The Wellness Scoop

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

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

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

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

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

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