That Life Style Show

Wednesday, 7 October 2026

As a Pilates Regular, I Was Sceptical of NordicTrack’s New At-Home Reformer—But It’s Convinced Me to Ditch Expensive Classes

https://ift.tt/9IrGjk3

We're deep in 2026, and the hype around reformer Pilates is showing no signs of waning, much to my delight. I've been practising the method religiously (trust me, I am evangelical about its benefits) and couldn't be more thrilled that it's well and truly hit the mainstream.

But just like anything popular, with great interest comes great responsibility. It's fair to say that reformer Pilates is a market that's being capitalised upon—and iterations have sprung up that I'm definitely sceptical about. Far from being a trend, Pilates is a centuries-old methodology that demands precision, technique and a deep understanding of the fundamental moves as a bare minimum—not only to bank the benefits, but also to ensure that we're not doing more harm than good to our bodies.

It follows, then, that the advent of home reformer beds is something I've felt conflicted about. On the one hand, I totally endorse home reformer beds making Pilates more accessible (hefty price tag aside), but on the flip side, the practice is all about tiny, preferably hands-on tweaks that can take a move from easy to eye-watering in a second—something that, IMHO, simply can't be replicated in a home environment.

It's fair to say, then, that I was dubious my mind would be changed on this—that is, until I tried NordicTrack's brand-new Ultra 1 reformer bed—their first designed specifically for at-home use. I was lucky enough to try one out in a 1-to-1 lesson with Reform RX co-founder and Pilates pro, Yvette McGaffin; find out if it won me over below.

In the meantime, we don't like to brag, but our Pilates content is stellar: check out our guides to the best Pilates exercises of all time, the best Pilates moves for building muscle, and the best Pilates moves for runners—plus, find out how one Health Writer got on when she tried the viral Pilates with Izzy 25-day challenge, here.

I Tried NordicTrack's Luxe New Ultra 1 At-Home Reformer Pilates Bed—and I’m a Huge Fan

What is the NordicTrack Ultra 1 reformer?

NordicTrack's Ultra 1 reformer is the brand's first home bed offering. Building on the strength of its popular treadmill technology alongside the boom in home and online workouts, the Ultra 1 combines a sleek home bed with an integrated screen, allowing you to access online classes.

"The Ultra 1 Reformer is a studio-quality Pilates experience reimagined for the home," shares Yvette McGaffin, director of Pilates at iFIT and founder of Reform RX. "What makes it different is that we haven't simply taken a traditional reformer and put a screen on it; the whole experience has been designed around how people actually want to use Pilates at home.

"The Ultra 1 Reformer also brings together the physical experience of a premium reformer with the intelligence and content ecosystem of iFIT. So you get the feeling of being in a beautiful studio, but with the convenience and consistency of having that experience at home."

The result? A seriously stylish reformer that matches with substance: the classes are plentiful and tailored for beginners and advanced users alike, while the machine is intuitive and simple to get the hang of—more on this below.

Health freelancer Anna Bartter trying NordicTrack Ultra 1 Reformer Pilates Machine — *NordicTrack's Ultra 1 reformer is the brand's first home bed offering, building on the strength of its popular treadmill technology.* (Image credit: Anna Bartter)

What are the benefits of using the NordicTrack Ultra 1 reformer?

The mental and physical benefits of a consistent Pilates practice are well-established, and if you're a regular MC UK reader, you'll likely be acquainted with them. We're talking improved posture, core strength, balance, mobility and body awareness (to name just a few)—but the Ultra 1 goes beyond these advantages and offers something that's really at the heart of an effective Pilates regime: consistency.

"For me, the biggest benefit is consistency," agrees McGaffin. "Pilates is one of those practices where you really feel the benefit of doing it regularly, and life can make that surprisingly difficult. Even when you love your studio, getting there at a particular time, week after week, isn't always realistic.

"Having a reformer at home changes that. You can get on for 20 or 30 minutes when it works for you, before the kids are up, between meetings, or at the end of the day. And that ability to make Pilates fit around your life, rather than your life around Pilates, is where I think the real value lies."

@kayleighhjaynefit
♬ original sound - Kayleigh Jayne

Is the NordicTrack Ultra 1 reformer suitable for everyone?

It would be easy to assume that an at-home reformer bed would only suit those with some in-class experience, but McGaffin says this isn't necessarily the case.

"A really well-designed at-home reformer can be a wonderful place to start," she tells MC UK. "You don't need to be flexible, strong or 'good at Pilates' to begin. That's what the practice is for. The crucial thing is having the right instruction. Pilates has a language of its own, and if you've never used a reformer before, things like spring resistance, footbar positions and carriage movement can initially feel unfamiliar."

