27/02/2026
The headlines have said it: Bowel cancer is rising in adults under 50! And then recently, James Van Der Beek died at just 48 after battling colorectal cancer, which really brought it all home!
As a London-based nutrition coach working with the Indian community here, I’m worried. Too many of us are sedentary, eating ultra-processed foods and running on stress — and it’s taking a toll on our guts and long-term health.
But here’s the hopeful part:
Diet and lifestyle can make a real difference.
One of the simplest, most powerful tools?
👉 Getting at least 30g of fibre every day.
Fibre isn’t just about digestion — it supports:
✔ Gut health (your body’s engine)
✔ Heart health
✔ Balanced blood sugar
✔ Healthy cholesterol
✔ Reduced inflammation
Yet many South Asian diets in the UK are low in fibre — especially those heavy in refined flours and fried snacks.
So let’s start with food you love and can stick to. ❤️
Check out my fibre-rich twist on South Indian dish Upma — using wholegrains and lots of veggies, keeping it gut-friendly, quick, affordable and perfect for busy lives.
Small changes today can build big health tomorrow. 🌱
Want some help on getting more fibre into your diet?
Comment “FIBRE” or DM me and I’ll send it your way!
Serves 4
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cooking Time: 20 mins
Ingredients
1/4 cup of bulgur wheat
1/4 cup of buckwheat
1/4 cup of red & white quinoa
1/4 cup of lentils
1 medium onion chopped
2 small green chillies finely chopped
1 carrot (skin on) diced
1 pepper diced
1 small tomato diced
1 bowl of edamame beans
Handful of cashew nuts
Curry leaves
3/4 tsp Asafoetida
1/4 tsp Mustard seed
2tsps Split Bengal gram (Urad)
2tbsp of avocado oil
Salt & pepper
Handful of coriander
400ml boiled water
Method
Combine the grain. Wash and drain completely
Over heat, dry roast the grain in a wok for 2-3 mins
Transfer to a bowl
Using same pan, put 2 tbsps of avocado oil and let it heat
Add Urad, asafoetida and mustard seeds.
Add cashew nuts, onions, chillies, curry leaves, tomatoes, pepper, carrot, edamame beans.
Season with salt and stir
Add grain
Add water, cover with a lid & cook for about 10 mins until water has evaporated.