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We all can eat mindlessly sometimes. Whether you’re watching a movie, rushing to get out the door, or eating at your desk, it can be easy not to pay attention to what you’re eating. But mindless eating can significantly increase how much you eat and lead to not feeling as full or satisfied from your meal. Here are some questions to ask yourself to avoid mindless eating in the future. What Are My Mindless Eating Patterns?Figuring out your mindless eating patterns is the first step. If you regularly eat meals in front of the TV, and before you know it, a whole bag of chips has disappeared, that might be your trigger area. Having a set place (like a dining... Read more

Recent research has touted the benefits of drinking coffee. In the short term, coffee is linked to better focus, improved mood, and increased physical performance. In the long run, moderate coffee intake may reduce the risk of many common chronic diseases — like these five. 1. Coffee Reduces the Risk of DiabetesType 2 diabetes is increasingly common in our modern society, and one way to combat this metabolic disorder is through drinking coffee. A recent study out of the Harvard School of Public Health found that health professionals who increased their coffee consumption by more than one cup per day lowered their risk of type developing type 2 diabetes by 11%. On the other hand, people who reduced their coffee... Read more

Many people rightfully praise the benefits and joys of having a morning routine. But have you thought about setting up a bedtime routine, too? Rather than switching off the TV and immediately jumping into bed — and probably not sleeping so great — try these 6 tips to help you wind down for your best sleep ever. 1. Screens Off From tablets to televisions to smartphones to laptops, we’ve got screens blaring everywhere. Electronic screens give off blue light, disrupting melatonin production and preventing you from getting to sleep quickly. Scrolling on social media, checking work emails, or reading the news can increase stress and adrenaline, which is not conducive to getting shut-eye. Aim for all screens off at least... Read more

Chocolate is one of the most craved foods in the United States — and with good reason, as this delicious treat is rich in sugars and fats that our bodies have historically sought out for pleasure. But is there any other reason behind your sudden chocolate cravings? Let’s find out. 1. You’re Looking For a Sugar FixSugar is one of the things that makes chocolate seem addictive. After all, pure cacao has almost no sugar — but it’s so bitter that you would never crave it. When your body craves sugar, and you grant it that wish, you get a quick energy boost followed by a drop in blood sugar that increases cravings even more. Not skipping meals and eating... Read more

It’s a commonly touted claim that drinking red wine is good for your heart — maybe you even drink a little extra to get more of the benefits! But do the antioxidants in wine outweigh the potential risks of drinking alcohol? Let’s take a closer look. Health Benefits of WineWine is Rich in AntioxidantsRed wine, specifically, is rich in antioxidants because red grapes contain resveratrol. Resveratrol is a polyphenol, a plant-based compound that fights oxidative stress in our bodies — the buildup of harmful molecules called free radicals. However, you would have to drink hundreds of glasses of red wine to reach clinically relevant amounts of resveratrol. On the other hand, white wine also contains some antioxidants, but not nearly... Read more

Oatmeal is an increasingly popular meal choice — no matter the time of day. With its creamy texture and ability to taste good both hot and cold (overnight oats, anyone?), this whole grain has a lot going for it. But is oatmeal actually healthy? Let’s find out.  Oatmeal is High in Nutrients and Fiber One-half cup of dry oats contains four grams of fiber and a variety of B-vitamins, plus the minerals iron, zinc, magnesium, selenium, and a little bit of potassium. This amount also contains 150 calories, 5 grams of protein, and 27 grams of whole-grain carbohydrates.  Oatmeal Is Antioxidant-Rich Oatmeal also contains antioxidants known as polyphenols, which are plant-based compounds that help the body fight oxidative stress and... Read more

Although walking doesn’t seem like it would do much for weight loss, this simple activity is actually one of the best for our health. As walking is low-impact, it doesn’t hurt our joints and is a sustainable, easy-to-maintain exercise. Try these six tips to get even more out of your walking routine. 1. Hit the Hills (Or Trails)Adding hills or uneven terrain to your walk can make your muscles work harder and get stronger. While a regular 45-minute walk might burn about 175 calories for an average-weight person, walking on a hiking trail at the same pace can burn upwards of 300 calories.2. Add Some Weights Walking with ankle or wrist weights can build endurance and muscle mass by adding... Read more

