Author: 8okaybaby@gmail.com

I’ll never cease to be amazed by my friend. Upon learning that she would have to get a double mastectomy, she signed up for the TCS New York City Marathon. It was a brave and intelligent move that not only distracted her from the looming surgery, but also ensured her body was in peak physical condition to aid in her recovery. After a year of long runs, early bedtimes and a lot of stretching, she crossed the finish line to the cheers of dozens of friends and family members. One week later, she got the surgery. One year later, she’s running…

Discover 7 pantry staples from H Mart, a thriving supermarket filled with products from Asia.These are chef-chosen items from condiments to snacks.H Mart is fun because it’s stocked with so many items not found in regular grocery stores. Greetings from your resident displaced mixed Asian kid who is perpetually homesick and needs to feed her homesickness by shopping at H Mart! While I constantly remind people that there are significant differences among East Asian cultures and cuisines, my palate loves it all. Though my blood may be Chinese, my stomach craves Japanese snacks, Korean rice, seaweed and more. Thankfully, for…

5 Foods That May Worsen Menopausal SymptomsAvoiding the following foods may help reduce the severity of menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and abdominal weight gain.1. Ultra-Processed FoodsFoods that are processed with added saturated fats, sodium, sugars, and preservatives can cause water retention and bloating, Jamieson-Petonic says. This includes foods like chips, frozen meals, packaged snacks, and breakfast bars.[2]If you’re craving snacks, try nutritious alternatives like string cheese, carrots dipped in hummus, or whole-grain crackers with peanut butter — they’ll satisfy your hunger without increasing your chances of triggering symptoms. Combining protein with fiber-rich carbohydrates can also help…

Spending time in nature can lower stress-related brain activity and reduce cortisol levels.Even short outdoor breaks, like a 10-minute walk, can help improve mood and focus. Green spaces support stress recovery and enhance the effectiveness of other wellness habits. Managing stress often focuses on what you do, such as exercise, sleep hygiene and relaxation techniques. But where you spend your time may matter just as much. A growing body of research suggests that nature-based environments can support measurable changes in how your brain and body respond to stress. Compared with time spent in more built or screen-heavy settings, spending time…

Dinner can be on the table faster with these four favorite Costco Kirkland Signature products.The tortelloni, breaded cod, chicken chunks and pizza crust can be served in various ways.They are freezer-friendly and convenient for busy weeks. While I buy Costco’s Kirkland Signature brand olive oil, nuts, feta cheese—and even my daughter’s favorite leggings—there are plenty of items I pass over as I peruse the aisles. However, on one trip, I decided to try five new-to-me Kirkland Signature products, and four of them were so good that they’ve earned permanent spots in my home—their tortelloni, seasoned and breaded cod, breaded chicken…

High-protein breads can boost satiety, stabilize blood sugar and add nutrients to meals.Options like Nature’s Own Wheat Protein Loaf and Sola Protein Bread offer 10-plus grams of protein.Many high-protein breads are fiber-rich, low in sugar and support gut health and fullness. The humble sandwich has long reigned as a beloved lunchbox staple–and for good reason. Sandwiches are quick to assemble, endlessly customizable and can be nutrient-dense, too. Building your sandwich on a high-protein bread can rack up your sandwich’s protein tally, but that’s not all. That extra protein also helps balance out the carbs in the bread for steadying blood…

These easy baked chicken breast recipes are perfect for nights when you need to get dinner on the table without the stress. Each one requires 20 minutes or less of active cooking time, making them ideal for busy weeknights. Plus, chicken breast cooks in no time and delivers a boost of lean protein to help you stay full and energized. Recipes like Sheet-Pan Chicken Fajitas and Bruschetta-Topped Crispy Baked Chicken are healthy, delicious and will become your new go-to meals. Creamy Basil-Tomato Chicken Pasta Bake Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist:Hannah Greenwood This creamy tomato-chicken pasta…

If the two are almost nutritionally identical, what’s the potential upside to using one over the other? “In the refining process of white sugar, it is stripped from all of its vitamins and minerals,” Fineberg explains. “Coconut sugar does not go through as rigorous a refining process; therefore, it contains trace amounts of minerals. That being said, you would need to eat a lot of sugar to receive any measurable benefits from those minerals.” Some of the minerals you will find in coconut sugar—albeit, in small amounts—include iron, zinc, calcium, and potassium, along with short-chain fatty acids.

A simple suggestion to “reduce your screen time” might not be possible (or effective) for everyone.

This onion recipe takes inspiration from French onion soup and melting potatoes.It’s quick, delicious and lets onions shine as the star.It works perfectly as a side dish or appetizer, full of flavor and depth. Not much beats a piping hot bowl of French onion soup, especially when it’s freezing cold outside. Its rich, savory and slightly sweet broth can warm the coldest bones, while the cheesy bread topping makes every bite irresistible. But making it from scratch can be a serious time commitment. That’s why, when I’m short on time and craving those classic flavors, I turn to one of…