Spring is a time for shedding layers, sporting the latest bright fashions — and, of course, spring cleaning. That can apply not only to reorganizing your closet, but to tossing some unhealthy winter habits you may have fallen into, such as not exercising due to Arctic temperatures. Don’t be too hard on yourself — we've been living through a pandemic! The key to getting in shape for spring (and staying that way) that is to keep it simple. It may be difficult to set a clear goal at a...
suffer from lower back pain? these stretches can help
At any given time, 31 million Americans experience low back pain, according to the American Chiropractic Association. This isn’t especially surprising considering that everyday activities — like driving, sitting at a desk and even sleeping — can place strain on the muscles in the back. We’ve all dealt with pain in the lower back at some point, whether it be dull aches or sharper pains, and it can sideline us not only from exercise, but from our day-to-day today act...
what to do if you’re feeling out of control around food
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a uniquely vulnerable time for many people struggling with eating difficulties. Add to that the regular seasonal toxic messaging—the post-holiday diet talk, or the pressure to “get in shape” for spring and summer—and you have a perfect storm for disordered thoughts and eating behaviors. Facing a gamut of triggers and unable to rely on their usual support mechanisms, many individuals may find themselves grappling with a sense of feeling out of control aro...
6 ways to make tea for a flat belly
Regardless of whether or not you're trying to lose weight, tea deserves a spot in your diet. Why? It's completely free of calories, sugar, and fat yet super flavorful—making it a viable replacement for less healthy beverages. Unfortunately, there are no real magic shortcuts when it comes to achieving a toned mid-section—it takes a combination of smart food choices, portion control, as well as consistent exercise. However, there are a number of ways to make tea for a flat...
women are better at burning fat during exercise than men, research suggests
Women may have an edge when it comes to burning fat, according to new research. A pair of studies published this month found that women tend to burn more fat than men during exercise, and athletes with better cardio endurance of all genders burn more fat than their less fit peers. One study, published in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism by researchers from the University of Bath, looked at 73 healthy adults ages 19-63 as they participated in a cy...
why you should be eating turmeric right now
Whether you’re using it to flavor your curry or adding it to your lattes, there’s no denying that turmeric is having a major moment right now. However, the colorful spice has benefits that extend well past your taste buds. From how it interacts with other foods to how it can lower your risk of chronic disease, read on to discover the benefits of turmeric and why you should be eating it right now. 1. It may boost the nutrient properties of other foods. If you want to get ...
these are the foods diabetics should always have in their kitchen
It’s no secret that having a well-stocked kitchen makes it easier to eat healthy. But what should you keep on hand if you have diabetes? “Thinking about what foods you should limit, like cakes or sweets, can make you feel deprived. Instead, it's better to focus on the many delicious, good-for-you foods you can add into your diet that can actually help manage your blood sugar,” says Martha McKittrick, RDN, CDE. Here are 11 expert-recommended foods that do just that. Each deserves a regular...
the 15 best foods you can eat for heart health
At last count, 121.5 million adults in the United States have cardiovascular disease. That's very nearly half of the population. Eating a heart-healthy diet can make a significant impact on those numbers, though. People who ate mostly fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and legumes and less red or processed meat and sugar-sweetened beverages had up to 20% lower risk of cardiovascular disease, per a 2020 study. In fact, consistent research backs the benefit...
here’s exactly how dirty your food-prep space is — and what to do about it
Would you ever prep your dinner on the kitchen floor? That was a rhetorical question (no one wants their salad served with a side of dirt and dust, duh). But have you ever stopped to think about the state of your counters? Sure, they look cleaner than the ground, but according to Kelly A. Reynolds, professor of environmental health sciences at the University of Arizona’s Zuckerman College of Public Health, they’re likely not as sparkling as you think. “Kitchens tend to be one...
9 "healthy" habits that are shortening your life, according to experts
Okay, folks. You already know that your hours-long TV binges aren't doing you any favors. But did you know that habits commonly touted as good-for-you can actually wreak havoc on your health? We asked doctors, dietitians, and nutrition experts for their help uncovering these so-called healthy habits that may actually reduce your lifespan, and lead to other negative health consequences. Read on, and you'll never look at juicing, coconut oil, and cotton swabs the same way. And for more healthy li...