olivemagazine
type: channel
link: https://www.olivemagazine.com
date: 2026-02-05T00:00:32.000Z
update period: hourly
update frequency: 1
update base: 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00
items: Best probiotics UK, tried and tested by health experts 2026
items: Best biotin supplements UK, tried and tested by experts 2026
items: Best vitamin D supplements UK 2025, tried and tested by health experts
items: Best protein bars 2025, tried and tested by experts
items: 12 forgotten foods from the past that this dietitian wants to bring back
items: No time for exercise? Micro-workouts could get you fit in just 10 minutes a day
items: Best protein powder 2026, tried and tested
items: Best collagen supplements UK, tried and tested by experts 2026
items: 24 little boosts to build energy into your day
items: Best omega 3 supplements UK 2026, tried and tested by experts
items: Say no to BANuary! Why now is the worst time of year to restrict yourself, and eating MORE is better than eating less
items: Forget kimchi and kefir – these are the everyday foods that are good for your gut
items: Best vegan protein powder, tried and tested by experts 2026
items: The carnivore in your life needs to read this… 7 reasons why beans beat red meat
items: "I'm in my moderation era, and I've never been happier or healthier"
items: How we’ll be looking after our health in 2026
items: A personal trainer busts your festive exercise excuses
items: What to eat and what to avoid to preserve your gut health through the festive season
items: We tried the pre-party products that claim to prevent a hangover before you start drinking
items: 7 of the worst things I've eaten in the name of health in 2025
items: Recipes that support your mental health
items: 8 fertility foods for men
items: Digestion and exercise: the 7 common mistakes you might be making
items: 13 experts on why you’re always tired – and how to get your energy back
items: Are we going backwards on body confidence?

Best probiotics UK, tried and tested by health experts 2026
type: item
date: 2026-02-05T00:00:32.000Z
creator: Imogen Hope
subject: Reviews
subject: Wellbeing
description: Probiotics are everywhere right now and our team of experts are here to help you find the right one for you
encoded: Probiotics seem to be everywhere right now but with so much technical language and different products on offer it can be difficult to know where to start. When administered in adequate amounts, the live micro-organisms contained in probiotics may provide health benefits such as aiding digestion, lowering blood pressure and improving cholesterol levels. The strength of probiotics is measured in colony-forming units (CFU) — the higher the number the more active microbes there are per dose. Supplements cannot replace a balanced diet, and eating a variety of plant foods with high levels of fibre and consuming fermented food and drinks will also help to support the number and variety of beneficial bacteria in your gut. Read on for our pick of the best probiotics on sale in the UK right now. For more information, our friends at Good Food have a detailed guide to what are probiotics. Looking for more wellbeing inspiration? Read our guides to the best collagen supplement UK, best vitamin D supplements UK and best greens powder. Jump to: Best probiotics UK at a glance Best probiotics supplements UK to buy 2026 What type of probiotic is best? Is it worth taking probiotics UK? What to look for in probiotics? Best probiotics UK at a glance Best all-round probiotic: Vitabright Advanced Bio-Cultures Complex, £18.99 Best probiotics for diverse strains: Swallow Probiotic Live Cultures, £35 Best probiotics for on the go: ProVen Probiotics ShapeLine, £21.26 Best probiotics for convenience: ProVen Probiotics For Adults – 25 Billion, £12.11 Best liquid probiotics: Symprove Daily, £79.99 Best value for money probiotics: Vitl Daily Biotic, £10.69 Best everyday probiotic: JS Health Probiotic Multi-strain, £33.29 Best chewable probiotic: Holland & Barrett Live Friendly Bacteria, £7.99 Best probiotics supplements UK to buy 2026 Vitabright Advanced Bio-Cultures Complex Available from Amazon (£15.29), Vitabright (£18.99) Best all-round probiotic Star rating: 5/5 This probiotic gives you the c…

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Best biotin supplements UK, tried and tested by experts 2026
type: item
date: 2026-02-05T00:00:27.000Z
creator: Isabella Keeling - Deputy health editor
subject: Guides
subject: Reviews
subject: Wellbeing
description: Our health experts share the best biotin supplements to buy for good skin and hair
encoded: Biotin – also called vitamin B7 – is a supplement which can help you to maintain healthy hair, skin and nails. It's an essential nutrient and works by aiding keratin production. You can get biotin in your diet by eating eggs, nuts and seeds but if you have especially weak nails, thinning hair or dry skin you might find it useful to add in a supplement. Biotin supplements are available as capsules, tablets and gummies. They often vary in dosage and may include added nutrients like zinc or selenium to enhance their benefits. Identifying your specific needs and preferences can help you select the most suitable option for your lifestyle. We put biotin supplements to the test so you can make the right choice when choosing one. Read on to find out more. Next, check out our reviews of the best collagen supplements, best supplement for sleep, best vegan protein powder, best magnesium supplements and best vitamin D supplement UK. Jump to: Does biotin help hair growth? Is biotin good for skin? How long does biotin take to work? How much biotin should I take per day? How should I take a biotin supplement? What type of biotin is best? Can you take biotin and collagen together? What we looked for in biotin supplements Best biotin supplements at a glance Best Biotin supplements: Solgar Biotin 5000mcg, £24.53 New Leaf Biotin, Zinc & Selenium, £8.97 Cytoplan Hair, Skin & Nails, £44.99 Biocare Hair, Skin & Nail Complex, £38.95 Nutrition Geeks Biotin Growth+, £6.99 Perfectil SKIN, £18.95 Best Biotin supplements to buy 2026 Solgar Biotin 5000mcg Available from Amazon (£14.72), Solgar (£24.53) Price per day: 45p Star rating: 5/5 With 5000mcg per capsule this biotin supplement provides more than your recommended intake but at a fairly decent price. There's no noticeable taste or smell and they're easy to take. Available from: Amazon (£14.72) Solgar (£24.53) New Leaf Biotin, Zinc & Selenium Available from Amazon (£8.97), New Leaf (£10.95) Price per day 12p Star rating: 4/5 These small ea…