Most people know that soda, desserts, and candy are packed with sugar. But many aren’t aware of the hidden sugar bombs lurking in seemingly healthy items, which can add more than a days’ worth of added sugar (​​that’s six teaspoons or 24 grams for women, and 36 g or 9 teaspoons for men). Look out for these top six sugar-laden foods and drinks. 1. Yogurt ParfaitsWhile unsweetened yogurt with fruit or a drizzle of honey is generally a healthy choice, many premade yogurt parfaits pack an unhealthy amount of sugar. For example, Panera Bread's Greek Yogurt With Mixed Berries Parfait contains up to 30 grams of added sugar — and that’s not even counting the natural sugar from the fruit.... Read more

Coffee is one of the world’s most beloved beverages, with plenty of health-supporting evidence behind it, too. With its high antioxidant content, coffee is linked to better heart, brain, and metabolic health. As the addition of heaps of sugar, milk, or whipped cream can make your cup of joe not-so-healthy anymore, try these five tips to make a healthier morning cup.1. Hydrate First We know, we know — the first thing you want the second you wake up is your hot cup of coffee, but hydrating first will help you in the long run. The caffeine in coffee is a diuretic, meaning it causes fluid loss and dehydration. Downing at least 8 to 10 ounces of plain water before you... Read more

What started as a method to preserve fish in Japan has turned sushi into a delicacy beloved by people all over the world. At its core, sushi is simply seaweed, rice, and raw fish. But as anyone who’s visited a sushi restaurant knows, it’s not so simple anymore, with dozens of sauces, toppings, and mixtures that may make sushi not-so-healthy. Let’s talk about the health benefits of sushi and how to make your order a bit more nutritious. Sushi Nutrition Sushi can vary widely in nutrition facts, as the ingredients can also differ vastly. Most sushi tends to have one thing in common: fish or seafood. Common types of sushi fish, like salmon and tuna, are high in omega-3 healthy... Read more

When you want to eat a healthy meal, but your bank account is dwindling, it can be difficult not to head for the dollar menu. However, even though eating healthy may seem like it costs more, studies have actually shown that people who eat the most nutritious diets only spend about $1.50 more per day than the least healthy ones. Try it out with these tips that you can start using today to eat healthy on a budget. Cook at HomeThe best tip for saving money and eating more nutritiously at the same time is to cook more at home. Take-out food is almost always more expensive and less nutritious than cooking at home. This doesn’t mean you have to... Read more

Eating chocolate is a win-win: it tastes delicious, and it’s healthy for us! But, there’s one caveat — chocolate candy bars and ice cream won’t do the trick. These top 5 health benefits of chocolate come from eating cacao (or cocoa bean); chocolate products containing 70% cacao or more will be the healthiest — the darker, the better! Chocolate is Loaded With AntioxidantsChocolate is loaded with antioxidant compounds known as polyphenols and flavanols. These compounds help the body fight oxidative stress — the accumulation of free radicals, which damage cells and accelerate aging or disease.Chocolate Benefits Heart HealthThe high antioxidant content in chocolate benefits the cardiovascular system. Specifically, flavanols stimulate the lining of arteries to produce nitric oxide, a compound... Read more

From health reasons to ethical considerations to taste preferences, non-dairy milks like almond milk have rapidly increased in popularity in recent years. But is almond milk a healthy option? Let’s look at the nutrition in almond milk and how it compares to cow’s milk. Almond Milk NutritionUnlike cow’s milk, there isn’t one set method to make almond milk. Most almond milk will contain a mixture of almonds, of course, plus water and maybe some emulsifiers or nutrients. Some almond milk will have many more of the nut than others — certain brands contain only two or three almonds per carton!On average, one cup of unsweetened almond milk from popular storebought brands like Almond Breeze will contain 40 calories, 1 gram... Read more

We’ve all had cravings at one point or another. Whether it’s for salty chips, sweet chocolate, or a glass of wine, cravings can come out of nowhere and be detrimental to your health goals. Fortunately, there are five science-backed ways to manage a craving.1. Make Sure You’re Eating Enough CaloriesRestrictive diets are a surefire way to have unhealthy food cravings. It makes sense — if you are depriving your body of calories and nutrients, it’s going to want highly palatable and calorie-dense foods, like sweets or carb-rich foods. Instead, make sure you are eating enough calories for your body and exercise level.2. Focus on Fiber, Fat, and ProteinFiber, healthy fat, and protein are highly satiating nutrients. This means you will... Read more

