The Wellness Scoop

Latest Episodes:

Britain’s Health SOS, Stress & The Cortisol Craze May 11, 2026

Show notes

This week we unpack a sobering picture of the UK’s health, with new data showing we’re living fewer years in good health and falling behind much of the developed world.

We revisit school food standards and how countries like France and Japan are approaching nutrition in a completely different way, before diving into what’s really driving the UK’s decline, from diet to wider lifestyle patterns.

We also break down the new “smoke-free generation” bill, rising costs for vaping, and what prevention actually looks like in practice. And finally, we explore the cortisol conversation taking over social media, and what genuinely helps when it comes to managing stress in a realistic, sustainable way.

Send your questions for our weekly Q&A to ⁠⁠hello@wellness-scoop.com⁠⁠

For more from Rhi and Ella:

Order your copy of Ella's new book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quick Wins: Healthy Cooking for Busy Lives⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Order your copy of Rhi's new book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Fibre Formula⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Sign up to ⁠Rhitrition+⁠

Get an exclusive 15% discount on your first Saily data plans! Use code Scoop at checkout. Download Saily app or go to to https://saily.com/scoop/

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Food Noise, Breaking the Craving Cycle & 2-Minute Habits May 07, 2026

Show notes

This week on The Wellness Scoop, we answer your questions on some of the most complex and personal areas of health, from food noise and emotional eating to how to build habits that actually fit into real life.

We break down what’s really driving cravings for ultra-processed foods and how to gently step out of that cycle, explore how to approach emotional eating with more compassion and structure, and look at what a realistic, holistic approach to wellness actually looks like when you’re balancing work, family and everything else. We also unpack what truly supports skin health beyond expensive routines, how to use food to support joint health and reduce inflammation, and share simple ways to bring more flavour and variety into everyday meals.

Send your questions for our weekly Q&A to ⁠hello@wellness-scoop.com⁠

Recommendations:

At Home With The Furys on Netflix
Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke
Walnuts in sourdough and Citizens of Soil subscription (from listener Sasha)
The British Quinoa Company (courtesy of listener Bridget)
The Way meditation app

Find out more on Rhi and Ella:

Check out Dr. Thivi's book, SkinFood: Your 4-Step Solution to Healthy, Happy Skin
Order your copy of Ella's new book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quick Wins: Healthy Cooking for Busy Lives⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Order your copy of Rhi's new book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Fibre Formula⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Sign up to ⁠Rhitrition+⁠

Get an exclusive 15% discount on your first Saily data plans! Use code Scoop at checkout. Download Saily app or go to to https://saily.com/scoop/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When to Exercise, Gut Health Clues & The Cost of “Perfect” May 04, 2026

Show notes

This week on The Wellness Scoop, we explore some of the most thought-provoking shifts in health right now, from how timing your workouts could impact your heart, to what your gut might reveal about disease risk years before symptoms begin, and the growing pressure around appearance in the age of social media.

We break down new research on chronotypes and why aligning exercise with your body clock may improve key markers of health, before diving into emerging science linking the gut microbiome to early signs of Parkinson’s disease. We also revisit the darker side of “looksmaxxing,” with rising concerns around steroid use and the long-term health risks tied to the pursuit of a certain physique.

Plus, we explore the rise of low-light evening rituals designed to help us properly switch off, and the snack tin trend, a simple but telling shift towards more flexible, varied and enjoyable ways of eating.

Are you a lark or an owl? Find out ⁠HERE⁠

Send your questions for our weekly Q&A to ⁠⁠hello@wellness-scoop.com⁠⁠

Recommendations:

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
Sign up to the wait list for ⁠⁠Rhitrition+⁠⁠

Get an exclusive 15% discount on your first Saily data plans! Use code Scoop at checkout. Download Saily app or go to to https://saily.com/scoop/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Building Muscle, Protein vs Fibre & The Supplement Trap Apr 30, 2026

Show notes

This week on The Wellness Scoop, we answer your questions on some of the most common and confusing nutrition topics, from how much protein you actually need to build muscle to whether everyday foods like flaxseeds are as straightforward as they seem.

We break down the protein conversation and how to balance it with fibre without overdoing it, explore whether protein powders are worth it, unpack the confusion around toddler snacks and Greek vs Greek-style yoghurt, look at the safety and benefits of flaxseeds, question iodine and seaweed supplement trends, and share simple, realistic ways to support your gut during and after antibiotics.

Send your questions for our weekly Q&A to ⁠hello@wellness-scoop.com⁠

Recommendations:

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

The Protein Divide, The Optimism Effect & Britain’s Favourite Veg Apr 27, 2026

Show notes

This week on The Wellness Scoop, we unpack some of the biggest conversations shaping how we think about health right now, from what we should actually be eating for heart health to the growing evidence that mindset plays a measurable role in physical wellbeing.

