From advocates for going gluten-free to limiting fruit intake to lower sugar consumption, the internet has never been as saturated with health and wellness advice as it is right now. But the question is: how credible is this information?
Take Ella Woodward, a food blogger-turned-cookbook-author and owner of two highly successful health delis in the UK – all of this by the tender age of 24 and no health-related qualification. But does this mean we cannot trust the health tips she shares?

By Jana du Plessis

Deliciously Ella
Ella, better known under her blog name Deliciously Ella, has built her wellness empire on what started as a simple journey to improving her own health. After being diagnosed with a postural tachycardia syndrome and not finding a cure through conventional medicine, she turned to food for healing. Her blog was born, and as it grew in popularity, there was no denying the influence she had on her followers and fans.
Luckily Ella soon realised this and regularly reminds those visiting her blog or social media pages that her advice is purely personal and shouldn’t be interpreted as the holy grail of health and wellness. And what an important footnote to read! She follows a wheat-free, sugar-fee and plant-based diet, and avoids meat and diary at all costs. If you were to take this advice as the way you should be eating, you’d get awfully confused when you stumbled upon the Hemsley sister’s blog…

The Hemsley sisters
UK-based health gurus Jasmine and Melissa Hemsley started their catering service based on their passion for easy, affordable and nutrient-dense foods. Through that, Hemsley + Hemsley aims to educate people on the importance of gut health and having a healthy relationship with food. Although they also prefer going sugar- and wheat-free like Ellla, the rest of their philosophy promotes almost the exact opposite, with their love for grass-fed and organic meats and regular use of ghee and bacon.
So what should we listen to and what food philosophy should we adopt?

Different strokes
Although most of these bloggers, TV show hosts and cookbook authors aim to spread the language of nutritious food and healthy living – but they all admit to not having any qualification in the field of nutrition. It’s merely a love for food, life and a balanced life that drives them to discover new eating plans.
It is great to see that it no longer takes a medical professional to spur on healthy habits among the less healthy. But just because Ella is gluten-free, is doesn’t mean it’s the best way for everyone to eat; neither will eating bacon by the mouthful. We all are our own individual with varying needs and reactions to foods and should act in accordance to our unique bio-individuality.

Keeping an open mind
Your head may be spinning from all the contradicting takes on health, weight loss and lifestyle that you read online, but with an open mind and conscious effort, we can all learn something from them… Perhaps by experimenting with a plant-based diet you find that skipping meat benefits you. Or by choosing a fattier steak you feel more energetic than ever before.
Either way, as much as there is to learn from their different opinions, always check the facts with a medical professional before making a drastic change to your diet.

The post From home cooks to wellness gurus: Foodies are taking over the health scene appeared first on MyKitchen.

Guess what, foodies! Instagram is not only good for making us jealous about someone’s metre-long tower of cinnamon doughnuts or their double-decker bacon burger. It’s pretty handy for setting us on a healthy eating path too, thanks to #InstaHealth. So the next time you feel tempted by the slab of chocolate in your cupboard, get cosy with Insta and search for these hashtags…

#MeatfreeMonday
With International Year of Pulses and the growing awareness of the negative effect of meat production on the Earth, more and more people are switching to plant-based protein. Not only is it super yum, but it’s also a much more affordable option. Join in on the global movement and challenge yourself to dodge the meat at least one meal a day.

#TransformationTuesday
For a healthy, balanced life, we say have your cake and eat it too! Don’t deprive yourself of your favourite foods, rather swap out ingredients for healthier alternatives.

#WellnessWednesday
Choose one meal today and prepare it with wholesome, nutritious ingredients sans added sugar, fat or salt. Also be mindful of your eating by chewing slowly and deliberately and stop eating when you are feeling full.

#ThirstyThursday
There’s no waving goodbye to your after-work drinks. But do try to limit it to one or two days per week and stick to no more than two drinks at a time. Swap your beer or glass of wine for vodka or gin mixed with lemon juice and sparkling water.

#FlashbackFriday
The weekend is for catching up with friends and family and restoring your energy. So save time and effort on cooking the Friday evening by preparing an extra batch of something healthy during the week and freezing it in portions. Now all you have to do is heat and eat as the weekend arrives.

#SaturdayShenanigans
Make the most of your off day by experimenting with an healthy ingredient you’ve never used before. You never know, Brussel’s sprouts might just be your new favourite!

#Sinday
No healthy lifestyle is complete without a cheeky treat! You have been eating healthily all week, so go out and enjoy something decadent.

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