If you like to kick back with a glass of wine (or two) on the weekend, you may wonder if the alcohol is impeding your health and weight loss goals. In this article, learn more about the calories in wine, how it compares with other alcohol, and if drinking too much wine can lead to unwanted weight gain.Wine Nutrition Vs. Other AlcoholWine does have some redeeming benefits — especially red wine because it contains the heart-healthy antioxidant resveratrol. However, alcohol is also calorically dense, at 7 calories per gram. (For reference, protein and carbohydrates have 4 calories per gram, and fat has 9 calories per gram.)Most wines have about 100-125 calories per 5-ounces, with sweet wines having the highest and... Read more

Whether or not you’ve gotten on the avocado toast bandwagon, you’ve likely seen avocados rise in popularity in recent years. And despite their high calorie and fat content, regularly eating avocados may actually improve several aspects of health — let’s find out why. 1. Avocados Are Loaded With NutrientsAvocados contain many beneficial nutrients, ​​including high amounts of potassium (more than a banana!) and folate. These fatty fruits also contain B vitamins, vitamin E, copper, magnesium, vitamin C, and loads of healthy fat and fiber. 2. Avocados May Lower CholesterolEven though avocados are high in fat, it is mostly heart-healthy monounsaturated fat. Studies show that ​​eating an avocado a day may help lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels and increase HDL (“good”)... Read more

While you may not have sipped on chocolate milk since your childhood days, this nostalgic drink may actually provide some health benefits. However, there are some downsides to consider — let’s take a look at the pros and cons. Chocolate Milk is Rich in NutrientsChocolate milk provides similar nutrients as regular cow’s milk. One 8-ounce container of 1% chocolate milk contains high amounts of the minerals calcium (20% of your daily needs) and potassium (10%), as well as the B-vitamin riboflavin and vitamins A and D. Chocolate Milk Aids Muscle Recovery After ExerciseAthletes and fitness enthusiasts often use chocolate milk to recover after a workout. This is because its composition replenishes the fluids, macronutrients, and micronutrients lost during exercise. It’s... Read more

Many people enjoy relaxing with a glass of wine or beer after a long day. ​​You may have heard that drinking some alcohol is good for your health — but how much is too much? Alcohol Consumption RecommendationsAccording to health organizations, adults should aim not to exceed moderate drinking limits. Moderate drinking is up to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men. They also caution against binge drinking, ​​which is four or more drinks for women or five or more drinks for men in the same sitting or within a couple of hours. In the United States, a standard drink is the amount found in 12 ounces (355 mL) of regular beer, 5 ounces... Read more

Many people choose to or need to avoid dairy, with reasons ranging from lactose intolerance to practicing veganism to a simple dislike of milk. Just about a decade ago, your only plant-based option would be soy or almond milk. Today’s selection of plant-based dairy has exploded, with choices ranging from pea to macadamia to cashew to the beloved oat milk. And, not only are there many “milk” options, but we also have access to dairy-free cheese, yogurt, and butter. But are there nutritional differences between plant-based dairy and regular dairy? Let’s find out.  Plant-Based Milk Vs. Cow’s Milk Cow’s milk and plant-based milk are not nutritionally equivalent. While all plant-based milks will contain differing nutrition, based on which plant they... Read more

The food industry is an ever-growing business, with billions of dollars poured into making new food items each year. All of these options can make navigating the grocery store increasingly tricky because some foods are not as healthy as they appear — let’s take a look at 8 so-called “health foods” that may not be so nutritious after all. 1. Granola and Granola BarsFor decades, granola has been touted as a “hippie” health food — which it may have been back then! Now, granola is often high in sugar, processed oils, and calories. One serving of Nature Valley Oats & Honey Granola contains 15 grams of added sugar, and each Quaker Chewy Yogurt Granola Bar contains 10 grams. 2. Acai... Read more

Coffee is a beloved beverage worldwide, consumed by people of all backgrounds and cultures. Not only does it taste delicious, but coffee also brings many valuable health benefits. 1. Coffee is Loaded With Antioxidants Without coffee, we would consume significantly fewer antioxidants, as coffee is the greatest source of antioxidants in the Western diet. Antioxidants are necessary for fighting free radicals and oxidative compounds that damage our cells, proteins, and DNA. Coffee’s high levels of antioxidants are likely the main reason why coffee benefits so many other areas of our health. 2. Coffee May Make You SmarterIf you’ve ever had a quick shot of espresso before an important test or meeting, you’ve likely experienced the mental boost that comes with... Read more

