How I’m Approaching My Nutrition Goals in 2026 (Without the Pressure) – If there’s one thing January is guaranteed to bring, it’s a flood of “new year, new you” messaging. Diets, detoxes, gym offers and miracle plans fill our screens before we’ve even finished the Christmas chocolates. And honestly? It can all feel a bit much.
The reality is that many women already fall short on key nutrients such as iron, magnesium, iodine and vitamin D – especially during the darker winter months. I’ve learned that supporting our health doesn’t have to mean extremes. It’s about small, sustainable habits that actually fit into real life.
That’s why I really like the approach nutritionist Jo Meadows takes. She specialises in women’s health and has worked closely with Benefit Juice to share simple ways to gently boost nutrition without overwhelm. I’ve reviewed Benefit Juice for Women Talking before and it’s a product I genuinely enjoy – it’s practical, realistic and feels designed for women like us.
Here are the habits I’m focusing on as we head into 2026.
- Add in, don’t cut out
I’ve stopped thinking in terms of restriction and started asking, “What can I add in?”
If vegetables have slipped down the list, I add one portion a day. If I’ve spent too long scrolling, I swap ten minutes of screen time for a short walk. These small changes really do add up.
A glass of Benefit Juice is an easy example of this mindset – it’s enriched with vitamins and minerals, supports a balanced diet and counts as one of your five-a-day. No guilt, no rules, just an easy win.
- Make friends with frozen and tinned foods
Food is expensive right now, so I’m all for anything that saves money without sacrificing nutrition. Frozen and tinned fruit and veg (choosing low salt or no added sugar options) are lifesavers. They’re nutritious, affordable and reduce waste.
I often throw lentils or chickpeas into a curry for extra fibre, or reach for tinned peaches with Greek yoghurt when I need a quick snack. These are realistic choices that work on busy days.
- Put fibre first
Most of us get only about half the fibre we need, yet it’s one of the most powerful nutrients for women’s health. Fibre supports digestion, gut health, heart health, energy levels and may even help regulate mood.
Simple swaps make a big difference – wholegrain bread and pasta, oats, beans, nuts, seeds and plenty of colourful fruit and vegetables. I notice I feel fuller for longer and snack less mindlessly when fibre is front and centre.
- Focus on strength, not skinny
Building muscle has become far more important to me than chasing a number on the scales. Strength supports healthy ageing, bone health and blood sugar balance – all things that really matter as we get older.
You don’t need a gym membership to start. I began with a few push-ups a day (on my knees!) and built up gradually. Consistency beats perfection every time.
- Take sleep seriously
A YouGov poll found that one in five of us regularly gets just six hours of sleep a night – well below the recommended seven to nine. I know firsthand how much poor sleep affects everything, from mood to food choices.
Sleep is when our bodies repair and reset. When I prioritise rest, everything else feels easier – including making healthier choices the next day.
- Know your numbers
This might not feel glamorous, but it’s one of the most powerful forms of self-care. Keeping up with blood pressure checks, cholesterol, blood sugar levels and routine screenings like smear tests, dental appointments and breast or bowel screening really matters.
If you haven’t already, January is a great time to book anything that’s overdue. Your future self will thank you.
A gentle boost, designed for women
The Benefit Juice Women’s Health range has been created to support general wellbeing, as well as key life stages such as menopause and pregnancy. Developed in collaboration with Jo Meadows, the juices are made from 100% fruit and vegetables, contain no added sugar and are vegan-friendly.
There are three options in the range – Menopause, Pregnancy and Wellness – designed to support women through different phases of life. I like that it feels supportive rather than prescriptive, which is exactly the energy I want to take into 2026.
The chilled 750ml juice is available in Tesco (RRP £4.00), while the 900ml ambient carton can be found in Waitrose (RRP £4.50) and Holland & Barrett (RRP £4.99).
For me, this year isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about making small, kind choices that support my health – and letting go of the rest.
Poppy Watt