.uk/Female-Factor-Making-womens-health/dp/1529382866  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How to sleep well, reducing cravings and matcha versus coffee with Russell Foster

I’m joined by Russell Foster CBE, one of the most prominent sleep experts globally and professor of circadian neuroscience at Oxford University. Russell’s research centres around sleep, the body clock and how the two profoundly affect our biology and our overall health and wellbeing. We discuss: Why sleep is important and how much we really need The link between cravings, hunger, and sleep Tools for improving sleep quality Why stress may be at the root of your sleep difficulties How fine-tuning your internal body clock supports optimal health Each week I unpack a wellness trend with GP Gemma Newman. This week on Fact or Fad we’re looking at matcha versus coffee, where should we get our caffeine from. More about Russell: ‘Life Time: The New Science of the Body Clock, and How it Can Revolutionize Your Sleep and Health’  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Life-Time-Science-Revolutionize-Health/dp/0241529301 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How to change habits, taking life off hold and mindful eating with Shahroo Izadi

I’m joined by behavioural change expert and author Shahroo Izadi. After working in addiction treatment within the criminal justice system, Shahroo realised she could utilise the same tools to help the masses change their unwanted patterns of behaviour and now helps individuals with binge eating, negative self-talk, low self-esteem and social media use to name a few. We discuss: Why you need to take life off hold to change your habits The mindset and practical tools to help you do difficult things How to make lasting behaviour changes The power of self-kindness and self-awareness Understanding what purpose your habits serve Each week I unpack a wellness trend with GP Gemma Newman. This week on Fact or Fad we’re looking at mindful eating.  DISCLAIMER: this episode touches on eating disorders and Shahroo’s personal experience in this regard. Please take care listening and talk to your GP if you need support or guidance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Caffeine, the untapped potential of plants and intermittent fasting with Michael Pollan

To kick off the new podcast, I’m joined by acclaimed author and journalist Michael Pollan. Michael is widely known for his work demystifying the food and agriculture industry and is now opening new frontiers in the highly controversial field of plant psychedelics, and their potential as tools for healing mental illnesses and disorders. We discuss: ·         What should you eat if you’re concerned about your health ·         Why cooking more automatically improves health and happiness ·         Understanding your relationship with caffeine ·         The health benefits of caffeine Each week I unpack a wellness trend with GP Gemma Newman. This week on Fact or Fad we’re looking at intermittent fasting.  More about Michael: ‘This Is Your Mind on Plants’ https://www.amazon.co.uk/This-Your-Plants-Michael-Pollan/dp/0593296907  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

10 Years of Deliciously Ella: A Candid Conversation with Founder Ella Mills and CEO Matthew Mills

This special episode celebrates the 10-year anniversary of Deliciously Ella and is also the first ever live recording of the feel better podcast. Founder, Ella Mills, and CEO, Matthew Mills, are joined by journalist Laura Jackson for a candid conversation reflecting on the past 10 years, the highs and lows of the company’s journey, and to discuss what they’ve learnt in the process.   They discuss: How plant-based and wellness went from niche to mainstream Why the brand has stayed relevant Being a nimble business The evolution of Deliciously Ella over the last 10 years Challenging times and learnings Staying true to Deliciously Ella’s values From a recipe blog to 6 books, a podcast, plant-based food products, a restaurant, and a holistic wellness app Advice and learnings from growing and running a company Finding a work-life balance Looking ahead to the future of Deliciously Ella See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How to Cultivate Happiness

We’re joined by Dr. Rangan Chatterjee, a doctor with over 20 years of experience, as well as an author and podcast host, to discuss why we need to redefine our concept of happiness, the interrelationship of health and happiness, and the simple ways to get back in control of our lives.   We discuss: How happiness and health are linked The difference between core happiness and junk happiness The importance of alignment, contentment and control The want-brain Why success isn’t the source of happiness A simple but powerful exercise to cultivate greater awareness and intention Why self-compassion is at the root of long-term health and happiness The stress response The value of a daily solitude practice Why regularly taking time to reflect is so beneficial The power of taking control of your mindset Rangan Chatterjee: ‘Happy Mind, Happy Life’ https://drchatterjee.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How Simple Tools Can Revolutionise the Way we Feel

