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In today’s episode of Be Healthy with Amanda, we’re joined by Heike Petersen Cunza, founder of Wellicious — a pioneering brand in non-toxic, plastic-free activewear.

Heike has been leading the sustainable fashion movement since 2007, long before “eco-friendly clothing” became mainstream. Her mission is simple but powerful: to create activewear that protects both the planet and our health — free from harmful chemicals and synthetic plastics that can impact our bodies and the environment.

Together, we explore what really goes into the clothing we wear every day, especially gym wear that sits directly against our skin during exercise.

Wellicious Active Wear - they offer 10% off your first purchase

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In this episode, I’m joined by mindfulness and holistic wellbeing expert Janine Tandy for a powerful conversation about midlife, mindfulness, and why putting yourself first isn’t selfish.

With over 20 years of experience, Janine brings a unique blend of Western psychology and Eastern mindfulness practices. She holds a Master of Public Health from New York University and is a qualified yoga teacher, Insight Timer meditation guide, certified health coach, and trained Internal Family Systems (IFS) practitioner. 

In our conversation, we explore how easy it is to lose connection with yourself as life gets busier and why taking time to look after yourself doesn’t take away from others, but actually benefits them too.

Janine shares simple, practical ways to slow down, create space in your day, and find moments of stillness, even when life feels full. Whether it’s through meditation, quiet time, or simply learning to tune in, this episode is full of ideas to support your wellbeing.

If you’d like to connect with Janine or explore her work, you can find her here

Janine's website - Nourish

and if you're local you can also attend her classes in person

Monday eves at 6:30-7:45 a yin/yang and mindfulness class so a blend of movement and stillness practices at Camyoga  https://www.camyoga.co.uk/

Friday 9:15-10:30 am at The Breathing Space  https://somebreathingspace.com/  this class is a slow flow to yin and meditation

She also teaches a monthly Sunday Stillness session at Satyam - the date changes monthly

https://www.satyamyogacentre.co.uk/

Get in touch with Amanda:

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• Subscribe here - £5.99 / month
• Email: [email protected]
• Buy Amanda's book - Feel Good for Menopause here
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First, we explore the reality of modern snacking. With around 90% of UK snacks now classified as ultra-processed, it is easy to fall into the trap of foods engineered around the “bliss point” of sugar, salt and fat. These hyper-palatable combinations override satiety signals and make it incredibly difficult to stop at just one.

You’ll learn:

• Why snack timing matters, especially in midlife
• How insulin sensitivity changes throughout the day
• Why whole nuts behave differently in the body compared to nut butters and processed bars
• Practical snack upgrades that support blood sugar, gut health and appetite control

Then we move to olive oil, one of the most researched and historically trusted foods in the Mediterranean diet. Amanda explains why extra virgin olive oil is not just a cooking fat but a powerful source of polyphenols, anti-inflammatory compounds and heart-protective monounsaturated fats.

Inside this episode:

• The science behind olive oil and cellular ageing
• What telomeres are and why they matter
• How olive oil supports gene expression and cardiovascular health
• How much to use and how to use it properly

Two simple weekly actions:

1. Upgrade your snacks to real, whole foods.
2. Intentionally increase your intake of high-quality extra virgin olive oil.

Get in touch with Amanda:

• Be Healthy with Amanda members podcast
• Subscribe here - £5.99 / month
• Email: [email protected]
• Buy Amanda's book - Feel Good for Menopause here
• Follow Amanda on Instagram @amandarydernutrition

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In this episode, we’re joined by fermentation expert Catalina Brumann to explore why fermented foods are one of the simplest ways to support your health.

If you’ve ever been curious about making your own fermented foods at home, this episode is for you. Catalina breaks down the process in a simple, approachable way - showing that it’s not only doable, but actually fun and rewarding.

We talk about how fermentation works, why it’s been used for generations, and how these foods can have a real impact on your gut and immune system. Catalina explains how regularly eating fermented foods helps build a stronger, more resilient microbiome - something that plays a key role in how your body defends itself.

One of the biggest takeaways? This is a genuinely easy advantage to give yourself. You don’t need complicated routines or expensive supplements - just a few basic ingredients and a bit of time.