However, not all home-based reformers are created equal. If you're a beginner, look for one that is intuitive and preferably offers real-time feedback if you're unsure of spring changes and other tricks that more experienced users think of as second nature.

"For a beginner, those little details can make a big difference," agrees McGaffin. "You're not standing there wondering whether you've put the right springs on—the equipment and the instruction work together to give you that reassurance, so you can focus on learning the movement and building confidence."

Can an at-home reformer bed ever be as effective as in-studio classes?

So, time for the million-dollar question: is a home reformer bed really as good as going to a class IRL? For me, the proof will be in the pudding (more on this below), but McGaffin offers an alternative view, too.

"I don't think anything completely replaces being in a room with an exceptional instructor, and I wouldn't want to pretend that it does," she reflects. "There's something special about an instructor being physically present, seeing your body and making those tiny adjustments. That's part of what makes Pilates such a beautiful practice."

That being said, there's no doubt that the way we work out has changed almost beyond recognition in recent years, with more and more of us choosing to exercise via online classes from home. According to research conducted by PureGym, around 25% of UK adults solely work out at home—raising the question: should we ditch the either/or mentality around the idea altogether?

"We've moved beyond the idea that home and studio have to compete with one another," agrees McGaffin. "A great at-home reformer can give you access to high-quality instruction, consistency and a genuine reformer practice in a way that fits around your life. For someone who might otherwise do Pilates once a week because of time or logistics, being able to practise three or four times at home can completely change the relationship they have with movement."

"For me, the real opportunity is making Pilates part of everyday life, not something you only do when you can get to a studio."

@simonesharice
♬ original sound - Simone | Pilates + Wellness

I tried NordicTrack's newest reformer bed, the Ultra 1—my honest thoughts

It's safe to say, as a Health and Fitness Writer, the very best part of my job is having access not only to the newest, most exciting wellness launches but also being lucky enough to meet expert trainers who have poured their heart and soul into the products I get to test.

So, it's with much excitement and a lot of gratitude that I arrive at a stunning venue in central London to try out the Ultra 1—and my instructor is McGaffin herself. We start strong, as she comments that I 'look like I do a lot of Pilates'—reader, she's not wrong. But Pilates is so much more than an aesthetic, so I know she's saying I appear strong, and she's about to put her theory well and truly to the test as she puts me through my paces on the bed.

My overall first impression? Well, without doubt, it looks super chic; you can tell that this is a seriously impressive machine, right off the bat.

"Aesthetics were important to us," shares McGaffin. "If you're going to have a reformer in your home, it needs to feel like something you want to live with, not something you want to hide away."

But more than this, it feels really good to use, too. It's smooth, seamless and sleek—no clunking metal or squeaky springs here. In fact, you can't see the springs at all—but you'll know from the screen whether you're using the right ones, which is super handy if you forget mid-movement.

"Rather than having exposed springs that you manually adjust, the springs are engaged using simple push-buttons, so changing your resistance is much more intuitive," explains McGaffin. "The machine then shows your spring engagement and footbar position in real time on the screen, so you have a clear visual cue that you've set the reformer correctly before you start moving."

So, it looks good, and it feels good—but does it feel like a decent workout? In a word: absolutely. I'm impressed by the range of sessions available on the connected screen (which you can tilt, pivot or swivel so as not to interfere with your workout) and also by the real-time feedback I'm getting. As a Peloton fan (six years and counting—and still going strong), I have no doubt that I'd make excellent use of the Ultra 1 at home as well.

Now to find the room for it...

Shop MC UK's reformer Pilates edit now:

Sweaty Betty Pilates Crew Gripper Sock 2 Pack

Aside from the bed itself, grippy socks are a reformer Pilates non-negotiable. Trust us: nobody wants their feet slipping around when attempting to look effortless in a hold.

Crz Yoga Butterluxe Halter Neck Crop Tank Top

I already own (and love) the Crz Yoga leggings, and this matching halterneck bra has been languishing in my basket for far too long.

NordicTrack Ultra 1 Reformer Pilates Machine

Ready to take the plunge? Here's the exact model I tested; it comes complete with a five-year frame and two-year parts and labour warranty, as well as a 30-day trial period, too.

Why is now a great time to launch the Ultra 1?

Why now? I asked McGaffin—and it's clear she's given plenty of thought to this very question already.