We’re joined by Max Strom, speaker and global teacher of personal transformation, to discuss the simple tools that can transform the way we feel, the importance of regulating our emotions, the loneliness epidemic and the power of the breath to alleviate crippling anxiety, depression, PTSD and sleep problems.   We discuss: The connection between our body and our emotions The stress and loneliness epidemic  Why we don’t practice emotional self-regulation in modern society Alleviating stress, anxiety, and sleep disfunction naturally The importance of expressing our emotions to heal Why breathing practices enable us to release unreconciled emotions The power of processing grief with others Why we need to come together to overcome crises Vulnerability, fulfilment and social media The power of slow, steady breathing with mindful movement Max Strom: ‘A Life Worth Breathing’ https://maxstrom.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why You Need to Find Connection in the Modern World

We’re joined by Johann Hari, a writer and journalist, who travelled all over the world to interview and learn from the leading scientists investigating why we’re losing focus to what matters and what the impact of chronic distraction is, and also to those developing the solutions. We discuss: Why we’re living in an attention crisis and why willpower isn’t the problem Why we need to stop task switching The impact of being chronically distracted on our brain power Why sleep and diet are critical components of reclaiming focus Why restoring childhood is so important The individual and collective changes for solving our attention crisis How to get into a flow state to find deep focus Why stress undermines our ability to focus Johann Hari: ‘Stolen Focus’ https://stolenfocusbook.com https://johannhari.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How to Fuel Your Body

We’re joined by Anita Bean, registered nutritionist and author, to discuss how to fuel our bodies properly to best support exercise. We discuss: The rise in plant-based high-performance athletes How a plant-based diet can support athletic performance Is soya harmful or beneficial? The performance-enhancing effect of caffeine Pre-workout meals and snacks Why fasted training might not be healthy How to build a balanced meal to optimise training Post-exercise hydration and nutrition The relationship between ketogenic diets and performance Anita Bean: https://anitabean.co.uk ‘The Vegan Athlete’s Cookbook’ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bite-Sized: 4 Tips For Better Sleep

We’re joined by Guy Meadows, physiologist and leading sleep expert, to discuss his simple tips and habits that we can implement on a day-to-day basis to improve our sleep. Here’s a brief recap: The importance of prioritising sleep Why we should strive for regularity How sufficient exposure to natural light during the day helps us sleep better at night Why blue light inhibits sleep Daily habits that promote our drive for sleep and quality of sleep Why consistency is the key to better sleep Guy Meadows: ‘The Sleep Book: How to Sleep Well Every Night’ https://sleepschool.org/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How to Break Up With Your Phone and Have More Fun

We’re joined by Catherine Price, a science journalist and speaker, to talk about our relationship with our devices, how to achieve more screen-life balance, and the value of having more true fun. We discuss: How our attachment to our phones impacts our stress levels How social media manipulates our brain’s dopamine system The consequence of the manipulation of our dopamine system Practical steps for establishing a healthy relationship with our phone The 3 components of true fun Why true fun is essential to our overall wellbeing The impact of loneliness on our mental and physical health How fun supports resilience The link between fun and decision making & productivity Catherine Price: @_catherineprice https://howtohavefun.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bite-Sized: Why You Can’t Sleep When You’re Stressed

We’re joined by Guy Meadows, physiologist and leading sleep expert, to discuss how stress impacts our sleep and the small practical tools we can implement to manage stress and sleep better.   Here’s a brief recap: Why stress impacts our ability to fall and stay asleep The nervous system and sleep How to manage everyday stress to sleep better Chronic stress and sleep How sleep helps us to manage stress Small, daily habits for better quality sleep The power of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for sleep   Guy Meadows: ‘The Sleep Book: How to Sleep Well Every Night’ https://sleepschool.org/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How to Change Our Relationship With Stress

