Good Food
type: channel
link: https://www.bbcgoodfood.com
date: 2025-10-23T15:41:21.000Z
update period: hourly
update frequency: 1
update base: 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00
items: Healthy eating myths that are costing you money
items: What to do now to help prevent SAD this winter
items: Not just for gym bros: why women need to eat more protein too (and how to get it)
items: From boomers to Gen Z, which generation is the healthiest?
items: 8 ways poor sleep wrecks your healthy eating intentions
items: Is plant fibre the secret to getting rid of belly fat? These are the everyday ingredients that are key
items: We asked 7 experts what they really think of weight loss jabs
items: 8 worrying facts about belly fat, and how to get rid of it
items: Can diet improve your IQ?
items: How to add more protein to your diet

Healthy eating myths that are costing you money
type: item
date: 2025-10-16T10:25:24.000Z
creator: Vicky Chandler
subject: Guide
subject: Health
subject: Nutrition
subject: How to
subject: goodhealth
description: Discover the wellness trends that are actually worth your money (and the ones that really aren’t)
encoded: I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t been influenced by a social media ad to buy a £45 green powder that promised to have me jumping out of bed like the Duracell bunny every morning. And I’d also be lying if I didn’t admit to dropping a few hundred pounds on a red-light LED mask claiming to boost collagen and transform my skin. If the algorithm has ever convinced you that the secret to feeling great lies in a supplement, cold plunge or 'biohacking' yourself in midlife, you’re not alone. Social media has turned wellness into a 24/7 pursuit, part self-care, part status symbol where ‘optimising’ yourself is both a hobby and a competition. Mental health therapist Shelly Dar says our need to 'optimise' often stems from something deeper than wanting to feel good. “We’re living with unprecedented access to health information, which can paradoxically leave us feeling anxious about whether we’re doing enough. This drive to optimise often comes from a deeper need for self-worth,” she explains. “When wellness becomes conflated with mortal virtue, drinking green powders means you’re good, not participating can feel like failing at self-care.” For more straight-talking facts and science-backed tips, follow Good Health by Good Food on Tiktok and Instagram. We work with nutritionists and experts, including NHS doctors, to cut through the noise on social media and provide you health advice you can trust. Next, discover 8 diets nutritionists say you should never follow, we asked 7 experts what they think of weight loss jabs and when did carbs become the enemy? What are common health myths? The more we scroll, the more mixed messages we see. “Social media creates a constant highlight reel of other people’s wellness routines,” says Dar. “We see influencers glowing after their ice plunge or cacao ritual and our brain tells us ‘they have something I lack.’ The wellness industry has capitalised on this brilliantly by making these trends feel both accessible and necessary.” Dar adds that myths…

Healthy-eating-myths-that-are-costing-you-money-52636d6.png
width: 1299
height: 1181

What to do now to help prevent SAD this winter
type: item
date: 2025-09-05T12:29:42.000Z
creator: Vicky Chandler
subject: Guide
subject: Health
subject: Wellness
subject: How to
subject: goodhealth
description: A fifth of us suffer seasonal low mood, and early autumn is the best time to put in place counter measures. Here’s how…
encoded: As the nights draw in and summer begins to feel like a distant memory, it’s common for many of us to feel our mood slightly dip. But for some, this seasonal slump is more than just ‘winter blues’ from saying goodbye to sun-dappled days and long, light evenings. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that follows a predictable yearly pattern, appearing as daylight hours shorten in autumn and winter. Around 1 in 20 people in the UK experience SAD, according to the NHS, with symptoms including persistent low mood, fatigue, oversleeping, cravings for carbohydrates, and a loss of interest in things you normally enjoy. While it can peak in December and January, doctors say the smartest approach is to act now – in early autumn – to help build resilience before symptoms actually appear. “Prevention is always better than cure,” says psychiatrist Ioana Rotaru. “Being prepared as early as possible helps offset some SAD symptoms. Plus, the nature of depression means that we often lose motivation to make changes, and our mind can lead us into a spiral of ‘what’s the point’. Taking preventative action before the symptoms set in can reduce the intensity.” So, what can you do now to support your mood through the darker months? We asked three experts – a psychiatrist, a GP and a nutritionist – to share their best advice. What causes SAD? Scientist don’t yet know the exact cause, but current research highlights a strong link to a lack of sunlight. After all, light is our body’s strongest circadian cue, influencing sleep-wake cycles and hormone production. Less light exposure means more melatonin (the sleep hormone) and less serotonin (the ‘happy hormone’). “Sunlight exposure directly impacts serotonin levels,” adds Rotaru. “Studies show we tend to have higher serotonin on bright, sunny days, regardless of temperature.” There are also behavioural factors at play. “In colder, darker months, people tend to go out less, exercise less and socialise less. That withdrawal…