"We're seeing a really interesting evolution in Pilates," she tells me. "It's gone from being something many people discovered through a studio or a particular instructor to becoming a much bigger part of how people think about strength, longevity and wellbeing. I love that Pilates has become more accessible without losing what makes it special."

"After more than 20 years in this industry, what excites me most is seeing people discover that Pilates doesn't have to be intimidating or performative. You don't have to look a certain way, be incredibly flexible or already know what you're doing. You just have to start."

"For me, the future of Pilates is about bringing together great movement, great teaching, thoughtful design and technology that genuinely serves the experience. The machine should never be the hero. You are."

from Latest from Marie Claire UK https://ift.tt/Zr1nv8z
via IFTTT

Tuesday, 6 October 2026

Lisa Eldridge Says Oily Skin Can Still Have Glass-Like Glow—Here’s How She Gets the Balance Right

https://ift.tt/MLGmnIC

There’s something so beautiful about glass skin when it’s done well—the complexion looks fresh, healthy and naturally luminous. But as someone with oily skin, I know better than anyone that it’s always a tricky balance. You want that fresh, almost reflective luminosity that makes glass skin look so beautiful, but there’s a fine line between looking intentionally dewy and simply looking shiny.

The good news is that you can absolutely adapt glass skin to work for oily skin. For me, it’s all about strategic product placement, plenty of skin prep, liquid and cream make-up formulas and, crucially, targeted powder application. You don’t want to mattify the entire face and lose all that lovely luminosity; instead, you want to take down shine only in the areas where you don’t want to emphasise it.

Always Start With Really Well-Prepped Skin

The goal is skin that looks incredibly hydrated and moisturised. Glass skin is really about using as little makeup as possible and allowing the skin itself to show through, and that only works if your complexion is properly prepped beforehand.

Having oily skin doesn’t mean you need to strip the skin or make the whole face matte, either. I’ll always apply Bioderma Sébium Pore Refiner to the areas where I know I tend to get shiny. It helps to mattify the areas I don’t want to emphasise and knocks back shine a little before my makeup goes on, without taking away that overall freshness.

Bioderma

Sebium Pore Refining Cream for Combination to Oily, Acne-Prone Skin

CeraVe

Oil Control Moisturising Gel-Cream for Combination and Oily Skin

Be Very Strategic About Where You Add Glow

Rather than adding luminosity all over the face, I concentrate it on the places where I naturally want the light to catch.

I start by applying a liquid highlighter across my cheekbones and brow bones, along the nose and a little on the Cupid’s bow. This gives you that beautiful glassy, opalescent finish, while still allowing you to keep other areas of the face more controlled.

Lisa Eldridge

Lisa Eldridge Elevated Glow Highlighter Cosmic Rose

Vieve

Skin Dew

Keep Your Base as Light as Possible

Next, I apply a skin tint or dewy foundation from the centre of the face outwards, keeping the layer really light. You don’t need to completely cover the skin to create this look—in fact, the less base you can get away with, the fresher and more convincing the finish tends to be.

Under the eyes, I like to use a dewy concealer. My Luminist Concealer works particularly well here because it lifts shadows while brightening and adding luminosity. Then, rather than adding more foundation wherever I need extra coverage, I’ll use a tiny dot of Pinpoint Concealer to neutralise any redness.

That precision is really important. By concealing only what you want to conceal, you can leave as much of your natural skin visible as possible.

Lisa Eldridge

Pinpoint Concealer Micro Correcting Pencil

Lisa Eldridge

Seamless Skin Luminist Concealer

Bobbi Brown

Concealer Brush

Powder is the Secret to Success

Powder is where oily skin needs a little more care. I’ll set just under my eyes to stop unwanted shine, then use a light, invisible powder across the centre of my forehead, around my nose and on my chin.

The trick is not to powder everywhere. I only want to mattify the areas where shine can become distracting, while leaving the cheekbones and other high points of the face luminous.

You shouldn’t really be able to see the powder on the skin. I’m looking to lightly mattify and control shine, while still allowing all that beautiful luminosity to come through. For me, that contrast is what makes glass skin work on an oily complexion: it’s not about eliminating shine, but choosing exactly where you want it.