We’re joined by Jenna Hope, a Registered Nutritionist, to talk about stress and how it impacts our bodies and our digestive systems, and how it interacts with our diets.   We discuss:   What stress is on a physiological level How stress affects our overall health What chronic stress is, and why it’s detrimental to our health and wellbeing How what we eat contributes to physiological stress The relationship between stress and caffeine, sugar, and alcohol The link between stress and appetite What to eat to help manage the stress response Breaking the emotional eating cycle Why stress and gut symptoms are related How to manage gut symptoms Stress management tools   Jenna Hope:  @jennahopenutrition https://www.jennahopenutrition.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bite-Sized: How Your Diet Affects Sleep

We’re joined by Guy Meadows, physiologist and leading sleep expert, to discuss why what we eat and drink has a profound impact on the quality of our sleep, and which aspects of our diet to focus on to support better sleep.   Here’s a short recap: The connection between diet and sleep Why a healthy diet supports better sleep The impact of caffeine, sugar, and alcohol on sleep Why when we eat affects sleep How sleep influences our appetite The importance of focusing on a healthy, balanced diet over specific nutrients   Guy Meadows: ‘The Sleep Book: How to Sleep Well Every Night’ https://sleepschool.org See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How to Improve Your Mental Health Everyday

We’re joined by Dr. Julie Smith, a Clinical Psychologist, to talk about the simple, practical tools we can all use to improve our mental wellbeing.    We discuss: How emotions work The importance of self-awareness The power of self-compassion and how to cultivate it How to build self-confidence Why failure is a necessary part of learning and improving How to respond to low mood and anxiety The foundations of good mental health  How to build a meaningful life Julie Smith: ‘Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before?’ https://t.co/21WBG5HOcL See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bite-Sized: Why Sleep Is So Important to Your Health

We’re joined by Guy Meadows, physiologist, and leading sleep expert, to discuss why sleep is such an integral element of our health. Here’s a quick recap: Why sleep is so key for supporting and improving our mental health How long we should be sleeping for How sleep supports our immunity, and the health of our heart and brain Sleep cycles The 2 drivers of sleep The importance of regularity How sleep is the bedrock for all aspects of our health Guy Meadows: ‘The Sleep Book: How to Sleep Well Every Night’ https://www.sleepschool.org See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why the Gut is the Key to Health

We’re joined by Dr. Emeran Mayer; a professor, gastroenterologist, scientist, and author about the latest research on the gut microbiome, the connection between the gut microbiome and the immune system, and how we can improve the health of our gut to support our overall health. We discuss: What is a healthy gut microbiome Is it nature or nurture that determines the health of our gut? The link between the gut microbiome and the immune system Why diet has a major role in how our immune system functions How inappropriate activation of the immune system is implicated in chronic disease How diet can be used to modify the immune system back to its normal state The importance of fibre, and a largely whole foods, plant-based diet The role of chronic stress in gut health and immune function How processed foods impact the gut microbiome The 3 key things we can do to support our gut microbiome Emeran Mayer: ‘The Mind-Gut Connection’ ‘The Gut-Immune Connection’ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bite-Sized: How to Improve Gut Health

Ways to improve our gut health with nutritional therapist Alice Mackintosh. An increasing body of evidence is demonstrating that the health of our gut microbiome affects the health of numerous other systems in the body and mind. In this bite-sized episode we look at how we can improve our gut health from the importance of fibre-rich plant foods and probiotics, as well as the role of processed foods and stress. Here’s a brief recap: Prioritise increasing fibre intakes, but go slowly Aim for 30 different whole plant foods each week Include more herbs and spices Add in fermented foods little and often Consider probiotic supplements Try to reduce highly processed foods and burnt foods Address managing stress levels Alice Mackintosh: @alicemackintosh_nutrition See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How to Escape the Productivity Trap

We’re joined by writer and author Oliver Burkeman to talk about the productivity-trap; the narrative that keeps our sense of self-worth and value tied to how much we get done and achieve. In his new book, Four Thousand Weeks, Oliver argues that this only results in disappointment and unhappiness, and explores how to cultivate a healthier relationship with productivity to ultimately lead a more fulfilling life.   We discuss: Confronting the mismatch between what we can do and what we think we can do Disarming perfectionism and the ‘when I’ mentality The relationship between productivity and self-worth The catch 22 of getting things done Why the notion of ‘balance’ may not always be the answer The benefit of enjoying leisure activities without any end goal in mind The distraction economy Ways to approach getting what matters done How to cultivate a healthier relationship with productivity Oliver Burkeman: ‘Four Thousand Weeks: Time and How to Use It’ Four Thousand Weeks: Embrace Your Limits. Change Your Life. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bite-Sized: Food to Boost Your Mood

