Breadcrumbs ![Alexandra Dudley’s Cooking Tips & 2026 Wellness Habits](https://media.sheerluxe.com/Ek6YqZ9OZ12A1zTPi0dU0iEyzJg=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F02%2Fsainsburys-wellness-hero.jpg) ![Alexandra Dudley’s Cooking Tips & 2026 Wellness Habits](https://media.sheerluxe.com/XoyeBr1BUPv38uJhmCtUL2Ski70=/400x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F02%2Fsainsburys-wellness-hero.jpg) Images: The Vault Stock [Food](/life/food) / 12 February 2026 # Alexandra Dudley’s Cooking Tips & 2026 Wellness Habits January might be over but that doesn’t mean any habits need to fall by the wayside. Whether you’re looking to add extra protein to your meals or hit your fibre goals, SL food columnist Alexandra Dudley’s simple cooking tips will help get you there – made all the easier with Sainsbury’s high-protein, new staples. Here’s everything she recommends for a better 2026… [ Save To My Favourites ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/50294) Images: The Vault Stock Created in partnership with SAINSBURY'S ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/ULhclNcDxZEX3DAhw55sFipyNfA=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F02%2Fsainsburys-wellness-new1.jpg) The Vault Stock ## Fuel Your Daily Routine To Feel Your Best Pickles are on trend, fibre is sexy and the women in the know are all chasing a happy gut and the kind of energy that carries you from a morning gym session straight through to post‑work catch‑ups. Our Friday night martinis and weekend cinnamon buns are going nowhere, but we want the sweet treats plus the glowing skin. Nutrition is in for 2026 and this year we want it all. We’re going full fun while fuelling our bodies and living to the fullest. I’ve never been a fan of rules and regimes especially when it comes to eating; most of what makes us feel good comes from intuition but there are a few habits I try to incorporate into my daily routine to help me feel my best. ## Prioritise A Good Breakfast Proper breakfasts are making a big comeback and protein is taking centre stage. It’s a buzz word and one that we’ve seen plastered on snack bars and ‘healthy’ food for years – but there’s science behind it too. By starting the day with protein and prioritising it early on, you provide your body with a source of amino acids to support everyday growth and maintenance of muscle mass. It can help make your breakfast more satisfying and set you up for the morning – and best of all, it doesn’t need to be complicated. A quick omelette with some veggies from your fridge, Greek yogurt or even Sainsbury's [On the Go Free Range Egg Protein Pot](https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/gol-ui/product/sainsburys-on-the-go-free-range-egg-protein-pot-meal-snack-90g) on your avocado toast are all great contenders. Plus, it’s easier now than ever to get your morning protein hit on the move, too. One of my go-tos is Sainsbury’s [Protein Natural Big Pot Yogurt](https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/gol-ui/product/sainsburys-protein-natural-big-pot-yogurt-450g) alongside its [High Protein Berry Granola](https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/gol-ui/product/sainsburys-high-protein-berry-granola-375g). If I'm short on time I'll have a pot of its [Kefir Overnight Oats](https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/gol-ui/product/sainsburys-kefir-overnight-oats-raspberry-vanilla-185g) specifically the Raspberry and Vanilla flavour, which I like to add a handful of berries or some banana and I am good to go. ## Don’t Forget Fibre For years, we had spiralised courgette with our bolognese, pretended cauliflower could replace pizza dough (it absolutely cannot) and did our best to avoid carbs wherever we could. Thankfully, we now know that carbohydrates are not evil. In fact, they are crucial to keep us feeling energised and making sure everything is happily moving. Slow releasing carbohydrates such as oats and brown rice are excellent fibre choices but there’s more to it. Seeds, nuts, lentils and peas are brilliant sources of fibre and bring diversity to our guts too. Whenever I am making myself breakfast or lunch, I try to ensure there are at least two elements of fibre. Sainsbury’s make it even easier with its grab-and-go options. I have a real soft spot for their new High-Protein [Chicken & Grain Salad](https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/gol-ui/product/sushi-to-go/sainsburys-260g-chicken-grain-salad), which comes with a zippy red cabbage pickle and creamy romesco dressing, which has over 20g of protein and over 10g of fibre (a third or your daily recommended intake – adults need around 30g a day). If I'm out and about, their [High-Protein Chicken Salad Sandwich](https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/gol-ui/product/sainsburys-chicken-salad-sandwich) is a winner and helps me stay energised on the go. ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/DD5lDv_cf6smLyBtoeHz5S-t79M=/1920x0/smart/filters:no_upscale()/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F02%2Fsainsburys-landscape-new1.png) The Vault Stock; @Alexandradudley ## Go Extra With Your Extras When it comes to gut diversity, more is more. I try to enjoy as much as I can both from food and drinks. This [Orange & Grapefruit Kombucha](https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/gol-ui/product/sainsburys-330ml-orange-grapefruit-kombucha) is my favourite and makes for a great post-work drink alternative if you’re looking for something alcohol-free that’s still delicious. I’m often on the go and eat out a lot, so I’m always looking for easy ways to keep my gut happy. Sainsbury’s do an amazing [kefir drink with banana, oats and honey.](https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/gol-ui/product/sainsburys-250ml-gut-health-banana-oats-honey-kefir) It has the perfect balance of tang, while still being sweet and full of the good stuff. I drink it first thing in the morning. They’ve just started doing a [bottle of raw ginger shots](https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/gol-ui/product/ginger-7-daily-raw-shots-420ml), which I add to hot water as a bit of an immunity tea to help fight off the wintery bugs. I’ll also add a spoonful of Sainsbury's [ seed mix](https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/gol-ui/product/sainsburys-seed-mix-100g) to everything from my morning yogurt to lunchtime salad or wrap. Even when I’m exhausted and treat myself to something ready cooked, I’ll add a scoop for added fibre and crunch. I like to make sure my meal is both high in protein and features more than one source of fibre, and Sainsbury’s has some brilliant options to help with both. I love the look of its new [High Protein Peri Peri Chicken](https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/gol-ui/product/sainsburys-400g-high-protein-peri-peri-chicken), which comes with quinoa and brown rice and has 28g of protein. ## If In Doubt, Build Around Protein Whenever I am making something to eat, whether its supper for the family or a quick snack, I will try to build it around protein. I am on the move a lot and would be lost without the [Sainsbury’s Free Range Egg Pots](https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/gol-ui/product/sainsburys-on-the-go-free-range-egg-protein-pot-meal-snack-90g) (which contain 12g of protein). Even if I don’t get to sit down to a proper meal until 4pm, I know I’ve had a good protein hit. I’m also a fan of the Chargrilled [Salt & Chilli Chicken Thighs](https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/gol-ui/product/sainsburys-chargrilled-salt-chilli-thigh-fillets-150g) and will often add them into a salad for a boost of protein. When Sainsbury's new high-protein tortilla wraps hit the shelves soon (keep your eyes peeled), I'll be using those, too. Even if I fancy something sweet, I’ll make sure to pair it with a bit of protein, whether that’s a couple of scoops of the [Sainsbury’s High Protein Yogurts](https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/gol-ui/product/sainsburys-protein-natural-big-pot-yogurt-450g) (the [mango and passion fruit flavour](https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/gol-ui/product/sainsburys-mango-passion-fruit-protein-fat-free-yogurt-165g) is my current favourite) with added berries and honey, or dolloped over a warm milk chocolate cookie when I fancy something more indulgent. The added protein from the yogurt helps me avoid the sugar rollercoaster and slump, and it keeps me feeling fuller for longer. I always try to end the day with something high-protein too, and try to eat not too late where possible. I’ll usually cook something simple like a roast chicken with roasted root veg and greens tossed in olive oil, or if I am short on time, I like to have [Sainsbury’s High Protein Smoky BBQ Chicken](https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/gol-ui/product/sainsburys-400g-smoky-bbq-chicken) (which