The Extra Scoop: The Truth About Glucose Monitors

As summer approaches and body image pressures creep in, many of us start to feel more self-conscious — often without even realising it. In this episode of The Extra Scoop, we’re joined by registered dietitian and nutritionist Sarah Elder to unpack what it really means to have a healthy relationship with food. Sarah brings over a decade of experience and a refreshingly compassionate, realistic approach to nutrition. Together, we explore how to tune into your body’s needs, challenge unhelpful thought patterns, and find a way of eating that feels intuitive, enjoyable and sustainable. We also talk about the powerful influence of social media, childhood conditioning, and the subtle ways diet culture still shapes how we see food and ourselves — plus how we can break those patterns for the next generation. Whether you're navigating years of food rules or simply want to feel a bit more at ease around eating, this conversation is full of gentle, practical ideas to help you reconnect with food in a way that works for you. In This Episode, We Cover: What a truly healthy relationship with food looks and feels like Why it’s normal to want to feel good in your body — and how to do that without falling into restriction How to start spotting hunger and fullness cues again What intuitive eating and mindful eating actually mean in practice Advice for navigating social media without feeling overwhelmed The impact of generational food messaging — and how to break the cycle One small, manageable step to help you shift all-or-nothing thinking Why healthy looks different for everyone About the Guest: Sarah Elder is a registered dietitian and nutritionist with over a decade of experience in clinical and community settings. She supports individuals in building a more balanced, relaxed relationship with food and specialises in gut health, hormonal wellbeing and the connection between food and mood. Sarah is passionate about cutting through the noise of diet culture and helping people reconnect with food in a way that’s intuitive, enjoyable and sustainable. You can find her on Instagram @saraheldernutrition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, we’re diving into the small (and slightly ridiculous) things that could be having a big impact on your health. We start with the science behind fibre — and how eating more of it may actually help flush out forever chemicals from the body. Then there’s the rising concern over plastics disrupting our sleep, thanks to their unexpected effect on the body’s circadian rhythm. We also explore the viral trends taking over wellness feeds right now — from fart walks to “Netflix bum” (yes, it’s real), plus the new wave of advice on why midlife strength training is so important for healthspan. Elsewhere in the episode, we unpack how ozempic might change the world and we answer your listener question on how to reduce sugar cravings without falling into the restriction trap. Recommendations: Check out @sambentley for good, positive news that breaks through the doom and gloom! Packing cases - a big stress saver before going on holiday Pitta breads - versatile and reduces waste! Charles Dowding's Youtube channel - namely his 'no dig' method. Lots of useful tips for your garden Plus you can order Rhi's new book The Unprocessed Plate here And don’t forget: The Wellness Scoop Live is happening on Saturday 14th June at Cadogan Hall — find your tickets here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://cadoganhall.com/whats-on/the-wellness-scoop-with-ella-mills-and-rhiannon-lambert/⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this week’s episode, we’re diving into four surprising headlines that touch on everything from daily habits to big lifestyle shifts. First up, new research reveals that just two weeks without mobile internet can reverse ten years of cognitive ageing and significantly boost mental health. We break down what happened in the study, and whether a digital detox could work in real life. Then, we explore the idea of nondoing — a powerful wellness concept from Deepak Chopra that isn’t meditation or rest, but a deeper kind of stillness that reconnects you with yourself. We also look at a bold claim from The Telegraph — that poor posture could shorten your life — and share practical steps to improve it, starting today. And finally, a fun one: champagne might actually be good for your heart. But before you pop a bottle, we unpack what the science says (and what it doesn’t). In today’s trend check, we explore the booming world of mushroom-based wellness drinks, from lion’s mane lattes to adaptogenic teas — are they worth the hype? Recommendations: The Irrational Ape - Dr David Robert Grimes Apple TV's 'Your Friends and Neighbours' Ella's chimichurri recipe: - ½ shallot/small red onion, 1 clove garlic, a large handful (25g) of fresh parsley, finely chopped, a small handful of fresh coriander (15g), finely chopped, 1 red chilli, 2 tablespoons cider vinegar,  5 tablespoons olive oil, pinch of salt Live Show Tickets - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://cadoganhall.com/whats-on/the-wellness-scoop-with-ella-mills-and-rhiannon-lambert/⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this week’s episode, we’re unpacking the return of restrictive headlines — starting with The Telegraph’s “11 foods to avoid if you want to slim down for summer.” We break down what these kinds of lists get wrong, why they’re still everywhere, and how food swaps can either empower or shame, depending on the lens. We also explore the news that WeightWatchers has filed for bankruptcy, what it says about the end of calorie-counting culture, and how new weight-loss pills are changing the conversation from habits to hormones. Then we turn to Spain’s bold new school food policy — banning ultra-processed snacks and requiring fruit, vegetables and fish at every school meal. Should the UK follow? Plus, new data from CALM reveals a loneliness epidemic among young adults — right as AI-powered “companions” go mainstream. We ask whether virtual support is helping or making things worse. And in this week’s trend check: is psyllium husk really the “natural Ozempic” — or just good fibre marketing? Recommendations: Good Enough by Dr Tara Porter - a good reminder for us to stop trying to be perfect! Don’t forget — The Wellness Scoop Live is happening June 14th at Cadogan Hall. Tickets are flying, and we’d love to see you there: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://cadoganhall.com/whats-on/the-wellness-scoop-with-ella-mills-and-rhiannon-lambert/⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) have exploded in popularity, promising everything from weight loss to personalised health insights — but are they really delivering? To help us make sense of the science, we’re joined by Dr. Javier González, Professor of Nutrition and Metabolism at the University of Bath. Javier recently co-authored a study exploring how CGMs impact non-diabetic adults, and found that they might be giving misleading feedback and even encouraging unhelpful dietary choices. In This Episode, We Cover: Blood sugar 101  What CGMs are and how they work The key findings from Dr. González’s recent study Common myths and misconceptions about glucose tracking. Are CGMs actually beneficial for people without diabetes? The risks of relying too heavily on health tech Simple, science-backed strategies for managing blood sugar — without a monitor Live Show Tickets - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://cadoganhall.com/whats-on/the-wellness-scoop-with-ella-mills-and-rhiannon-lambert/⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this week’s episode, we’re taking a closer look at the sneaky side of nutrition—starting with hidden sugar. From yoghurt and oat milk to savoury sauces and baby food, we reveal just how much sugar is lurking in everyday items—and why it's so hard to spot on the label. Weight loss jabs like Ozempic and Mounjaro are still dominating headlines, but behind the hype lies a deeper conversation about self-worth, body image, and how 90s diet culture continues to shape our thinking. We share a powerful reflection from Elizabeth Day on the inner critic, societal pressure, and what true body neutrality looks like in 2025. We also break down the latest ultra-processed food research, including shocking new stats on early death risk. Are UPFs as dangerous as the data suggests—and what can we actually do about it? Plus, the baby food pouch scandal has reignited debate about infant nutrition. We unpack the findings, the marketing spin, and why transparency is urgently needed in this space. Elsewhere, Rhi reveals the surprising truth about plastics in activewear, Ella shares her take on the “bed rotting” trend, and we answer a listener question on the best ways to cook your veg without losing nutrients. Reccomendations: Crash Diets Don’t Work - listen to Rhi's excellent reminder in the ep Weight loss jabs and the struggle for self-acceptance - a fascinating article from Elizabeth Day's Substack Email your MP via the Save The Children website to help protect foreign aid, urgently needed by mothers and newborn children across 12 countries. Live Show Tickets - https://cadoganhall.com/whats-on/the-wellness-scoop-with-ella-mills-and-rhiannon-lambert/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Supplements are everywhere — from collagen to magnesium, creatine and ashwagandha -  how much of it is science, and how much is just smart marketing? In this short conversation, we’re cutting through the confusion and breaking down what really matters when it comes to supplements and nutrition. To help us unpack it all, we’re joined by Dr. Karan Rajan, NHS surgeon and online educator known for busting medical myths with science and clarity. He shares expert insights into what’s worth taking, what to avoid, and how to navigate the ever-expanding world of supplements with confidence. In This Episode, We