Ways to support our mood with nutritional therapist Alice Mackintosh. Our mood is influenced by a variety of things including what we eat, and in this bite-sized episode we look at how we can support healthy brain function from the key macronutrients and micronutrients to be mindful of to the importance of whole plant foods, as well as the role of processed and refined foods. Here’s a quick recap: Including a variety of high-quality proteins Including sufficient B vitamins, vitamin D and magnesium Adding in more herbs and spices Aim for 30 different whole plant foods each week Give special attention to dark leafy greens Ensure to include essential fats (omega-3) Try to avoid overly processed and refined foods containing trans fats and additives  Alice Mackintosh: @alicemackintosh_nutrition www.alicemackintosh.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How a Plant-Based Diet Can Transform Your Health

We’re joined by Dr. Shireen Kassam, an NHS consultant and board-certified lifestyle medicine physician. Here’s a short recap of what we discuss: The power of diet and lifestyle factors in health and disease outcomes What is an unhealthy diet? The impact of ultra-processed foods in the body  What is inflammation, how is it related to diet and how is it linked to chronic diseases? Diet and immunity Why it is never too late to adopt a plant-based diet to improve our health Healthcare and the commercial industry How to optimise health on a plant-based diet The role of diet in cancer Lifestyle habits to improve our health Shireen Kassam: Book: ‘Eating Plant-Based: Scientific Answers to Your Nutrition Questions’ @plantbasedhealthprofessionals https://plantbasedhealthonline.com https://plantbasedhealthprofessionals.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bite-Sized: Eating for Energy

5 ways to boost energy with nutritional therapist Alice Mackintosh. Feeling tired all the time is the most common complaint in GP surgery’s, in this short episode we break down the simple steps to combat exhaustion from balancing blood sugar to the key vitamins and minerals to look out for, plus the role of coffee, sugar and artificial sweeteners. Here’s a simple recap - eat lots of bright, colourful, whole food ingredients and look at: Balancing blood sugar Switching to whole grains Including protein in every meal Including lots of iron (with vitamin C for added absorption), B vitamins, magnesium and essential fats (omega 3) Be mindful of the quantity and timing of coffee consumption Try to avoid consuming lots of additives, refined foods, artificial sweeteners and burnt foods Alice Mackintosh: @alicemackintosh_nutrition www.alicemackintosh.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why Changing Your Mindset Can Change Your Health

We’re joined by Dr. David Hamilton, a leading expert on the mind body connection, about the latest research on the power of our mindset, how a change in thinking can exert physiological effects within the body and how we can harness the mind to improve our wellbeing. We talk about: Why the placebo effect is more than ‘just in the mind’ How can we harness the power of our mindset to create positive neurological and physiological change The relationship between psychological stress and our health Why kindness is so key to our health How to use kindness practices to support our brain and heart health The power of bringing together conventional and complementary medicine  How different mind-body strategies can support different health conditions The power of visualisation and nature Why belief is central to the health benefits of alternative practices David’s books: How your mind can heal your body The contagious power of positive thinking And his latest book Why Woo Woo Works   See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Understanding Anxiety, Depression and Mental Health

Ella and guest, Karl Deisseroth on understanding anxiety, depression and mental health. From the depths of human emotion to why the science can expand our empathy and connectivity; why our view of mental health needs updating; the hidden realms of the mind and the ways in which we can expand our connectivity. Karl Deisseroth - Connections: A Story of Human Feeling See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why Calories Don’t Count

Why calorie-counting simply doesn’t stack up, with Giles Yeo. We ask: are all calories equal; what’s the connection between calories and weight loss; and are foods with fewer calories automatically better for you? A debunk of every calorie myth, why we need a fundamental restructure of the food system and whether we really can be healthy at every size. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mindfulness, Meditation and Easing Stress

Michael James Wong on how to bring mindfulness into your day, ways to let go of stress and expectation, redefining happiness and the benefits of slowing down. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices