The Wellness Scoop

Latest Episodes:

The Longevity Diet, Jennifer Aniston’s Workouts and the Science of Strength Nov 03, 2025

Show notes

This week we’re diving into the latest research on how to live longer, move better and feel stronger. We explore the Green Mediterranean Diet, the plant-rich way of eating that’s been shown to improve gut health, lower inflammation and even slow biological ageing.

We unpack Jennifer Aniston’s new “micro-lifting” workouts and the growing science behind lighter, smarter resistance training that supports strength, balance and longevity without the burnout. Plus, we look at the simple nutrition tweaks that protect your vision and boost brain health as you age, and share practical takeaways to help you build a sustainable routine for long-term wellbeing.

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The Gluten Debate and the Benefits of Chocolate Oct 30, 2025

Show notes

This week we’re breaking down the truth about two of our favourite topics: bread and chocolate. We unpack the confusion around gluten and gut health, explaining what the science really says about inflammation, how wholegrains and sourdough compare to refined options, and when cutting out wheat is genuinely helpful versus when it’s just another wellness myth.

We also explore the surprising benefits of dark chocolate, from its antioxidant-rich polyphenols to its links with mood, cognition and even gut health. Plus, we share a simple digital wellbeing tweak that’s helping listeners spend less time scrolling, and answer your questions on vitamin D, plant diversity and healthy eating on busy days.

Recommendations from our amazing listeners

Ailsa from Birmingham suggests we try switching our phone screens to black & white. A really simple hack that helps prevent us getting distracted by our phones, by making them less interesting to look at. Find out how you can do it here
Hanna recommends True Dates - taste great and full of fibre!

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Are Carbs Bad? & Ditching the Pressure to ‘Fix’ Yourself Oct 27, 2025

Show notes

This week we’re tackling one of the most persistent wellness myths: that cutting carbs is essential for weight loss. We dive into what carbs actually are, why they became the enemy, what the science really says about low-carb diets, and the health benefits of keeping wholegrains in your life.

We also explore powerful new findings from a 30-year Finnish study showing that unhealthy habits like smoking, drinking and inactivity don’t just affect your future. They start impacting your quality of life by your mid-thirties. But the good news is that changing course earlier can make all the difference.

Plus, with headlines about 28-year-olds getting facelifts and cosmetic surgery on the rise, we ask why so many of us are feeling pressure to change our appearance, and how we can reclaim confidence and care in a filtered world.

Finally, we revisit the rapeseed oil debate, where the fear comes from, and what the science really says about cooking oils and inflammation.

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How To Lower Inflammation & Eat 30 Plants a Week Oct 23, 2025

Show notes

This week we’re diving into inflammation, what it really is, why it’s not always a bad thing, and how to calm it through everyday habits rather than quick-fix supplements. We explore the evidence behind so-called anti-inflammatory diets, the role of gut health and healthy fats, and why a Mediterranean-style approach remains the gold standard for long-term wellbeing.

We answer your questions on how to support your body through IVF, gentle ways to rebuild balance after periods of stress, and how to gain weight healthily when your appetite is low. We also share simple, practical ideas for eating 30 plants a week, from breakfasts to snacks, to boost diversity and support your microbiome.

Plus, we unpack the truth behind vitamin-enriched chewing gum, discuss how to find trustworthy nutrition qualifications, and share our top podcast picks of the week including Pieces of Britney, A Very British Cult, and Emma Watson’s new On Purpose with Jay Shetty episode.

Recommendations:

Pre order Rhi's new book, The Fibre Formula: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://geni.us/TheFibreFormula

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How to Beat a Cold & The World’s Healthiest Diet Oct 20, 2025

Show notes

This week we’re breaking down the science behind staying well as cold and flu season hits, from what actually helps you recover faster to why balance, not “boosting,” is the secret to a strong immune system.

We dig into new research on the planetary health diet, the flexible, plant-rich way of eating that could save 40,000 lives a day, and ask whether it could be the key to both personal and planetary health.

Plus, we look at the growing call for caution on supplements, why doctors say we’re taking too many pills and what to focus on instead, and separate fact from fiction in the online debate about rapeseed oil.

Pre order Rhi's new book, The Fibre Formula: ⁠⁠⁠https://geni.us/TheFibreFormula

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Ozempic & Weight Loss Drugs: Game Changers or Health Hazards? Oct 16, 2025

Show notes

This week we’re diving into one of the biggest health conversations of the year as we explore GLP 1 weight loss drugs. From Ozempic to Wegovy these medications have changed how we think about food, weight and willpower but they’ve also raised big questions about what healthy really means.