The new year is always a great time to think about what habits and routines you want to take with you — and which ones you want to kick to the curb. If you are stuck in a rut, try these six simple tips for refreshing your routine for a happy and healthy 2022. 1. Get OutsideWith most of our jobs requiring us to be glued to a computer, many people don’t spend nearly enough time outside — especially in nature. This year, try making a goal to get outside every day (even if just for a 20-minute walk around the neighborhood) and to get out in nature once a week (or more!) 2. Cook Through a New Cookbook We... Read more

Air fryers have been all the rage over the past few years. And with good reason, as these compact kitchen appliances create what seems like a miracle — crispy golden “fried” food without any of the unhealthy grease and oil. But are air fryers actually healthy? Let’s take a look. How Do Air Fryers Work?These seemingly miraculous appliances don’t technically “fry” the food. Instead, they rely on air circulation, similar to a convection oven. Air fryers create the appearance and texture of fried food by rapidly and evenly circulating hot air around the food, which crisps the outer layer and cooks the inside without drying out the middle. The foods that work the best in air fryers are thick, dense... Read more

Coffee is one of the world’s most beloved beverages. On its own, coffee is loaded with antioxidants that support health and reduce disease risk. However, many people pack their coffee with cream and sugar, lowering its benefits. Find out the top six ways to take your cup of coffee to the next level. 1. Skip the Sugar The best way to ruin a healthy cup of coffee is by adding heaps of sugar into it. If you simply cannot stomach the taste of black coffee, try gradually weaning yourself off sugar by reducing the amount you add each day. Or, try switching to a natural sugar-free alternative, like Stevia. 2. Choose Organic Non-organic coffee beans are often sprayed with synthetic... Read more

While our bodies and brains favor sugar (glucose) as their preferred energy source, most Americans eat far too much of the sweet stuff. But some health experts commonly tout sugar as a poison that needs to be avoided at all costs, leading many people to be rightfully confused about sugar. Let’s take a look at some of the top frequently asked questions about sugar. Is Sugar Really That Bad?The short answer is that too much sugar is definitely bad for our health. But if you moderately consume sugar in the recommended amounts (see next FAQ), you are likely fine. There is especially no reason to cut out the naturally occurring sugars in fruit, vegetables, and dairy because these foods provide... Read more

1. BerriesBerries of all kinds are incredibly nutritious, especially blackberries, blueberries, and Goji berries. However, all berries contain beneficial amounts of fiber and loads of antioxidants. For example, strawberries contain phenolic acids, blueberries contain anthocyanins, and raspberries contain quercetin and ellagic acid. 2. PlumsNot only are plums sweet and tasty, but one of the small fruits will provide you with just 30 calories and 10% of your daily needs for vitamin C. Plus, plums are rich in hydroxycinnamic acids, a polyphenolic antioxidant that your body uses to fight free radicals and oxidative stress.3. GrapesRed grapes are rich in resveratrol, the same antioxidant that makes drinking red wine (in moderation) a good choice for heart and brain health. Black and green... Read more

The health benefits of green tea have been widely studied — mainly due to its abundance of antioxidants, like the polyphenol epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Let’s take a look at the top seven ways that a daily green tea habit can benefit your health. 1. Protects Skin From AgingThe high antioxidant content of green tea protects the skin from the damaging effects of UV radiation from the sun. These polyphenols also reduce inflammation and fight oxidative stress, both of which can cause wrinkles, thinning skin, and accelerated external aging. 2. L-Theanine Provides Calm Focus Another beneficial compound in green tea is L-theanine, an amino acid that also functions as an antioxidant. L-theanine provides you with calm and focused energy, which is... Read more

You may have heard the term ‘natural wine’ more and more recently. But is it just a buzzword, or are natural wines actually healthier? Let’s find out. What is Natural Wine? Although natural wine is currently trendy, it’s been around for millennia. In its simplest sense, natural wine is fermented grapes without any additives. As some wines can contain up to 70 different additives (which are legally allowed), natural wine better represents the wine itself, although it may or may not alter the flavor. Natural wines should also start with organic grapes, with no pesticides or herbicides sprayed during the growing and production process. While some sulfites may be in natural wines, as they are a byproduct of fermentation, natural... Read more