Charlotte Tilbury

Airbrush Flawless Blur Loose Powder

Lisa Eldridge

Lisa Eldridge Seamless Blend Brush No.9

from Latest from Marie Claire UK https://ift.tt/e3VKpN6
via IFTTT

Is Your Beauty Routine Ruining Your Eyesight? Spoiler: You're Not Going to Like the Answer...

https://ift.tt/ZICc3jn

Eyes are the first thing you notice when you meet someone. So, it makes sense that we spend a considerable amount of time and money making them look their best. We invest in a good eye cream to soften fine lines or reduce the appearance of dark circles. We buy a lash-lengthening mascara and brightening concealer to look slightly more awake. But recently, I've started wondering whether we've become so preoccupied with how our eyes look that we've forgotten about how well they actually work.

It all started when I started experiencing exceptionally dry eyes after my regular Botox top-up. Having never had any eye-related issues before, I suddenly found myself constantly blinking and squinting at my laptop, rubbing my eyes and struggling to focus. The irony wasn't lost on me: I was investing in treatments designed to make my eyes look younger, yet I ended up squinting and acting like someone who desperately needed to see an optician.

But according to the experts, some of the products and treatments we're using in the pursuit of better-looking eyes could be contributing to the problem. "The makeup, skincare and treatments we're using are contributing hugely to the rise in dry eye and ocular allergies and sensitivities that we are seeing," says Nicola Alexander-Cross, optometrist and co-founder of Peep Club.

Perhaps most surprisingly, however, it's not necessarily the invasive treatments you'd expect that deserve our attention. Some of the potential offenders are the simple, everyday products sitting innocently in our bathroom cabinets—and being used every single day.

First, Let's Talk About Meibomian Glands

I'll admit, I'd never heard of a meibomian gland until I sat down with Dr Elizabeth Hawkes, Consultant Ophthalmic and Oculoplastic Surgeon, but it turns out they're rather important when it comes to eye health.

Sitting within the eyelids, close to the lashes, these tiny glands secrete the oily component of our tear film. As Dr Hawkes explains, that oil acts as a protective layer over the ocular surface. If the glands become blocked or their function is disrupted, it can contribute to conditions including blepharitis (chronic inflammation of the eyelids) and dry eye.

Dr Hawkes explains that many eye makeup products, removers and surfactants can disrupt that oily tear-film layer. Even something that sounds reassuringly 'natural' isn't automatically innocuous. Coconut oil, for example, doesn't contain preservatives but any oily product could potentially block the glands.

Dry eye might not sound particularly serious, but anyone who has experienced it will know how disruptive it can be. "You can have a red eye, a gritty eye, foreign-body sensation, and it can make wearing makeup feel uncomfortable," says Dr Hawkes.

Your Eye Makeup Remover Could Matter More Than You Think

"The products that are going to do the most damage are the ones that touch your eye itself or lash line, and the ones you use most often," says Alexander-Cross.

It's why she singles out everyday habits such as wearing eyeliner and removing eye makeup. A product you use directly around your eyes once in a while is one thing; a formula containing potential irritants that you massage over them 365 nights a year is another.

Preservatives are Alexander-Cross's "number one offender" when it comes to eye health, particularly in eye makeup removers, lash-growth serums and whitening drops because of their proximity to the lids and ocular surface. Dr Hawkes agrees that preservatives are something worth paying attention to, and there's one in particular she wants people to know about: Benzalkonium chloride, commonly shortened to BAK. It helps keep certain formulations sterile and prevents them from going off. But Dr Hawkes explains that BAK can also be toxic to the cornea, which is especially alarming seeing as BAK can be found in some eye drops—the very products we might reach for when our eyes are uncomfortable.

None of this means every mascara or preserved eye product needs to go immediately in the bin. But if your eyes are persistently dry, red, itchy or uncomfortable, it's worth looking not only at what you're putting in them, but what you're putting around them every day.

When it comes to eye makeup removers, Dr Hawkes points me towards Optase, which makes a preservative-free eye makeup remover designed for sensitive eyes. She also highlights preservative-free lubricating drops, like Hycosan, for people experiencing dryness.

It Might Be Time to Re-Think Retinol Eye Creams

Retinoids are among the best-evidenced ingredients we have for tackling visible signs of skin ageing, so it makes sense that we'd want those benefits around the very area where fine lines often appear first. But both experts urge some caution around repeated application close to the eye.

Alexander-Cross says retinoids can affect the delicate meibomian glands, while Dr Hawkes tells me that for patients with a history of dry or sensitive eyes, she may favour eye products containing ingredients such as peptides or hyaluronic acid rather than retinol.

That doesn't mean retinol is inherently "bad for your eyes", nor that everyone needs to stop using a retinoid eye cream. It's more about recognising that the ocular surface and the skin surrounding it aren't entirely separate ecosystems.

