The Wellness Scoop

Sugar Cravings, Protein Shakes & The Secret to Better Sleep

This week we’re diving into the health stories you’ll actually want to know about as we head into mid-December. We’re unpacking why sugar cravings are so common and what’s really happening in your brain and body when they strike, plus the small, practical shifts that genuinely help. We look at the wild rise of protein shakes, from beef-sludge origins to celebrity smoothies and Michelin-styled blends, and what you actually need to know about protein for real-world health. We also explore the science of better sleep. A new wave of research is showing just how much gentle, consistent mind–body movement regulates cortisol, supports the nervous system and improves sleep quality over time. We break down what really makes the difference and how to build habits that help you sleep more deeply and wake up feeling human again. * Ella’s book signing on the 16th: https://www.bookbaruk.com/event-details/meet-ella-mills-exclusive-pre-publication-signing-and-meet-greet [https://www.bookbaruk.com/event-details/meet-ella-mills-exclusive-pre-publication-signing-and-meet-greet] * 50% off code for Quick Wins with ⁠Waterstones⁠ [https://www.waterstones.com/book/quick-wins-healthy-cooking-for-busy-lives/ella-mills/9781529316759] - ‘QUICKWINS50’ (enter the code at checkout) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

The Best UPF-Free Chocolate, Greens Powders and Calories v Protein

This week we’re answering your biggest end-of-year questions, from greens powders and plant points to calories versus protein and how to make sense of it all. We look at what actually matters, what doesn’t, and the simple shifts that make eating well feel easier rather than overwhelming. We’re also doing a proper chocolate tasting to find the best UPF-free options. We break down what to look for, how to spot the clever marketing, and which ones genuinely deliver. Plus, we dive into your questions on sourdough starters, prebiotic fibres like Myota, berberine, and how to support your gut without getting lost in the noise. It’s a practical, down-to-earth Q&A to help you end the year feeling clearer, calmer and more confident about what actually works. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Beating Hangovers, Wellness Washing & The Chronic Disease Pandemic

This week we’re diving into the health stories you’ll actually want to know about as we head into December. We’re looking at how to beat a hangover and stay well through the festive chaos, from sleep dips to sugar overload. We unpack the rise of wellness washing, why so many “healthy” products are anything but, and how to spot the difference between real wellbeing and clever marketing. Our big story this week is the chronic disease pandemic. A major new Lancet review has brought global attention to the links between modern diets, ultra processed foods and long term illness, exposing the industry forces driving the trend and what the evidence really shows. We break down the key findings and share the simple, realistic habits that genuinely support long term health. * Ella’s book tour events: https://www.bookbaruk.com/event-details/meet-ella-mills-exclusive-pre-publication-signing-and-meet-greet * 50% off code for Quick Wins with Waterstones [https://www.waterstones.com/book/quick-wins-healthy-cooking-for-busy-lives/ella-mills/9781529316759] - ‘QUICKWINS50’ (enter the code at checkout) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Christmas Menus, Intolerance Tests and the Wellness Trends to Ignore

In this Extra Scoop we’re tackling your brilliant listener questions, from the confusion around food intolerance tests to what to cook for a summer Christmas lunch. We break down why IgG tests aren’t reliable, how to get a proper diagnosis and why unnecessary restriction can do more harm than good. Rhi shares her clinical insight into navigating misinformation online, from the rise of the AIP diet to the red flags around unregulated “women’s health practitioners.” We also answer your questions on omega-3 supplements, skincare ingredients like BHT and phenoxyethanol, and whether lots of small meals or three bigger ones best support digestion and sleep. Plus, we share your latest dark chocolate recommendations and talk through what a Deliciously Ella–style summer Christmas menu might look like. It’s a practical, myth-busting episode designed to bring a bit of clarity, calm and common sense to the world of everyday wellness. Recommendations: * The best dark chocolates (so far!): Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Madagascan 80%, M&S 75%, Tesco 85%, Divine 85%, Hu Kitchen, Ombar 80% * Ella’s book event: https://www.bookbaruk.com/event-details/meet-ella-mills-exclusive-pre-publication-signing-and-meet-greet [https://www.bookbaruk.com/event-details/meet-ella-mills-exclusive-pre-publication-signing-and-meet-greet] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Food, Mood and the 2026 Wellness Trends to Watch!

This week we’re unpacking the stories shaping long-term health, from the latest research on ultra-processed foods to the global rise in childhood blood pressure. We look at a major new study linking UPFs to early bowel polyps in women under 50, what the data actually shows and what practical changes matter day to day. We also explore why hypertension in children has almost doubled over the past twenty years, what’s driving the trend, and the small, realistic habits that help protect heart health from early life. Alongside the big stories, we dive into two smaller but fascinating pieces of research: how gallery visits can lower cortisol and inflammation, and why speaking more than one language might help slow biological ageing. We pick up on last week’s GLP-1 discussion with a thought-provoking piece from The Cut on emotional blunting, appetite and pleasure, and round things off with the seven wellness trends set to shape 2026 including bone health, creatine, fibre, tech boundaries, cellular health and infrared workouts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]