Catalina also walks us through how to get started, breaking it down into simple, practical steps that anyone can follow.

• Why fermented foods are so effective for gut health
• How they support and strengthen your immune system
• Why fermentation is one of the easiest health upgrades you can make
• Common myths and misconceptions
• Simple ways to start making your own at home
• Step-by-step guidance for beginners

THE LINKS

CATALINA'S WORKSHOPS

NOURISH AND NURTURE ONE DAY EVENT - SATURDAY 16TH MAY IN CAMBRIDGE

Get in touch with Amanda:

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• Subscribe here - £5.99 / month
• Email: [email protected]
• Buy Amanda's book - Feel Good for Menopause here
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Feeling stuck? Holding yourself back? Today I’m talking with Colette McBeth, storyteller, business activator, and four-time published author, about how to step into your confidence and start showing up fully in your life.

In this episode, Colette shares how to:

• Stop taking yourself down and quiet that inner critic
• Get comfortable with discomfort and move through fear
• Give yourself space and time to really think about what you want
• Express yourself authentically, without falling into people-pleasing

This conversation is full of practical strategies and mindset shifts to help you be your boldest self and step into the confidence you deserve, especially if you’ve been playing small for too long.

🔹 Key Takeaways:

• Confidence grows when we lean into discomfort rather than avoid it
• The frustration of staying stuck is often worse than the fear of taking action
• Simple practices can help you create space to reflect on what you truly want
• Expressing yourself authentically is a skill that can be practiced and it transforms your relationships, career, and life

🔹 Resources & Links:

Connect with Colette McBeth:

• Website: www.colettemcbeth.com
  
  
• Instagram: @colettemcbeth

Get in touch with Amanda:

• Be Healthy with Amanda members podcast
• Subscribe here - £5.99 / month
• Email: [email protected]
• Buy Amanda's book - Feel Good for Menopause here
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In this episode, I’m joined by gut health nutritional therapist Anna Mapson, who works extensively with clients experiencing IBS and chronic digestive issues.

We dive into practical, evidence-based strategies that can make a real difference for those struggling with constipation, bloating, abdominal discomfort and unpredictable digestion.

If you experience any form of gut disturbance, this episode will help you understand what’s going on and what you can do about it.

If you’d like to work with Anna or explore her resources:

Instagram @goodnessme_nutrition -  www.instagram.com/goodnessme_nutrition 

She also has Free resources for IBS - download 5 non-food strategies for better digestion. https://www.goodnessme-nutrition.com/free-resources-page/ 

Anna also hosts the podcast Inside Knowledge for people with IBS - weekly episodes about IBS, diets for gut health and improving your digestion. Her book Inside Knowledge for people with IBS and SIBO is available on Amazon.  

Website - www.goodnessme-nutrition.com 

Get in touch with Amanda:

• Be Healthy with Amanda members podcast
• Subscribe here - £5.99 / month
• Email: [email protected]
• Buy Amanda's book - Feel Good for Menopause here
• Follow Amanda on Instagram @amandarydernutrition

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This week I'm joined by Kirsten Chick, nutritional therapist, researcher and author of Nutrition Brought to Life. 

We had an open, honest, and uplifting conversation about what it really means to be healthy in 2026. You’re going to get so much from this episode - Kirsten’s deep understanding of health is both inspiring and practical, and it will genuinely motivate you to eat better and take care of yourself.

Kirsten shares her personal cancer journey, the emotional impact of diagnosis, and how food became a powerful source of support during treatment and recovery. We also explore the growing research around functional foods, particularly mushrooms - and how they may support the body during cancer treatment and help reduce future risk.

This episode is for anyone who has had a cancer diagnosis, is currently navigating treatment, supporting a loved one, or simply wants to understand how everyday food choices can support long-term health, as well as tips on reducing your risk of a cancer. 

We dive into:

• How food can support recovery and resilience during and after cancer
• Living in a toxic world and practical ways to nurture your body
• The role of medicinal mushrooms (Reishi, Chaga, Shiitake, Lion’s Mane) in immune support, blood sugar balance, and gut health
• Tips for building metabolic and immune resilience through whole foods

Kirsten also highlights trusted mushroom brands like Hifas da Terra and Bristol Fungarium, and shares insights from her book Nutrition Brought to Life.