It's also one of the reasons Dr Hawkes believes there's a case for using products specifically formulated for the eye area rather than automatically extending every face product right up towards your lashes.

"The cream that you need for your face compared to what you need around your eye is different," she explains. "Eyelid skin itself is different—and, importantly, it's skin with an eyeball in the middle of it."

Dr Hawkes would also like to see more eye creams ophthalmologist-tested (which isn't the same as dermatologically tested, by the way). When products undergo appropriate ophthalmic testing, she explains, the ocular surface can be examined for signs that the formula is having an adverse effect.

Lash Serums Deserve Some Scrutiny, Too

Few products illustrate the crossover between beauty and eye health quite as neatly as lash serums. We apply them millimetres from our eyeballs, often every night for months at a time, in pursuit of longer, thicker-looking lashes.

Alexander-Cross particularly flags prostaglandin analogues, which are found in some lash-growth serums. She says they have been associated with changes including pigmentation and periorbital fat loss. But again, frequency and placement matter. Alexander-Cross's general rule is that the products most likely to affect the eyes are those used most frequently and closest to the ocular surface.

That includes the popular makeup technique 'tightlining'— applying eyeliner directly to the waterline, which places cosmetic ingredients right next to the openings of the meibomian glands.

Alexander-Cross isn't suggesting these beauty habits need to disappear altogether. Her advice is more pragmatic: lash-growth serums, tightlining and whitening eye drops may be fine occasionally, but she wouldn't recommend using them regularly.

What About Professional Tweakments?

Of course, many people have taken their eye beauty routines into the realms of clinical tweakments. "There is absolutely a spectrum when it comes to aesthetic treatments and the potential risk on eyes," says Alexander-Cross.

At the lower-risk end, she places permanent eyeliner and cosmetic tattooing, lash lifts and tints, lash extensions and some IPL and radiofrequency treatments. The main risks here include allergy, ocular-surface irritation, scratching and infection. These can still be severe, she stresses, but are generally reversible.

At the more serious end of the spectrum are Botox around the eyes, aggressive lasers such as CO2 and, in particular, tear-trough or dermal filler around the eyes. While the likelihood of a serious complication is low, if something does go wrong, the consequences can be severe and potentially irreversible.

The one procedure both experts would categorically advise against is an aesthetic intervention that surgically changes the colour of the iris. "This is simply not worth the risk," Dr Hawkes says.

For invasive procedures around the eyes, Alexander-Cross says the person performing them is one of the biggest risk factors. The anatomy surrounding the eye is extremely complex, so she advises seeking an appropriately qualified medical professional with specialist expertise in the area.

She also recommends stretching out the time between procedures as much as possible to allow the eyes to recover and taking particularly good care of the ocular surface between treatments.

But Can Any of This Actually Affect Our Eyesight?

This was the question I really wanted answered. Irritated eyes are one thing, but could something as seemingly benign as dry eye actually affect your vision?

"Yes," says Dr Hawkes.

For us to see clearly, light has to pass through the cornea, the transparent surface at the front of the eye. If that surface is disrupted, Dr Hawkes explains, vision can become blurred or misty. It's why someone with dry eye may find themselves blinking repeatedly and briefly seeing more clearly afterwards: blinking has redistributed the tear film over the corneal surface.

More surprisingly still, Dr Hawkes says significant dry eye can even affect an eye-test prescription. "If you've got really dry eye, it will affect your prescription," she says. Someone struggling to read a line on an eye chart may find it becomes clearer after using lubricating drops.

Importantly, we're not talking about your eye cream slowly making you blind. Dr Hawkes describes the visual changes caused by dry eye as typically misty or blurred rather than serious and permanent.

But there is something rather ironic about spending hundreds of pounds trying to make our eyes look better while potentially overlooking everyday habits that can affect how comfortably and clearly we see.

The Eye-Friendly Edit

Optase

Sensitive Eye Makeup Remover

Peep Club

Dark Circle Lidstick™ Correcting Balm

Clinique

High Impact High-Fi Full Volume Mascara

from Latest from Marie Claire UK https://ift.tt/TPVYDmH
via IFTTT

Monday, 5 October 2026

My Grandmother Swore By Chicken Soup When We Were Ill—Our Experts Weigh In on Which Urban Wellness Legends Actually Work

https://ift.tt/B173KJR

My grandmother swore by chicken soup whenever we were ill. At the first sign of a sniffle, Nanny would have a pan bubbling away on the hob, filled with chicken, garlic, turmeric, root vegetables and enough steaming salty broth to clear your head before you’d even picked up the spoon.