beating-SAD-d99708a.jpg
width: 3333
height: 3333

Not just for gym bros: why women need to eat more protein too (and how to get it)
type: item
date: 2025-08-12T15:53:46.000Z
creator: Vicky Chandler
subject: Guide
subject: Health
subject: Nutrition
subject: How to
subject: goodhealth
subject: high protein diet
subject: how much protein
subject: women's health
description: Protein might be having its heyday, but most women aren’t eating enough of it, especially at the times in life when they need it most.
encoded: When you think of protein, what comes to mind? Chicken breasts, protein powder, maybe a ripped ‘gym bro’ downing a smoothie the size of your head? These days, it’s everywhere. From crisps rebranded as ‘protein snacks’ to water with added protein (yes, really), we’re in the middle of a full-blown protein boom. In fact, it’s become so trendy that some experts have started to question whether we’re overdoing it, and whether all that added protein could actually be doing more harm than good. But here’s the thing: research has found that most women aren’t eating enough of it, especially at the times in life when we need it most. “Women’s protein needs shift throughout life – during adolescence, pregnancy and especially in the years around the menopause,” explains Beth Johnson, nutrition coach, fitness coach and owner of Lift Club Harrogate. “But we often don’t increase our intake to match, and that can have a knock-on effect on energy, strength and overall health.” Next, discover how much protein do I need?, what to eat if you’re trying to conceive and how to stock your kitchen to help ease menopause symptoms Why do we need protein? Protein is a vital macronutrient that your body needs a good amount of to function healthily. Alongside the other two key macronutrients, carbohydrates and fat, it’s made up of amino acids that keep our bodies ticking. Think of these as building blocks that you need a constant supply of to keep things running smoothly. “It’s a macronutrient with many benefits,” explains registered nutritionist Jemma Joel. “It’s slow digesting which helps in providing us with energy, and it keeps you fuller for longer. It also helps to build and maintain muscle, keeps bones healthy and can even help in weight management.” Basically, if your body was a house, protein would be the bricks, the scaffolding and the handyman keeping everything in place. Here’s how your body uses protein every single day: It builds and repairs muscles and tissue Supports healthy immu…

High-protein-38677af.jpg
width: 440
height: 400

From boomers to Gen Z, which generation is the healthiest?
type: item
date: 2025-08-08T09:54:12.000Z
creator: Vicky Chandler
subject: Family health
subject: Health
subject: ageing
subject: ageing well
subject: goodhealth
description: When it comes to living the healthiest, which generation has cracked the code?
encoded: Gen Zers are sober-curious, screen-savvy and doing their breathwork before breakfast, while boomers are striding into their later life on a diet of oily fish and good red wine. And millennials? Well, I’m somewhere between oat milk, burnout and infrared saunas, but we’re trying… When it comes to living the healthiest, which generation has actually cracked the code? With the help of expert insight, data dives and a few sweeping (but loving) generational stereotypes, we’re here to find out who’s really living their best life. Baby boomers (born 1946-1964) How to identify: The original wellness rebels, who once smoked on planes and had a couple of wines at lunch hour, but now walk 10k steps a day and keep a close eye on their cholesterol. Many are retired or close to it, with more time and disposable income to invest in their health. Favourite dishes and food trends: The meat-and-two-veg generation, who are lovers of real butter and custard-laden puddings. They came of age with the rise of convenience food, but many have since returned to scratch cooking. Olive oil is big, and so is a trip to M&S. While they might roll their eyes at avocado toast, they do take their supplements with pride. Healthy habits: Baby boomers have seen public health advice evolve at a rapid rate. They may not be regulars at the local Crossfit gym, but they’re pretty active – walking, gardening, swimming, yoga, golf. However, fewer take part in strength-training or structured fitness; alcohol consumption remains fairly high (they’re known as ‘the booziest generation’) and although many have quit smoking, the habit has left a long tail of chronic illness. What the data says: This generation is living longer than any before them, but are not always healthier. In research from UCL, baby boomers were one and a half times more likely than previous generations to have cancer, lung disease, heart problems and high cholesterol as they entered their 50s and 60s. According to the NHS, 71 per cent of baby …