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Best vitamin D supplements UK 2025, tried and tested by health experts
type: item
date: 2026-02-05T00:00:22.000Z
creator: Imogen Hope
subject: Reviews
subject: Wellbeing
description: Find our reviews of the best vitamin D supplements available in the UK, tried and tested
encoded: Vitamin D is important as it helps us absorb calcium from our food, which is crucial for strong teeth and bones. Although a few foods do contain vitamin D (including oily fish and egg yolks), the main source for most people is sunshine. With the days beginning to get shorter in the UK, we're advised that a vitamin D supplement may be needed in the winter months when it's difficult to achieve the daily recommended amount through sunshine. In our search for the best vitamin D supplements we tried a range of capsules, sprays, gummies and liquids. We tested them for taste and flavour as well as evaluating the nutrient profile, number of additives and whether they're suitable for vegans, coeliacs and other dietary requirements. If you're looking for more information, our friends at Good Food have a guide to the vital vitamins that you need. Jump to: Best UK vitamin D supplement at a glance Best UK vitamin D supplement 2025 What strength of vitamin D should I take in the UK What form of Vitamin D is the most beneficial? How we test vitamin D supplements Best UK vitamin D supplement at a glance Best vitamin D supplement: ZipVit Vitamin D3 4000iu, £7.99 Best vitamin D for those requiring a high dose: Vitabright Vitamin D3, £15.99 Best liquid vitamin D: Zooki Vitamin D, £24.99 Best spray vitamin D: BetterYou D3000+K2, £7.45 Best affordable vitamin D capsule: JS Health Vegan Vitamin D, £19.99 Best blowout vitamin D capsule: Zooki Vitamin D3+K2, £21.99 Best vitamin D for taking on the go: Vitl Vitamin D3, £5.95 Best easy-to-take vitamin D capsule: VitamoreD D3, £12.99 Best vitamin D for buying in bulk: Performance Lab D3+K2, £19 Best vitamin D gummy: Nutrigums Delicious Vitamin D3 Gummies, £9.99 Best UK vitamin D supplement 2025 ZipVit Vitamin D3 4000iu Available from ZipVit (£7.99), Amazon (£8.49) Best vitamin D supplement Star rating: 5/5 These tablets contain a substantial 100mcg of vitamin D3, so are a good option if you've been recommended to take a high dose. The dose is…

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Best protein bars 2025, tried and tested by experts
type: item
date: 2026-02-05T00:00:17.000Z
creator: Isabella Keeling - Deputy health editor
subject: Reviews
subject: Wellbeing
description: Discover our team's top protein bar picks, including the best chocolate protein bar and best bar for building muscle
encoded: Whether you're looking to fuel up for a workout, stay full and energised all day or build muscle, snacking on a protein bar is a great way to support your body's needs. In fact, there are lots of reasons that protein is good for your health. While there are plenty of protein bars to choose from, finding one that genuinely tastes good is harder. Luckily, our team of testers has done all the work for you. Below, you'll find our picks of the best protein bars to choose right now. We've awarded marks for flavour, texture and ingredients, so all you need to do is find your favourite. Jump to: Best protein bars at a glance Best protein bars to buy 2025 How to choose a protein bar What we look for in protein bars How we test protein bars Best protein bars at a glance Best all rounder protein bar: M&S Raspberry and Vanilla chocolate protein bar, £2.25 for 1 Best white chocolate protein bar: Barebells white salty peanut protein bar, £23.99 for 12 Best chocolate protein bar: Protein Works Loaded Legends choc fudge flavour, £15.99 for 12 Best fruity protein bar: Battle Bites high-protein bar jaffa bake flavour, £19.99 for 12 Best protein bar for building muscle: 33 Fuel Eroica natural protein bars, £21.99 for 5 Best caramel protein bar: Grenade Carb Killa chocolate chip salted caramel protein bar, £27 for 12 Best protein bar for a workout: Fulfil white chocolate caramel vitamin protein bar, £2.90 for 1 Best protein bars to buy 2025 M&S Raspberry and Vanilla chocolate protein bar Available from Ocado (£2.25 for 1) Best all rounder protein bar Star rating: 5/5 Grams of protein: 36.8g per 55g bar Calories: 370 kcals Type of protein: whey protein isolate Type of sweetener: sucralose Carbohydrates: 31.5g (3g sugar) This chocolate protein bar stood out from the crowd of chocolatey bars on test thanks to the refreshing, tangy hit of raspberry. The interior reminded us of nougat, although the bar is actually low in sugar which means it doesn't leave an overly sweet flavour in the mout…

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12 forgotten foods from the past that this dietitian wants to bring back
type: item
date: 2026-02-04T13:40:19.000Z
creator: Juliette Kellow
subject: Wellbeing
subject: Premium wellbeing
description: Here are a dozen reasons why your grandparents’ diets were probably healthier – and it’s nothing to do with UPFs
encoded: Find out how adding more plant foods to your diet increases your gut health, or check out our collections of recipes for damsons, celeriac or sardines… While many of us may be on the lookout for the next new thing in the culinary world, one of the biggest trends right now is grounded in the past. A desire for food that conjures up nostalgic memories means retro dishes like prawn cocktail, toad in the hole, and bread and butter pudding are back on the menu. It’s an easy trend to introduce into our own kitchens – and one that can help to add nutrients to our diet if we choose well. Many foods that were popular with our grandparents – but rarely make it into our shopping trolleys nowadays – are full of protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals. They’re often cheaper than more exotic ‘superfoods’ too. So why not take a step back in time with some of these old-school ingredients? Barley It may not be as fashionable as buckwheat or quinoa, but this grain is inexpensive and a great way to boost fibre. A 100g serving of boiled pearl barley has around 5g fibre – three times more than the same amount of boiled brown rice. It’s particularly rich in a specific fibre called beta-glucans (the same type in oats), which lowers LDL or bad cholesterol and maintains steady blood glucose levels. Add barley to soups and stews, use as the base for a satisfying salad, or use it in place of rice to make a creamy risotto (just be aware it’s not gluten-free). Try this Mushroom pearl barley risotto with roasted carrots. Liver Once a popular meal choice, liver rarely appears on dining tables now – there was a 92% fall in purchases between 1974 and 2014 with today’s households buying an average of just 156g liver a year! Liver is exceptionally high in vitamin A, which can be harmful to unborn babies so NHS advice is to avoid liver and liver products when pregnant. Excessive vitamin A may also increase the risk of bone fractures, so the NHS recommends limiting liver to once a week if it’s a menu reg…