It always came with a French stick slathered in butter so thick you could leave teeth marks in it. Not, admittedly, an essential part of any flu-fighting protocol, but it did go “straight to the heart”, as she would fondly say.

Like many of the remedies passed down through families, I never really questioned whether Nanny’s chicken soup was actually doing anything. It was hot, comforting and made with love; when you’re eight years old and feeling rotten, that’s evidence enough. But now that cold and flu season is rolling around again, I wanted to know whether there was any science behind the saucepan.

A study found that soup could help ease common respiratory symptoms such as a blocked nose, sore throat and cough, along with a modest reduction in how long people felt unwell. Further research suggests chicken soup appeared to affect the movement of neutrophils - immune cells involved in reducing inflammation. Granted, none of this proves it's a cure, but it does suggest there may be more to the ritual than comfort alone.

When I asked four experts spanning nutrition, pharmacy and medicine, their verdict was surprisingly united: my grandmother wasn't exactly making medicine, but that bowl of soup was doing rather more than simply warming me up. If you're looking for more ways to stave off a cold this winter, read our expert-led guide on failsafe formulas for avoiding a cold. Plus, this read on what happened when one MC writer drank bone broth for a month before breakfast is worth bookmarking, too.

Can Chicken Soup Really Cure A Cold? I Asked The Experts

What does the body actually need nutritionally when we’re fighting a virus?

The short answer? Yes—but it isn't fighting the virus itself. Unfortunately, there isn’t a food capable of karate-chopping a cold virus out of your system. What your body does need is enough fuel and fluid to carry on doing its natural role of fighting it off.

“When you're ill, your body is working hard, so the basics matter most,” explains Francesca Chetham, nutritionist for Doctor Seaweed. Fluid is particularly important, she says, because fever, sweating and a runny nose can all increase fluid loss. Your body also still needs energy and protein, even when your appetite has vanished.

Performance chef and nutritional specialist Dan Sargeant points out that chicken soup provides "fluids, protein and a good spread of nutrients", while Pupinder Ghatora, pharmacist and founder of Ingenious, adds that its warmth can be soothing for a sore throat or congestion.

In other words, soup isn't attacking the cold or flu virus. It's giving your body hydration, fuel and nutrients in a form you can probably stomach when a proper dinner feels impossible.

@feelingtastyy
♬ Cherry - Jordan Susanto

Which chicken soup ingredients actually help?

My Nanny’s tendency to throw half the vegetable drawer into a saucepan may have been doing more than making the kitchen smell incredible.

Chicken is high in protein and zinc, while the vegetables add their own mix of immune-supporting nutrients and plant compounds: carrots are a source of beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. Onions contain plant compounds including quercetin, and the broth itself provides fluid and salt alongside nutrients released from the ingredients while they cook.

Scientific research points to the further benefits of chicken broth, with amino acids and minerals that may help support the gut barrier, nutrient absorption and the body’s normal inflammatory response.

Then there are the flavour-makers. "Garlic, ginger, chilli and coriander all have compounds with antimicrobial, antiviral or anti-inflammatory properties," says Sargeant—although he's clear that evidence in humans isn't strong enough to treat any of them as a cure.

Garlic is a good example. It contains sulphur compounds that have attracted scientific interest, but Ghatora says there "isn't strong enough evidence to suggest that garlic can stop you getting ill".

So by all means be generous with the cloves. Just don't expect them to behave like medicine.

@emthenutritionist
♬ original sound - Emily English

Can food really support your immune system?

There’s one phrase almost every expert I spoke to wanted to clear up: “boosting” your immune system.

“You can't really ‘boost’ it,” says Sargeant. “The aim is to give the body what it needs to do the job it already does well.”

And the less exciting truth is that what you eat before you wake up bunged up probably matters more than panic-buying ginger shots afterwards.

“An orange on Monday won't give you a superhuman immune system on Tuesday,” Sargeant adds. Instead, eating a varied diet containing enough protein, fruit, vegetables, wholegrains and other nutrient-rich foods consistently helps supply the nutrients required for normal immune function.

Dr Samila Asad, GP at the Female Health Doctor clinic, also makes an important distinction: getting ill doesn't mean your immune system has failed. "You can look after yourself well and still pick up a virus," she says.

Once you're sick, she cautions against trying to compensate with handfuls of supplements. More isn't automatically better and, in some cases, excessive supplementation can be harmful. Her prescription is considerably less glamorous: rest, drink regularly and eat what you can manage.