has 28g of protein) in the fridge, topped with some extra veg and a scoop of my seed mix. --- ### Feeling inspired? Shop the latest new-ins at Sainsbury’s now… ![ High Protein Chicken Katsu Curry from Sainsbury's](https://media.sheerluxe.com/jshc3qbsJr3c80pqm1OgYUBDuB4=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F02%2Fsainsburys-400g-high-protein-chicken-katsu-curry.png) [#### High Protein Chicken Katsu Curry](https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/gol-ui/product/sainsburys-400g-chicken-katsu-curry) ##### Sainsbury's, £3.75 [ Flag this item ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/50294 "Add product to my favourites") ![Overnight Oats Mango & Honey from Sainsbury's ](https://media.sheerluxe.com/EAcFccjw1MFBUa7Fm8Bociwp5G0=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F02%2Fkefit-obernight-oats.png) [#### Overnight Oats Mango & Honey](https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/gol-ui/product/sainsburys-kefir-overnight-oats-mango-honey-185g) ##### Sainsbury's, £2 [ Flag this item ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/50294 "Add product to my favourites") ![7 Daily Raw Shots from Sainsbury's](https://media.sheerluxe.com/scFhQuGr2t1XLpPbQ_Wux77tNYw=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F02%2Fmind-7-daily-raw-shots-420m.png) [#### 7 Daily Raw Shots](https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/gol-ui/product/mind-7-daily-raw-shots-420ml) ##### Sainsbury's, £4 [ Flag this item ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/50294 "Add product to my favourites") ![ 90g Free Range Egg Pot from Sainsbury's](https://media.sheerluxe.com/t_bliNIe73A2PeMCoulqeyzwmr4=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F02%2Fsainsburys-90g-free-range-egg-pot.png) [#### 90g Free Range Egg Pot](https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/gol-ui/product/sainsburys-on-the-go-free-range-egg-protein-pot-meal-snack-90g) ##### Sainsbury's, £1.40 [ Flag this item ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/50294 "Add product to my favourites") ![ Orange & Grapefruit Kombucha from Sainsbury's](https://media.sheerluxe.com/TXuOpUKTFOIma70JzwNTq_-NdAM=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F02%2Fsainsburys-330ml-orange-grapefruit-kombucha.png) [#### Orange & Grapefruit Kombucha](https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/gol-ui/product/sainsburys-330ml-orange-grapefruit-kombucha) ##### Sainsbury's, £1.40 [ Flag this item ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/50294 "Add product to my favourites") ![High Protein Bolognese from Sainsbury's](https://media.sheerluxe.com/xO-Tr8pjjPEpe2QmjNIx1xD4sHA=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F02%2Fhigh-protein-bolognese.png) [#### High Protein Bolognese](https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/gol-ui/product/sainsburys-400g-high-protein-bolognese) ##### Sainsbury's, £3.75 [ Flag this item ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/50294 "Add product to my favourites") ![Nut & Maple Flavour Porridge from Sainsbury's](https://media.sheerluxe.com/7XZbEELIC8lEqzpk5c-c6oZ_7wg=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F02%2Fsainsburys-nut-maple-flavour-porridge.png) [#### Nut & Maple Flavour Porridge](https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/gol-ui/product/sainsburys-maple-nut-protein-porridge-pot) ##### Sainsbury's, 0.90p [ Flag this item ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/50294 "Add product to my favourites") ![Gut Health Mango, Passion Fruit & Coconut from Sainsbury's](https://media.sheerluxe.com/9_xR1P2simQ0gi8HdgHJqboEZrE=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F02%2Fsainsburys-250ml-gut-health-mango-passion-fruit-coconut-kefir.png) [#### Gut Health Mango, Passion Fruit & Coconut](https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/gol-ui/product/sainsburys-250ml-gut-health-mango-passion-fruit-coconut-kefir) ##### Sainsbury's, £1.75 [ Flag this item ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/50294 "Add product to my favourites") ![High Protein Berry Granola from Sainsbury's](https://media.sheerluxe.com/pM90u2aq3sNCev3cSOX98X_HZEI=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F02%2Fhigh-protein-berry-granola.png) [#### High Protein Berry Granola](https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/gol-ui/product/sainsburys-high-protein-berry-granola-375g) ##### Sainsbury's, £2.70 [ Flag this item ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/50294 "Add product to my favourites") ![High Protein Strained Natural Yogurt from Sainsbury's](https://media.sheerluxe.com/xURWgzINpCW_B265pLglz_48Qsk=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F02%2Fhigh-protein-strained-natural-yogurt.png) [#### High Protein Strained Natural Yogurt](https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/gol-ui/product/sainsburys-protein-natural-big-pot-yogurt-450g) ##### Sainsbury's, £1.95 [ Flag this item ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/50294 "Add product to my favourites") ![High Protein Buffalo Chicken Wrap from Sainsbury's](https://media.sheerluxe.com/nVhgs2zq41BQBoCGMdxfLPBOjxY=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F02%2Fsainsburys-high-protein-buffalo-chicken-wrap.png) [#### High Protein Buffalo Chicken Wrap](https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/gol-ui/product/sainsburys-high-protein-buffalo-chicken-wrap) ##### Sainsbury's, £3.40 [ Flag this item ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/50294 "Add product to my favourites") ![High Protein Peri Peri Chicken](https://media.sheerluxe.com/DzNMSov3pbBf1dX9L9ekGYHmSiM=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F02%2Fhigh-protein-peri-peri-chicken.png) [#### High Protein Peri Peri Chicken](https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/gol-ui/product/sainsburys-400g-high-protein-peri-peri-chicken) £3.75 [ Flag this item ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/50294 "Add product to my favourites") *For more healthy food picks, inspiration & recipes, visit* [SAINSBURYS.CO.UK](https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/gol-ui/groceries) *more from* Life [View All Life](/life) ![Your December Horoscope](https://media.sheerluxe.com/V1JKNXaZPEXyBJRrpu9DYPZ08oQ=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F10%2Fsl-011025-site-assets-horoscopes-hero-thumb.jpg) [Life](/life) / 01 December 2025 [## Your December Horoscope ](/life/your-december-horoscope-4) ![How A Nutritional Therapist Navigates The Festive Season](https://media.sheerluxe.com/Qdl0jDJ6HK09BhdDgjD5jkArAjY=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F12%2Fsl-site-assets-011225-thumbhero-lucy-miller-healthy-december-tips-1.jpg) [Health & Wellness](/life/health-wellness) / 01 December 2025 [## How A Nutritional Therapist Navigates The Festive Season ](/life/health-wellness/how-a-nutritional-therapist-navigates-the-festive-season) ![An M&S Flower Launch You Need To Know About](https://media.sheerluxe.com/eOA-PoVh1-ER5EXVTQdoVj8Ry24=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F12%2Fsl-site-assets-011225-thumb-com-ms-flowers.jpg) [Life](/life) / 01 December 2025 [## An M&S Flower Launch You Need To Know About ](/life/an-ms-flower-launch-you-need-to-know-about) ![24 Clever Buys To Beat The Winter Blues](https://media.sheerluxe.com/TCXcLAOb8oFPaMBFe2RKe8_oZmc=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F11%2Fsl-site-assets-251125-thumb-hero-winter-wellness-sad-product-picks.jpg) [Health & Wellness](/life/health-wellness) / 25 November 2025 [## 24 Clever Buys To Beat The Winter Blues ](/life/health-wellness/best-seasonal-affective-disorder-lamp) ![A Day In The Life Of A BAFTA-Award Winning Writer-Actress ](https://media.sheerluxe.com/FVd3uoyAGLaU1jKgGLYUVJHqHRQ=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F11%2Fsl-site-assets-191125-thumb-hero-interview-nicole-lecky.jpg) [Life](/life) / 19 November 2025 [## A Day In The Life Of A BAFTA-Award Winning Writer-Actress ](/life/nicole-lecky) Share This Story [Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?display=popup&redirect_uri=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com&u=https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Flife%2Ffood%2Falexandra-dudleys-cooking-tips-2026-wellness-habits&t=Alexandra+Dudley%E2%80%99s+Cooking+Tips+%26+2026+Wellness+Habits) [ Pinterest ](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Flife%2Ffood%2Falexandra-dudleys-cooking-tips-2026-wellness-habits&description=Alexandra+Dudley%E2%80%99s+Cooking+Tips+%26+2026+Wellness+Habits&media=) [ E-mail ]() DISCLAIMER: We endeavour to always credit the correct original source of every image we use. If you think a credit may be incorrect, please contact us at . Fashion. Beauty. Culture. Life. Home Delivered to your inbox, daily [Subscribe](/signup)