I stopped following Zoe because of the non stop pushing of their supplement. First it was just eat a varied and diverse diet, now it isnt good enough, and the cost as you say, is high. There is also the matter of so much encouragement to slather olive oil on everything. It isnt a magic elixir, its a fat. It may be better than animal fat, but recent studies seem to show that no added fat is better. I dont exclude it entirely, but try and rely on fats in plants to eat with fat soluble vitamins
Thank you for your comment, Stephanie. I feel you re: Zoe pushing their supplements. It's not surprising, though. They've created an ecosystem that sells, and they need to remain profitable, so I get it. But I also get the frustration because of the change of tune... Re: olive oil, though, I must politely disagree. It may not be a magic elixir, but all the science behind it from really good quality systematic reviews and meta-analyses robustly supports its use as part of a healthy, balanced diet. No need to overuse, so if you're referring to that, then we're on the same page. But using it as your cooking and dressing oil of choice can do no harm, and probably a lot of good to most people. Have a great weekend 🙏🏽
This is a great, measured piece. The thing that disappoints me most is the loss of trust involved here. Spector has been promoting the 30+ plant foods a week idea for a long time, and I now have to wonder whether that was just a pre-launch marketing strategy all along. Obviously bsing your diet around plant food is not disputed, but 30 is a neat little number.
Thank you for your comment, Sue. Sadly, power imbalances lead to a loss of trust. This is a prime example of this kind of situation. There's undoubtedly some good stuff amongst the mess, but it is messy nonetheless.
Thank you so much for this! I read up lots on this Zoe 30+ last week and decided it was a waste of money - Now I know I was right. Are you able to share what mushroom blend you use please? thank you
Hi Karen. Thank you for your comment. I think the Zoe product is good, but anyone with a bit of imagination can make something even better fairly effortlessly for a lot less money. The mushroom blend I use is called “ MySuperfoods Organic Mushroom Blend Powder” on Amazon. It tasted a bit like cocoa powder. Take care 🙏🏽
Ha well you’ve pretty much saved me going to the bother of writing on this very topic Miguel ( though I probably will!). Big Tim as he’s known in our house is very good at dispelling myths he doesn’t like and then reinventing his own ones to suit. So supplements are a waste of money - but not THIS supplement! I am in awe of your 40 ingredients mix - when I had my wee fermentary we made our Every Good Thing muesli and we were bragging because it had 19 ingredients in 😂. Does the mushroom component make it taste mushroomy? I feel i should eat more mushrooms.. Good points about the study control - more useful to compare against not having the supplement at all, or something cheap and cheerful like a generic fibre supplement in comparison.
Thank you so much for your comment, Caroline. The mushroom powder I add smells and tastes like cocoa, naturally, i.e. not a flavouring. Like earthy cocoa. It's lovely and not overpowering at all. One of the most noticeable smells is the star anise.
A great article and so many valid points made. I totally agree with you that good quality nutrition should be easily accessible and affordable. So often it is not, or at least not when it’s been commercialized like this.
Hi Miguel I totally agree. And making delicious nutritious food can be really simple. I like your idea of a diversity sprinkle and may do that, but it's only taken me a few minutes to make a delicious bean salad for my lunch by shredding in a few veg and going through my store cupboard to add all the other bits and pieces. I had a bit of fun counting and got up to 25. One of my favourite kitchen tools is a nice sharp y shaped peeler for shredding.
Hi Penny! How are you keeping!? Absolutely! I often get as many ingredients in a salad too. And we had a veggie stew for tea tonight that took me minutes to prepare and had 27 ingredients. It's a mindset thing to make it all count as much as possible, but without over obsessing.
Hi Miguel I'm fine thanks! Hope all good with you. I've always enjoyed following your progress and ideas, obviously nutrition but also your insightful thoughts on neurodiversity. I work in the NHS as part of an adult autism assessment team so have the privilege of talking indepth with many neurodivergent people, so interesting. Best wishes Penny
Another great, informative, well balanced post Miguel. I am feeling pretty smug right now as I have been making my own breakfast muesli for over 10 years! Oats, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, yoghurt and fresh berries ... natural ingredients. Small contributions always a win!
