Author: 8okaybaby@gmail.com
Most of us brush off constipation as a minor inconvenience, something that’ll work itself out eventually. But backed-up digestion doesn’t just affect your bathroom habits. It can drain your energy, fog your brain, dull your skin, and even weaken your immune response. Your gut isn’t isolated; it’s connected to nearly every system in your body.
Costco has plenty of festive goodies, prepared sides, and heat-and-eat meals that are an ideal addition to any holiday spread. Beyond the sheer convenience, Costco shoppers love the decadent Lobster Mac and Cheese as a holiday side, the puff pastry bite appetizers, and, of course, both the pumpkin and pecan pies for dessert. And while the Kirkland Signature take-and-bake (or, simply shop-and-serve) selections are continually knock-outs, there’s one prepackaged item at Costco that’s so delicious, my family has passed it off as homemade for the last decade at both Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. Main St. Bistro Mashed Potatoes at Costco…
A large observational study (2025) from Australia’s Monash University, spanning a decade and involving over 10,000 people over 70, found that people who listened to music most days slashed their risk of developing dementia by 39% compared with those who did not. The regular music-listeners also had a decreased risk of experiencing general cognitive decline and performed consistently better on memory tasks and cognitive function tests. Playing a musical instrument was also linked to a 35% reduction in dementia risk.Access the study Curious for more? Explore the evidence behind wellness here.
Key Takeaways Interpersonal relationships need openness, which involves sharing information with others and allowing them to share with you.Active listening shows you care by being engaged and understanding what the other person is saying.Show empathy by understanding how others feel, which strengthens relationships and creates trust. Human beings are social by nature. The connections we build with others are critical to social, emotional, and physical health. Knowing how to maintain interpersonal relationships can help you build a support system that provides strength as you cope with life’s challenges. An interpersonal relationship is a social connection or affiliation between two or…
Making a delicious, high-protein meal doesn’t have to take all night. You can enjoy these easy dinners in just 15 minutes or less, and each recipe will provide you with at least 15 grams of protein per serving from sources like seafood, chicken and whole grains. That protein can help you stay full for longer and support healthy bones, digestion and muscle recovery. Recipes like our Chickpea Grain Bowl with Feta & Tomatoes and Chicken Fajita Quesadillas are flavorful and nutritious ways to end the night. Love these recipes? Join MyRecipes to save them all with one click. It’s so…
A 1985 squash casserole recipe turned out to be a hit at a holiday dinner.The dish is simple, creamy, and uses pantry-friendly ingredients like soup and stuffing mix.It’s flexible too—try frozen squash or mix in bacon for added flavor and protein. Two of my great loves are shopping at thrift stores and trying out vintage recipes, so any time I get to combine the two hobbies it’s a win in my book. Recently, I came upon the motherlode: a pile of vintage cookbooks on sale for 49 cents each at a local thrift store. Needless to say, I bought them…
An ongoing push for “natural food” above all else has led consumers to make well-intentioned if sometimes misguided choices. Case in point: Iodine deficiencies are on the rise and it could have something to do with the fact that a lot of folks are trading iodized salt for seemingly healthier alternatives, like pink Himalayan and flaky sea salts.These wellness darlings are touted both for their more interesting textures and flavors as well as the belief that they’re better for you because they’re less processed than regular old table salt. Except they don’t contain any iodine—an essential mineral for thyroid health—and…
Over the past five or so years, COVID has stolen a lot of the spotlight from the flu and the run-of-the-mill cold. But both are still highly prevalent in the US. What’s more, the flu can bring about a host of other health complications—and can even be deadly in some cases.FWIW, COVID has also helped to bring about some positive changes in terms of how we think about infectious diseases in general. “I think that our experience with COVID launched a [big] change in scientific research and data,” says Steven Lamm, MD, internist and the director of NYU Langone’s Preston…
Key Takeaways Romanticizing life means finding simple ways to add beauty to our routines and appreciating moments we often overlook.This mindset can promote gratitude, mindfulness, self-care, and a greater sense of control.Over-romanticizing can become a form of escapism, so balance is important. As life passes by, we tend to function on autopilot, trying to get through the daily grind one day at a time. But what if we could create a little magic for ourselves and make each day feel just a little bit more special instead? What if we could unlock the little pockets of wonder that are tucked…
The Mediterranean diet delivers key health benefits that support your heart, brain and weight management.The dish includes roasted salmon and salsa made of corn, red bell pepper and scallions cilantro.These Roasted Salmon Tacos provide protein, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and phytonutrients. When I think about making dinner, I usually start by asking myself three questions. “What do I want to eat?” “What does my family want to eat?” And the last question: “How much time do I have?” Because I have a solid foundation in nutrition (I’m a registered dietitian) and cooking (I’m a trained chef and recipe developer), I…