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No time for exercise? Micro-workouts could get you fit in just 10 minutes a day
type: item
date: 2026-02-04T13:39:39.000Z
creator: Rob Kemp
subject: Wellbeing
subject: Premium wellbeing
description: Micro-workouts are something we can all get on board with. And the science supports them too!
encoded: Looking to get fitter? Get into these 12 fitness habits, cut the excuses and check you’re optimising your Pilates session… It’s always the same. New year, new intentions, new promises to myself about getting fitter, stronger, healthier. And then there’s the inevitable collision with reality. Work spills into evenings. The day evaporates in emails, errands, family commitments and low-level life admin. The idea of carving out an uninterrupted hour for the gym feels optimistic at best, laughable at worst. Many of us are in a similar spot: ‘lack of time’ is the number one barrier to exercise according to recent research. What I do have, though, is 10 minutes. Sometimes before breakfast. Sometimes between meetings. Sometimes while the kettle boils and I’m already dressed in something that could plausibly pass for workout gear. And it turns out that those 10 minutes – done properly – might be the most powerful fitness tool most of us will ever use. Because while the fitness industry still loves selling big transformations and long workouts, promoted by influencers spending more time in the gym filming than flexing, the science is quietly saying something else: the most reliable way to get fit isn’t by finding more time. It’s by using the little time you already have. Why micro-workouts work Short workouts aren’t really a compromise either. Sports scientists are convinced they’re a strategy in need of further promotion at a time when exercise is needed more than ever for our mental and physical wellbeing, but time-pressures are blocking the way. “Research shows that micro-workouts aren’t just a gimmick,” insists strength and conditioning coach Daniel Lavipour of Optimum Nutrition. “What really counts is the total stimulus your body receives over days and weeks. If short sessions are done with enough effort and spread throughout the week, they can improve cardiovascular fitness and strength in ways similar to longer workouts.” And those brief bursts of moderate-to-vigorous …

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Best protein powder 2026, tried and tested
type: item
date: 2026-02-03T15:45:22.000Z
creator: Imogen Hope
subject: Reviews
subject: Wellbeing
description: Our team put a range of protein powders to the test to find which ones rank top in terms of taste, quality and ingredients
encoded: Formerly only used by frequent gym goers and those looking to build muscle, protein powders are a now a regular supplement for many to support growth and repair throughout the body. An essential macronutrient, protein is vital for our minds and bodies to function properly, so if you think your diet may be lacking, it might be time to purchase a powder. To help you make the right choice, our team tested all the well known brands – and some smaller ones – rating them all for taste, quality and ingredients. Our top picks of the best protein powder this year include pancake-perfect mixes from Protein Works to top-rated shakes from The Organic Protein Co. Read on for our selection. View Affiliate Playlist on the source website Jump to: Best protein powder at a glance Best protein powder to buy 2026 What type of protein powder is best? Who could benefit from using protein powder? Is it ok to drink protein powder everyday? How we test protein powders Best protein powder at a glance Best tasting protein powder: The Organic Protein Co organic whey protein, banana and lucama, £28.50 for 600g Best allrounder protein powder: MyProtein Impact whey protein, chocolate brownie, £13.49 for 500g Best low-calorie protein powder: Protein Works diet whey isolate 90, vanilla crème, £23.99 for 500g Best protein powder for women: Free Soul vegan protein blend, chocolate, £27.49 for 600g Highest protein per serving: Innermost The Strong Protein, chocolate, £29.95 Best protein powder for bulking: Maxi Nutrition Cyclone Strength, banoffee, £49.99 for 1.26kg Best protein for pancakes: Protein Works Loaded Protein Pancakes Gold Innovation, £13.29 for 500g Best protein powder for adding to smoothies: Huel Complete Protein, chocolate fudge brownie, £25 for 750g Best protein powder to buy 2026 The Organic Protein Co organic whey protein, banana and lucama Available from Amazon (£27.99), Planet Organic (£28), Abel & Cole (£28.50) Best tasting protein powder Star rating: 5/5 Many protein powders fal…

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Best collagen supplements UK, tried and tested by experts 2026
type: item
date: 2026-02-03T14:49:13.000Z
creator: Imogen Hope
subject: Reviews
subject: Wellbeing
description: Our health experts have tried and tested marine, vegan and bovine collagen in the form of gels and powders to help you find the best option
encoded: Collagen is a natural protein found in the body and plays a vital role in the health of skin, bones, muscles and connective tissue. Making sure your diet provides enough protein is key to supplying the amino acids your body needs to produce collagen. Adding a collagen supplement may also support skin health and elasticity, and could offer benefits for joint comfort and maintaining bone strength. Sponsored by Absolute Collagen Get a Marine Collagen Skincare Bundle at Absolute Collagen and enjoy 20% off, plus a £100 free gift. In today’s world, skincare routines are all about smart choices. Which is why collagen remains a must-have for anyone looking to support glowing skin from within. Supplement subscriptions at Absolute Collagen will have you looking and feeling your best, as they can promote hair growth, skin hydration, wrinkle repair and more. Subscribe now and you'll get 20% off your first order, as well as a free gift worth £100. Plus, enjoy an exclusive extra 10% off supplement subscriptions with code AC0126SUPP-OLIVE (new customers only, does not include Sculpt pre-order. Ends 28 February.) Choose a Marine Collagen Skincare Bundle to enjoy 20% off today. As we get older, our bodies naturally produce less collagen, which is why some people turn to supplements. With so many options on the market, it can be tricky to know which type is best, how they taste, and whether they’re worth the cost. We’ve tested collagen supplements for flavour and ingredient quality, so you can make an informed choice. Keep reading for our favourite picks of the best marine, vegan and bovine collagen supplements. Looking for more healthy inspiration? Read our guides to the 10 foods to fight seasonal allergies and what is the dopamine diet. Jump to: Best marine collagen Best vegan collagen Best bovine collagen What is collagen? Types of collagen: marine, vegan and bovine What is the best form of collagen to take? How do collagen supplements work? Best collagen supplements UK at a glanc…

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24 little boosts to build energy into your day
type: item
date: 2026-01-28T13:34:58.000Z
creator: Vicky Chandler
subject: Wellbeing
subject: Premium wellbeing
description: Try these simple tricks to reduce lethargy
encoded: You might be interested in these lower-effort ways to improve your wellbeing, from choosing foods to fight fatigue to sleeping well or exploring the gut-hormone connection. If you’re reading this, you likely struggle to achieve that seize-the-day, jump-out-of-bed-dancing energy. But I’m here to tell you, you’re not low on energy because you’re lazy. It’s probably because you’re overstimulated, under-rested, slightly dehydrated, mildly stressed, eating on the fly, starting at screens AND expecting your body to behave like it has had eight hours of sleep. The good news is our energy levels are surprisingly responsive to small nudges throughout the day if they work with your body clock, hormones and habits rather than against them. So, think of this as your 24-step energy menu, little boosts from the moment you wake up, to the minute your head hits the pillow. And no, you won’t do all 24 every day (nor should you), but incorporating a handful might give you the improvement you need. 1. Open your curtains before your phone Plenty of studies show that morning daylight (even if it’s overcast) helps set your circadian rhythm, which influences everything from alertness to appetite, to sleep later on. Even if you’re not able to fit a morning walk in, just walk to your window, open the curtains and look outside for 60 seconds. 2. Avoid the snooze button Those extra 10 minutes in bed can actually drop you back into a lighter sleep stage, leaving you groggier than before. “It’s best to get up with an alarm at the same time every day and it is much more important than getting to bed at a specific time,” says sleep coach Tracy Hannigan. “Not only does this anchor your sleep cycle firmly, it can prevent 'social jetlag' across a week, or sleep inertia making your morning difficult.” 3. Down a glass of water first thing It’s likely your body hasn’t had water in at least eight hours and even mild dehydration can make you feel sluggish, fuzzy and moody. On her Substack Second Brain, D…

