Eating a satisfying and nourishing meal in the morning sets you up for a healthy day. And many of us prefer to spoon into a bowl of cereal for breakfast because it’s a quick, filling and delicious choice. So much so, that nearly 300 million Americans eat cereal each day. A healthy box of cereal can help older adults meet their overall nutritional needs. Unfortunately, many of the eye-catching packages in the cereal aisle are low in nutrition and big on sugar and additives — m

Parmesan Lactose intolerant? Give parmesan a try. In just 1 (grated) ounce, this low-lactose choice delivers 8 grams of protein, 119 calories, and only 3 carbs, without causing tummy trouble. Plus, it’s high in calcium and phosphorus, nutrients that help build bone. Goat Cheese It’s often easier to digest than cheese made from cow’s milk because it has different proteins that don’t irritate your digestive system. It also has a higher percentage of medium-chain fatty acids, wh

This could be  grate  news for cheese lovers: A recent study found potential links between cheese and positive health outcomes, particularly when it comes to sleep. The results of the study, published in the December edition of the Sleep Medicine journal, found that eating more cheese may be linked to a reduced likelihood of developing sleep apnea, a potentially serious medical condition that can cause you to stop breathing while you sleep. The study’s researchers pointed out

Most people can meet their daily vitamin C needs—75 milligrams (mg) for women and 90 mg for men—through their diet and don't need a supplement. Eating foods high in vitamin C provides additional benefits from nutrients such as fiber and other essential vitamins and minerals. 1. Acerola Cherry Serving: 1/2 cup Vitamin C: 825 milligrams (mg) Daily value: 1,100% for women, 917% for men Acerola is a small red cherry species that's grown in certain tropical regions. Acerola cherri

Tinned fish has been on the rise in recent years, and we now seem to be in what many are proclaiming ‘Sardine Girl Summer.’ With food costs going up, this canned fish offers a more affordable and convenient protein option. But convenience, cost and craze aside, are sardines healthy and a food you should be eating regularly? What Are Sardines? These small fish grow up to almost 10 inches long, and have soft, oily flesh with a mild, fishy taste. They can be salty or smoky, depe

Twinkie Diet For 10 weeks in 2010, a Kansas State University nutrition professor cut down on their daily calories and ate mostly Twinkies, powdered doughnuts, and other junk food. They lost 27 pounds. This may sound crazy, but they showed the basic rule of weight loss: Burn more calories than you eat, no matter what that might be. Bad news for junk food junkies, though. The lack of nutrition in this diet makes it a lousy idea for your overall health. Ear Stapling Put down the

Ham and Cheese Omelet The Count:  Approximately 512 calories, 37 grams of fat, 1,277 milligrams of sodium This breakfast staple packs plenty of protein, but at half of your total fat and sodium requirements for the day. That’s not including adding hash browns or home fries. If you’re really wanting an omelet, make a smaller one with one or two whole eggs, and add some whole-grain toast and a side of fruit. Chicken and Waffles The Count:  Approximately 1,012 calories, 54 grams

Both green and black tea are made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. One difference is that black tea leaves are first rolled and then oxidized (exposed to air), whereas green tea is unoxidized. This reaction causes black tea leaves to turn dark brown while green tea leaves remain green. Black and green tea may have subtle differences in caffeine and antioxidant content but offer similar health benefits. Shared benefits of green and black tea While green and bla

Eating chicken noodle soup when you're sick with a cold or flu won't cure your ailments, but it can help support your body with hydration, nutrients, and mild, potentially anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting effects. These effects may help your body's healing process and reduce how long you're sick. 1. Sustained Hydration You may have a reduced appetite when you're ill, making it difficult to take in the nutrients and fluids you need to recover. A serving of chicken noodl

If you want to live a long, healthy life, take a good look at what's on your plate. While you don't need to be strict about healthy eating, the food choices you make regularly can affect your long-term health — especially when it comes to one nutrient in particular. While many people just want to live as long as possible, Dr. Ezekiel J. Emanuel, the author of the new book out this month “ Eat Your Ice Cream: Six Simple Rules for a Long and Healthy Life, ” tells TODAY.com tha

Lima beans ( Phaseolus lunatus L.) are legumes that provide plant-based protein, fiber, and several vitamins and minerals. They may have benefits for weight management and heart health. 1. Supports Your Gut Health Lima beans have 13.2 grams of fiber per cup , which covers 47% of the Daily Value (DV). Fiber is especially important for gut health. Bacteria in the large intestine ferment and break down fiber from foods like lima beans. This process creates short-chain fatty aci

Sick Day Solutions When you're sick with the flu, stomach bug, or even a common cold, what you eat can make all the difference between spending another day in bed and waking up refreshed. The key is eating meals that are comforting physically and emotionally — plus getting a little nourishment. That’s why we asked 10 registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) which foods they turn to when they’re under the weather. Shockingly, chicken noodle soup isn’t on the list! Smoothies

Over the years, extensive research has been conducted on the impact of various foods on physical health and their effects on the body. However, some researchers have been investigating how food may affect mood and mental health. There is a recently developed field of psychiatry known as “.” This specialized branch focuses on examining the relationship between eating habits, dietary factors, and mental health disorders. This is to help form methods of prevention and treatment

As chocolate prices continue to rise, some companies are taking drastic measures to counteract sticker shock. And it's leaving a bitter taste in the mouths of some consumers. With the cost of cocoa steadily ticking up, some brands have begun swapping in different ingredients. But does the end result taste the same as the real deal? NBC News chief consumer investigative correspondent Vicky Nguyen went straight to the source to find out. In the latest segment of “TODAY’s Consum

When you combine milk and honey, you're getting two foods with important nutrients as well as other components that can affect your body in some well-known and some surprising ways. Both honey and milk can help your body know it's time to rest, but these functional foods can do more than that when it comes to having an impact on your health. 1. Promotes Sleep Honey plus milk is a well-known home remedy for sleeplessness. Both contain tryptophan , an amino acid (protein buildi

Peanut butter is as popular as ever — and it’s no wonder why. It’s versatile, delicious and, for many, nostalgic. However, when you peek at the nutrition facts label, you may notice that a serving of peanut butter, typically two tablespoons, contains close to 200 calories and more than 65-percent of those calories come from fat. So you may be wondering, is peanut butter actually good for you? What’s in a jar of peanut butter? Pick up any jar of the stuff and you’ll see the fi

On an island just off the coast of Panama lives an indigenous tribe called the Kuna, who outlive other people in Panama. Despite their relatively high-salt diet, the Kuna tend to have lower blood pressure than do other people in Panama. In addition, they experience fewer heart attacks and they’re less likely to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes or cancer. After much study, researchers determined that what set the Kuna people apart wasn’t what they ate. Instead, it likely stem

Pasta is one of those universally comforting foods that transcends generations. Whether it’s spaghetti, penne, or fusilli, noodles are versatile and tasty pantry staples. But traditional pasta contains refined grains, carbohydrates, and gluten. All of those need to be restricted if you follow certain diets for weight loss, diabetes, or celiac disease. Despite all the bad press about pasta, people who eat it may be healthier eaters than those that don’t. A recent study in Fron

Olive oil has long been a staple of Mediterranean cuisine, but its appeal extends far beyond flavor. It has many health benefits that are backed by decades of research. Studies link regular olive oil consumption to a wide range of benefits, from a lower risk of heart attack and stroke to improved erectile function. Why olive oil is healthy Though olive oil’s benefits are often attributed to its heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, Mayo Clinic cardiologist Stephen L. Kopecky, M

Some condiments contain unhealthy ingredients like artificial additives and high amounts of added salt and sugar. Healthy condiments are low in added sugar and pack nutritious ingredients like protein, healthy fats, and fiber. Here are 10 healthy condiments that are both tasty and nutritious. 1. Pesto Traditional pesto is a sauce made with fresh basil leaves, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and pine nuts. Pesto is a good source of zinc — a mineral essential for immune health, w

Modern society makes getting healthy harder than ever. People are busy trying to balance work, family and other responsibilities. As a result, their health goals are often put on hold. That said, being healthy does not have to be difficult. Here are some simple ways to get healthier with minimal effort. Quick and easy changes to make to your diet Swap refined carbs for whole, unprocessed carbs Refined carbs are commonly known as simple carbs or “empty” carbs. They are rigoro

When you eat may be just as important as what you eat. Research shows that eating dinner in sync with your circadian rhythm (the body's internal clock) can improve digestion, metabolism, and sleep quality. When Is the Best Time to Eat Dinner? The circadian rhythm is the "biological clock" that helps coordinate the timing of daily behaviors such as: Sleeping and waking Feeding and fasting Physiology (such as hormone release and heart function) Melatonin is the hormone that re

