Nutritionist Busts Health Myths and Shares Top Tips for Eating Healthily on a Budget

As many continue their January health journey and battle with conflicting advice, Asda’s in-house nutritionist, Sophie Rose shares her top tips for shoppers looking to maximise their health in 2024.

With new research highlighting that 83% of Brits want to eat more healthily in 2024, despite more than one in ten (11%) struggling to navigate nutritional information, Asda’s new Health Menu range aims to provide affordable and accessible products with a variety of holistic benefits.

To dispel health myths and encourage health-curious Brits to try the range, Sophie Rose, an in-house nutritionist at Asda, answers some of the most common health questions.

“Is it true that it’s healthier to be a vegan”. 

“Not necessarily. When it comes to your diet, whether you eat meat or choose not to, it all comes down to what you incorporate as part of that diet. What is true for all of us, is that we should try and eat a variety of different plants, to ensure we get vital micronutrients, as well as fibre and protein and you can get just as many plants in without cutting out animal products entirely.”

“Are supplements good for me to take?”

“Supplements can be useful for some people. For example, in the winter it can be hard for us to get enough Vitamin D in the UK from sunlight, which is why a 10µg supplement is recommended. Vitamin D is essential for the maintenance of normal bones and the normal functioning of the immune system.

“People may be advised to take a supplement from a health professional if they’re showing signs of deficiency or during pregnancy, but for most, the best way to get all the nutrients you need is to simply eat a varied, balanced diet.

“Those looking to improve their diet should look to incorporate a greater range of coloured fruits and vegetables, beans, pulses, and fortified products every day. Don’t forget to also check the nutritional information on labels to see what benefits they will provide.”

“Products like our Health Menu Spicy Mexican Style Salad Bowl are perfect for those trying to eat more plant foods. With black beans, chickpeas, lentils and six different vegetables, it’s full of fibre and contributes to 2 of your five a day.

“We recently conducted a survey and found that 12% feel overwhelmed by information, and so with all of our products we want to make it as easy as possible, which is why we’ve highlighted the key nutrients and exactly how they can maintain your health.”

“Do I really need to eat 5-a-day?”

“This is one people ask a lot and the answer is yes! There are so many benefits to getting in 30 plants a week and it’s easier than you think. Try and add a portion to each of your meals, perhaps some banana in your cereal or an extra vegetable in your lunch.”

“What’s your top tip for being healthy?”

“My top tip might surprise people, but I like to get creative with my leftovers. By buying versatile fruits and vegetables, shoppers can use up what they have and get creative, perhaps pairing a range of roasted vegetables with something simple like a cod fishcake.

“Buying products that make healthy eating quick and accessible can really help too, and whether that’s one of our new ready-to-blend Smoothie Kits or a Crunchy Indian Spiced Nut and Pulse Shot, healthy eating doesn’t have to be time-consuming.”

“How can I be healthy on a budget?”

“Healthy eating doesn’t have to be expensive. So many dismiss frozen and canned options, but they can be just as nutritious as fresh and much more cost effective.

“Using tins of beans and pulses can also be a great way to bulk out meals without breaking the bank, you can swap out meat for high in protein pulses like lentils, or even mix and match.

“There are so many healthy, filling options as part of our Health Menu range too. From high protein soups starting at 65p to lunch pots to fill that lunchtime hunger, at just £2.50, there’s something for every price point and every taste.”

With a variety of health priorities defined by 10 unique categories across the range, from smoothie mixes and acai shakes to Korean-style noodles and creamy butternut squash linguine, Asda’s Health Menu range is available to purchase in-store and online at asda.com now, packed full of nutrients to keep your body fuelled for the day ahead.