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Best omega 3 supplements UK 2026, tried and tested by experts
type: item
date: 2026-01-28T00:01:17.000Z
creator: Imogen Hope
subject: Reviews
subject: Wellbeing
description: Our team have put a range of omega 3 supplements to the test to help you find the right one to fit your routine
encoded: Omega 3 is a fatty acid that's classified as 'essential' because it is necessary for our bodies to function correctly. Although used in the membrane of every cell in the body, as well as being important for other functions, we cannot create or synthesise it – we need to get it from the food we eat. Good natural sources of omega 3 include oily fish like salmon, mackerel and sardines, as well as plant sources like flaxseed and chia seeds. If you're looking to supplement your omega 3 intake it can be hard to cut through the noise and find one that's effective and offers value for money. We've tried and tested a range of omega 3 supplements for criteria like sustainability, ease of use, quality, purity and dosage, like one of our favourites for 2026 is Seven Seas Omega-3 Max Strength with Vitamin D. Read on to find the best omega 3 supplement for you. Jump to: Best omega 3 supplement UK at a glance Best omega 3 supplement UK to buy 2026 Why we need omega 3? What are omega 3 fatty acids? What is the most effective form of omega 3? What to look for in an omega 3 supplement Best omega 3 supplement UK at a glance Best high-strength omega 3 supplement: Seven Seas Omega-3 Max Strength with vitamin D, £12.60 Best softgel omega 3 supplement: WeightWorld Omega-3 2000mg fish oil, £18.99 Best everyday omega 3 supplement: Vitabright Omega-3 2000mg fish oil, £25.99 Best affordable omega 3 supplement: California Gold Nutrition Premium omega-3 fish oil, £11.27 Runner up affordable omega 3 supplement: Holland & Barrett omega-3 fish oil 1500mg, £25.99 Best vegan omega 3 supplement: Together Health Omega-3 – algae vegan source, £11.99 Best liquid omega 3 supplement: Viridian Organic Rainbow Trout Oil, £30.15 Best omega 3 supplement for small capsules: Feel vegan omega 3, £35.04 Best sustainably sourced omega 3 supplement: BioCare Vegan omega 3 (Algal DHA and EPA), £26.53 Best blowout omega 3 supplement: Wild Nutrition Pure Strength omega 3, £36.10 Best easy-to-take omega 3 supplement: Vi…

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Say no to BANuary! Why now is the worst time of year to restrict yourself, and eating MORE is better than eating less
type: item
date: 2026-01-23T10:21:43.000Z
creator: Luisa Metcalfe
subject: Wellbeing
subject: Premium wellbeing
description: Don’t feel guilty if your New Year resolution hasn’t lasted the month. Here’s how to turn things around and make being healthy far more fun
encoded: We've got all you need to get through the cold, dark months, from different ways to find joy in winter to ways to increase your serotonin, plus how to make hygge healthy and recipes to boost your mood. There comes a time in January when the excesses of Christmas and New Year are a fast-receding memory, life is getting back to normal – and it’s getting harder to stick to your New Year health kick. I suspect most of us have now reached that point. Some 19% of Brits pledged to make New Year resolutions this year, with an estimated 15.5 million people joining the Dry January challenge of giving up alcohol for the month. But the weather is grey, daylight is scarce, willpower is low, and the reality of swinging from excess to enforced abstinence doesn’t feel like a formula for success. In fact, the second Tuesday in January has been dubbed 'Quitters Day' by Strava – the point at which users abandon their new fitness goals. So, why is it so hard to stick to these health and fitness pledges? “The concept of 'Banuary' taps into the urge to wipe the slate clean after excess which, although a very human desire, may not be the most psychologically sound approach,” says psychologist Dr Meg Arroll. “January already arrives loaded with low mood, financial hangovers, darker days and depleted energy. Adding strict self-denial on top of these factors can tip us from ‘reset’ into ‘self-punishment’.” Here the experts explain why it’s time to rethink ‘Banuary’ – and what we should be doing instead. Are big campaigns such as Dry January or Veganuary helpful? It can seem like everyone is going teetotal or jumping on the vegan bandwagon at the start of the year. “These campaigns are a double-edged sword,” says Priya Tew, specialist dietitian from Dietitian UK. “The collective ‘we’re in this together’ energy is incredibly motivating; it lowers the barrier to entry and provides a ready-made community. However, the ‘challenge’ format can make it feel like a pass/fail exam. “If someone doing D…

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Forget kimchi and kefir – these are the everyday foods that are good for your gut
type: item
date: 2026-01-23T10:17:13.000Z
creator: Catherine Rabess
subject: Wellbeing
subject: Premium wellbeing
description: Ever noticed how the same foods are touted for gut health – and they’re all something of an acquired taste? Well don’t worry, there are plenty more options that can be found in your local shops
encoded: Find out more about what causes bloating, plus the gut health trends that aren’t worth your time and all the questions you’d want to ask a gut health expert. If you’ve ever tried to love kombucha and failed, or stared at a jar of fermenting cabbage wondering where it all went wrong, you’re not alone. Gut health has become associated with the idea that you must be on a probiotic supplement, and that eating kilos of kimchi and kefir is the only way to improve the state of your gut. This focus became associated with sour flavours, complicated ferment-at-home DIY projects, and foods that can sometimes feel more like a challenge than a pleasure. The good news is that you don’t need to force yourself to eat things you actively dislike in the name of your microbiome. Some of the most helpful foods for gut health are already sitting in your kitchen or fridge. Consider your morning coffee ritual and the extra virgin olive oil you use. Before we get into specifics, a quick refresher. Your gut microbiome is the collection of trillions of bacteria living in your digestive tract. These microbes help digest food, support the immune system, influence inflammation, and communicate with the brain. Find out more here. So instead of chasing the latest fermented trend, here are some everyday foods that genuinely support gut health, without you having to overhaul your life or your taste buds. Chocolate (yes, really) Chocolate lovers, take heart: dark chocolate can be good for your gut. Cocoa, the key ingredient in dark chocolate, is rich in polyphenols – plant compounds that largely survive the digestive process and reach the colon intact, where they’re metabolised by gut bacteria. Scientific studies have found that these cocoa polyphenols increase levels of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, while helping to reduce populations of potentially harmful species. Not only does this microbial shift benefit digestion, it’s also associated with reduced inflammation …

