Pick the Right Dish There’s no denying that Mexican food is delicious. But many of the entrees are made with oil, lard, and salt -- and loaded with cheese and sour cream. You can get more than a day’s worth of calories, saturated fat, or sodium in a single meal. A closer look shows there are plenty of healthy dishes to help you steer clear of a dietary disaster. Worst: Deluxe Burrito When it comes to burritos, size matters. In restaurants, this dish often offers up several se

Certain ultraprocessed foods, or UPFs, are contributing to worldwide obesity, chronic health conditions and premature death, yet the food industry continues to aggressively market new and existing products in this category for massive profits, according to an unprecedented three-part series authored by 43 global experts in nutrition and supported by the United Nations Children’s Fund, or UNICEF, and the World Health Organization. More than 50% of the $2.9 trillion paid to sha

Few things capture the spirit of Thanksgiving quite like a golden-roasted turkey at the center of the table, surrounded by creamy mashed potatoes, savory stuffing and tart cranberry sauce. But turkey’s story stretches far beyond holiday feasting. Long before European settlers arrived, wild turkeys roamed North America and served as an important food source for Native Americans. Over time, the bird became woven into Thanksgiving tradition and ultimately became the unmistakable

Cold cuts are convenient for making high-protein sandwiches, but choosing the healthiest lunch meat requires reading labels and avoiding too much salt, saturated fat, and preservatives like nitrates. 1. Turkey Breast Turkey breast is one of the leanest options, providing high protein and very little fat per serving. Choose oven-roasted or lightly seasoned versions and check the label carefully to avoid added sodium, sugars, or fillers. 2. Chicken Breast Like turkey, chicken b

Originally used for radar and other technologies, the power of microwaves was first harnessed specifically for heating food in 1947. By the late 1960s, commercial microwave ovens were small and inexpensive enough to become fixtures of the modern kitchen. And by the 1970s, scientists were starting to wonder just how this form of electromagnetic radiation might be affecting the food that it heated. Microwaving food produces different textures and flavors than other cooking meth

If you regularly find yourself dashing to the market for last-minute meal ingredients, it might be time to start stocking your freezer. The reasons are plentiful, and with pro tips from chefs on what frozen foods to always keep on hand and why, getting started is easier than you might think. Maintaining a well-stocked freezer won’t just save you the headache of trying to figure out a feasible meal plan on a busy weeknight or when guests pop by unexpectedly; it will also save

Bananas are a convenient, versatile, and nutritional fruit rich in fiber, essential vitamins, and minerals. Research suggests that bananas have many health benefits, including improving digestion, weight management, energy levels, heart health, athletic performance, and more. 1. Increases Energy Carbohydrates are the body's primary fuel source for energy. Because bananas are a solid source of carbohydrates and B vitamins, you may experience increased energy after eating this

A pit stop at the drive-thru may not be an everyday part of a nutritious diet, but believe it or not, dietitians say fast food doesn’t have to be completely off-limits for health. Sometimes, getting a quick meal is the highest priority for your family. “I know how much convenience matters when it comes to feeding yourself and your kiddos,” says Vanessa Imus, M.S., RDN. “While I wouldn’t recommend fast food for dinner every night, in moderation, it can absolutely fit into a he

It’s easy to be tempted by a bag of potato chips at any time of the day. This kind of impulsive snacking often happens even when you’re not really hungry. But excessive snacking can lead to weight gain and obesity. Obesity, in turn, is linked to many health problems¹ such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and even cancer. Snacking itself is not unhealthy. Healthy snacking can even good for you. All you need to do is make smart choices about what you snack on. Th

Cancer is not a single disease, but many related diseases that occur within the body. There is no single cause of cancer. Cancer occurs due to a variety of factors, including some you cannot control, like genetics, and others you can control, like diet and lifestyle. Research shows some foods are associated with a higher risk of certain types of cancers. At least 18% of all cancers and about 16% of cancer deaths in the United States are related to excess body weight, physical

With the cost of groceries continuing to creep up , social media posts with the hashtag #strugglemeals are mushrooming. Some accumulate long lists of derisive comments, disavowing a recipe’s qualifications as a struggle meal. The discord lies in the fact that struggle is in the eye of the beholder. For some, it’s time or physical and emotional energy, and the emphasis there is on extremely pared-down recipes that require no planning and little cleanup. Things that come in a

There is strong evidence that there is “no safe amount” of processed meat to eat, nutrition experts say in response to a new study on the connection between diet and the risk of major diseases, including cancer, type 2 diabetes and heart disease. The researchers also found elevated risks from the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and trans fatty acids. Researchers analyzed data from more than 60 previous studies on the relationship between processed meats, sugar-sweete

Breakfast kick-starts your metabolism, helping you burn calories throughout the day. It also gives you the energy you need to get things done and helps you focus at work or at school. Those are just a few reasons why it’s the most important meal of the day. Many studies have linked eating breakfast to good health, including better memory and concentration, lower levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol, and lower chances of getting diabetes, heart disease, and being overweight. It’s h