We break down the clash between new US dietary guidelines and heart health advice, exploring the debate around plant vs animal protein, red meat and saturated fats. We also dive into the science of optimism and why a more positive outlook is linked to better cardiovascular health, sleep and immunity. Plus, we look at Britain’s favourite vegetables and what they’re really doing for your health, before finishing with the rising trend of cosmeticorexia and what it reveals about our relationship with appearance.

Send your questions for our weekly Q&A to ⁠hello@wellness-scoop.com⁠

Recommendations:

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
Sign up to the wait list for ⁠Rhitrition+⁠

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How to Beat the Afternoon Slump, Breakfast Myths & Food Pairing Apr 23, 2026

Show notes

This week on The Wellness Scoop, we answer your questions on some of the most common and confusing everyday health habits, from that mid-afternoon energy crash to whether cold breakfasts really slow your metabolism.

We break down why the 2 to 3pm slump happens and how to manage it, unpack viral nutrition myths around hot versus cold breakfasts and food pairing, explore whether nutritional yeast is a reliable source of B12, look at what actually feeds your gut microbiome, and share simple, realistic ways to eat well when you’re unwell.

Recommendations:

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
Sign up to the wait list for ⁠Rhitrition+⁠

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Best Foods for Brain & Gut Health + The Social Media Reckoning Apr 20, 2026

Show notes

This week on The Wellness Scoop, we explore what’s shaping our health from both a biological and cultural perspective, from the foods that support our brain and gut to the systems influencing how we think, feel and behave every day.

We revisit our conversation on screen time with new data showing just how fast modern children’s content has become, look at shifting attitudes towards social media as trust and engagement decline, and unpack emerging research suggesting microplastics may have been overestimated in some cases.

We then dive into the science behind the MIND diet and its link to slower brain ageing and reduced dementia risk, alongside a practical breakdown of the best foods to support your gut and the ones to limit. Finally, we explore a landmark trial holding Meta and Google accountable for mental health harm, and what this could mean for the future of social media.

Recommendations:

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

Eating for Colds, Digestion Hacks & Why Weight Won’t Shift Apr 16, 2026

Show notes

What should you actually eat when you’re unwell and don’t have the energy to cook? Do viral digestion hacks really improve how your body absorbs nutrients, or are they just adding more confusion? And why can weight stay the same even when you’re eating well, exercising and doing everything “right”?

This week, we break down the science behind a viral digestion claim, share simple, realistic ways to nourish your body when you’ve got a cold, and explore the nuance between nutrient density and energy balance when it comes to weight. We also unpack the ongoing debate around seed oils, looking at what the evidence actually says versus what’s being amplified online, and highlight the benefits of everyday foods like quinoa.

A practical, myth-busting episode focused on helping you eat well, feel better and stop overthinking the small stuff.

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

11 Minutes to Change Your Health & Olive Oil Shots: Hype or Health? Apr 13, 2026

Show notes

This week on The Wellness Scoop, we explore the small shifts that can have a surprisingly big impact on long-term health, starting with new research showing how just 11 extra minutes of sleep, alongside simple daily habits, could meaningfully reduce heart attack risk.

We unpack a major shift in the weight loss landscape as GLP-1 drugs begin to fall dramatically in price, and what that could mean for access, demand and how these medications are used globally. We also look at the wider cultural impact already emerging, from changing body ideals to shifts on the fashion runway and some crazy new aesthetic trends.

We also break down new UK guidance on children’s screen time and what it really means for development, attention and sleep, alongside the fast-growing children’s supplement market and why many multivitamins aren’t delivering what parents think they are.

Finally, we explore the rise of olive oil and lemon shots, what’s driving the trend, what the science actually says, and whether they’re worth adding into your routine.

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

Cycle Syncing, Microwaves & Electrolyte Hype Apr 09, 2026

Show notes

Should we be eating differently across each stage of our cycle? Are microwaves actually harmful, or is it another wellness myth? And do we really need electrolytes, or is it just clever marketing?

This week we answer your questions on nutrition for hormone health and PCOS, break down the science behind microwaving and plastic safety, and explore the growing hype around electrolytes. We also talk about how to build a balanced vegetarian diet without over-relying on ultra-processed foods, share trusted menopause resources, and open up about what we’re actually cooking, eating and doing in our own routines right now.

Send your questions for our weekly Q&A to ⁠hello@wellness-scoop.com⁠

The Science of Menopause and The M Word by today's contributor Dr. Phillipa Kaye
The Feel Good Fix by Lavina Mehta
Just Getting Started by Lisa Snowdon
Owning Your Menopause
The Power of Menopause and Midlife by Dr Nighat Arif
Ella's favourite Foccacia recipe. Ella suggests letting it sit for two hours to prove.
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

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