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Best vegan protein powder, tried and tested by experts 2026
type: item
date: 2026-01-20T17:01:35.000Z
creator: Isabella Keeling - Deputy health editor
subject: Reviews
subject: Wellbeing
description: Find out which are the best vegan protein powders to buy, including pea and hemp varieties and a protein powder made for women
encoded: Protein isn't just for bodybuilders. It is essential for our overall health and everyday bodily functions. We need an adequate amount of protein to build and repair cells, produce enzymes that help break down food, and maintain a strong immune system to protect against illness. It also supports muscle development, helps keep energy levels stable, promotes fullness, and plays an important role in exercise and recovery. But for those who don’t eat animal products such as meat, fish, dairy or eggs, meeting daily protein requirements can be more difficult without careful planning. To make sure that you're getting enough, consider investing in a vegan protein powder. These have been specially formulated for a plant-based diet and will get you closer to your daily protein quota. Just make sure that you continue to eat a varied and balanced diet which includes tofu, nuts, beans and pulses – all great sources of plant-based protein – instead of relying solely on the powder. You'll get plenty of other important nutrients from these whole foods, including fibre which supports gut health. Read our review of the best vegan protein powders below, then check out our vegan high-protein meals, healthy vegan recipes, how to follow a plant-based diet and 10 things I wish I knew before going vegan. Best vegan protein powders at a glance Best premium vegan protein powder: Hermosa Vegan Protein Powder, £67 / 1kg Best clean vegan protein powder: Dr Vegan Protein and Creatine Superblend, £26.99 / 450g Best pea vegan protein powder: WelleCo Nourishing Protein £29/300g Best hemp vegan protein powder: Free Soul Vegan Protein Blend, Chocolate £27.49/600g Best overall vegan protein powder: Protein Works Vegan Wondershake £24.99/750g Best flavour vegan protein powder: MyVegan Plant Protein Superblend, Caramel £22/560g Best vegan protein for fitness fanatics: Nuzest Clean Lean Protein, Coffee Coconut & MCTs £21.49/500g Best clear vegan protein: MyVegan Clear Vegan Protein, Strawberry, £18.99/320…

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The carnivore in your life needs to read this… 7 reasons why beans beat red meat
type: item
date: 2026-01-07T15:13:23.000Z
creator: Jo Williams
subject: Guides
subject: Wellbeing
subject: Beans
subject: Premium wellbeing
description: A nutritionist reveals why your high-protein diet might not be the right approach to better health
encoded: For more wellbeing guides, discover our 10 ways to boost energy, 12 fitness habits to kickstart a reset, a health expert's guide to serotonin, 10 gut health foods and how to eat 30 plants a week. I’ve always felt that beans are underrated, but the more I learn about nutrition (and what the science actually says), the clearer it is that beans are one of the most underrated ‘superfoods’ on the planet, especially when compared to red meat. While red meat is often celebrated as the ultimate protein, forming the core of the Carnivore diet, beans quietly win on every front in a head-to-head match with red meat. They pack a powerful punch in nutrition, sustainability, cost and health benefits. Read on to find out how and why beans consistently win over red meat. How much should I eat? The WHO suggests limiting intake of red and processed meat to no more than ~70g per day. This message is consistent with the NHS and other health bodies. The World Cancer Research Fund suggests 350-500g cooked red meat per week (about three portions) as a maximum. Conversely, there isn’t a strict upper limit for beans and legumes. Instead, the guidance focuses on including more beans and pulses regularly as part of a balanced diet, even daily (aiming for ½ cup cooked beans/pulses as part of your protein intake). This reflects their health and sustainability benefits. The only adjustment to be mindful of is that they can affect digestion, causing extra flatulence as the fibres are broken down. To avoid any discomfort, increase the quantity slowly, especially if you’re not used to eating beans at all. 7 reasons why beans are better for you than red meat 1. Beans will help you live longer Populations in the so-called ‘blue zones’ – places with exceptionally long average lifespans, like Okinawa and Sardinia – eat beans daily, favouring them over red meat. Researchers have found that each 20g increase in daily legume intake is associated with a lower risk of death in older adults. Red meat, on the…

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"I'm in my moderation era, and I've never been happier or healthier"
type: item
date: 2026-01-07T15:10:49.000Z
creator: Vicky Chandler
subject: Guides
subject: Wellbeing
subject: Premium wellbeing
description: There’s been a gradual shift away from the mantra of 'go hard or go home'. Now we’re more likely to choose balance over blowout, and feel all the better for it.
encoded: You might be interested in these lower-effort ways to improve your wellbeing, from kickstarting a fitness regime or choosing foods to fight fatigue to moderating your protein intake or avoiding fad food trends. For years, if burning the candle at both ends was a person, it would have been me. I wore burnout like a badge of honour and played the 'life and soul of the party' role a little too convincingly. At the end of the year I would create punishing resolutions that I would almost certainly fail at because they were never quite built for real life. Then a shock redundancy rattled my sense of identity, I hit my 30s, and a serious accident meant I had a lot of time reflecting on how I wanted my body, brain and life to feel going forward. Somewhere in all of that, I slipped quietly into what I call my moderation era, a concept that focuses on balance and sustainable habits as opposed to living life in extremes. So, is this just maturity or something bigger? Among my friends, there’s a feeling our generation has lived through something unusually intense. We were raised on hustle culture, told success meant constant busyness, and sold the idea that the best years of our lives should involve bottomless brunches and striving endlessly for some shinier, thinner, fitter self. Then a pandemic hit, life got quieter, work felt more precarious, and mental health deteriorated at a much greater rate. And it’s not just me. You can see this shift everywhere: people drinking less, choosing earlier nights, opting for walking outdoors versus annihilating themselves in HIIT classes, and prioritising how they feel over how they look. You just need to look at some of the biggest wellness trends of last year to see this shift. Like quiet quitting, where people began reassessing what healthy ambition actually looks like, or microshifting, the idea of working in flexible bursts around other non-work elements of your life. Dopamine menus gave language to activities that lifted people’s spir…

