As a soil-focused nutritional therapist, I always start with the ground beneath our feet. When soil is treated with care; minimising chemicals, protecting its microbial life and giving it time to regenerate, it produces food with incredible flavour. But it also gives us something else: nutrient-dense ingredients that support our own internal “soil ecosystem” - the gut microbiome.
What I’ve learned, both in the orchards at Willy’s ACV and in the clinic is that small, consistent habits make the biggest difference to how energised and well we feel day to day. The most sustainable healthy daily habits are the ones that feel enjoyable and not overwhelming. Here are a few simple, science-backed steps I often recommend.
Start your morning with a microbiome-friendly ritual
Fermented foods contain beneficial microorganisms that can support gut diversity. Research doesn’t promise magic fixes, but it does show that regularly including fermented items such as Willy’s ACV, sauerkraut or kimchi can positively influence the composition of the gut microbiome over time. One easy habit I see stick well for busy people is adding a splash of our apple cider vinegar with the living mother into a glass of warm water before breakfast. The acetic acid found in vinegar has been studied for its role in post-meal blood glucose response, and many people love the grounding, tangy start to the day too.
Make fermented foods a flavour habit, not a chore
You don’t need to overhaul your diet; you just need to make space for small, flavour-forward additions. Stir a spoon of sauerkraut into a grain bowl, add kefir to your morning smoothie, or use a drizzle of our live ACV as the acid in your favourite salad dressing. By linking fermented foods to dishes you already enjoy, you build healthy habits that stick without needing a full lifestyle rewrite.
Build a daily wellness routine that nudges energy up, not down
Supporting stable energy isn’t about restriction; it's about rhythm. Pairing fibre-rich vegetables with a fermented element at lunch or dinner (such as creating a ‘quick pickle’ by thinly slicing veggies and leaving in a bowl of apple cider vinegar for 30 minutes) is a simple way to support both digestion and satiety. Many people also find that the natural acidity of apple cider vinegar helps bring meals into balance, encouraging more mindful, slower eating; one of the most underrated nutrition habits for better energy.
Connect your plate back to the soil
When we choose foods grown in healthy, chemical-free soils, we’re supporting both planetary and personal resilience.
It reinforces a loop: healthy soil = nutrient-rich plants = a nourished microbiome = healthier daily habits.
At Willy’s we always start with the soil - the 300 year old orchards on our organic regenerative farm have their own microbiome and I believe this incredible soil can support our microbiome too.
Small steps, repeated often, are where real wellness takes root. Whether it’s a daily dose of Willy’s live ACV or a glass of kombucha, these little rituals help change your life with longevity in mind.