This episode is perfect for anyone interested in holistic cancer support, functional nutrition, and using food as medicine.

Resources & Links:

This is my brand new podcast you can find out more by clicking the link below 

Be Healthy With Amanda - find out more

Want to find out more about Kirsten . . . 

• Kirsten Chick: https://kirstenchick.com
• Book: Nutrition Brought to Life: https://kirstenchick.com
• Hifas da Terra: https://hifasdaterra.com/en
• Bristol Fungarium: https://bristolfungarium.com

Get in touch with Amanda:

• Be Healthy with Amanda members podcast
• Subscribe here - £5.99 / month
• Email: [email protected]
• Buy Amanda's book - Feel Good for Menopause here
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If you’re in midlife and want a realistic, sustainable way to feel calmer, more mobile and more connected to your body, this episode is for you.

Can 10 minutes of yoga a day really make a difference? 

This week yoga teacher Libby Stevenson shares her calm, moderate approach to daily movement, how to prevent and ease aches and pains, and why it’s never too late to start because aches, pains and stiffness don’t have to be part of getting older.

We cover:

✨ Why daily movement matters more than intense workouts

✨ How yoga can help prevent everyday aches and pains

✨ Why yoga can help you be less reactive in your life

✨ Why it’s never too late to start (even if you’ve never done yoga before)

✨ Libby’s calm, moderate approach to health and life

Libby is living proof that it’s never too late - she’s 64 and full of vim and vigour, thanks to her daily yoga practice.

👉 Follow @libbystevenson for daily inspiration and simple yoga practices

Get in touch with Amanda:

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In this episode I’m joined by Kate Oakley - personal trainer, midlife fitness coach and the woman behind the hugely inspiring Instagram account @yourfuturefit. 

Kate made a bold career change at 50, leaving her role as a global HR director to become a personal trainer, and she now supports thousands of women to build strength, confidence and resilience at every age.

We talk about her journey, the challenges she faced (including degenerative disc disease), and why midlife is never “too late” to get strong. Kate shares how she built such a loyal online community and why so many women connect with her message that fitness should feel achievable, realistic and empowering.

We also get into the essentials of strength training in midlife and 

how to start

how heavy to lift 

why slower is better

and why maintaining muscle is one of the biggest gifts you can give your future self. 

Kate’s approach is all about small steps, consistency and feeling successful rather than overwhelmed.

If this conversation reminded you that we can stay strong through midlife’s curveballs, Kate is offering all podcast listeners a special discount on Lift for Life her strength training programme for women 40+ who want to who want to build consistent exercise habits, move with confidence and stay active for years to come.

Just click here to find out more and access your listener discount.  

Instagram @yourfuturefit 

Get in touch with Amanda:

• Be Healthy with Amanda members podcast
• Subscribe here - £5.99 / month
• Email: [email protected]
• Buy Amanda's book - Feel Good for Menopause here
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In this episode I’m joined by Nicky Hambleton-Jones - stylist, author and former presenter of the hit Channel 4 makeover show 10 Years Younger. If you remember the transformations on that show, you’ll love hearing Nicky’s behind-the-scenes stories and how those makeovers helped women feel confident again.

We talk about why so many women start to feel invisible in midlife, how ageing affects our sense of identity, and how style can play a big part in rebuilding self-worth. Nicky shares practical midlife fashion advice, tips on wearing colour, and how to dress in a way that lifts your mood and helps you feel more visible and confident.

Nicky also opens up about what really happened when 10 Years Younger came to an end and how she rebuilt her confidence over time. Her new book Bolder Not Older is all about reclaiming style, energy and presence in your 40s, 50s and beyond - and this conversation is full of inspiring insights from it.

If you’re looking for midlife confidence tips, style inspiration, or a reminder that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself, this is a brilliant episode to listen to.

Get in touch with Amanda:

• Be Healthy with Amanda members podcast
• Subscribe here - £5.99 / month
• Email: [email protected]
• Buy Amanda's book - Feel Good for Menopause here
• Follow Amanda on Instagram @amandarydernutrition