We all know by now that drinking soda is not healthy for us — mainly because of its sugar content. Did you know that swapping out just one can of regular soda per day could remove 3,650 teaspoons of sugar per year from your diet? But it can be challenging for some people to kick the habit. If that sounds like you, try these five simple tips to start your soda-free life. 1. If You Drink It For the Bubbles…There’s no denying that soda provides a satisfying sip of carbonation. However, you can swap out your soda with many other healthy and bubbly drinks. Try a new flavor of sparkling or seltzer water — there are dozens of brands and... Read more

If you’ve ever felt guilty about taking a nap, here’s some good news for you — naps can actually be incredibly healthy and beneficial. Plus, you can try a few different varieties to supercharge your snoozes. Benefits of NapsTaking a short catnap during the day can boost your memory, recall, and alertness, improve mood and job performance, and lower stress levels. This is especially true if you tend not to get enough restful sleep during the night. However, most of these benefits come from shorter naps — typically 20 minutes is recommended — as people who regularly nap for more than an hour show an increased risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. 1. Coffee Nap (AKA “Nappuccino”)A new... Read more

Coffee and tea are two of the world’s most popular beverages — and with good reason, as these caffeinated drinks are both healthy and delicious. But which one packs more benefits? Let’s take a look. Caffeine ContentCoffee and green, black, or white tea (not herbal) all have caffeine, with coffee boasting a bit more — sometimes up to twice as much. A typical 8-ounce cup of coffee may contain up to 100 milligrams (mg) of caffeine, while a single shot of espresso is about 75 mg. Conversely, a cup of black tea has between 45 and 50 mg of caffeine. But this doesn’t necessarily mean that coffee is healthier, as caffeine can have both positive and negative effects on health.... Read more

We all know that eating vegetables is good for us — but some veggies stand out when it comes to their nutrient content, like these top eight. 1. BroccoliThis cruciferous vegetable is packed with nutrients, including 115% of your daily vitamin K needs, 135% of your daily vitamin C, plus folate, manganese, and potassium. Broccoli also contains sulforaphane, a powerful compound that fights cancer and free radicals in the body. 2. SpinachWith only 7 calories per cup, spinach packs in 56% of your daily vitamin A plus your entire daily vitamin K requirements. Plus, spinach has antioxidants, including lutein and beta-carotene, which reduce cancer risk and improve heart and eye health. 3. GarlicEven though it can stink up your breath,... Read more

The holidays tend to be a time of drinking more, whether from holiday parties, traveling, or simply added stress. If you don’t want to imbibe as much this year, try these tips for managing your alcohol intake. 1. Always Hold Something Especially at parties, holding a drink gives us something to do with our hands. Carrying something else — even just a bottle of water or plate of food — can make it seem less awkward while you mingle. 2. Stock Up on Non-Alcoholic Drinks Zero-proof drinks are all the rage lately, making it easy to find fun and tasty celebratory drinks without having the added alcohol. If you don’t want to make it obvious that you aren’t drinking, pour... Read more

Health organizations recommend consuming less than six teaspoons (25 grams) per day of added sugar, but most Americans eat up to 22 daily teaspoons (92 grams). It can be challenging to eliminate added sugar from your diet entirely — here are some ways to cut back. 1. Don’t Sip Your SugarMost added sugar comes from beverages like soda, fruit juice cocktails, sports drinks, and sweet tea, making it too easy to gulp down dozens of grams of sugar within minutes. Instead, drink more plain water, flavored sparkling water, or herbal, green, or black tea. 2. Change Your DessertsAlthough it’s not necessary to completely cut out dessert, it can be helpful to swap out what kinds of desserts you eat. Rather... Read more

The holidays can be a fun and festive time of the year. But all of this extra eating and drinking can sometimes catch up with us — here are some tips to prevent gaining weight over the holidays. 1. Watch Your PortionsIt can be challenging to keep your portion sizes in check during the few big holiday dinners — understandably so, as there is so much to choose from! But the rest of the season, try to keep your meals and snacks to reasonable amounts for your body. 2. Keep a Food and Drink Journal We can often forget or lose track of what we eat and drink — especially small bites and sips here and there that add up.... Read more

We all know that a good night’s sleep can make us feel great — just how a night of tossing and turning makes us tired and irritable. But did you know that sleeping well is also an essential part of being healthy? Take a look at these seven reasons why sleep is so crucial for health. 1. Poor Sleep Can Cause Weight GainPeople who don’t sleep enough are more likely to be overweight or obese — so much so that short sleep duration is one of the strongest risk factors for being obese. In one study, adults who regularly slept for less than 5 hours per night had a 55% increased risk of obesity. 2. Good Sleepers Eat Less FoodA... Read more

