Our bodies use protein to build and repair muscle (and provide energy and break down food and support growth and development). But if you’re looking for other sources of protein — particularly those that don’t add loads of extra fat and calories — where should you start? How much protein (and how many calories) you need is […]
If you’re looking to build muscle, the benefits of protein shakes are clear: They’re a convenient and dense source of protein and can help you recover faster between workouts. But what if you’re working to shed some pounds? Are protein shakes good for weight loss? Tasty, portable, and quick to make, protein shakes provide a […]
Perhaps you find cooking a rewardless chore. Or maybe strict eating habits serve your goal of a fitter, leaner body. As distinctly different as these two types may seem, many people within each have adopted the same strategy: Eat the same thing every day. But can you really repeat the same food every day — […]
Let’s make one thing clear right away: There is no number-one healthiest fruit. If you’re looking to stock up on the healthiest fruit to eat, diversify both your palate and your palette. “In general, the greater the variety of colors of the fruit you eat, the greater the health benefits due to various nutrients represented […]
You’ve probably heard countless times that antioxidants are good for you. But what exactly are antioxidants — and why do you need them? Antioxidants are natural compounds that can support healthy cell function. “Antioxidants help support overall health by fighting free radical cell damage,” says Jessica Cording, MS, RD, CDN, dietitian and author of The Little […]
Zinc isn’t a nutrient that most of us think about on a regular basis. But it is an essential mineral, meaning we have to get it from food since our bodies can’t produce it on their own. That makes it important to consume foods high in zinc for a rounded diet. Read on to find out which foods […]
Sweet, satisfying, and nutrient-dense, fruit is one of the main pillars of a healthy diet. But if shedding pounds is your goal, what are the best fruits to eat for weight loss? “I recommend focusing on high-fiber fruits for those who are wanting to lose weight,” says Diana Gariglio-Clelland, RD, a Washington-based dietician. “Fiber is beneficial […]
Fruits are called nature’s candy for a reason: They are our largest source of sugar in minimally processed whole foods. So when the low-carb diet gained popularity, fruit came under scrutiny by scrupulous dieters looking for a nutritional edge. We know fruit is a good source of valuable vitamins and minerals, but many people wonder: […]
Have you ever thought about what food can do for your mood? Beyond how they taste, some “mood foods” can actually influence how you feel from the inside out. “Foods are a natural source of substances that have important effects on the nervous system,” says Ellen Albertson, PhD, RDN, NBC-HWC, a psychologist and a registered […]
We hear a lot about how many calories you need to eat for weight loss — but what about calories to maintain weight once you hit your goal? The exact answer depends on a variety of factors, so we’ve put together some general guidelines to help you calculate how many calories you need to maintain your current […]