Tuesday Tip: Does Exercise Variety Matter? 🏃‍♀️🏋️‍♂️

We often hear that more exercise is better. More steps, more minutes, more sweat. But a new study published in BMJ Medicine (2026) suggests that it’s a little more nuanced. It’s not just how much you move, but how many different ways you move that may matter for long-term health and longevity.

So what did the researchers actually find?

# 1 Variety Was Linked to Lower Mortality.

People who engaged in the widest range of physical activities had a 19% lower risk of death from all causes, and a 13–41% lower risk of dying from major causes such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and respiratory illness. That’s a meaningful difference, linked not to extreme training, but to diversity of movement.

# 2 More Isn’t Always Better.

Interestingly, the relationship wasn’t perfectly linear. Benefits didn’t increase endlessly with more activity. Instead, there appeared to be a ‘sweet spot’ where gains levelled off. This challenges the idea that you always need to keep pushing harder to get health benefits.

# 3 Active People Had Fewer Risk Factors.

Those with higher overall activity levels were also less likely to smoke, and less likely to have high blood pressure or high cholesterol. While this doesn’t prove cause and effect, it highlights how movement often clusters with other healthy behaviours.

# 4 The Bigger Message

Being active in itself is beneficial. Long-term engagement in multiple types of physical activity may help extend lifespan.

So don’t just aim for MORE movement, aim for different movement. Think walking, cardio, strength, mobility, HIIT etc. Your body adapts best when it’s challenged in varied ways. No extremes required. Just consistency, variety, and movement you actually enjoy.

Happy Tuesday 🤗xx

Tuesday Tip: Snack triggers 🍪

Snacking can be a real issue when trying to lose fat. Being aware of the triggers can help to keep it in check.

# 1. Social Media

A recent study showed that socialising online with friends (via Facebook, Instagram etc) causes more snacking. It temporarily raises your self esteem, which lowers your self control, leading to increased snacking afterwards.

# 2 The News

Another study showed a link between watching/reading ‘bad’ news and high calorie snacking. The survey found that contemplating economic hardship and being subconsciously primed with messages to ‘live for today’ makes us seek out higher calorie foods.

# 3 Environment

The environment can trigger food cravings. A study showed that moviegoers would eat the same quantity of popcorn regardless of whether it was fresh or very stale, simply because they were ‘at the cinema’. In the same way sofa time after dinner can trigger snacking on chocolate or crisps etc.

# 4 3.23pm

3.23pm is the most likely time we are to snack, usually due to boredom, stress, and a dip in energy levels. To combat this have a balanced lunch (with protein and fats), plan in a healthy snack and save more enjoyable tasks for after lunch if you can.

# 5 Stress

Lower levels of serotonin when stressed also lead to carb cravings. Salt inhibits the body’s responses to stress. Craving salty food is the body’s way to cope with stress, so a salty, carby snack can help.

# 6 Lack of Sleep

Lack of sleep reduces your self control and willpower, and stimulates production of the hunger hormone ghrelin and lowers leptin levels (the satiety hormone). Studies found that those who are sleep-deprived eat 300 more calories per day.

# 7 Red

The colours red, yellow and orange are appetite stimulants, making you snack and eat more. Research shows that eating in a blue room reduced calorie consumption by 33 %. So try going for bluer hued lighting, blue crockery etc.

Being aware of the possible triggers can help you to not only recognise why you’re snacking more than you want to, but make changes to prevent it.

Happy Tuesday 🤗

Xx

Tuesday Tip: Maximizing Immunity 🦠

With the cold, wet weather hitting its definitely cold/flu season so you will hear lots of promotion of products which can ‘boost’ your immune system. While the idea of “boosting” the immune system is popular there are actually no scientifically proven direct links between various lifestyle changes and enhanced immune function. Having said that there are things you can do to support your immune health.

When you experience symptoms of illness, it’s actually your immune system reacting to infections or injuries. So these responses are good as it means the immune system is doing its job. Ways you can help it do this include:

Diet and Lifestyle

• Aim for a balanced diet, with plenty of fruit and veggies, whole foods and a variety of nutrients.
• Exercise is important and has been shown to increase immune system activity and enhance immune function and overall health.
• Sleep is vital to allow your body to recover and function optimally. Also it’s important to stay hydrated.
• Smoking and alcohol consumption hinder the immune response so are good to avoid or reduce. Obesity and diabetes have the same impact too so it’s important to manage these factors where possible.

Essential Nutrients

• Vitamin C may reduce the duration and severity of colds. Studies indicate an 8% reduction in symptom duration and a 50% reduction in upper respiratory infections.
• Vitamin D supports immune function and helps prevent infections. Many people do have low levels so it’s often worth supplementing during winter
• Some research suggests garlic can lower illness frequency and severity, though the studies do have some limitations but it shows potential. Consuming two cloves daily or an equivalent garlic extract may be beneficial.

Avoid Low Energy Availability (LEA)

Going on fad diets and drastically cutting calories is a great way to reduce immune system function. If you’re trying to lose weight ensure a moderate calorie deficit and don’t be tempted to cut out carbs (the best source of energy for muscles and brain function)

While direct “boosting” of the immune system is not scientifically supported, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and balanced nutrition can significantly enhance your immune response. Focus on a balanced approach , and beware of trendy supplements or extreme diets.

Happy Tuesday 🤗
Xx