gen-z-vs-boomer-bc7f59e.jpg
width: 3333
height: 3333

8 ways poor sleep wrecks your healthy eating intentions
type: item
date: 2025-07-11T13:02:08.000Z
creator: Vicky Chandler
subject: Health
subject: Wellness
subject: get better sleep
subject: goodhealth
subject: how to sleep better
subject: sleep tips
description: Struggling to keep up your motivation? Disturbed nights could be to blame…
encoded: We’ve all been there. One bad night’s sleep and suddenly all we can think about is a chocolate croissant on the way to the office as opposed to those overnight oats you lovingly meal-prepped yesterday. You tell yourself you’ll make a healthy dinner, but by 6pm you’re too knackered to cook and instead find yourself scrolling through your takeaway app. It's not just a lack of willpower or laziness; sleep – or more specifically, not getting enough of it – plays a powerful role in the way we eat. From how hungry we feel, to the foods we crave, our sleeping habits shape our daily eating decisions more than we might realise. According to The Sleep Foundation, sleep and appetite are actually quite closely connected, and a good night’s rest can help promote healthy appetite hormones, impact how your body reacts to insulin and affect your digestion and metabolism, too. So, if you’ve ever felt like your healthy eating plans unravel when you haven’t caught enough Zs, science says you’re probably right. Here’s how poor sleep quality sabotages your food choices – and why prioritising rest could be the best healthy eating hack you’ve ever tried. 1. Tired brains crave high-calorie foods Ever noticed that after a rough night, your first instinct is to reach for a pastry? That’s not usually a lack of self-control – it’s your brain crying out for a quick energy release. Research shows that sleep deprivation enhances activity in the brain’s reward centres in response to junk food, meaning you’re more likely to crave high-fat, high-sugar options. “Higher calorie foods, especially sugary, fatty and salty foods, can provide quick energy releases that our body craves when it’s tired,” explains registered nutritionist Jemma Joel. “However, that dopamine hit is often short-lived and can end up having a reverse effect, making us feel more tired and groggy.” 2. Your hunger hormones go haywire Two hormones – ghrelin and leptin – control hunger and fullness. Ghrelin tells your body when it’s hu…

FOOD-SLEEP-2028f49.jpg
width: 3333
height: 3333

Is plant fibre the secret to getting rid of belly fat? These are the everyday ingredients that are key
type: item
date: 2025-07-08T15:40:23.000Z
creator: Vicky Chandler
subject: Guide
subject: Health
subject: Nutrition
subject: How to
subject: goodhealth
description: Find out why fibre is so important for our health, and whether plant fibre could be the best way to lose weight sustainably
encoded: Fibre may not have quite the same hype around it as protein, but it's just as important for your health. It does wonders for your digestion, heart, mood and even your waistline. While we’ve become obsessed with upping our protein, avoiding ultra-processed foods and cutting down our sugar content, fibre has been overlooked. But, here’s the thing: upping your fibre intake could be the easiest, cheapest and most effective way to improve your health. Read on to discover why you should be getting more roughage in your life and which foods can help increase your intake. Next, check out our filling high-fibre recipes and find out all you need to know about fibre, plus worrying facts about belly fat and how to get rid of it. Why is fibre important? Fibre is a type of carbohydrate found in plant foods that our bodies can’t digest. There are two types: Soluble fibre: found in foods like oats, apples and beans, it dissolves in water, helping lower cholesterol and blood sugar Insoluble fibre: found in whole grains, veg and nuts, this adds bulk to your stool and keeps your digestive system ticking over “Instead of being absorbed like sugar or starch, fibre moves through the digestive system intact, slowing down digestion and modifying how nutrients, especially glucose, are absorbed,” explains registered nutritionist Zara Hiridjee. “That alone has a huge impact on blood sugar and insulin response. When insulin is constantly elevated, like after repeated spikes from low-fibre meals high in refined carbs, it encourages overconsumption of calories and fat storage, particularly around the abdominal area.” That’s why a diet rich in fibre can be one of the most important drivers of fat loss, particularly visceral fat, the kind stored around your organs. And, there are a whole host of other benefits linked to a high-fibre diet, including: Helps keep regular bowel movements Helps support the natural detoxification process via the liver and gut Affects hormones that regulate hunger and fu…

