In the UK, approximately 10 million tonnes of food is wasted each year, with around 60% of this coming from households. Not only is this damaging for the environment, with the greenhouse gas emissions associated with wasted food and drink in the UK estimated to be equivalent to 18 million tonnes of CO2 – it’s also costly, as the edible proportion of household food waste is equivalent to around £250 per person annually. With this in mind, here are six simple tips to help you f

Plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs) have been hailed as the ‘future of food’ by some and criticised by others. But what actually are they, and do they really help us achieve healthier and more sustainable diets? What are PBMAs? Plant-based meat alternatives are a broad range of food products, made primarily from plant-derived ingredients, designed to mimic the taste, texture, appearance and culinary use of meat in meals. They are typically used as substitutes in familiar me

The gut, or gastrointestinal (GI) tract, is the digestive system that runs from the mouth to the anus. Its primary role is to digest food, absorb nutrients and fluids, and remove waste. The gut also plays an important role in immune function and communication with the brain. The gut microbiome refers to the trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi and viruses, that live in the digestive tract. Most are harmless or beneficial, helping to break down food, produce

If you spend a lot of your day sitting at a desk, driving, working on a laptop, or looking down at a phone, your body will usually tell you about it. This might show up through tight hips, a stiff lower back, rounded shoulders, tension in the neck, headaches, poor posture, or just that general feeling of being a bit ‘stuck’ in your body by the end of the day.

Taking place on 22nd July, the theme for this year’s World Brain Day is ‘Brain Health for all Ages’, highlighting how the brain supports overall health throughout life. Brain health is the ability to think, learn, remember, make decisions, and manage emotions. It is not just about the absence of disease – it also means keeping the brain functioning at its best over time. Brain health is influenced by lifestyle factors such as blood pressure, diet, exercise, lifelong learning,

Approximately 5.8 million people in the UK are living with diabetes. This year’s Diabetes Week, which takes place from 8th to 14th June, is centred around the theme ‘Strike Out Stigma’, focusing on changing the way we talk about diabetes and those affected by it. With eight in ten people living with diabetes reporting experiencing negative attitudes – including judgement, misconceptions and unfair blame – our helpful guide will help you demystify diabetes, including what it i

What we eat doesn’t just affect our health – it has a powerful impact on the planet too. From how food is produced to how much is wasted, our daily choices shape everything from climate change to biodiversity and the future of our food system. Our current food system contributes: 15–30% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with red meat and dairy among the biggest contributors. 80% of global deforestation, responsible for the clearance of over six million football pitches a ye

Easter is a time for family, friends – and, of course, chocolate! Enjoying Easter treats doesn’t have to derail your health goals or come with guilt. With mindful choices and a little understanding of what makes a treat higher or lower in sugar, you can navigate the Easter period more confidently. Good to know When eating chocolate, it’s helpful to keep an eye on sugar content. Adults are advised to limit ‘free’ or added sugar – the kind not naturally found in fruit (fruct

To mark World Sleep Day, our partners at the Mental Health Foundation have shared practical, evidence-based tips to support better sleep.

It’s World Sleep Day on Friday 13 th March – but you’ll sleep soundly thanks to our seven tips to help promote a good night’s sleep! Don’t eat too close to bedtime Lying down with a full stomach can lead to heartburn. Plus, you will keep digesting your food while you’re asleep – so there’s no evidence that eating before bed increases chances of weight gain). However, digestion raises your body temperature and keeps your metabolism active, which may reduce your sleep quality.

In a world of social media trends, conflicting nutritional advice, and supermarket shelves packed with ‘health’ products, eating well can feel far more complicated (and expensive) than it needs to be. The truth is, a healthy balanced diet is built on simple principles – and no foods need to be completely off limits. The UK Eatwell Guide provides a blueprint for a healthy balanced diet and how much we should be eating from each food group to get all the nutrients we need. It’

When we talk about nutrition, protein often steals the spotlight. But there’s another nutrient that deserves just as much attention: fibre. Despite its powerful health benefits, only 4% of us in the UK are eating enough! So, what exactly is fibre, why do we need it, and how can we get more? What is fibre? Fibre is a type of carbohydrate that our bodies can’t digest. Fibre is only found in plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, wholegrains, beans, nuts and seeds. Unlike other

Eating more plant-based foods is often linked to better health, but going vegan doesn’t automatically guarantee a nutritious or sustainable diet. After all, chips, Oreos and roast chicken flavoured crisps are vegan (to name a few)! So how do you make sure your vegan diet is actually balanced, nutritious, and supports your long-term health? Here’s our simple guide to getting it right. 1. Eat a variety of foods ​ For a lot of people, getting enough protein is the biggest barrie

Most people only think about their immune system when they feel that first scratchy throat or tell-tale sniffle. But by the time a cold is brewing, your immune system is already working overtime. While good nutrition won’t prevent every cold or virus, it can help your immune system function at its best – and may help you fight off infections more effectively. The key? Supporting your immunity every day, not just when you’re already unwell. ​ It's not just about vitamin C Vita

Thinking about cutting back – or cutting out – alcohol for a while? You might be surprised at just how quickly your body and mind thank you for it. Whether you’re doing a month-long challenge or simply curious about what an alcohol-free lifestyle feels like, going dry can lead to some pretty remarkable changes. Short-term benefits include: Taking back control: Going dry creates space to review your relationship with alcohol. Your sleep could improve: Alcohol fragments your