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How we’ll be looking after our health in 2026
type: item
date: 2025-12-23T14:02:12.000Z
creator: Rosalind Ryan
subject: Wellbeing
subject: Premium wellbeing
description: In 2025 we embraced several health trends, from adding more fibre to our food to getting social in saunas. But what does the world of wellbeing have in store for the next 12 months? Find out what we’ll all be doing in 2026.
encoded: Get more advice and expert input with exercise: read our articles on the best Pilates exercises to try (and how to know you’re doing them right), 12 fitness habits to kickstart your regime reset and digestion and exercise: the common mistakes you’re making. In the past year, there have been quite a few monumental shifts in our health and wellbeing – weight loss jabs like Ozempic hit the headlines and our high streets, while biohacking became the latest buzzword for anyone who wanted to boost their health, fitness and performance with the latest tech and advanced supplements. But the overall trend emerging for 2026 is that we’re taking a step back from all those extremes. We’re looking at making life easier, integrating diet and fitness more fully into our existing regimes rather than pushing boundaries or overhauling our lifestyle in pursuit of a particular goal. In fact, this year is all about making subtle tweaks to improve your health and wellbeing rather than clearing the decks to work on a whole new you. Find out how you can slow down and still stay healthy over the next 12 months. Count colours not calories In 2025, we were encouraged to eat 30 different plants a week – and with good reason. People who eat 30 different plant foods every week have better gut microbe diversity than those who eat less than 10. “Higher microbial diversity is associated with better metabolic health markers and improved glucose regulation,” says Alex Glover, senior nutritionist at Holland & Barrett. But hitting that target of 30 plants a week can feel quite intimidating. The good news is the goal for 2026 is to ‘eat a rainbow'. This means eating plant foods from every colour of the rainbow to vary your intake of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients – active plant chemicals that have beneficial effects on your health. It’s not a new idea, but more of us are now embracing it for its simplicity. Priya Tew, specialist dietician from Dietitian UK, says, “Eating a range of colourful frui…

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A personal trainer busts your festive exercise excuses
type: item
date: 2025-12-18T11:57:32.000Z
creator: Dean Hodgkin – personal trainer
subject: Wellbeing
subject: health spotlight
subject: Premium wellbeing
description: How to stay in shape over the festive season – without having to miss out.
encoded: Dark days can leave many of us feeling tired and uninspired in winter. However, there are lots of wholesome things you can try at home which may improve your mood, energy levels and overall health. Read our best baking ideas, winter comfort food recipes and best recipes for a healthy gut. Plus, discover our best spots for winter sun. It’s a familiar story, starting with just a couple of innocent drinks at the office Christmas party, via sprawling on the sofa eating a family size box of chocolates while watching the King’s speech, and finishing with you wondering where your fitness went as you enter January sluggish and a few pounds heavier. For most of us, debauched December will mark a departure from the usual routine as invites to parties, dinners and reunions come thick and fast, making it impossible to stick to your regular exercise plan. This explains why one leading gym chain reports that 30% of its quietest days are in December. According to the British Dietetic Association, weight gain over the Christmas period can be up to 2.3kg, with further research suggesting it’s common to retain around half of this. However, with a bit of planning, you can navigate the challenges and enjoy the festivities without going too far off track. If the "Great Lock-in" favoured by Gen Z seems a little extreme, here is my advice to help you overcome the excuses that might put a festive freeze on your fitness. Excuse #1: There’s too much to do for Christmas – I don’t have time for fitness! This might seem like an overly simple solution, but set your alarm 30 minutes earlier several times each week to get up and exercise. You will quickly adjust and find that the endorphin boost from early-morning exercise gives you more energy for the rest of the day. Using one of the many free apps on the market will enable you to find a workout that matches not only your current fitness level and goals, but also the equipment and time you have available. High-intensity interval training, or HII…

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What to eat and what to avoid to preserve your gut health through the festive season
type: item
date: 2025-12-18T11:56:39.000Z
creator: Jo Williams
subject: Wellbeing
subject: gut health
subject: health spotlight
description: Because nothing spoils a party like a bad stomach
encoded: Read 7 of the worst things I've eaten in the name of health in 2025, discover winter comfort food recipes, and best recipes for a healthy gut. Plus, find out some of the best spots for winter sun. The festive season goes hand in hand with indulgence – meals out, mince pies and celebratory drinks. While these traditions bring joy and taste delicious, they can also wreak havoc on your digestive system. From indigestion and constipation to an imbalanced gut microbiome, holiday habits often challenge our gut health. The good news? With mindful choices, you can enjoy the festivities without discomfort. Here’s a nutritionist’s guide to what to eat and what to avoid to keep your gut happy this Christmas. Why gut health matters Your gut is home to trillions of microorganisms – collectively known as the gut microbiome – that play a vital role in digestion, immunity and even mood regulation. When balanced, these microbes help break down food, produce essential vitamins and protect against harmful bugs. However, festive food habits like overeating, excess sugar and alcohol can disrupt this delicate balance, leading to bloating, constipation and fatigue. Around 70% of your immune system lives in the gut. At a time when colds and flu are circulating, and when you may be short on sleep or under stress, a balanced gut can help strengthen your defences. A thriving gut microbiome supports steady energy levels and balanced moods. Disrupting that ecosystem with excessive alcohol, rich foods or irregular eating can make you feel tired, heavy and sluggish. The challenge of festive feasting Big celebrations can be particularly tricky as we often eat different foods at different times from our usual routine. This can overwhelm the digestive system, slow gastric emptying and cause bloating or discomfort. Sudden changes in diet, such as switching from balanced meals to rich, high-fat foods can upset the delicate balance of bugs in the gut, reducing beneficial bacteria and increasing the ris…