Yes, you read that right! Research has shown that consuming dark chocolate is both delicious and good for our stress levels and brain function — that’s a win-win in our book. Dark Chocolate Has AntioxidantsOne of the ways that dark chocolate benefits health is through its antioxidant activity. Dark chocolate contains many antioxidants, including various polyphenols and flavonoids like catechin, epicatechin, and procyanidins. These compounds scavenge for free radicals and fight back on oxidative stress in the body, which is a leading cause of disease and premature aging. Dark Chocolate Improves Brain Wave Function In a recent study, researchers looked at how consuming 48 grams of dark chocolate with 70% cacao affected brain wave patterns. They found that eating the... Read more

We’ve all heard the notion that breakfast is the most important meal of the day — but is there any truth to this oft-quoted sentiment by moms everywhere? Let’s take a closer look.  The Marketing of Breakfast Although we all know the three typical meals we eat in a day, only breakfast has been susceptible to PR stunts and food marketing. This dates back to the late 19th century, when breakfast cereals were promoted as a healthier alternative to traditional meat-heavy morning meals. Once just a slogan for pushing cereal, now just about everybody knows that the phrase ‘most important meal of the day’ is in regards to breakfast.  Should We All Eat Breakfast? Breakfast signifies the morning meal — the... Read more

The holiday season can be both fun and stressful simultaneously, especially when it comes to food. With the abundance of parties to attend, cookies to bake, and cocktails to toast with, it can be challenging to maintain your health, weight loss, or fitness goals over the holidays. However, it’s not impossible — here are five ways to lose weight while still enjoying yourself this holiday season.  1. Focus on Non-Food Feel-Goods While baking sweets and cooking comfort food dishes are a large part of the holiday season, try adding other things that make you feel good and don’t revolve around food. Instead, you could create new traditions, like a post-dinner family walk or a friendly game of catch or touch football. ... Read more

Alcohol is often a large part of the holiday season. From office parties to Friendsgivings to increased time celebrating with family, many people get ‘merrier’ with the help of alcohol. But drinking too much isn’t very healthy for us and can set us back on our weight loss goals. Here are five ways to sip smarter over the holidays while still having fun.  1. Alternate With Water The oldest trick in the book to avoid hangovers also helps prevent alcohol-induced weight gain. Alternating each alcoholic drink with a glass of water will ensure that you stay hydrated and cut your calories from alcohol intake by half — win, win.  2. Avoid High-Cal Mixers Often, the mixers we use are more detrimental... Read more

You may have heard that drinking orange juice is helpful when you are sick — and with good reason, as oranges have several impressive health benefits. 1. High in Vitamin COne of the primary reasons why oranges are linked to better immune health is the high vitamin C content of the fruit. One medium-sized orange supplies about 80% of the daily recommended intake for vitamin C, supporting immunity, collagen production, and antioxidant activity. 2. Water-RichEating one orange can provide about four ounces (half of a cup) of water. Although we need to drink water in liquid form, water-rich foods can provide up to 20% of your daily fluid needs. We need adequate amounts of water to support energy in many... Read more

Although coffee is one of the world’s most popular drinks that provides plenty of health benefits, many of us don’t like to drink caffeinated coffee for various reasons. This leads people to wonder if decaffeinated coffee offers the same health benefits as its caffeinated counterpart — let’s take a look.  Decaf Coffee Has Antioxidants One of the main reasons why coffee provides so many health benefits is due to its high levels of antioxidants. Decaf coffee does contain similar amounts of antioxidants as regular coffee. Still, some research shows that they may be up to 15% lower than caffeinated coffee due to a loss during the decaffeination process.  Decaf Coffee Reduces Diabetes Risk Both regular and decaf coffee have been... Read more

Our guts are home to trillions of bacteria — both good and bad. Research in recent years has proven that the health of our gut microbiomes affects much more than just digestion, and that fasting for short periods may help to regulate these bacteria.  Just like our bodies have a 24-hour circadian rhythm that dictates our sleeping and waking times, the gut microbiome also responds to this rhythm. The composition and function of our gut bacteria fluctuate throughout the day, which is a leading reason why intermittent fasting — withholding food for a period of each day, typically in a 14-16 hour window — benefits the gut.  Helps Metabolic Control  Circadian rhythms can dictate how nutrients are processed and absorbed, including... Read more

