Manganese and magnesium may look like misspellings of each other, but they’re not the same thing. “These two nutrients are both minerals,” says registered dietitian Amber Sommer, RDN, LD. “You can even find them in a lot of the same foods, such as nuts and legumes. But manganese and magnesium perform different roles in your body.” Sommer explains the differences between manganese and magnesium, what foods contain them, how much of each you need — and what happens if you get too much or too little. What’s the difference between manganese and magnesium? Manganese and magnesium are both minerals ..read more

When it comes to making chili, you’ve got options. Lots and lots of options. Want beef in your chili to add heartiness and protein? Toss it in the pot. Prefer chicken or turkey? That’ll work, too. Not a meat person? No problem! Tofu can hold a starring role in chili. Your choices don’t end there, either. A variety of different beans can add flavor and health benefits to chili. Ditto for any number of veggies in your fridge or freezer. And when it comes to spices … well, how hot do you want your chili to get? Making a batch of chili is basically a culinary version of a choose-your-own-adventure ..read more

When choosing gum or mints, deciding between peppermint and spearmint often depends on taste. Peppermint has more menthol and a highly intense flavor, while the taste of spearmint is subtle and sweeter. But when choosing tea, there’s more to consider than just flavor. Different teas offer distinct health benefits — and spearmint tea brings a lot to the table. “The best thing about tea is that it’s affordable, readily available and easy to make,” says registered dietitian Natalie Romito, RDN, LD. “That means anyone can enjoy the benefits of spearmint tea.” Spearmint (Mentha spicata), like peppe ..read more

When it comes to food hankerings, there’s a good chance you might be craving sugary sweets like pastries, cookies, candy or chocolate. And while having a triple-scoop ice cream cone or eating a slice of chocolate cheesecake may taste so good, indulging too often is likely more of a craving than a once-in-a-while treat. Have you ever wondered: Why am I craving sweets? Why do I crave sugar? The reasons are partly physiological, partly psychological and partly because of the environment in which we live. “The human body functions a bit like a car — you put fuel in the tank, and then you drive,” e ..read more

Many people rely on a morning cup of coffee immediately after the alarm sounds to help launch their day. You may even set the timer to get the pot brewing before you’ve rolled out of bed. “People worldwide enjoy their morning coffee,” says registered dietitian Anthony DiMarino, RD, LD. “It’s a common habit, and you may feel unsettled if something disrupts your morning ritual.” But should you push back the timing of your coffee breaks? Scientifically speaking, that’s still up for debate. Some experts believe it’s better to wait until mid-morning or afternoon to enjoy that first (or second) cup ..read more

Tired of your regular old stuffing recipe? Then give our apple stuffing a shot for a welcome change of pace. This healthy, low-fat side boasts fewer than 200 calories per serving. It’s great for Thanksgiving or simply any time you’re serving poultry throughout the year! Ingredients 1 8-ounce package dry bread stuffing mix (whole grain if available) 2 cups apple juice, or as needed 2 tablespoons trans fat-free tub margarine 2 red delicious apples — peeled, cored and diced Directions Prepare the stuffing mix according to package directions, but substitute apple juice for water. When bringing ..read more

If a cup of coffee is the first thing you reach for after waking up, you’re not alone. According to the National Coffee Association, as many as 9 in 10 coffee drinkers start their day with a steamy cup of joe — often before taking a bite of toast or cereal. But could that hot brew on an empty stomach be bad for your health? Probably not, says registered dietitian Anthony DiMarino, RD, LD. “Your digestive system is incredibly complex and efficient,” he says. “Most people don’t have any problem drinking coffee on an empty stomach.” What are the health risks of drinking coffee on an empty stomach ..read more

Whether you’ve decided to reduce your sugar intake, you’re trying to reduce the number on the scale or you’re adjusting your diet to deal with a chronic health condition, changing your eating habits isn’t easy. And anyone who’s attempted to adjust their approach to eating can tell you that some days are easier than others. Some days, you just want to “break the rules” and eat whatever you want. “Cheat days,” as they’re commonly called, are a subject of considerable debate among dietitians, especially when it comes to eating to support weight loss. Some people say they can have a positive impac ..read more

Maybe you’ve tried going gluten-free and it didn’t seem to ease your stomach problems. Maybe you’ve been given the general diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome but still can’t figure out exactly which foods upset your stomach. Maybe it’s actually a fructan intolerance. Fructans are a type of carbohydrate, or sugar, that some people have a hard time digesting. But the symptoms of fructan intolerance often mimic those of gluten intolerance, and to make things even more complicated, some foods have both gluten and fructans — so it can be extra difficult to figure out what’s going on in your stom ..read more

Influencers on social media love raving about their “life-changing” tips, tricks and hacks, don’t they?  Too often, it’s shaky pseudo-science that winds up going viral, though (sorry, but rubbing banana peels on your face won’t give you wrinkle-free skin). But occasionally, there’s some scientific basis for their recommendations. And they may work — at least in theory.  That’s the case for the so-called “sleepy girl mocktail” that’s making its rounds online. Proponents say the combination of tart cherry juice, magnesium powder and a fizzy mixer like sparkling water or prebiotic soda ..read more