Plant-fibre-header-5a388f5.jpg
width: 440
height: 400

We asked 7 experts what they really think of weight loss jabs
type: item
date: 2025-06-13T09:31:35.000Z
creator: Vicky Chandler
subject: Health
subject: Weight loss
subject: Diet
subject: goodhealth
subject: losing weight
subject: tips for losing weight
subject: weight loss
description: Opinions on the new breed of slimming drugs, like Ozempic and Mounjaro, are strong and varied. But what about those who are really in the know?
encoded: Within the last year we’ve seen a huge rise in people using GLP-1 drugs to help with weight loss. Opinions have been mixed, with many praising their ability to help obese people lose weight, while others are sceptical of their long-term health effects, and their easy availability to those who may not need it. While the NHS is prescribing weight-loss drugs to certain obese people who fit the criteria, wholesale drug suppliers estimate around half a million people in the UK are taking the medication for weight loss via private prescription. What are GLP-1 medications? The most common GLP-1 medications come in the form of two different drugs – semaglutide and tirzepatide, sold under the names Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro. The injections were originally intended as diabetes medication, but research found they suppressed appetite hormones, allowing obese people to lose weight through its usage as a weekly dose. These injections work by mimicking the actions of the natural gut hormone GLP-1, which helps regulate your appetite and blood sugar. They slow digestion, suppress appetite and can increase insulin production. Many have praised their ability to reduce ‘food noise’ in everyday lives, the name given to the persistent and often intrusive thoughts about food. Importantly, studies have shown significant clinical benefits for people with obesity and type 2 diabetes. Potential risks have been highlighted too, namely concerns around possible increased risks of pancreatitis and thyroid cancer, and gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Despite this, the NHS and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency consider GLP-1 medications safe and effective when prescribed and used appropriately. But what do the experts really think? We asked seven health professionals from personal trainers to diabetes specialists to give us their views, and tell us what they want us to know, about GLP-1 medications. THE GP: “Weight loss medications shoul…

weight-loss-c46d330.jpg
width: 3333
height: 3333

8 worrying facts about belly fat, and how to get rid of it
type: item
date: 2025-04-10T13:06:07.000Z
creator: Vicky Chandler
subject: Guide
subject: Health
subject: Weight loss
subject: How to
subject: goodhealth
description: The battle of the bulge isn’t just a weight-loss issue – there are serious health implications if you’re carrying a bit extra round your middle
encoded: Losing belly fat has become one of the most talked about health goals on the internet. With hashtags like #bellyfat racking up over 4 billion views on TikTok, alongside ‘what I eat in a day’ videos and influencers sharing their experiences of Ozempic and Mounjaro – it’s not just a trend, but a cultural fixation. However, while the conversation used to focus on six-packs and “summer body goals”, it’s now shifting towards understanding what belly fat means for long-term health. And science has given us good reason to dig deeper into belly fat, beyond just the number on the scales, due to links with certain chronic health conditions. Next, discover 50 easy ways to lose weight, how to eat the right balance of protein and carbs, and see our healthy recipes for weight loss. What is belly fat? Belly fat comes in two forms: subcutaneous fat, that you can pinch just under the skin, and the more concerning visceral fat that lies deep inside the abdomen, that can wrap itself around vital organs. While subcutaneous fat plays a role in cushioning and insulating your body, visceral fat is metabolically active – meaning it releases hormones and inflammatory substances that can harm your health. You can’t always see it, and even slim people can have it. Waist measurements are commonly used to estimate visceral fat, with over 88cm for women and 102cm for men being concerning. Some also suggest that “apple shaped” bodies (a wider waistline) tend to have more visceral fat while “pear shaped” bodies (bigger hips and thighs) tend to carry more subcutaneous fat. But like everything, this isn’t always true and varies from person to person. What causes belly fat? Visceral fat can accumulate without you realising. While genetics play a small role, it’s mostly driven by lifestyle, diet, stress and hormones. A diet high in ultra-processed or high-sugar foods can spike insulin levels, encouraging fat to store deep in the abdomen. Having less muscle can also lower resting metabolism, which mean…

belly-fat-5043b90.jpg
width: 3333
height: 3333

Can diet improve your IQ?
type: item
date: 2025-03-13T12:46:07.000Z
creator: Vicky Chandler
subject: Health
subject: Nutrition
subject: boost brain power
subject: brain foods
subject: brain health
subject: brainpower
subject: goodhealth
description: Science shows that food has an impact on our brain health and our mental and emotional wellbeing, but can it actually make us smarter?
encoded: Intelligence is often viewed as a fixed trait, largely determined by genetics. But there are things that can supposedly help it: learning a new language, playing an instrument, doing brain puzzles, reading more. But how about eating better? In fact, if ‘you are what you eat’, can you give yourself a brain boost through diet? While unfortunately there’s no magic ingredient to make you smarter, studies have found that there is a link between dietary choices and brain health, cognitive function and mental wellbeing. But can the food you eat truly impact your IQ or does it simply help your brain perform at its best? What does your brain feed on? Your brain is one of the most energy-hungry organs in the body, consuming around 20% of your daily calories. Just like a high-performance machine, it requires specific nutrients to fuel thinking, memory and problem solving. Your brain primarily runs on glucose, which it gets from complex carbohydrates found in things like wholegrains, fruit and vegetables which provide a steady release of energy. It also relies heavily on healthy fats. Omega-3s, specifically DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are critical for brain health. “DHA makes up about 30% of the brain’s fatty acids and is essential for the formation of new brain cells and communication between them,” explains registered nutritionist Rebecca Taylor. “B vitamins are essential for the production of neurotransmitters, chemicals that transmit signals to the brain,” she adds. “Vitamin B6 is also involved in the production of your ‘happy hormones’ serotonin and dopamine, while B12 is crucial for the formation of something called myelin which helps nerve cells communicate efficiently.” Iron is another essential nutrient to help brain health as its essential in delivering oxygen to brain cells, which is crucial for cognitive function and energy levels. Rebecca also stresses the importance of correct iron intake in young children as it may “impair brain development, leading to poor concen…

diet-iq-cbd3b37.jpg
width: 3333
height: 3333

How to add more protein to your diet
type: item
date: 2025-02-13T13:05:53.000Z
creator: Vicky Chandler
subject: Health
subject: Nutrition
subject: goodhealth
description: Whether you’re trying to slim down or bulk up, support ageing or improve your general health, we’re all focused on eating more protein. Try these tricks to up your intake
encoded: Protein. We’re a population obsessed with it. It started in the early noughties with the rise of the Atkins diet and then hit peak obsession a few years back with the popularity of Keto (the most Googled diet in the US in 2020). And there seems to be no signs of the macronutrient’s popularity diminishing any time soon, with the global protein market estimated to reach $47.4billion by 2032. And it’s no surprise, as plenty of studies have linked good sources of protein to a variety of health benefits including better cardiovascular health, bone health, lowered blood pressure and aiding recovery after injury. “Protein has many benefits, it’s slow digesting which helps to provide us with energy, and keeps you feeling fuller for longer,” explains registered nutritionist Jemma Joel. “It also helps to build and maintain muscle, keeps bones healthy and aids in weight management.” For the average person, around 0.8-1g of protein per 1kg of body weight is usually recommended, however you may want to increase this for several reasons, depending on your health goals or lifestyle. For example, if you lift weights, you want better recovery after exercise, or you want to aid weight loss by feeling fuller for longer. “By consuming a variety of protein sources we're ensuring that our body gets a range of essential and non-essential amino acids which are used as building blocks for new cells as well as growing and repairing tissues,” explains Joel. “Amino acids support hormones and production of neurotransmitters, like tryptophan which converts to serotonin. Plus, protein helps us to build muscle and stay strong, which is especially important as we get older.” The best foods to include The great thing about protein is that you can get it from a variety of both animal and plant sources, so even if you follow a vegan or vegetarian diet, you’re able to include rich protein options in your meals. The best sources of protein include: • Lean meats including chicken breast, lean beef and tu…

protein-7598822.jpg
width: 3333
height: 3333