Protein seems to be on everyone's minds (and plates) these days, with many of us getting our fill from fish, beef, chicken, or plant proteins like beans, avocados, tofu, and tempeh. Another source worth adding to the mix: high-protein nuts and seeds, some of which are so protein-rich they rival eggs in their content. Ahead, nutrition experts share their top picks for getting more of this vital macronutrient. Benefits of Protein Comprised of amino acids, protein helps build an

If you're looking for a salty, crunchy snack that's packed with protein and fiber, nuts have got you covered. But nuts are also high in certain healthy fats, which makes them even better for you — and helps keep you full. All nuts are rich in healthy fats called omega-3 fatty acids, says Natalie Rizzo, registered dietitian and TODAY.com nutrition editor. There are so many reasons nuts "are really good for you," she says, "and they do have benefits for heart health and brain

When you think about supporting your metabolism, your mind might jump to intense workouts or specific “superfoods” eaten throughout the day. But the reality is, one of the most impactful habits for your metabolic health happens at the dinner table: eating a balanced meal that contains protein, fiber and healthy fats. Eating this type of meal sets the stage for how your body functions overnight and into the next day, fueling recovery, repair and metabolic efficiency. Let’s div

Feeling tired during the winter season isn’t always about how much or how well you slept the night before. A particularly long workday or a few days of inconsistent meals can also drain you, and what you reach for in the moment can either energize you or keep you dragging. While a quick cup of coffee feels like the obvious fix, there are several healthy snack choices that can give you a steadier, more sustainable energy boost. We spoke with a registered dietitian and chef on

Proper food storage isn’t just about flavor and quality, although storing food correctly does preserve both of these elements. Storing food properly is about safety. Whether you are a meal prep enthusiast, enjoy stocking up on food, or simply want to learn about proper food storage, keep reading to discover different food storage methods and their appropriate uses. Refrigeration Your refrigerator should be set to 40 ° F or lower . Your fridge most likely has a built-in thermo

Food isn’t a cure-all, but it can definitely affect your mood. Yes, food does impact your mood — and it’s possible to eat your way to a more relaxed state. While there isn’t a cure-all food to magically erase frustration, you can get relieve stress with a combination of exercising, eating small meals throughout the day and getting more of these 10 foods. Whole-Wheat Pretzels Carbohydrate-rich foods can give you an energy boost and trigger the brain to release a feel-good chem

A new year offers new beginnings and an opportunity to reset your eating habits after the holidays. Andrea Delgado , a Mayo Clinic dietitian, says it's best to eliminate what you don't need, including party food leftovers.  If your refrigerator is holding onto less-than-healthy holiday leftovers into the new year, it is OK to let them go. Dispose of leftovers or eat them gradually and in smaller  portions , Delgado advises. "You want to slowly regress back to your old healt

A banana’s color can tell you a lot about its nutrition. As it ripens from green to yellow to brown, its starch, sugar, antioxidants, and fiber levels shift. While no stage is “healthiest,” understanding these stages can help you pick the banana that best supports your goals. The Four Stages of Ripeness Banana ripeness can be divided into several stages, but four practical levels matter most for nutrition: Green: Unripe Green with yellow traces: Slightly ripe Fully yellow:

Magnesium plays a vital role in managing blood pressure, strengthening bones, regulating blood sugar levels, and maintaining a steady heart rhythm, among other benefits. While magnesium supplements can help maintain adequate levels, adding magnesium-rich foods to your diet is also helpful, with numerous options available. 1. Nuts and Seeds Several varieties of nuts and seeds stand out for their impressive magnesium levels: Almonds : An ounce of dry-roasted almonds contains 80

Hair loss is a common condition known as alopecia in the medical field. It has many known causes, including: genetics hormonal dysregulation hypothyroidism tension on the hair trauma infection chemotherapy Hair loss can also be caused by diet-related factors, such as nutrient deficiencies and supplement use. This article explains how diet can affect hair loss. Micronutrient deficiencies  Hair is made up of two main structures — the hair shaft, which is what you see, and the h

Precooked Whole Grains Whole grains like brown rice and quinoa amp up your fiber intake and lower your risk for heart disease, colon cancer, and type 2 diabetes. But you don’t have to wait out the long cook time to enjoy their perks. You can find precooked grains in the frozen food case or in ready-to-microwave bowls or pouches -- just look out for added sodium. Serve as a tasty side or mix with veggies or precooked meat for a complete meal. Frozen Veggies Frozen produce, lik