@yevaberez
♬ original sound - Seth - Seth Summers

So, what's the verdict on chicken soup's 'flu fighting' properties?

According to the four experts I spoke to, yes - with a fairly important caveat. It won’t cure a cold or flu, nor will it magically “boost” your immune system, but it can give your body several things it genuinely needs when you’re unwell: fluid, energy, protein and useful nutrients, all in a form that’s easy to eat when your appetite has disappeared.

The warmth may help soothe congestion and a sore throat, while early research suggests there could also be mild anti-inflammatory benefits.

@ieke.booij
Healthy November — Day 26 EP. 26 — Being Cold Gives You a Cold? + Vegan “Chicken” Immune Soup 🍜 380 kcal | Immune-supportive | 40 min Welcome to Healthy November — 30 days of redefining what healthy really means. Each day explores a new topic through real food, facts, and intuitive balance. Ingredients (serves 4) 1 tbsp olive or coconut oil 2 cups carrots, diced 4 cups butternut squash, diced (200 g) 2 cups leek, diced 2 cups mushrooms (shiitake or chestnut), sliced 1 tsp fresh grated ginger 1 tsp fennel seeds 1 small sprig rosemary ½ cup red lentils (100 g) 1 cup crumbled firm tofu (150 g) ¾ cup quinoa (150 g) 2.5 L vegetable stock (low-sodium) Zest + juice of 1 lemon 2 tbsp nutritional yeast 1 tbsp tahini 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped Sea salt + black pepper METHOD 1.Heat oil in a large pot. Sauté carrots, leek, and squash for 5 minutes. 2.Add mushrooms, ginger, fennel, and rosemary. Cook 3–4 minutes. 3.Add lentils, tofu, quinoa, and stock. Simmer 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. 4.Stir in nutritional yeast, lemon zest, and tahini. Cook 2 minutes. 5.Turn off heat, add lemon juice and parsley. Season to taste. > Why it’s healthy (science-backed): “Being cold” doesn’t cause colds — viruses do. But cold exposure does slightly weaken your body’s defence: •Cold air reduces blood flow in your nasal passages — your first immune barrier •Stress + fatigue + low vitamin D lower immunity much more than temperature •Studies show people catch more colds in winter because viruses survive better in cold, dry air This warm, antioxidant-rich soup helps support your immune system through vitamin C, beta-carotene, plant protein, and gut-friendly herbs. > Ayurvedic Note: Cold weather increases Vata, weakens Agni (digestion), and lowers natural immunity. Warm, cooked soups like this are the fastest way to bring the body back into balance. Ginger strengthens digestion, fennel calms the gut, lemon clears ama (toxins), and beta-carotene vegetables nourish ojas — your body’s vitality and immune strength. Especially grounding for Vata and Pitta; Kapha types can add turmeric and black pepper for extra warmth.
♬ Uluru Jazz Sagrado - Marco Antonio

Fact or Fiction? The Experts Debunk 6 Cold and Flu Old Wives' Tales

1. Chicken soup fights flu

It doesn't kill the virus or cure flu, but it can provide hydration and nutrition, soothe symptoms and may have mild anti-inflammatory effects. As Dr Asad puts it: "If it helps you eat, drink and feel a little more comfortable, that's worthwhile in itself."

Health freelancer Georgia Brown's famous grandmother's chicken soup recipe — *“When you're ill, your body is working hard, so the basics matter most,” explains nutritionist* *Francesca Chetham*. (Image credit: Georgia Brown)

2. "Feed a cold, starve a fever"

Your body needs fuel and fluid either way. "Don't force yourself to eat if you have no appetite, but don't deliberately restrict food either," says Ghatora. Hydration becomes particularly important with a fever.

3. Vitamin C prevents colds

Vitamin C is essential for normal immune function, but taking huge doses after symptoms begin isn't a shortcut to recovery. Regular supplementation hasn't been shown to prevent colds in most people, although evidence suggests it may modestly shorten their duration.

4. Garlic stops you getting ill

Garlic contains compounds with interesting biological properties, and some research has explored whether it could play a preventative role, but evidence remains limited.

Consider it a delicious addition to your soup rather than an invisible force field against a commuter coughing on public transport.

5. Honey and lemon kills a cough

It won't kill the virus, but it might make being ill slightly less miserable.

“Honey has some evidence for easing a cough, and the warm drink can soothe your throat,” says Dr Asad. The NHS also recommends a warm lemon-and-honey drink as one way to soothe a sore throat. However, honey should not be given to babies under one year old.