I love this! I'm going to be making my own diversity sprinkle tomorrow! I keep forgetting to use the nettle seeds that I collected last year and this would have been perfect on my sourdough eggy bread this morning!
I'm a bit hooked atm Clare! 🤣 A bit of Greek yogurt on the side and raspberries from my garden 😋 makes it feel like I'm eating pudding. I can't do my usual milk kefir right now as I've got to calm down histamine which makes the flushing worse. 🤪
I spoke about this at the beginning when Zoe was conceived that it just helped the people who could afford the kits! Equity gone out of the window, again! What’s happened to Tim?
I appreciate your insights. This conversation really does highlight an important issue. While I admire Tim Spector’s contributions to nutrition science and his work with Zoe, it’s crucial to consider the broader implications of accessibility and equity. You bring up a valid point about the potential shift in focus from a broad public health message to a more commercialised product, and you’re not alone in your concerns.
Zoe’s initiatives, like the Daily 30+, are innovative and backed by sophisticated research, but we must also remember that good nutrition should be accessible to everyone, not just those who can afford premium products. It’s a delicate balance between advancing science and ensuring that these advancements benefit the wider population.
Thank you for raising this point. It’s important that we continue to discuss and advocate for equity in health and nutrition 🙏🏽💖
I stopped following Zoe because of the non stop pushing of their supplement. First it was just eat a varied and diverse diet, now it isnt good enough, and the cost as you say, is high. There is also the matter of so much encouragement to slather olive oil on everything. It isnt a magic elixir, its a fat. It may be better than animal fat, but recent studies seem to show that no added fat is better. I dont exclude it entirely, but try and rely on fats in plants to eat with fat soluble vitamins
Thank you for your comment, Stephanie. I feel you re: Zoe pushing their supplements. It's not surprising, though. They've created an ecosystem that sells, and they need to remain profitable, so I get it. But I also get the frustration because of the change of tune... Re: olive oil, though, I must politely disagree. It may not be a magic elixir, but all the science behind it from really good quality systematic reviews and meta-analyses robustly supports its use as part of a healthy, balanced diet. No need to overuse, so if you're referring to that, then we're on the same page. But using it as your cooking and dressing oil of choice can do no harm, and probably a lot of good to most people. Have a great weekend 🙏🏽
This is a great, measured piece. The thing that disappoints me most is the loss of trust involved here. Spector has been promoting the 30+ plant foods a week idea for a long time, and I now have to wonder whether that was just a pre-launch marketing strategy all along. Obviously bsing your diet around plant food is not disputed, but 30 is a neat little number.
Thank you for your comment, Sue. Sadly, power imbalances lead to a loss of trust. This is a prime example of this kind of situation. There's undoubtedly some good stuff amongst the mess, but it is messy nonetheless.
Thank you so much for this! I read up lots on this Zoe 30+ last week and decided it was a waste of money - Now I know I was right. Are you able to share what mushroom blend you use please? thank you
Hi Karen. Thank you for your comment. I think the Zoe product is good, but anyone with a bit of imagination can make something even better fairly effortlessly for a lot less money. The mushroom blend I use is called “ MySuperfoods Organic Mushroom Blend Powder” on Amazon. It tasted a bit like cocoa powder. Take care 🙏🏽
Ha well you’ve pretty much saved me going to the bother of writing on this very topic Miguel ( though I probably will!). Big Tim as he’s known in our house is very good at dispelling myths he doesn’t like and then reinventing his own ones to suit. So supplements are a waste of money - but not THIS supplement! I am in awe of your 40 ingredients mix - when I had my wee fermentary we made our Every Good Thing muesli and we were bragging because it had 19 ingredients in 😂. Does the mushroom component make it taste mushroomy? I feel i should eat more mushrooms.. Good points about the study control - more useful to compare against not having the supplement at all, or something cheap and cheerful like a generic fibre supplement in comparison.
Thank you so much for your comment, Caroline. The mushroom powder I add smells and tastes like cocoa, naturally, i.e. not a flavouring. Like earthy cocoa. It's lovely and not overpowering at all. One of the most noticeable smells is the star anise.
Have a wonderful day! 😘
I’ve been worrying for a while about the commercial swing of Zoe, and the compromises Tim Spector must be obliged to make to remain impartial.
I do a pretty good mix up , but enormously grateful to Miguel for his lists of useful inclusions- thank you!
-I may need to borrow Finn to oversee the process, of course.
He says he’d happily oversee your diversity blend 🐶🤩💖
A great article and so many valid points made. I totally agree with you that good quality nutrition should be easily accessible and affordable. So often it is not, or at least not when it’s been commercialized like this.
Thank you so much Linn 🙏🏽
Hi Miguel I totally agree. And making delicious nutritious food can be really simple. I like your idea of a diversity sprinkle and may do that, but it's only taken me a few minutes to make a delicious bean salad for my lunch by shredding in a few veg and going through my store cupboard to add all the other bits and pieces. I had a bit of fun counting and got up to 25. One of my favourite kitchen tools is a nice sharp y shaped peeler for shredding.
Hi Penny! How are you keeping!? Absolutely! I often get as many ingredients in a salad too. And we had a veggie stew for tea tonight that took me minutes to prepare and had 27 ingredients. It's a mindset thing to make it all count as much as possible, but without over obsessing.
I hope you're well and happy 🙏🏽💖
Hi Miguel I'm fine thanks! Hope all good with you. I've always enjoyed following your progress and ideas, obviously nutrition but also your insightful thoughts on neurodiversity. I work in the NHS as part of an adult autism assessment team so have the privilege of talking indepth with many neurodivergent people, so interesting. Best wishes Penny
Another great, informative, well balanced post Miguel. I am feeling pretty smug right now as I have been making my own breakfast muesli for over 10 years! Oats, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, yoghurt and fresh berries ... natural ingredients. Small contributions always a win!
Thank you Jackie! You should feel smug! 😍 Nothing beats a good muesli!
I love this! I'm going to be making my own diversity sprinkle tomorrow! I keep forgetting to use the nettle seeds that I collected last year and this would have been perfect on my sourdough eggy bread this morning!
Sold on sourdough eggy bread !! It was one of my safe foods growing up on ‘normal’ white bread so giddy to try now with sourdough !
I'm a bit hooked atm Clare! 🤣 A bit of Greek yogurt on the side and raspberries from my garden 😋 makes it feel like I'm eating pudding. I can't do my usual milk kefir right now as I've got to calm down histamine which makes the flushing worse. 🤪
🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
Thank you Sue! Sourdough eggy bread sounds divine! 😍
Well yum Miguel. 😋 Happy sprinkling 🤣
💚💖🌸
I spoke about this at the beginning when Zoe was conceived that it just helped the people who could afford the kits! Equity gone out of the window, again! What’s happened to Tim?
Hi Ran,
I appreciate your insights. This conversation really does highlight an important issue. While I admire Tim Spector’s contributions to nutrition science and his work with Zoe, it’s crucial to consider the broader implications of accessibility and equity. You bring up a valid point about the potential shift in focus from a broad public health message to a more commercialised product, and you’re not alone in your concerns.
Zoe’s initiatives, like the Daily 30+, are innovative and backed by sophisticated research, but we must also remember that good nutrition should be accessible to everyone, not just those who can afford premium products. It’s a delicate balance between advancing science and ensuring that these advancements benefit the wider population.
Thank you for raising this point. It’s important that we continue to discuss and advocate for equity in health and nutrition 🙏🏽💖
👏👏👏 excellent points raised and discussed here. Thank you 🙏🏻
Thank you so much Claire 🙏🏽