Introduction
Focusing on MORE is a collaborative health promotion project co-developed by a Registered Nutritionist from the Public Health team at Somerset Council and Dietitian at NHS Somerset.
It aims to empower Somerset residents to make small, achievable changes that support healthier eating and better long-term health. The approach is evidence-based and designed to cut through confusion around nutrition.
Rather than focusing on restriction, calorie counting or diet labels, Focusing on MORE encourages people to include more of the foods that are naturally linked to good health – whole and minimally processed foods.
Why “MORE”?
Many people are unsure what “healthy eating” really means. Focusing on “MORE” helps simplify this by emphasising inclusion rather than exclusion – adding more of what benefits us most.
Whole and minimally processed foods are linked with:
- Healthier ageing and longer life expectancy
- Reduced risk of obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer and dementia
- Improved gut health and mental wellbeing
A plant-focused approach
Being plant-focused doesn’t mean going vegetarian or vegan. It simply means encouraging a higher proportion of foods from plants – like vegetables, fruit, beans, lentils, wholegrains, nuts and seeds, while still including minimally processed meat, fish, eggs and dairy if preferred.
Plant foods provide key nutrients such as fibre and phytonutrients, which feed beneficial gut bacteria and help reduce inflammation across the body.
Nudging towards a new approach
Small, gradual changes can make a big difference. The Focusing on “MORE” approach uses a ‘nudge’ model, encouraging simple, sustainable steps that move people in the right direction.
Examples include:
- Swapping refined grains for wholegrain or seeded versions
- Trying a new pulse-based recipe once a week
- Adding herbs and spices for flavour instead of salt or sugar
- Including an extra portion of vegetables or fruit each day
These actions help people adapt to new foods and flavours, and allow the gut to adjust to more fibre, minimising discomfort and increasing long-term success.
Health gain
This approach recognises that health is about more than weight alone. Evidence shows that healthier eating and lifestyle habits improve energy, mood and sleep. By focusing on overall health gain rather than weight loss, Focusing on “MORE” supports inclusive, positive conversations around food and wellbeing.
Key messages
The Focusing on “MORE” project encourages:
- More vegetables and whole fruit – fresh, frozen, tinned or dried
- More pulses (peas, beans, lentils)
- More whole and minimally processed grains
- More healthy fats (from nuts, seeds, olives, avocados and oily fish)
- More herbs, spices and natural flavourings
These messages support Somerset’s wider ambition to help residents make healthier choices easier and more affordable.
Resources and tools
A range of resources are available to help professionals use and share the approach, including:
- Downloadable leaflets – covering key food groups and practical tips
- Recipe cards – easy, low-cost meals to demonstrate small swaps
- Training and presentations – supporting behaviour-change conversations
- Community engagement materials – for local events or displays
Get involved
This approach is already being used by local organisations across Somerset to promote healthier eating and support community wellbeing.
If your organisation would like to use the materials or get involved, contact Public Health Somerset at publichealth@somerset.gov.uk.