Despite all our 21st-century medical advances, there is no cure to the common cold. This forces us to rely on home remedies to get through the day. One popular option for managing those pesky respiratory symptoms is cough drops. But do these lozenges genuinely help you recover or just drain your wallet and fill you with sugar? Here’s what the experts say. How Do Cough Drops Work? Cough drops contain specific ingredients that decrease the urge to cough and the pain in our thr

Grocery prices are higher than ever, so shoppers need to be even more savvy about what they will and won’t spend money on. Some products are not only expensive but may be harmful to health, while others are just unnecessary and a waste of money. So what’s on the “best to avoid” list right now? Here are six foods you’re better off not buying at the grocery store, for the sake of your health and your wallet. Salad Kits Salad kits are expensive compared to just making a salad yo

Whether it’s date night, lunch with a friend, or a family dinner out, you’re probably eating out more often than you think. In a 2023 US Foods Survey , the average American ate food prepared out of the house, either takeout or dine-in, an average of 7.5 times per month. If you eat out too often or choose the wrong foods when eating out , your health could suffer. A March 2022 review in Nutrients found that a high rate of eating out was associated with poorer diet quality, as

If you were to look in the refrigerator of almost any American, chances are you’d find a carton of eggs. Eggs aren’t just a classic breakfast staple—they’re also used in a variety of savory lunch and dinner dishes and serve as an essential ingredient in many baked goods. Given how common eggs are in cooking, many people likely eat them every day in one form or another. But is this a bad thing, considering the mixed press and research surrounding eggs and the nutrients they co

One is portable. One enjoyed a comeback fueled by TikTok. And they’re both packed with protein. We’re talking about hard-boiled eggs and cottage cheese. But only one can take the crown.  OK, not really. When we asked registered dietitians which one is the healthier snack, they agreed that both can fit into a healthy eating plan. The choice really comes down to your personal preferences and your unique health needs. So, it’s not necessary to stick to just one.  Here’s the nutr

The best time to eat lunch for steady energy may not be a specific time of day; rather, it's usually four to five hours after breakfast. Someone who wakes up and eats breakfast at 7 a.m. may feel ready for lunch around noon, while a later wake-up time and first meal naturally pushes lunch later. Why It's the Ideal Time Eating lunch four to five hours after breakfast aligns with your body's natural cycle of glucose metabolism. Refueling with lunch before your blood sugar dips

You can create a comforting pot of soup anytime, with ingredients that you have on hand. It’s true. Raid your pantry and clean out your crisper drawer. Look for hearty vegetables that you can use to build a soup base — an onion or leek, a couple of carrots or celery stalks, maybe a bell pepper. Then, improvise the rest. Toss in seasonal vegetables, greens and herbs, or leftover proteins and grains. The toughest part? You have to decide whether to go for a broth-based bowl or

While they’re a popular dining attraction, food buffets are notorious hotbeds for food poisoning . There are no hard and fast numbers on how many people get sick from buffets each year, but a whopping 48 million people get sick from foodborne illness in the U.S. annually, making this a common health issue. Food safety experts say there are a few reasons why buffets tend to spread foodborne illness. “Think of food the way you think of milk left on the counter. It may look fi

Whether cut up in a salad, spread on toast or transformed into a delightful guacamole dip, the latest research suggests a diet that includes a couple helpings of avocado a week can be beneficial to cardiovascular health. ​​The study, appearing in the Journal of the American Heart Association , found adults eating two or more servings a week (one cup) of the staple of Mexican cuisine have a 16 percent lower risk of cardiovascular disease and 21 percent lower risk of coronary h

Two of the most popular healthy breakfast options are eggs and oatmeal — with good reason. Both provide filling protein along with plenty of other necessary vitamins and minerals. But is one better for you than the other? "Eggs and oatmeal can both be healthy breakfast options, but they offer very different benefits," says Natalie Rizzo, registered dietitian and TODAY nutrition editor. While eggs are packed with filling protein and nutrients like choline, "oatmeal delivers f

All fruits are nutritious, but some have extra superpowers thanks to flavanols. These natural plant compounds are found in many fruits, tea and cocoa, says Patricia Bannan, a registered dietitian in Los Angeles. “They act as antioxidants, which means they help protect our cells from everyday stress. Think of them as tiny helpers in plant foods that support overall health,” Bannan tells TODAY.com. “Flavanols support blood vessel health, which can help with healthy circulation

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