I Lived in the English Countryside for 6 Months—These Habits Transformed My Body More Effectively Than Any Diet.

      There is a rising fascination with the aesthetic of the English countryside. Perhaps it's due to the influence of farmhouse-core or the resurgence of Harry Styles, but the women in my social media feeds are sporting wellies and adding the Yorkshire Dales to their travel wish lists. While I typically see content related to Francophile or romantic Italian themes (like the French Sunday or Italian girl aesthetic), it's been striking to be flooded with English content for one specific reason: I was raised there.

      Growing up in Northern England was far from glamorous. Life was quite provincial—walking to school, taking the bus into the city on weekends—interspersed with a few medieval abbeys and a lot more rain. When my family relocated to New York City in my early teens, I quickly adapted to city life. Now residing in LA, I have similarly embraced the LA girl lifestyle (think full Erewhon-core). Therefore, when I returned to England last year, it felt like I was the Californian Lindsay Lohan in *The Parent Trap*.

      Adjusting to life in the countryside meant adapting my wellness routines without the wellness amenities I had come to expect. Surprisingly, embracing the English-girl approach to wellness helped me return to fundamentals, reconnecting with the reasons behind my habits. I realized that while I appreciate the convenience and aesthetic of LA wellness culture, meaningful wellness doesn’t have to be costly. By eliminating the hyper-consumerist aspects of my routine, I cultivated more intuitive and sustainable habits. Here are seven wellness practices I adopted while living in the English countryside that not only improved my health but are so beneficial that I plan to continue them in LA.

      “By eliminating the hyper-consumerist aspects of my routine, I cultivated more intuitive and sustainable habits.”

      1. Keep It Simple

      Contrary to their reputation for being elite and somewhat formal, the Brits are surprisingly down-to-earth. They prefer things to be straightforward and strongly uphold tradition. I learned to appreciate English simplicity—even in terms of wellness. With no Erewhon or health food chain nearby to grab my favorite nutritious snacks and drinks, I lived in a city that boasted twice the national average of protected buildings (even the architecture is subject to regulations that prevent modifications for modern amenities), so I couldn't rely on local fitness studios or saunas or cold plunges being available.

      Eventually, I came to see that streamlining my routine was a chance to reassess what I truly valued. Which habits were genuine and which ones were more about aesthetics? I ended up simplifying my skincare regimen (from ten steps to three or four), my supplement intake (often just a multivitamin or probiotic), and even my diet (more on that later). By keeping things simple, I could maintain greater consistency with the elements I chose to keep. Research supports that it is the modest, incremental successes that foster more sustainable, lasting healthy habits.

      2. Eat a Savory Protein-Rich Breakfast

      In the US, pancakes, yogurt bowls, or fruit smoothies dominate breakfast, but you won't find these sweet indulgences for breakfast in the UK. A traditional English breakfast isn't what I would consider "healthy": a fry-up consists of bacon, sausages, fried eggs, tomatoes, mushrooms, perhaps fried bread, and the crowning glory—baked beans. However, its base includes plenty of protein and vegetables, with the beans providing additional fiber—nutrients often lacking in the Standard American Diet, particularly at breakfast.

      Research indicates that a breakfast rich in protein and fiber can stabilize glucose levels throughout the day, leading to sustained energy and fewer cravings. Starting the day with such a meal has been shown to enhance concentration and cognitive function, along with benefiting gut health. While I didn't indulge in a full English breakfast daily (I saved the baked beans for weekends; it’s typically a Sunday morning treat), I grew to appreciate this protein- and vegetable-heavy approach to breakfast. Even upon returning home, I've maintained the tradition of a high-protein savory breakfast rather than reverting to the pastries, cereals, or smoothies I used to prefer in the States. Even if you usually have eggs and toast, consider adding veggies and beans for increased fiber and phytonutrients.

      READ: 15 High-Protein Breakfast Ideas for Healthy Hormones, Metabolism, and Energy

      3. Opt for Tea Over Coffee

      The jokes and memes are accurate: tea is serious business in England. Whenever I visited someone's home, attended an event, or ducked inside to escape the rain, someone would always offer me a cup. While Americans often embody a “Don’t talk to me before my coffee” mentality, Brits aren’t as reliant on coffee or caffeine in general. Though coffee shops and enthusiasts abound, tea dominates as the preferred beverage, treated with respect as a daily ritual.

      While I enjoy matcha lattes in LA, switching to various teas throughout the day offered unexpected advantages. Instead of creamy lattes, I began cycling through lemon & ginger, peppermint, and