The Wellness Scoop

This week, we’re looking at why the first ten minutes after you wake up might matter more than anything else for how the rest of your day unfolds. From quick morning rituals to simple shifts that keep you steady, we break down what actually helps. We also get into England’s huge new 10-year NHS plan. With life expectancy flatlining and more people getting sick earlier, the government is promising a major overhaul — shifting from treating sickness to preventing it. We look at their ambitious goals, from tackling obesity and smoking to new rules on junk food and air quality, and ask whether it really goes far enough. Then we dive into the worrying story behind children’s sleep gummies that turned out to contain undeclared melatonin. It’s raised serious concerns about how unregulated the supplement industry still is, especially when it comes to products aimed at kids. Elsewhere, we explore why some common foods can behave like drugs in the body when you have too much. Think black licorice, poppy seeds and even Brazil nuts — all a reminder of how thin the line can be between food and pharmacology. And finally, we answer your listener question on organic. Is it genuinely better for your health, or is simply eating more fruits and veggies, no matter how they’re grown, what really counts? If you’re enjoying the show, please hit follow and leave us a review. We’d love to hear your thoughts or questions too! Recommendations: Self Defence: A Myth-busting Guide to Immune Health by Daniel Davis Bite Back activists, being blocked by the big advertising companies but trying to change the world! Turmeric, ginger and lemon shots - batch a week at a time Fit For The Future - The 10 year health plan in the UK The Science Of Menopause - by Dr Philippa Kaye Get your copy of Rhi's new book 'The Unprocessed Plate' ⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠ To get the exclusive gift box from Shokz, order via this link: https://bit.ly/44MSOxI Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, we’re asking if all this self-monitoring, self-optimising and endless tracking is actually helping us — or just making us more stressed and less happy. With over half of UK adults now owning some kind of wearable, we dig into whether chasing perfect sleep scores and stress metrics is doing more harm than good. Because decades of research still shows that happiness often comes when we look outward — being kind, connected and empathetic — not by obsessing over every tiny detail of ourselves. We also break down some of the biggest health stories right now. We look at new research on magic mushrooms being used to treat depression, why the results are genuinely promising, and why it’s still not a miracle fix. Then we tackle the confusion around butter, steak, cheese and heart health. Is saturated fat really as bad as we’ve been told, or are the headlines just muddying the waters? We unpack what actually matters — from fat swaps to overall diet patterns. Then we take on the language of “guilt-free pleasures.” Whether it’s dark chocolate, low-alcohol wine or high-fibre cereals, do we really need guilt in the food conversation at all? We think it’s time to change how we talk about food. We also touch on the new nursery nutrition guidelines rolling out this September to help kids build better habits early on. Recommendations: Baked strawberries! Coat in either honey, maple syrup and sugar, pop in the oven for 15-20 mins at 180 and enjoy how much flavour you get Walking! Quick and easy way to feel great and bust stress Leaving your phone downstairs at night and feel better for not having the temptation to do late-night doom scrolling Please vote for us to win the Listener's Choice award at the British Podcast Awards: ⁠https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting To get the exclusive gift box from Shokz, order via this link: ⁠https://bit.ly/44MSOxI⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, we’re diving into the stories shaping what we eat, how we shop and the way we live. We’re talking about the government’s new push to tackle obesity by cutting just 50 calories a day, whether weight-loss jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro are already changing our shopping habits, and the latest on possible bans or tighter rules for alcohol advertising in the UK. We also get into which oils you actually want to be cooking with at home, why M&S has just trademarked something called “Punishment Juice,” and a major new NHS survey that reveals one in four young adults are now living with a mental health condition. Plus, could creatine help prevent Alzheimer’s? We look at what the science says so far — along with all our personal updates and this week’s recommendations, from cult podcasts to berry-packed smoothies. This week’s recs: Korean exfoliating mitt⁠ ⁠How I Became a Brainwashed Cult Bride⁠ on Conversations (ABC Australia) Get your copy of Rhi's new book 'The Unprocessed Plate' ⁠⁠HERE⁠ Vote for us to win the Listener's Choice award at the British Podcast Awards: https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting To get the exclusive gift box from Shokz, order via this link: ⁠https://bit.ly/44MSOxI⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, we’re breaking down the new government data on the UK’s diet, from fibre and fruit and veg to vitamin D and iodine. It’s a clear snapshot of how we’re eating and why some of the most basic habits still aren’t sticking. We share what’s changed, what hasn’t, and what small shifts could help close the gap. We’re also diving into the surprising findings on insect protein. Once seen as a sustainable fix for the future, a new report suggests the environmental impact may be much higher than expected. Then we explore the rise of wearable tech for your brain, with a look at the new e-tattoo that tracks mental load in real time. Helpful tool or step too far? We discuss. Plus, we take on cortisol cocktails. Are they fact or fiction? And what actually works when it comes to managing stress? We share six simple, science-backed habits to support your nervous system. We also unpack the foods that act like drugs when eaten in excess, and what that means for your health. And in this week’s listener question: ghee, butter or olive oil. Which one should you be using in your cooking? Get your copy of Rhi's new book 'The Unprocessed Plate' HERE To get the exclusive gift box from Shokz, order via this link: ⁠https://bit.ly/44MSOxI⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, we’re diving into the foods that could help you live longer — and the wellness habits that might be doing more harm than good. We start with the science behind the 14 foods linked to better brain, gut, and heart health. From oats and olive oil to beetroot, berries and black tea, this is one list that’s actually worth paying attention to — backed by major new research from Harvard and the World Cancer Research Fund. Then we get into the wellness trend that’s costing Gen Z nearly £2,000 a year — with most people admitting the products don’t even work. We break down what’s behind the spending spike, which supplements are trending, and why more than half of buyers feel misled. Elsewhere in the episode, we unpack the growing concern around forever chemicals in beer, the banned food additive still showing up in thousands of snacks, and the viral “Dubai chocolate” just recalled by the FSA. We also answer your listener question on soy and hormones — what’s fact, what’s myth, and what the science really says. Recommendations: Ginny and Georgia on Netflix The 30 Plan a book about gut health by friend of the show, Catherine Rabess Breast milk jewellery - Rhi had hers made at Mothers Love Jewellery ⁠The Unprocessed Plate by Rhiannon Lambert Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Protein is everywhere right now — added to yoghurts, cereals, snack bars and even water. But why has it taken centre stage in the wellness world, and how much do we actually need? In this episode of The Extra Scoop, we’re joined by Dr. Chris Cashin, a Registered Dietitian and Sports Nutritionist with over 25 years of experience, to help us make sense of the protein boom. From health claims to beauty industry promises, she breaks down what’s fact, what’s hype, and what really matters when it comes to your protein intake. We look at why protein is essential, how to tell if you’re getting enough, whether plant-based options measure up, and why there’s more to nutrition than just chasing numbers on a label. Whether you're perimenopausal, training for a marathon, or simply trying to eat well, this episode gives you the clarity and confidence to navigate protein without the overwhelm. In This Episode, We Cover: Why protein is important and what it actually does for the body The truth behind daily targets — and whether 30g per meal is really necessary The rise of “proteinification” and how diet culture fuels the hype How protein became associated with aesthetics and the ideal body image The difference between complete and incomplete proteins Whether plant-based proteins are just as effective as animal-based sources The real risks (if any) of eating too much protein 3 simple, evidence-based takeaways to help you get what you need — without overthinking it About the Guest:Dr Chris Cashin is a Registered Dietitian, Registered Nutritionist, and Sports Nutritionist with over 25 years of experience. She’s the founder of Cardiff Nutrition Consultancy, has worked with elite athletes at the English Institute of Sport and Sport Wales, and is a Senior Lecturer and Programme Manager for the MSc in Sport and Exercise Nutrition at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, we’re diving into the slightly shocking (and sometimes surprisingly wholesome) stories shaping our health and habits. We start with TikTok’s decision to ban the hashtag #SkinnyTok, following a viral exposé revealing the darker side of the “skinny girl” aesthetic and the influencer-led community profiting from it. Then there’s new research showing that smiling might be six times more effective than Botox when it comes to attractiveness, raising big questions about beauty standards, confidence, and connection. We