6. Going out with wet hair gives you a cold

Sorry, Nanny. Colds are caused by viruses, not damp hair. They're more common during colder months, partly because we spend more time indoors and close to other people, making viruses easier to spread.

Perhaps, then, the real genius of Nanny's soup wasn't that it could magically stop a cold in its tracks. It was that one steaming bowl managed to hydrate us, feed us and make us feel looked after when we felt rubbish.

Under the weather? Shop MC-approved wellbeing essentials below

Oura Ring 5

I’ve worn an Oura Ring for years, and one of the things I find most fascinating is how often it spots that something is off before I consciously feel unwell. By tracking changes across metrics such as sleep, resting heart rate and body temperature trends, it gives me a useful nudge to slow down when my body seems to be under more strain than usual.

NodPod weighted blanket

When I’m feeling under the weather, I want rest to feel as easy as possible. Weighted blankets are designed to provide gentle, even pressure across the body, which can feel calming and comforting - making this Nodpod blanket one I’d happily curl up under on a sick day.

Live To Eat by Emily English

Obviously, when you’re feeling under the weather, cooking might be the last thing you fancy. But for the days when you are feeling well, this is the book I’d reach for for easy, balanced recipes that make eating well feel genuinely doable. Nutritionist Emily English focuses on meals packed with the protein, fibre, healthy fats and nutrients your body needs, without making healthy eating feel overly complicated.

What should you eat when you have a cold or flu?

There’s no single food that will cure a cold or flu, but the experts I spoke to agreed that hydration, energy and protein matter most when you’re unwell.

If your appetite is low, focus on foods that are easy to tolerate, such as soup, yoghurt, toast, eggs or porridge, and keep drinking regularly. “Don’t force yourself to eat if you have no appetite, but don’t deliberately restrict food either,” advises pharmacist Pupinder Ghatora.

Rather than trying to “boost” your immune system with one ingredient or supplement, aim to give your body enough fuel and nutrients to support its normal recovery.

from Latest from Marie Claire UK https://ift.tt/NgIlxCE
via IFTTT

Alexa Chung’s Reformation Collection Is Basically a Shortcut to Her Effortlessly Cool London Style

https://ift.tt/J3DZFBV

The terms it girl, muse and style inspiration get bandied around all too often, but when Mulberry names a bag after someone, you know for certain they're a key face in fashion. And few are quite as famous as Alexa Chung, making the model-turned-TV-presenter-turned-designer-turned muse's collaboration with Reformation all the more exciting.

Landing on the Reformation website and in select stores from 2pm on Monday 5th October, the 30-piece range is a highly anticipated edit of Chung's signature styling: vintage-feeling, full of rich textures and subtly sexy. And, of course, there are a couple of Peter Pan collars in there too, for good measure.

But while highlights include a purple strapless silk dress, a handful of stiletto mules and a sequin evening bag worth of any party, the edit cleverly toes the line between everyday and evening. A great pair of jeans, black contrasting trench coat and stripy knit marking the capsule as an all-rounder.

And as the proud owner of an Alexa Chung own-brand—hands up if you too remember that—cream silk tiered skirt and banana-printed tee, I personally couldn't be happier to see her flex her design fingers once again. Below, an edit of some standout styles.

Shop Reformation x Alexa Chung

Reformation

Radziwill Silk Dress in Purple

I needn't remind you that party season will soon be upon us and few dresses are quite as striking as this purple strapless style.

Reformation

Bondage High Heeled Mule

This simplistic snake print mule makes for the perfect evening accompaniment to jeans and dresses.

Reformation

Shimsham Bag in Green Sequin

This sequin bag is the highlight of the collection, in my opinion.

Reformation

Alexa Chung High Rise Straight Jeans

Reformation is already famous for its already great jean range, but this high-waist straight-leg pair feels especially Alexa.

Reformation

Red Carpet Scarf in Chartreuse

Few item names are as glamours as 'red carpet scarf', and this velvet accessory promises to brighten up any outfit.

Reformation

Valentine Coat in Black

Consider this black velvet coat with contrast buttons a far more interesting alternative to regular wool.

Reformation

Dude Shirt

Adding to the vintage feel is this soft floral viscose shirt, which pairs just perfectly with blue denim.

Reformation

Pepo Jacket in Floral Velvet

This floral velvet jacket pairs just as well with blue jeans as it does the matching skirt.

Reformation

Bondage Bag in Black

Toughening up the velvet, lace and florals is the eyebrow-raising bondage bag, which is also the perfect size for a laptop. You might just want to keep the name quiet in the office.