Forty one percent of the UK population say they want to improve their health through food in the new year, but nearly a third (30%)¹ don’t know where to start: M&S Food announces its top 5 health hacks for 2024.

When it comes to healthy eating, New Year’s resolutions can be hard. 33% of people report they will be making health commitments in the new year, with 41% saying they want to improve their nutrition through healthy food choices¹. Great eh? The problem is that nearly a third (30%)¹ just don’t know where to start – and then most likely don’t.

While resolutions related to healthy eating, exercise and diet are among the most popular, people admit they’re also the most likely they will fail – with 34% saying that although they start with good intentions the big changes make it harder to stick to long term. Motivation (35%) and giving in to temptation (34%) are also huge factors in sticking to their well-intended plans¹.

When it comes to specific healthy eating goals, research from us at M&S Food found that 14%² are considering eating a high protein low carbohydrate diet in the year ahead. One in 10 (10%) said they were planning to go ‘meat free’ either fully or partially in 2024 whilst 9% signalled their intention to start a full or partial gluten free diet². Interestingly, 13% also said they are considering planning meals for the week ahead, along with the 38% who already do this. It seems that cooking at home will be the way forward in this healthy eating transition².

With 225 million views on TikTok videos that include the hashtag #HealthHacks, we know that people are looking for ways that they can make healthier choices so M&S are here to help customers ditch the resolutions and join a healthy eating revolution. Our biggest ever range of new health products is dropping in the Foodhall in January, with over 50 new products created to help customers hack their healthy eating goals. Think easy swaps, delicious products, and clever health innovation – all rooted in the M&S Food quality you’d expect.

THE M&S FOOD HEALTH HACKS THAT TURN RESOLUTIONS INTO REVOLUTIONS

THE RESOLUTION – Going on a January diet

THE M&S FOOD REVOLUTION

Improving your gut health. This plays an important role in several functions of the body, including your immune system and metabolism. “The precise mix of microbes in your gut directly influences your health,” says ZOE Co-Founder Professor Tim Spector. “In a healthy gut, the ratio of ‘good’ to ‘bad’ bacteria is key.” 35% of people say they want to improve their gut health this January so we’ve worked with Tim and nutrition science company ZOE to launch the M&S Food X ZOE Gut Shot, which is packed with over 5 billion friendly bacteria from 14 different strains.

THE RESOLUTION – Trying to lose weight by cutting calories and depriving yourself.

THE M&S FOOD REVOLUTION

Restricting your food intake can be hard to sustain. Instead, focus on the quality of the nutrients you consume, rather than the quantity. Try upping the protein in your everyday staples from yogurt to bagels and tortilla wraps, with our innovative new High Protein range. These clever new products are packed with protein and clever with carbs, making them super satisfying. “Protein is an important macronutrient that’s essential for the growth and repair of the body, and for giving us energy, as well as helping our muscles repair after exercise,” says M&S Senior Nutritionist Sophia Linn.

(Various prices. Products pictured £5.50, 400g)

THE RESOLUTION – Eating your five a day

THE M&S FOOD REVOLUTION

Getting your 30 plants a week. We’ve all heard of five-a-day, but new research – based on emerging science – suggests plant diversity could be the key to a healthy diet. We’ve published a weekly inspiration planner, full of easy hacks and swaps, to help customers supercharge their plant diversity. Our plant-rich products include clever toppers for your yogurt and cereals with added grains, or mixed seeds and grab-and-go salads that pack in the plant points. To see it click here.

THE RESOLUTION – Doing Veganuary but giving up after two weeks living on veggie burgers.

THE M&S FOOD REVOLUTION

Upping your plant protein all year round thanks to products like our Plant Kitchen More than Mince, which is high in protein, plant-based, packed with 10 different plants, high in fibre, low in saturated fat and tastes amazing – the ultimate hack for those who want to get more plant protein in their diet.

(£3.75, 300g)

THE RESOLUTION – Sticking to Dry January for the whole month

THE M&S FOOD REVOLUTION

Mixing your drinks. And we don’t mean switching between red and white wine! If you don’t want to completely cut out booze this January, how about mixing it up a bit? We’re all for replacing some alcohol with alcohol-free options – as you can’t tell the difference! Over the last 6 months we have launched a brand-new range of low- and no-alcohol beers, wines, spirits and cocktail tinnies which have already been a huge hit with customers doing Dry July and Sober October. New in the range for January we have four fantastic tinnies: two 0.5% cocktails – a Peach Sunset and Pink Passion Star Martini £2 – and two cans of our fabulous Collection FrizzanTea £3 sparkling tea (a Brut and a Rosé). All are brilliant for on-the-go or enjoying at home!

Senior Nutritionist, M&S Food, Sophia Linn explains, “Resolutions have long been the go-to approach for welcoming a new year, but they often come with unrealistic expectations and rigid timelines. All too often, people find themselves overwhelmed and disheartened when they struggle to maintain their resolutions beyond a few weeks.

“This year reframe your thinking – a resolution is often defined as solving a problem to improve a situation. Why not focus on committing to improving your year and commit to making a positive change in 2024.”

“At M&S, we want to help customers make gradual changes that align with their values and priorities, pave the way for a healthier year ahead and ultimately leading to better sustainable results. Our biggest ever health launches this January will make healthier decisions easier in the long term.”

Aside from the new launches M&S Food has its dairy and wheat free range, Made Without, and Plant Kitchen range which is completely vegan. Our Count on Us range helps those counting calories and our newly branded Healthy and Balanced products offer healthy and fulfilling food at a great taste. So, whatever your health needs this January, M&S Foodhall has everything you need to start your own health revolution!