Healthy Eating

Heading out to the grocery store can often feel like stepping into a battlefield. How do you know what to load into your cart? What’s the magic number when it comes to fruits and veggies? And snacks—how do we even begin to tackle that delicious dilemma? Although most of us have a general sense of what constitutes healthy food, knowing precisely what to grab to boost our health can be a head-scratcher. But fret not, because we’ve turned to registered dietitians and nutritionists for guidance. They’ve dropped some serious…

When it comes to feeling your absolute best, hydration is often the silent champion we overlook—particularly as the years add up. With nearly three decades under my belt as a board-certified family practitioner, I've witnessed firsthand the transformative power of something as simple as staying hydrated.

Think candy, cereal, and those eye-catching Maraschino cherries! What do they all have in common? They all featured Red No. 3, a once-popular artificial dye recently given the boot by the FDA due to its carcinogenic properties. "The FDA cannot endorse any food or color additive that is linked to cancer in humans or animals. High levels of FD&C Red No. 3 have been shown to induce cancer in male lab rats," stated Jim Jones, Deputy Director of Human Food at the FDA, as reported by NBC News. This groundbreaking decision was…

When the word "fiber" pops into your mind, what do you envision? Whole grains? Beans? Perhaps a childhood memory of your grandmother sneaking a spoonful of Metamucil into her morning routine? Sure, these options are classic fiber sources, but let’s not overlook a gem of a food group that deserves its time in the spotlight: fruit. Unlike most processed snacks that leave our bodies craving more, these high-fiber fruits not only provide essential nutrients, but they also come packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.…

The 30-day gallon water challenge has been making waves on social media platforms, especially on TikTok, where people around the globe are sharing their transformative experiences. The premise is straightforward: consume a gallon—or roughly four liters—of water daily for an entire month, unlocking a host of benefits from glowing skin to improved sleep. Hydration is essential for our well-being, playing a vital role in processes like waste elimination, temperature regulation, nutrient transport, and organ protection. Staying…

The ketogenic diet, or keto as it's affectionately known, has barreled into the spotlight in recent years as a low-carb, high-fat approach to shedding pounds. Initially developed as a therapeutic measure for children grappling with epilepsy, this dietary regimen asks participants to say a firm goodbye to a range of staples: goodbye fruits, grains, starchy vegetables, processed snacks, alcohol, and of course, sugar. Social media stars, professional athletes, and celebs have been singing its praises, but lurking beneath those…

Intentionally eating more protein has become one of the most popular diet changes in the past couple of years. In 2023, searches for the phrase "high protein" were the highest they had been in five years, with a 32% increase from 2022. Whether you're an omnivore or choose to eat a plant-based diet, eating enough protein can help you feel full and satisfied after eating, build muscle mass and strength, lose or manage your weight, and improve overall health. Research shows that high-protein diets are more than just a fad. A…

Fueling your morning with the right breakfast foods can jumpstart your metabolism, keep you full longer, and support your weight loss goals. A well-balanced breakfast not only energizes your day but also lays the foundation for sustainable weight management, whether you're hitting the gym or heading to the office. But with so many healthy breakfast options available, knowing which foods truly help with weight loss can feel overwhelming. To simplify things, we consulted dietitians to uncover the healthiest breakfast foods…

Eating a healthy diet is one of the most important steps you can take to live your best life. While factors like quality sleep, stress levels, and physical activity all play a role in overall health, the foods you choose daily have a significant impact on both your physical and mental well-being. Instead of relying on fad diets that restrict your favorite foods, achieving a truly healthful diet is about adding nutrient-dense, healthy foods to your routine. One common misconception about eating healthy foods is that it has…

Belly fat can often feel like that unwelcome friend who keeps showing up at parties uninvited—it's annoying, but it's also a sign that it's time to take a closer look at your habits. More than just an aesthetic nuisance, those extra pounds around your waist are a clear signal from your body, telling you that it's time to switch gears and embrace healthier choices. This particular type of fat, known as visceral fat, doesn't just sit idly by; it's an active player in the game of your health. Nestled deep within your abdomen,…