All articles tagged with #healthy eating
A neurologist explains that brain atrophy begins in the 30s–40s and accelerates with age, but lifestyle changes—such as a Mediterranean-style diet, regular exercise, learning new skills, meditation, and finding purpose—can slow or reverse shrinkage and help preserve memory and cognitive function.
A Washington Post Well+Being piece emphasizes that protein is essential for preserving muscle as we age and that many adults may not meet recommended intake. It notes that protein is widely available in foods and drinks, yet you can still be under-consuming, and highlights four subtle signs of insufficient protein intake (with fatigue during workouts as one example). The article references guidelines suggesting 1.2 to 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily to help protect muscle and support longevity.
Experts say bone strength matters as you age and can be supported with regular strength training to boost density, a Mediterranean-style diet rich in protein, calcium, and vitamin D, and avoiding smoking and heavy alcohol use. While some supplements show promise, long-term benefits aren’t proven, so focus on consistent exercise, nutrition, and lifestyle choices to prevent osteoporosis and fractures.
A Duke University study challenges the idea that cost is the main barrier to healthier eating, suggesting taste preferences and broader cultural factors drive junk-food consumption. Even when produce is provided for free, health outcomes didn’t significantly improve, indicating that more rigorous trials are needed to identify effective interventions beyond simply lowering prices.
A large study of about 1,600 kidney stone formers found that simply increasing daily water intake did not significantly reduce stone formation, as participants failed to reach recommended urine-output targets; experts still advocate aggressive hydration for prevention, but the findings are inconclusive and hydration alone may not prevent stones.
Nutritionist Rob Hobson promotes a no-cook, three-part snack formula—base, protein, and flavor—plus nutrient-dense “nutritional boosters” like seeds to help busy people reach about 100g of daily protein, with quick examples such as Greek yogurt with cherries, hummus with seeds, edamame, and roasted almonds with feta.
A USC study of 187 lung cancer patients under 50, many non-smokers, found they tended to have healthier diets (average HEI 65 vs. 57 national). The cancer type differed from smoking-related cases; findings show association, not causation, and researchers consider environmental factors like pesticides. Limitations include small sample size and potential selection bias; more research is needed to determine if diet or pesticides contribute to risk and why women were more represented in this group.
States are tightening SNAP rules to curb purchases of soda, candy and some snacks, but the specifics vary by state. Iowa highlighted limits on cold sandwiches and granola bars; Idaho’s candy ban still allows KitKats and Twix because they contain flour, and some places restrict sports drinks and certain flavored waters. The patchwork changes aim to promote healthier eating and curb ultra-processed foods, but have caused confusion for SNAP users and retailers and are prompting legal challenges as MAHA’s healthy‑food efforts play out.
Cabbage is trending on social media in 2026 due to its affordability, versatility, and health benefits; nutrition experts note its high fiber content supports gut health, and fermented versions like kimchi add probiotics, making it a nutritious, budget-friendly staple.
Emerging research links gut health and diet to Parkinson’s risk. The Mediterranean and MIND dietary patterns may lower risk or delay onset, while high dairy and ultra-processed food intake is associated with higher risk; caffeine has been linked to reduced risk, underscoring diet as a potential modulator of Parkinson’s disease.
Gwyneth Paltrow explains how she’s shaping Goop Kitchen’s NYC expansion, detailing her hands-on role in menu development and tastings, and positioning the gluten-free, high-quality takeout concept as a California-born brand moving east with plans for more cities and collaborations.
A dietitian says pasta can be part of a daily healthy diet when paired with protein, fiber and vegetables, and highlights three balanced dishes—pasta primavera with plenty of vegetables, Mediterranean chickpea pasta for extra protein and fiber, and a tomato‑based pasta with optional feta—plus tips to swap in whole‑wheat or legume pastas, cook al dente, and plate a quarter protein, half vegetables, and the rest pasta for lasting fullness.
Orthorexia is a subclinical preoccupation with “pure” or perfect eating that can disrupt daily life. Not yet a formal DSM-5 diagnosis, it’s recognized as a disordered eating pattern by health professionals. Four common signs are extreme food restrictions or rigid rules about what you can eat; spending excessive time analyzing ingredient lists or researching nutrition; anxiety or guilt when breaking self-imposed food rules; and social life interference due to food concerns. Social media pressures can fuel this tendency. With support from a dietitian or therapist, you can recover by embracing balanced, sustainable eating rather than perfection; if you’re struggling, contact a professional or call 988 for help.
Experts say to boost energy for workouts by prioritizing sleep, optimizing nutrition and caffeine use, selecting enjoyable and appropriately paced activities, and adjusting exercise intensity and mindset to improve motivation.
Washington Post Unearthed columnist Tamar Haspel argues that nutrition science is often murky, but three areas have relatively solid evidence: eat more fiber, limit sodium to help blood pressure, and reduce saturated fat to lower LDL cholesterol, all within a balanced diet.