what to eat after a workout to make the most of your session

Post-workout nutrition is a yummy part of exercise recovery, but what to eat after a workout—and when you should start refueling—isn’t as clear-cut as you may assume. That’s because there are a lot of misconceptions out there, due to both outdated info and the belief some people have that their exercise should be used as a punishment to “pay” for certain eating habits, Audra Wilson, R.D., C.S.C.S., a registered dietitian and certified strength and conditioning specialist with Northwestern ...

9 tips to boost your immune system before, during, and after your next trip

For most of us, it’s been quite a while since we last boarded a plane, navigated a new city, or explored anywhere beyond our sanitized bubbles. But now, decision-makers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are saying fully vaccinated people have the go-ahead to book domestic travel. So, with a big post-pandemic trip on the horizon, it’s time to start thinking about ways to fortify your immune system after more than a year of laying low. It’s not a secret that travelin...

is plant-based eating healthy for kids? we asked experts for their thoughts

A couple years ago, everyone from your neighbor to your mom was talking about the ketogenic diet. These days, everyone seems to be going plant-based, and it's an eating style that's proving to be more than a passing trend. If you're a parent, the next natural question after going plant-based yourself is if this eating style works for the whole fam. Toddlers, school-age kids, and high schoolers all have different dietary needs from each other as well as from adults. Stanford professor and pedi...

7 simple ways to shape up this spring

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...