What if I told you there was an easy, tried-and-tested hack that really would transform your health? Well, look no further… health and beauty guru and bestselling author Liz Earle has shared the three habits that have really made a difference to her wellbeing. Liz is famed for experimenting with her own body to guide the rest of us on the best ways to age healthily – and there is ONE hack she uses daily that she’s called ‘an absolute rule’.

‘The first mouthful of anything has to be protein,’ she shared on Instagram. ‘First thing in the morning, it might be Greek yoghurt, or maybe some scrambled egg – or even just a piece of cheese if I’m rushing. It’s definitely protein first – and then carbs. I find it keeps me fuller for longer; it keeps me going, it stops me getting those insulin surges that can cause crashes and sugar cravings.’

There is some evidence to back this; a US study found that eating protein and vegetables before carbohydrates led to lower post-meal glucose and insulin levels.

There are two other daily habits that Liz says ‘have really impacted and improved my health and wellbeing’. The first? ‘Delaying my morning coffee. I love my morning cup of coffee, but I now actually don’t have it till mid-morning and I do feel better for it.’

And the second? ‘I have a very simple mantra – sky before screens. Resist the temptation to pick up your phone and start scrolling early on. If you can, get out of bed, open a window, get outside, look at that early morning light. It is talking to our mitochondria and setting our circadian rhythm.’

Good Housekeeping’s Dr Mo Khaki agrees – but has some extra advice. ‘Take your exposure to morning light up a notch by combining it with movement,’ he adds. ‘Natural daylight signals to your brain that it’s time to wake up by suppressing melatonin (the sleep hormone) and boosting serotonin (which helps with mood and alertness). At the same time, gentle outdoor exercise – such as a short walk or stretching in the fresh air – gives your body an extra push to shake off sleep inertia. Even just 15 minutes of morning sunlight can help regulate your sleep-wake cycle and improve your energy levels throughout the day.’

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