One of the most popular beverages in the world, coffee is consumed by over 1 billion people globally each day. There are plenty of health benefits that come with this beloved drink — but keep in mind that the benefits will start to decline if you doctor it up with loads of cream or sugar. 1. Coffee Has Antioxidants Coffee is the single most significant contributor to antioxidant intake, as we tend to drink much more java than we consume fruits and vegetables. The main antioxidant in coffee is chlorogenic acid, a plant-based polyphenol that can help fight oxidative stress in the body — the accumulation of damaging compounds called free radicals that harm our cells. These antioxidants may also help... Read more

Our bodies require sugar in the form of glucose — it’s the preferred fuel source for our cells and organs. Although overconsuming sugar can certainly be unhealthy, sugar has gotten a bad rap over the years. There are many myths surrounding sugar — let’s take a look at the top five. 1. Sugar Causes Hyperactivity Pretty much all parents have heard that the theory that eating too much sugar will cause kids to become hyperactive. However, the research doesn’t quite back this up — no link has been found between sugar intake and kids bouncing off the walls. While all foods provide our bodies with energy when broken down, this doesn’t translate to hyperactive energy.  2. Sugar Directly Causes Diabetes Type... Read more

Losing weight extremely quickly will typically backfire, as your body will regain lost pounds as soon as you start eating normally again. Plus, fad diets and ‘get thin quick’ programs usually don’t contain enough healthy nutrients or calories and will result in only losing water weight. However, there are some methods to speed up weight loss safely and healthily.  Eat Less of These Foods Certain foods can cause increased water retention and bloating, which is detrimental to losing weight. These foods also are low in nutrients, fiber, and lean protein, which are beneficial to health. Cutting out or reducing your intake of these foods can help to facilitate more rapid weight loss:  High-sodium foods, like canned soup, frozen dinners, and... Read more

Even though eating healthy may seem like it costs more, studies have actually shown that people who eat the healthiest diets only spend about $1.50 more per day than the least healthy ones. You don’t have to shop exclusively at Whole Foods to eat nutritious food — here are some tips that you can start using today to eat healthy on a budget. Skip the Take-OutIt’s no secret that take-out food is typically less healthy and more expensive than cooking at home — especially when you factor in those delivery fees. One of the best ways to save both money and calories is to cook most of your meals at home. This doesn’t mean you have to go gourmet and... Read more

You may have heard that drinking red wine is good for your heart. But, you also may read that drinking alcohol is unhealthy for us — so which is it? The truth is, red wine can be both helpful in small amounts and harmful in excess. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of drinking red wine. Health Benefits of Red Wine Rich in AntioxidantsThe grapes that make up red wine are rich in an antioxidant called resveratrol. Resveratrol is a polyphenol, a plant-based compound that fights oxidative stress in our bodies — the buildup of harmful molecules called free radicals. However, you would have to drink hundreds of glasses of red wine to reach clinically relevant amounts... Read more

Although there are dozens — if not hundreds — of “get thin quick” plans circulating the Internet, these fad diets are not sustainable in the long run and typically aren’t very healthy. Instead, here are some ways that you can support faster weight loss in a healthy way. 1. Fill Up On FiberFiber is an under-rated aspect of weight loss. This macronutrient is extremely satiating and helps to fill you up for longer. Plus, fiber intake supports a healthy gut microbiome, which has been linked to maintaining healthier weights. Find fiber in fruits, vegetables, beans, legumes, and whole grains. 2. Cut Back on Refined Carbohydrates Sugar and refined carbohydrates are detrimental to health — especially when consumed in excess. These... Read more

Fall is a special time of year, with its cooling temperatures, changing leaves, and fun activities. Some of those fall activities can even help you be healthier, like these top five that burn calories.1. Apple PickingHeading out to an apple orchard with family is a time-honored fall tradition — and walking around the farm for hours, reaching up to pick apples off the tree, and carrying your heavy load can be a great calorie-burner.Calories Burned: 305 calories per hour2. Play Touch FootballWhether you’re just playing for fun or your group is uber-competitive, a game of touch football can burn some serious calories. Plus, playing a classic post-Thanksgiving game can help offset the enormous meal.Calories Burned: 400 per hour3. Scenic HikingOne... Read more