Podcast Summary: Glad We Had This Chat with Caroline Hirons – Episode 2.9 featuring Emily English

Release Date: December 2, 2024

Introduction

In the ninth episode of the second season of Glad We Had This Chat, hosted by the renowned skincare expert Caroline Hirons, the spotlight shines on Emily English, a distinguished nutritionist and Sunday Times bestselling author. This episode delves deep into Emily's journey in the nutrition industry, her stance against diet culture, and the intricate connections between nutrition and skin health.

Guest Background: Emily English

Emily English, popularly known as "Em the Nutritionist," is celebrated as Britain's most well-known nutritionist. With over 20 years in the industry and a flourishing online presence, Emily has transformed from sharing simple recipe videos to becoming a trusted authority on nutrition and skin health. Her expertise is not just academic; it is deeply personal, stemming from her own challenges with diet culture and health.

Career Journey and Rise to Prominence

Emily recounts her rapid ascent in the digital landscape, particularly highlighting the exponential growth of her Instagram following. "Once I hit 100k followers, it just flew. People organically shared my recipes because they found them relatable and accessible," Emily shares ([03:59]). Her breakthrough moment came when a Greek salad recipe garnered over 50,000 views when she had merely 2,000 followers, propelling her into the spotlight.

Breaking Free from Diet Culture

A significant portion of the conversation centers around Emily's personal struggles with the modeling industry and the pervasive diet culture. At 17, Emily was scouted for modeling, an experience that led to severe eating disorders. "Movement became punishment. I lost everything because I thought my body was a mass equation," she confesses ([13:58]). This traumatic experience was a catalyst for her pivot towards studying nutrition, aiming to redefine health beyond mere weight loss.

Reforming Nutrition: Accessible and Joyful Eating

Emily emphasizes the importance of making nutrition enjoyable and sustainable. She criticizes the one-size-fits-all approach prevalent in the wellness industry, advocating for personalized nutrition plans that enhance both health and happiness. "Create food that makes people happy and excited to eat, while also supporting their bodies," Emily advises ([08:44]).

Debunking Nutrition Myths

The duo tackles common misconceptions in the nutrition world. They dismiss myths such as the necessity to avoid all dairy for clear skin and the exaggerated dangers of milk alternatives. "Avoiding dairy is not going to miraculously clean up your skin," Caroline asserts ([27:58]). They also address the overblown fears surrounding liquid sugars and clarify the nuanced differences between various types of proteins and supplements.

Practical Nutrition Advice for Skin Health

Emily provides actionable tips on maintaining healthy skin through nutrition. She outlines the importance of:

• Collagen Preservation: Consuming vitamin C-rich foods like red peppers to support collagen production ([43:01]).
• Healthy Fats: Incorporating essential fatty acids from sources like salmon and flaxseed oil to maintain skin barrier integrity ([43:49]).
• Antioxidants: Eating colorful foods rich in carotenoids and anthocyanins to reduce inflammation and protect skin from environmental stressors ([44:00]).
• Hydration: Maintaining consistent hydration throughout the day to enhance skin cell structure and function ([45:15]).

“Your gut microbiome is unique and plays a crucial role in your overall health and skin condition,” Emily emphasizes ([20:55]).

Skincare and Beauty Insights

Transitioning from nutrition, Emily shares her skincare routine, emphasizing simplicity and effectiveness. She highlights her use of products like the Elemis Cleansing Balm and By Terry’s Hyaluronic Global 8 serum, advocating for minimalism in skincare to maintain skin health without overwhelming it with products.

Personal Anecdotes and Relatable Stories

Both Caroline and Emily share personal stories that humanize their professional insights. Caroline discusses her own journey through menopause and its impact on her health and skincare practices. Emily narrates her experience with allergic reactions to oat milk, underscoring the importance of individualized nutrition plans ([26:15]).

Advice for Sustainable Health Practices

Emily advises against extreme dietary restrictions and promotes gradual, manageable changes. “If it’s not sustainable, do not bother. Stick to what you can maintain year after year,” she advises ([52:24]). She underscores the significance of integrating nutritional changes into daily routines to foster long-term health benefits.

Conclusion and Future Engagements

As the episode wraps up, Caroline announces her upcoming tour, promising an exciting blend of skincare insights, live demonstrations, and candid discussions. Emily expresses enthusiasm for future collaborations and listener engagement through upcoming Q&A sessions.

Notable Quotes

• Emily English: “Movement became punishment. I lost everything because I thought my body was a mass equation.” ([13:58])
• Caroline Hirons: “Avoiding dairy is not going to miraculously clean up your skin.” ([27:58])
• Emily English: “If it’s not sustainable, do not bother. Stick to what you can maintain year after year.” ([52:24])
• Emily English: “Your gut microbiome is unique and plays a crucial role in your overall health and skin condition.” ([20:55])
• Emily English: “Create food that makes people happy and excited to eat, while also supporting their bodies.” ([08:44])

Final Thoughts

This episode masterfully intertwines personal narratives with professional expertise, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of how nutrition profoundly affects skin health. Emily English’s candid storytelling and evidence-based advice, coupled with Caroline Hirons’ engaging hosting, make for an enlightening and inspiring conversation. Whether you're a skincare aficionado or someone seeking to improve your health through better eating habits, this episode provides valuable insights and practical tips to embark on a healthier, happier journey.

For more skincare and nutrition insights, tune in to Glad We Had This Chat with Caroline Hirons every Monday and Wednesday. Don’t forget to subscribe on your preferred podcast platform and send your questions to pod@carolinehirons.com for upcoming Listener Questions episodes.