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We tried the pre-party products that claim to prevent a hangover before you start drinking
type: item
date: 2025-12-18T11:54:41.000Z
creator: Vicky Chandler
subject: Wellbeing
subject: Premium wellbeing
description: Who better to investigate whether you can stop a hangover before it starts than a health writer married to a pub owner?
encoded: Looking for ways to feel better? Read our list of the 10 most hydrating foods and find out more about the latest functional ingredients in your drink. There are also a host of natural energy boosters for you to try. I absolutely cannot hack a hangover. In my early twenties, I could stay out until closing time, inhale a kebab and still be at my desk by 9am. Now? If I haven’t adequately prepared myself, I’m out of action for two full days afterwards. And while I doff my hat to the many now embracing sobriety, it isn’t something that quite aligns with my life. After all, an espresso martini with the girls or a great glass of wine with my husband is one of my favourite pastimes. It also doesn’t help that said husband is a restaurant and pub operator, meaning we’re enthusiastic supporters of the hospitality industry, and genuinely believe that popping in for a drink counts as doing our civic duty. This means I’ve entered my strategic drinking era: a bit of prep in the hope of waking up without a splitting headache. But does any of it actually work? Can what you eat, or take, beforehand really make a difference? The hangover preventions everyone’s talking about 1. Korean pear juice This naturally sweet drink has had a full marketing makeover, now packaged and promoted as a sleek, pre-drinking hangover solution. Korean pear juice, made from nashi pears, claims to support alcohol metabolism, based on a small Korean study which found that participants who consumed pear juice before drinking around 540ml of spirits reported reduced hangover severity, alongside improvements in concentration, memory impairment and sensitivity to light and sound, compared with a placebo. Another Australian study suggested that compounds in Korean pears may influence the activity of alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase, the two key enzymes involved in alcohol metabolism – helping the body process alcohol more efficiently. This has fuelled a wave of products like PrePear, Nashi Recover…

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7 of the worst things I've eaten in the name of health in 2025
type: item
date: 2025-12-09T10:52:15.000Z
creator: Vicky Chandler
subject: Guides
subject: Wellbeing
subject: Premium wellbeing
description: Healthy food certainly doesn’t need to taste worse. So why were the main trends of the year so revolting? Plus, a nutritionist reveals whether they’re even that good for you…
encoded: If you’re looking for healthy and tasty dishes, check out Olive’s collection of budget healthy recipes, high-fibre meals or recipes to help you pack in 30 plant foods. As a food writer, I’ve tested my fair share of weird and wonderful things. But in 2025 I spent most of the year trying to eat better, or – more accurately – trying things the internet claimed were healthy. All in the name of journalism, of course. For me, it was the year of high-protein cakes, neat vinegar, frogspawn-texture breakfasts and olive oil shots at 7 am for “longevity”. A phrase so bleak it made me immediately rush to Pret for a chocolate croissant. Below is my honest audit of the worst things I ate (and drank) in the name of health, plus expert insights from registered nutritionist Zara Hiridjee on whether any of them were actually worth it. 1. Cacao water Up first, cacao water, marketed as “hydration plus antioxidants” and pushed as this sunny, tropical drink that boosts mood, brightens skin and somehow energises you. I’m a sucker for a good sports drink, and was excited at the prospect of a tropical, zingy lemonade. In reality? Nothing of the sort. It’s slightly sweet, a tiny bit acidic, not offensive, just a bit bland. I didn’t get the mood-boosting magic, and my palate wasn’t exactly thanking me for the experience. It hasn’t fully landed in the UK yet, but it’s huge in the US, so I’m sure it’ll be on our shelves soon. At nearly £4 a bottle, though, I’m not convinced. With the explosion of electrolyte powders and hydration tablets, there are far better, and cheaper, ways to quench a thirst. Personally, a pinch of Cornish sea salt in water does more for me than any “supercharged” cacao infusion. Not glamorous, makes me cringe slightly, but absolutely effective. What the nutritionist says: “Cacao water is one of those products that sounds innovative but, nutritionally speaking, doesn’t offer much. People assume that because cacao is rich in antioxidants, cacao water carries similar benefit…

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Recipes that support your mental health
type: item
date: 2025-11-21T11:30:45.000Z
creator: Isabella Keeling - Deputy health editor
subject: Guides
subject: Wellbeing
description: Pack in the good fats, gut-friendly fibre and nutrients with these recipes, in order to support your brain and mental health
encoded: The food you eat can have a powerful effect on your mental health and how you feel day to day. There is a strong connection between your gut and your brain, often called the gut-brain axis, which means that nourishing your body with the right foods can help regulate mood, motivation and stress levels. Certain nutrients play a key role in supporting brain health – omega-3 fatty acids, for example, are essential for maintaining healthy brain cells and have been linked to lower rates of depression and anxiety. Choline, found in foods like eggs, is also important as it supports the production of neurotransmitters involved in memory and learning. If you want to boost your mental wellbeing, try to include more foods rich in these beneficial nutrients. Oily fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardines are excellent sources of omega-3 fats, while walnuts, flaxseeds and chia seeds are great plant-based options. Eggs are not only packed with choline but also provide B vitamins, which help with energy production and brain function. Leafy greens, beans, lentils and fermented foods like yogurt and kimchi can all support a healthy gut and stable mood. Watch out for highly processed foods and refined sugars as they can lead to blood sugar spikes and crashes, contributing to mood swings and tiredness. Excessive caffeine and alcohol may also disrupt sleep and increase feelings of anxiety or low mood. Next, discover recipes that pack in the plants, recipes for a healthy gut and eat the rainbow with our healthy, colourful recipes. Recipes that support your mental health Kimchi eggs Start your day with these punchy fried eggs, served on toasted rye bread alongside tangy kimchi to support friendly gut bacteria. Masala mackerel Mackerel's oily flesh means it can withstand strong flavours such as chilli and citrus – both of which are used in this dish alongside ginger, tamarind, cumin and garam masala Energising breakfast bowl Avoid the sugar spikes and crashes by swapping your morning cere…

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8 fertility foods for men
type: item
date: 2025-11-20T17:32:58.000Z
creator: Juliette Kellow
subject: Wellbeing
subject: Premium wellbeing
description: Thinking about starting a family? These are the delicious fertility-friendly foods dads-to-be should be eating, according to our dietitian
encoded: To help with a healthier diet, try our sample menus and recipes for getting 10 portions of fruit and veg daily; tips for adding more fibre to your diet or check out 10 of the best foods for gut health. New research shows a worrying worldwide trend for couples trying for a baby: in the last three decades, male infertility has risen by 70 percent. In the UK and US, infertility now affects around one in seven couples – approx. 3.5 million people – and as the new figures suggest, it’s far from a female issue. It’s thought that around 30 percent of fertility problems are due to men, 30 percent due to women, and the remainder due to both or unknown causes. Male fertility specifically can be affected by a variety of factors, including genetics, hormonal imbalances, infections, injuries, health conditions, medications, exposure to pollution or harmful chemicals, being underweight or overweight, and stress. Lifestyle habits such as smoking, drinking excess alcohol, being inactive and diet also have an impact. Many studies suggest diets lower in saturated fat and sugar, and richer in healthy fats, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants may support healthier sperm, which is vital for male fertility. In particular, a Mediterranean-style diet – one rich in fruit, vegetables, wholegrains, pulses, oily fish, nuts, seeds and olive oil – has been found to support reproductive health in men. For example, a review of studies published in 2025 found that greater adherence to a Mediterranean diet was linked to improved semen quality, although more research is needed to understand whether these improvements translate into increased fertility or successful pregnancies. Within a Mediterranean diet, some foods stand out thanks to them containing nutrients that especially benefit male fertility. New sperm take around two to three months to mature, so aim to include more of these foods as part of a nutritious, Mediterranean way of eating for at least three months… Oily fish Omega-3 fats are a vi…

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Digestion and exercise: the 7 common mistakes you might be making
type: item
date: 2025-11-20T17:21:15.000Z
creator: Lucy Gornall
subject: Guides
subject: Wellbeing
subject: Premium wellbeing
description: How do you balance fuelling against the risk of stomach cramps or the need for an emergency toilet stop on your run? Our personal trainer has the answers
encoded: For more wellbeing guides, check out our 10 ways to boost energy, 12 fitness habits to kickstart a reset, a fitness instructor's guide to why your wearable is a waste of money and our health expert guide to serotonin – what it is and how to boost it for your health. Feeling heavy or bloated during your workouts? Perhaps you’ve been caught short mid-run and it’s made you hyper-aware of what you’re eating before you exercise. Whatever exercise-related gut issues you’ve faced, they can seriously hinder performance and make working out feel hard. “Everyone’s gut reacts differently during exercise,” says Rob Hobson, a sports nutritionist with 15 years’ experience. “Some people can run for miles on a full stomach, while others feel queasy after just a banana. It depends on your body and, often, how anxious or relaxed you feel.” During exercise, your body sends more blood to your muscles and skin to help with movement and temperature control. “This means there’s less blood going to your digestive system, slowing down digestion and causing bloating or nausea,” Rob explains. You might also get a strong urge to race to the loo, as many runners have experienced. To help reduce the chances of digestive mishaps, avoid these common mistakes… MISTAKE #1: Eating too close to your workout If you’ve gone for a jog or folded into a Downward Dog immediately after eating, you’ll be familiar with the discomfort of indigestion. If you’ve just had a main meal, it’s best to wait two to three hours before exercising, especially for endurance sports such as running. “This allows time for digestion and glycogen (fuel) replenishment without discomfort,” says Rob. “Eat a meal that contains carbs, lean protein (such as chicken, tofu or fish) and minimal fat and fibre. Chicken with white rice and veg is a good shout.” If you only have one to two hours until you exercise, tuck into a lighter snack of carbs and a small amount of protein. A smoothie with banana and protein powder or yogurt with fruit…

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13 experts on why you’re always tired – and how to get your energy back
type: item
date: 2025-11-20T17:20:27.000Z
creator: Vicky Chandler
subject: Guides
subject: Wellbeing
subject: Premium wellbeing
description: It’s a common refrain, but why are so many of us so tired? Thirteen health experts with different specialisms offer their solutions
encoded: For more wellbeing guides, read 11 ways to have a better night's sleep, sleep hygiene and how to improve it, 10 foods to improve your mood and 5 tips for a mindful evening routine. It’s the time of the year where everyone is running on 10% battery. We wake up tired, stay tired, and talk about being tired as if it’s a personality trait. The morning coffee doesn’t touch the sides, the afternoon slump hits harder than ever, and even a full night’s sleep doesn’t seem to fix it. It’s not just in our heads. A survey found that one in eight of us say they felt tired all the time. We’ve built lives that drain us in ways we barely notice, screens that keep us alert long after dark, work that seeps into our weekends and diets built for convenience, not nourishment. Add to that hormones, stress, poor sleep, and pressure to 'keep up', and it’s no wonder so many of us feel like we’re running on fumes. So, what’s actually going on, and how do we fix it? We asked a line-up of experts – from doctors and sleep experts to osteopaths and productivity specialists – to untangle what’s really behind our collective fatigue and how to combat it. Some say it’s our circadian rhythm, others our hormones, our blood sugar, our posture, or even our decision load. The truth? It’s probably a bit of all of them. The Sleep Expert Stephanie Romiszewski, leading sleep physiologist and author of Think Less, Sleep More One of the biggest misconceptions is that tiredness means you need more sleep, says Romiszewski, one of the most trusted voices in sleep health. “Often it means you need better timing of sleep, or to stop fighting normal human fluctuations in energy,” she explains. “We’ve created a culture where every dip in alertness is treated as a failure, when in fact your body’s natural rhythm works in waves.” And that consistency can waver, especially at the weekends, when your social calendar shifts. “Your brain’s timekeeper, the circadian rhythm, isn’t flexible just because your calendar is,” Romi…

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Are we going backwards on body confidence?
type: item
date: 2025-11-12T16:19:20.000Z
creator: Nicola Shubrook – Registered nutritionist
subject: Wellbeing
subject: health spotlight
description: As a nutritionist working with people with eating disorders, the way weight-loss drugs are changing our attitude to slimming is changing
encoded: For more health and wellbeing guidance, check out foods for a feel-good kitchen, 15 best superfood recipes and our expert guide to the dopamine diet. Body confidence in the UK is at a crossroads. The everyday conversation around weight and appearance has shifted from supermodels and diet clubs and is now dominated by weight-loss drugs, biohacking and viral body trends. But beneath it all, the shadow of fat shaming remains. It is just evolving. The last time I remember weight loss dominating public conversation quite as much as it is today was back in the late 2000s, when size 0 was all the rage and Kate Moss’s famous quote, “nothing tastes as good as skinny feels” echoed everywhere. This attitude wasn’t new to me: as a teenager in the 1990s I experienced the supermodel phenomenon firsthand. I remember pinning magazine cut-outs of supermodels – Christy Turlington, Naomi Campbell, Claudia Schiffer – to my wall and feeling triumphant when my waist reached 24 inches, just like Tatjana Patitz (my personal favourite). Looking back, it’s clear these influences shaped my teenage relationship with my body, for I even had a brief stint on Weight Watchers when I was 16 years old. Today’s teens may not be measuring their waists against glossy magazine pages, but the pressure to conform remains the same – if anything, with weight-loss drugs becoming commonplace, there’s now even less excuse not to conform. How big an issue is being big? Obesity increases the risk of health problems like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and mental health problems. Today, over two-thirds of men and almost 60% of women in England are overweight or living with obesity, with around one in four adults classed as obese. These numbers are putting enormous pressure on our health system. The biggest rises are in low-income communities, where there is typically more reliance on cheaper, processed foods. But the cultural baggage that comes with weight gain doesn’t care about gender, class or your pos…

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