Cover: Whether a balanced diet is enough — or if most of us actually need supplements What collagen is and whether it really delivers on the hype The most beneficial supplements, and who can benefit most Whether more is better when it comes to supplementing Red flags, myths, and common misconceptions to watch out for The science behind trending supplements like ashwagandha, creatine, magnesium, and collagen Three science-backed tips for supporting your nutrition without the overwhelm Live Show Tickets - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://cadoganhall.com/whats-on/the-wellness-scoop-with-ella-mills-and-rhiannon-lambert/⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this week’s episode of The Wellness Scoop, we’re diving into some of the biggest shifts and studies shaping the future of health and wellness. We look at a powerful new study showing how switching to a traditional diet for just two weeks can reduce inflammation and boost immunity — without supplements or complex protocols. It’s part of a growing movement back to simpler, seasonal, plant-forward eating. We also explore the link between high blood pressure and dementia risk. A large-scale trial found that addressing cardiovascular health in midlife — through medication and lifestyle changes — could reduce dementia risk by 15%. We break down what that means in practical terms. WW (formerly WeightWatchers) is reportedly heading for bankruptcy, and it’s raising big questions about the future of diet culture. With the rise of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, we’re seeing a shift toward science-backed, compassionate health strategies that move away from guilt, tracking, and restriction. Rhi brings back a fascinating study on daytime napping and brain health — showing that a short daily nap may help slow brain ageing and preserve brain volume. Plus, we look at the wellness trends forecast for 2025 — from high-protein breakfasts and mastic gum to brain flossing, okra water, and metabolic tracking tools. What’s worth paying attention to, and what’s just another layer of over-optimising? Recommendations: Batch-cooking quinoa! A real time saver for when you're having a busy week Sparkling water, super tasty and without additives. Panorama's investigation into baby food pouches - worth watching ahead of the discussion next week Live Show Tickets - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://cadoganhall.com/whats-on/the-wellness-scoop-with-ella-mills-and-rhiannon-lambert/⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’re living in a screen-saturated world—and many of us are starting to ask: what’s all this phone time actually doing to our brains? In this episode, we’re joined by TJ Power, neuroscientist, founder of The DOSE Lab, and author of The DOSE Effect. TJ’s work explores how our brain chemicals—dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins—shape our mental wellbeing, especially in a digital age where constant scrolling is the norm. In This Episode, We Cover: What dopamine is and how it’s affected by our screen habits How social media and phone use influence mood, motivation, and mental health Whether excessive phone use is actually addictive—and what the warning signs are The science behind phone-free mornings and pre-bed habits How constant scrolling might be affecting your emotional resilience Common myths about dopamine and tech Three practical, science-backed ways to reset your brain and improve focus Live Show Tickets - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://cadoganhall.com/whats-on/the-wellness-scoop-with-ella-mills-and-rhiannon-lambert/⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this week’s episode of The Wellness Scoop, we’re diving into some of the most talked-about trends and headlines in health and wellness. We look at the new science around ageing reveals we don’t age steadily — but in three distinct bursts at 34, 60 and 78. What’s happening inside our bodies, and what can we do about it? Are cold plunges actually hurting your muscle growth? We break down the bold claim that they reduce gains by 66% — and what the research really shows. Olive oil shots are the latest TikTok wellness craze — promising better digestion, fewer cravings and glowing skin. But do the benefits hold up beyond the buzz? We also look at the trend of morning routines.  Plus, we discuss a major new report on alcohol and breast cancer risk, explore whether pets might actually make us happier than our partners, and ask whether wellness routines have gone too far in the pursuit of “optimization.” And in our listener question this week: how do you talk to kids about “unhealthy” food without creating shame or fear? Recommendations this week: Ella's film picks: We Live in Time and Wicked Signs by Laura Lynne Jackson Reign - a gripping TV series Live Show Tickets - ⁠https://cadoganhall.com/whats-on/the-wellness-scoop-with-ella-mills-and-rhiannon-lambert/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices