With more than 3.2 million followers across Instagram and TikTok, Emily English – better known as Em the Nutritionist – is one of the UK’s most influential recipe creators. The BSc nutritionist and three-time Sunday Times bestselling author is known for sharing evidence-based advice on eating well without cutting out the foods you love. And her latest cookbook, So Good Express, builds on that, with quick and easy everyday meals designed to make healthy cooking more achievable.
I caught up with Emily at Wimbledon earlier this month, where we were attending as guests of Evian, and I couldn’t resist asking her one question: which M&S products does she always have at home? As an M&S Food ambassador, she regularly shares recipes and meal ideas featuring products from the retailer, but these are the six staples she says genuinely make healthy eating feel easier (and there's not an expensive superfood in sight!).
‘I’m always looking for products that make eating well feel easier, rather than adding more work to the week. These are the M&S staples I regularly reach for because they help me add more protein, fibre and nutrient variety to everyday meals, while still tasting genuinely delicious.’
‘I love these as a quick snack. One pot provides around 20g of protein, so it’s a brilliant option to keep in the fridge for busy days. These are my protein bars!’
‘The new jarred bean range is one of the easiest ways to add more fibre and plant protein to your week. I toss them into salads, pasta dishes and grain bowls, or simply dress them with lemon, herbs and olive oil for a quick side. So tasty you can eat them straight from the jar with a spoon.’
‘I often eat two kiwis a day because they’re a simple way to support regularity, as well as being naturally rich in vitamin C. Some research has also suggested that eating kiwi regularly may help support sleep quality. Make sure you eat the skin!’
‘Sardines are one of my favourite affordable oily fish. I always have a few tins in my cupboard. They provide protein and omega-3 fats, which support heart and brain health, and the tomato sauce makes them so easy to stir straight into pasta with garlic, chilli and a handful of greens.’
‘These are such a clever freezer staple. They melt straight into soups, sauces, grains and stews to add loads of flavour, along with a little extra protein and naturally occurring collagen, without having to open a full carton of stock.’
M&S Nutrient Dense Super Seeded Oaty Sliced Bread
M&S Nutrient Dense Super Seeded Oaty Sliced Bread
‘Such a tasty, nutrient-dense bread and the seeds add extra fibre, healthy fats and texture. I keep a loaf in the freezer so I always have the base for a quick breakfast, lunch or beans on toast. So good with eggs!’
After chatting to Emily, I’m definitely adding a few of these suggestions to my next M&S shop.
Stacey looks after all food and drink reviews — from coffee pods and veg boxes, to natural wine and tequila. Stacey is also founder of Crummbs, where she’s written nearly 2,000 restaurant and hotel reviews since 2013. Prior to this, Stacey wrote hundreds of in-depth buying guides for the Independent, i newspaper and BBC Good Food, as well as reviewing restaurants and interviewing celebrities in her column at Balance Magazine. Stacey has also appeared in BAFTA-nominated BBC documentary Blood, Sweat & Takeaways, where she investigated South East Asia's food production industry, appearing on both Newsnight and BBC World Service to share her findings. Regularly checking out the latest restaurants, bars and product launches, Stacey also loves experimenting with recipes at home, and is a WSET-certified wine and spirits expert, with over 10 years of experience in the business. You can follow Stacey on Instagram @crummbs_uk
