Small Change, Big Difference!
We reveal the one diet tweak we can all make this year (you’ll thank us for it!)
Sharon here, one half of Dwell Devon (and that most definitely isn’t me in the image below). Just checking in, since Jane and I realised that we’re a QUARTER of the way through 2026 already. Is that really right?! How? Just…HOW?!
And more importantly, how are we all feeling? You know, aside from all the anxious noise going on in the world; things that, frankly, feel bewilderingly beyond our control. In all the chaos, has anybody actually managed to cling on to some semblance of that “New Year Reset” mindset? If you have, we salute you. If not, we hear you.
This year, I had big plans to up my game when it comes to my body, mind and overall health. The realisation has hit that, being *cough* a woman in your forties means you can no longer rely on habits of old and that this is the time to make way for a few new ones.
It’s not been easy, since the default temptation has been to comfort eat my way through all the bad news and the rainiest winter ever.
But, surprisingly, one change has occurred – and I’m happy to report that, so far, it’s stuck. And that is introducing more fibre to my diet. Sexy? Maybe not. Savvy? Hell yes!
I sheepishly admit that I was woefully lacking in education on this vital little carb. But I was starting to read more and more about it – the science, the benefits in digestion and a whole lot more, plus the fact that most of us are falling way short of the recommended daily intake – and so I had a gut feeling (s’cuse the pun) that I should make this a focus, a small change that I could cope with.
So, how did I make the shift and how am I feeling?
Well, a shout out to the two main weapons in my arsenal.
The first is the brilliant nutritionist Emma Bardwell, a woman who has been banging the drum for fibre for quite some time now. I first came across her on Gabby Logan’s The Mid*Point podcast (I recommend) and she struck me as someone I could listen to and trust, without feeling lectured. On further investigation, her Instagram feed full of no-nonsense advice, and simple, VERY appealing recipes confirmed that she would (unwittingly) become my guide.
I armed myself with a copy of her “The 30g Plan” paperback (she’s since released a second book, “The Fibre Effect”, which is on my wish list) and signed up to her January Reset two-week plan, which turned out to be a serendipitous gamechanger.
Fourteen days of her easy recipes in a simple meal plan format, with shopping list, all the vital numbers (not just fibre, but protein and plants), plus access to a supportive community where no question was considered too silly. I learned how easy it was to add fibre to just about any dish with a few faithful’s (hello chia and flax seeds) and it’s surprisingly tasty.
And the second winner for me was a little closer to home.
Step forward, Jamu.
We first introduced you to this brilliant Devon-born brand last year, having discovered their gut-friendly sodas in a local deli. I remembered that these little cans of goodness were also a source of prebiotic fibre and let’s just say that I’m so glad I checked back in with the team again.
Credit: Claire Gillo Photography
It turns out that Jamu have not only had a colourful brand refresh – how nice do these look? – but they have introduced a whole new range of interesting flavour combos: hello, Raspberry & Hibiscus, Blood Orange & Peach, Lemon & Basil and Cucumber & Pineapple. I can now confirm from extended taste tests that they are all lip-smackingly joyous (Raspberry & Hibiscus just pips it for me) and I urge you to give them a try. It’s a nice feeling to know that a drink that tastes like a treat is not only helping the hydration levels, it’s helping the gut at the same time.
I’m very glad to be in the know about these drinks. They have helped in my fibre mission and I am feeling good! Overall, my gut doesn’t feel as stressed, I have experienced a little boost in my energy levels and, the happy sidenote is that the Christmas weight shifted surprisingly easily. I feel fuller for longer and, psychologically, it’s nice to know that I’m being a little kinder to my body. I’ve always struggled to stay hydrated, but now I know I can tick more than one box with a daily Jamu fix, the incentive is there to keep going.
So that’s me and my mission, which I wanted to share in case you’re on the same metaphorical page. I may have nothing else figured out yet this year, but this is one habit I’m keeping.
Just don’t mention Easter. And chocolate. And hot cross buns…
We’re big fans of the lovely team at Jamu – as a reminder you can read more about them and the brand ethos here. And over on their website, they have some interesting extra reading where you can learn lots more gut-friendly facts.
If you come across the range in your local, trust us: be savvy and stock up!