also get into the shrinking length of TED Talks, the red meat industry’s influence on heart health studies, and the surprising truth about coconut sugar, agave, and maple syrup. Are any of them actually better for you? Elsewhere in the episode, we cover Britain’s booming banana obsession (and the waste it’s creating), why Scandinavian saunas are strictly nude, and what’s changing in school food. This week’s recommendations The Cut article The Unprocessed Plate by Rhiannon Lambert Your Friends and Neighbours (Apple TV) Sirens (Netflix) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’re more connected than ever — but is our tech making us healthier, or quietly harming us? In this episode of The Extra Scoop, we’re joined by physicist and cancer researcher Dr David Robert Grimes to unpack what the science really says about technology and our health — from EMFs and mobile phones to AirPods, microwaves, AI, and the platforms that shape our daily lives. Dr Grimes explores why viral misinformation spreads so easily, how social media is rewiring our emotional responses, and why he compares today’s tech giants to the tobacco industry. We also dig into the long-term risks of algorithm-driven platforms and ask whether fear around radiation and devices is rooted in real science — or modern health anxiety. This is a conversation that cuts through the noise, challenges fear-based narratives, and empowers you to think more critically in a digital-first world. In This Episode, We Cover: Whether phones, AirPods and microwaves pose any physical health risks What the research says about EMFs and 5G The rise of misinformation — and why social media may be the new tobacco The long-term impact of AI and algorithm-driven tech on learning and mental health The real cost of constant outrage and viral content Simple ways to spot health misinformation and protect your wellbeing online How to stay informed without falling into fear About the Guest:Dr David Robert Grimes is a physicist, cancer researcher and science writer with a PhD in medical physics. His work focuses on misinformation, public health and science communication. He writes for The Guardian, The Irish Times and BBC Future, and is the author of The Irrational Ape, which explores why we believe falsehoods — and how to think more clearly in a world of misinformation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This conversation reveals troubling nutrition misinformation online, endangering millions with dangerous diet advice. The hosts discuss the government’s retreat from healthy food policies due to pressure from ultra-processed food companies. They highlight the health benefits of Medjool dates, a nutritional powerhouse, and delve into the cultural resurgence of saunas, exploring their roles in stress relief and social connection. A touching personal story from Julia Stiles sheds light on body image issues, emphasizing the importance of trusting one's body again.

As summer approaches and body image pressures creep in, many of us start to feel more self-conscious — often without even realising it. In this episode of The Extra Scoop, we’re joined by registered dietitian and nutritionist Sarah Elder to unpack what it really means to have a healthy relationship with food. Sarah brings over a decade of experience and a refreshingly compassionate, realistic approach to nutrition. Together, we explore how to tune into your body’s needs, challenge unhelpful thought patterns, and find a way of eating that feels intuitive, enjoyable and sustainable. We also talk about the powerful influence of social media, childhood conditioning, and the subtle ways diet culture still shapes how we see food and ourselves — plus how we can break those patterns for the next generation. Whether you're navigating years of food rules or simply want to feel a bit more at ease around eating, this conversation is full of gentle, practical ideas to help you reconnect with food in a way that works for you. In This Episode, We Cover: What a truly healthy relationship with food looks and feels like Why it’s normal to want to feel good in your body — and how to do that without falling into restriction How to start spotting hunger and fullness cues again What intuitive eating and mindful eating actually mean in practice Advice for navigating social media without feeling overwhelmed The impact of generational food messaging — and how to break the cycle One small, manageable step to help you shift all-or-nothing thinking Why healthy looks different for everyone About the Guest: Sarah Elder is a registered dietitian and nutritionist with over a decade of experience in clinical and community settings. She supports individuals in building a more balanced, relaxed relationship with food and specialises in gut health, hormonal wellbeing and the connection between food and mood. Sarah is passionate about cutting through the noise of diet culture and helping people reconnect with food in a way that’s intuitive, enjoyable and sustainable. You can find her on Instagram @saraheldernutrition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices