September 2026 News

Hi Health Fans, Here’s some fresh news on what’s what in the world of well-being.

Firstly, with that ‘back to school’ feeling that never seems to go away at this time of year, however old I get, I’m full of focus and drive to finish my new book, actually a handbook: ‘Eat Your Body Lean’. My practical guide to what and how to eat to lose fat and build muscle without crazy restrictions and bootcamp workouts, is coming along nicely. I’m excited to get it out to you. I’ll keep you updated here, on my website and socials.

Secondly, as the intense heat of the summer is abating and that fresh autumnal smell is in the air, so too comes the joy of dusting off my boots and getting back to long trousers. I am also feeling the urge for wholesome soups, so I’ve included a recipe for a really simple, tasty, nourishing favourite of mine below. Soups are so good for using up random bits of veg that are looking a bit sad providing a great way to include lots of different types of fibre to feed the gut microbes. The combination of lentils, vegetables and bone broth makes this much more than a simple vegetable soup: you are getting fibre and prebiotics from the lentils and vegetables, plant protein from the lentils, and additional protein and amino acids from the bone broth or beef protein. Perfect to freeze in single portions for a quick supper fix.

Hearty Lentil Soup

A nourishing, protein-rich soup that is easy to make, freezes well and makes a satisfying lunch or light supper.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 2–3 cloves garlic, finely chopped

• 2 celery sticks, finely chopped

• 2 carrots, finely chopped

• 1 tsp dried mixed herbs

• 200 g lentils

  • Red lentils: no soaking needed

  • Green, brown or other whole lentils: ideally soak overnight in plenty of water, then drain and rinse before cooking

• 1–1.2 litres water or stock

• 250–500 ml fresh or frozen bone broth, depending on concentration

• Alternatively, use a good-quality bone broth powder according to the manufacturer's instructions

• If bone broth is unavailable, add a scoop of unflavoured grass-fed beef protein powder towards the end of cooking

• Sea salt and black pepper

• Large handful fresh parsley, chopped

• Juice of ½–1 lemon

Method

1. Heat the olive oil gently in a large saucepan. Add the onion, garlic, celery and carrots and sauté over a low-medium heat for around 8–10 minutes, until softened but not browned.

2. Add the dried mixed herbs and stir for another minute.

3. Add the lentils, bone broth and enough water or stock to cover everything generously.

4. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the lentils are completely soft. Red lentils will usually take around 20–25 minutes; soaked whole lentils may need 30–40 minutes, depending on the variety.

5. Blend the soup until smooth and creamy. Add a little more hot water or broth if you prefer a thinner consistency. [If using beef protein powder rather than bone broth, allow the soup to cool slightly before blending, then blend the powder in thoroughly so it mixes smoothly rather than clumping.]

6. Season well with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.

7. Just before serving, stir through plenty of fresh parsley and a generous squeeze of lemon juice.

1. A drizzle of good extra virgin olive oil over the top before serving is lovely too.

If you’re ok with gluten, some toasted 100% sourdough rye is a lovely addition. Pumpernickel (unsweetened) is also great, although takes quite a few dunks in the toaster :) I love to have some cottage cheese or feta on my toasted rye bread or pumpernickel, with a not-too spicy (personal preference) kimchi and drizzle of olive oil – it’s such a perfect combo of crunch, sour, salty, spicy and bitter.

Finally, go to my blog here for some latest news on the world of the weight loss jabs, or more specifically, what the non-pharmaceutical, more gentle options are. This is such a fast evolving and fascinating area of health – I’ll do my best to keep myself and you up to date. Increasingly, there are many far reaching benefits associated with the weight loss drugs, far beyond just appetite suppression. However, they don’t suit everyone and there are issues of weight re-gain when people come off the jabs, so having some alternative support could be really essential for those who can’t use them, won’t use the,, want a non-medicalised approach or for those needing help to keep the wight off post-jab.