Dr Jack Mosley joins us to unpack the science behind these drugs, the truth about food noise, muscle loss and long term side effects, and what happens when you stop taking them. We also look at natural ways to support GLP 1 function through diet and lifestyle.

As these drugs become more accessible and more widely marketed are they a genuine breakthrough or another quick fix in disguise

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Mood-Boosting Diets, Brain Gains and the UPF Debate Oct 13, 2025

Show notes

This week we’re exploring the connection between what you eat and how you feel, from mood-boosting fibre to the foods that help sharpen focus and protect brain health. We unpack new research showing how high-intensity exercise fuels cognitive function and why short, consistent bursts of movement could be one of the best ways to support your mind.

We break down the latest ban on "buy one, get one free" junk food deals and what it means for our weekly shop, plus dive into Joe Wicks’ new documentary with Chris van Tulleken, where they expose how easy it is to market ultra-processed foods as healthy.

We’re also looking at the growing conversation around rapeseed oil, separating science from social media fearmongering, and sharing simple takeaways to help you protect your attention, eat for your mood, and move in a way that fuels both body and brain.

Pre order Rhi's new book, The Fibre Formula: ⁠⁠https://geni.us/TheFibreFormula

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Habit Stacking, Sugar vs Sweeteners & Adaptogens Oct 09, 2025

Show notes

This week on The Wellness Scoop we’re answering your questions, starting with one of the most common debates: is it better to add sugar or a sweetener to your tea? We’ll look at what the latest science and WHO guidance actually says, and the best way to approach it long term.

We then dive into fibre, the difference between soluble and insoluble, how they work together in the gut, and whether you really need to worry about getting the perfect balance between the two.

Next up, calcium. If you eat little or no dairy, how can you still meet your needs? We’ll cover the top plant-based sources, from sesame seeds and hummus to calcium-set tofu and fortified milks, plus why vitamin D is just as important for absorption.

We also unpack the growing trend for adaptogens like ashwagandha, maca and lion’s mane, asking how much evidence there really is behind the hype and whether they’re worth the spend.

And finally, how to keep your healthy eating habits going as the seasons change. We’ll explore habit stacking, the behavioural science behind linking new habits to ones you already do, and share practical ways to boost the nutrition of your favourite autumn comfort foods so you can carry your summer momentum through the darker months.

Recommendations:

Rhi’s new book : Pre order The Fibre Formula ⁠https://geni.us/TheFibreFormula
White Mausu Smoky Chilli Oil
The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak
Find out more from the amazing Sophie Bertrand HERE and order a copy of her book, Forking Wellness

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Morning Routines, Motivation and the Ozempic Backlash Oct 06, 2025

Show notes

This week we’re looking at the rising pressure to lose weight and why so many people are turning to risky quick fixes. We unpack the growing backlash against Ozempic, now facing over 1,800 lawsuits in the US for severe side effects like stomach paralysis and vision loss.

We revisit the 5am Club and ask if the 8am Club is a smarter, more sustainable routine for real life. We share new research showing that the benefits of nature depend on how you experience it, and simple ways to make time outdoors more restorative.

And we explore the booming world of wellness wearables, from Oura rings to Apple Watches, and whether they really motivate us to change our habits.

Recommendations

Rhi’s new book : Pre order The Fibre Formula https://geni.us/TheFibreFormula
Bought to You by Chemistry’ podcast, by the Royal Society of Chemistry: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/brought-to-you-by-chemistry/id1621110309
Science Vs Podcat: ‘Is There Really a Plastic Spoon in our Brains’ https://open.spotify.com/episode/2ZwZsCnG2BkTzPxo5tujOB

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10 Simple Nutrition Wins, Wholegrains and Intuitive Eating Oct 02, 2025

Show notes

This week on The Wellness Scoop we’re answering your questions, from the small daily habits that make the biggest difference to how we eat, to whether it’s really worth swapping white pasta and rice for wholegrain versions, especially for little ones.

We’re also digging into the sudden rise of chicory root fibre in high-fibre products, what it actually does in the body, and why it can be a gut-health hero for some people but a nightmare for others.

Plus, how to talk to kids about nutrition without creating fear around food, the clever trick to boost vitamin D in mushrooms, and a brilliant listener tip on the growing smartphone-free childhood movement.

And as always, a few personal updates, including the gratitude ritual that’s been helping Ella dial down overwhelm at the end of each day.

Recommendations:

Ella - Gratitude conversations at the dinner table. Go round and everyone says something they feel grateful for from their day, and feel the overwhelm melt away!
Rhi - Fearne Cottons', Scripted
Fran (one of our amazing listeners!) - The Smartphone Free Childhood movement

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