When comparing white potatoes vs. sweet potatoes, it's easy to spot differences like flavor and color. As a result, choosing a tuber for a specific dish tends to be a straightforward task. But if nutrition is the priority and you'd like to choose the healthiest option, the top choice might be less obvious. It doesn't help that these starchy vegetables often get a poor reputation, making the distinction particularly confusing. So, which is healthier: sweet potatoes or white po

By October, cooler temperatures are here to stay. And so is a new harvest of root vegetables, winter squash, apples and pears. Adding these seasonal fruits and vegetables to your plate isn’t just delicious. It can also align perfectly with the Mediterranean diet, which has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, cancer and more. Fall isn’t just about the produce. It’s also a time when other hearty Mediterranean diet staples, like b

Before a heart attack, stroke or other cardiovascular disease hit, there are almost always warning signs, according to a new study. Those...

Whether you're dining out at your favorite locally owned Mexican spot or you're headed to a large chain where you can reliably order the...

If you haven’t heard about Blue Zones before, it’s time to start paying attention. These geographical areas were identified by National...

Are you looking to boost your breakfast with more protein, but aren’t a fan of protein powder? While it’s often included in breakfast...

Healthy fast food sounds like an oxymoron—but it’s now easier than ever to enjoy quick-serve food that’s full of nutrients. Many...

For decades, Americans have trusted that the food on our grocery store shelves is safe. After all, isn’t that the point of agencies like...

Kiwis may look small and unassuming but when you cut one open, you’ll find a vibrant green or golden flesh that’s as refreshing as it is...

Coffee isn’t just a morning pick-me-up; it’s linked to surprising health benefits beyond energy. From boosting sexual health to...

Following the Mediterranean diet reduces your risk of gum disease, which reduces your risk for inflammation that leads to chronic disease...

When you get a hankering for something quick and filling, snacks are the answer. But with a plethora of options on the market, satiating...

Anyone concerned about living well for longer knows that physical activity and what you eat can make a difference. But I was surprised to...

It's common to crave a sugary treat after a meal, especially in the evening. Research and experts point to several reasons why you may be...

Chew Gum in the Grocery Store Maybe you’ve heard you shouldn't shop for food when you’re hungry. Well, you might want to pop in a piece...

Peas have long been maligned as gross, but the mighty legume has recently gained popularity as a nutritious dinner staple. In fact,...

Beans, beans, they're good for your heart ... yeah, you know the drill. Black, pinto, kidney, lima, mung – the bean aisle at the grocery...

Believe it or not, healthy fast food does exist! There are many chain restaurants where you can grab a quick and nutritious bite to eat....

Early birds have long basked in the glory of health superiority, sometimes even tinged with a hit of moral righteousness. It’s easier for...

America is drinking a lot more whole milk these days. Whole milk retail sales rose by 3.3 percent in 2024 compared to 2023, according to...

Eating With Sleep in Mind If you’re tired of being tired, better nutrition before bed could lead to better sleep. “You don’t need...

While there are many types of bread, the healthiest, most nutritious options are made from whole grains, including whole wheat and...

Whether you’re looking to build strength, lose weight, or simply feel more energized, the foods you eat play a big role in how you feel...

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) have developed an unhealthy reputation, but not all UPFs are created equally. A new scientific advisory from...

Clean eating is more than just a fad diet—it’s a long-term approach to fueling your body with whole, minimally processed foods that...

It’s estimated that over 115 million Americans have high blood pressure. Now, in an effort to address this figure (and the host of...

We’ve all heard the message: eat more protein. And it’s for good reason—protein, alongside carbohydrates and fat, plays a starring role...

Where Does the Power Come From? In fruits and vegetables, purple is often a sign of nutrients called anthocyanins. Like other...

What’s So Great About Them? Tomatoes are loaded with a substance called lycopene. It gives them their bright red color and helps protect...

Fiber and protein are both necessary nutrients needed for a healthy diet. Both protein and fiber can help promote a healthy weight, so...

If you are concerned that your breakfast eggs could raise your cholesterol, know that recommendations have changed. Emerging research...

Meat, like all foods, can be part of a healthy and balanced diet. The only catch: There are many types of meat to choose from, and some...

Canned beans are a staple in almost every household. Whether you enjoy them baked into a taco or mixed into salad, they’re undoubtedly...

Most have heard of it, but few understand it. Fiber seems to be having a moment on social media with posts claiming that fiber is the new...

There are lots of healthy dishes, but few stand out more than salads. This lunchtime staple is a fall-back way to load up your diet with...

If you were forced to eat your peas as a child and haven’t touched one of the tiny, green spheres since, it may be time to give peas...

Summer has always been a two-headed beast. It’s the season of hiking, biking, softball, swimming, frisbees in the park, afternoons at the...