“Protein” has become a major health buzzword in marketing, but the label alone doesn’t make a food nutritious. While many products promote their protein content, not all high-protein foods offer the same overall health benefits. Why "Protein" Doesn't Always Mean "Healthy" Protein is a macronutrient, along with fat and carbohydrates, all of which are equally important to include in your diet for different reasons. Many foods contain protein, but that doesn't automatically make

Sometimes there’s itching; there’s usually pain and inflammation; and then there’s bleeding. Hemorrhoids and their symptoms are distressing and uncomfortable, no matter the kind you have. To help bring you relief, the American Gastroenterological Association published new guidelines about the condition, including the type of food you should prioritize to keep the contents of your intestines moving and, as a result, your backside hemorrhoid-free. Gut Health Tip of the Day: Pri

Getting enough protein is important, especially as we get older. Not only is protein critical for all our cells to function properly, but it’s also essential for building and maintaining strong bones and muscles. There are other benefits to adding more protein to your daily meals, too. A higher-protein diet can help promote weight loss, keep you feeling fuller longer and improve blood sugar stability. But it isn’t always easy to eat enough of it. For most older adults, daily

Inflammation can help your body defend itself from infection and injury. But chronic inflammation can lead to disease. Stress, low activity levels, and foods that cause inflammation can increase this risk. For this reason, eating foods that can help reduce inflammation is strongly advisable. What are the top anti-inflammatory foods? Foods like fruits, vegetables, and spices contain anti-inflammatory compounds and may help reduce inflammation. The most anti-inflammatory foods

While there are many healthy foods to choose from when grocery shopping, some are more nutrient-packed than others. These so-called superfoods are richer in essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, offering maximum health benefits for minimal calories. They can include vegetables, fruits, grains, and more. So, what are the top superfoods worth adding to your grocery cart ASAP? According to Pollock Communications and Today's Dietitian's annual "What's Tre

Swap your vitamin C supplements for nutrient-rich foods such as kiwi, tomatoes, and strawberries. These foods easily cover your daily vitamin C requirement while providing fiber and other essential nutrients. 1. Acerola Cherry Serving: 1/2 cup Vitamin C: 825 milligrams (mg) Daily value: 1,100% for women, 917% for men Acerola cherries, grown in some tropical regions, have the highest vitamin C content of any food, making them a natural vitamin C supplement. If you live in the

Loaded With Lycopene The cheery red color comes from lycopene, an antioxidant. Studies show it may help curb your risk of cancer and diabetes as part of a healthy lifestyle. Watermelon has more of this nutrient than any other fruit or veggie -- even tomatoes. To load up on lycopene, choose a melon with bright red flesh rather than yellow or orange. And the riper, the better. Also, seedless melon tends to have more lycopene than those with seeds. Sun Benefit? Some pigments hel

Getting enough quality protein in your diet doesn't always have to put a dent in your wallet. Some of the top, least expensive healthy protein sources to consider incorporating into your routine include canned tuna, beans, eggs, and more. 1. Greek Yogurt Greek yogurt is a relatively inexpensive dairy product that's packed with protein. With a 7-ounce (oz) container of low-fat plain Greek yogurt, you'll get 20 grams (g) of protein, which equals about 40% of the recommended Dai

Between the quick service and oftentimes lower price points, eating at a fast-food restaurant is a convenient choice for many people on the go. While fast-food menus are often loaded with meals that are high in calories and saturated fat, most restaurants offer salads as a healthier alternative. While it may seem like any salad is a nutritious choice, especially when compared to burgers or fried chicken, not all salads are created equal. Depending on your order, a salad from

Sometimes life happens, your stomach is growling, and the best option you have is to grab something quick from the drive-thru. Fast food on occasion doesn’t have to be a deal-breaker for a nutritious diet. Sandwiches, wraps and burgers are standard fare, since they can be handheld for eating on the go. But beyond their convenience, choosing the highest-protein sandwich on the menu can also keep you feeling full longer while maintaining your energy levels for whatever you have

Cherry Pits The hard stone in the center of cherries is full of prussic acid, also known as cyanide, which is poisonous. But there’s no need to freak out if you accidentally swallow one -- intact pits just pass through your system and out the other end. Avoid crunching or crushing pits as you nosh on your cherries. Apple Seeds Apple seeds also have cyanide, so throwing back a handful as a snack isn’t smart. Luckily, apple seeds have a protective coating that keeps the cyanide

The whole narrative around dietary fat can be confusing, especially for those of us alive in the ‘90s (or earlier), when low-fat everything was the holy grail of healthy eating. But more recent science has confirmed that consuming fat is key to good health and urged eaters to focus on enjoying “healthy fats.” But what are healthy fats anyway? And what foods contain them? The poster child for healthy fats is an avocado, but it's a big culinary world out there! For variety's sa

Definition A low-carb diet limits carbohydrates, often called carbs, such as those found in grains, starchy vegetables and fruit. A low-carb diet focuses on foods high in protein and fat. Many types of low-carb diets exist. Each diet varies in the type and amount of carbs you can eat. Purpose You or your healthcare team may choose a low-carb diet to help you lose weight. Some low-carb diets may have benefits beyond weight loss, such as lowering your risk of type 2 diabetes or

If you’ve noticed your grocery bill steadily creeping up, you’re in good company. From bread to eggs to meat, food prices have been on the rise in the U.S. In fact, grocery store and supermarket prices increased 1.1 percent in just one month this year (from September to October) and are 5.4 percent higher than they were in October 2020, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). It’s a concerning trend, but it doesn’t mean you have to choose between eating heal

If you’ve noticed your grocery bill steadily creeping up, you’re in good company. From bread to eggs to meat, food prices have been on the rise in the U.S. In fact, grocery store and supermarket prices increased 1.1 percent in just one month this year (from September to October) and are 5.4 percent higher than they were in October 2020, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). It’s a concerning trend, but it doesn’t mean you have to choose between eating heal

Eggs are indispensable in many recipes and a good source of important nutrients. Tips for choosing the healthiest eggs include knowing what makes a difference in how the eggs are produced, how they look, and how to read the labeling. 1. Check How The Eggs Look When you open a carton of eggs, consider the following: Shell appearance: The shells should be smooth with no cracks. Color: The color of an egg doesn't affect nutrients or taste. White, brown, blue, or green are the s

Nuts Walnuts. Pecans. Almonds. Whatever kind you prefer, a small handful makes a great snack. They’re full of healthy fats, fiber, and protein. They also have minerals like magnesium. Skip the kinds that are dry-roasted or flavored -- they’re higher in sodium. Instead, add your own dash of flavor with cayenne pepper or cinnamon. Edamame These young soybeans have a mild, buttery flavor that’s easy to like. And a three-fourths cup serving has just 7 grams of sodium. Edamame’s

Pretzels are a classic snack eaten widely in the United States. But as the protein craze continues, carb-forward foods like pretzels tend to get overshadowed. The truth is we need carbohydrates, and they're not the enemy. Yet, conventional packaged pretzels still fall into somewhat of a nutritional gray area. They're lower in fat than most chips and crackers, but still a processed snack with scant nutrients. Pretzels are a baked bread product made from a dough, typically with

If you're looking for a quick, protein-filled snack, meat sticks may seem like a no-brainer. They're no longer just a gas station staple. In recent years, they’ve become a trendy high-protein, low-carb snack often with better-for-you branding, registered dietitian Samantha Cassetty tells TODAY.com. You can find sticks made from a variety of meats in fancy flavors. Meat sticks are the fastest-growing snack category in the United States, garnering $5.5 billion in sales last yea

That bold cup of morning coffee we can't live without or the mug of hot tea we rely on to aid an afternoon slump may provide us with a quick mood-boost, but exclusively relying on caffeinated beverages is not the solution for garnering sustained energy throughout the day. Drinking caffeine as a means of gaining energy is not only unrealistic, but it's also a lifestyle habit that can potentially have long- and short-term negative effects, both physically and mentally. Read on