Health & Wellness

General wellness insights to help Americans live healthier, balanced lives.

Building a Balanced Plate: A Starting Point for Everyday Eating
Featured · Nutrition Basics

Building a Balanced Plate: A Starting Point for Everyday Eating

A practical introduction to portioning food groups at meals without rigid rules or calorie counting.

By Health & Wellness Editorial Team · 7 min · Nov 11, 2023
Calories In, Calories Out: A Useful Framework — With Important Caveats
Nutrition Basics

Calories In, Calories Out: A Useful Framework — With Important Caveats

Energy balance is real, but the story is more nuanced. Understand what calorie counting can and cannot tell you.

By Health & Wellness Editorial Team · 7 min · Sep 2, 2025
Eating Patterns Around the World: What Nutrition Science Observes
Nutrition Basics

Eating Patterns Around the World: What Nutrition Science Observes

Mediterranean, Japanese, and other traditional diets are often studied for health outcomes. Here's what researchers see.

By Health & Wellness Editorial Team · 5 min · May 17, 2023
Grocery Shopping With Nutrition in Mind: A Practical Checklist
Nutrition Basics

Grocery Shopping With Nutrition in Mind: A Practical Checklist

Use this aisle-by-aisle checklist to stock your kitchen with a variety of nutritious foods without overthinking it.

By Health & Wellness Editorial Team · 6 min · Jan 7, 2023
Habits That Quietly Undermine an Otherwise Healthy Diet
Nutrition Basics

Habits That Quietly Undermine an Otherwise Healthy Diet

Small, overlooked patterns — like skipping meals or eating distracted — can erode good nutrition intentions.

By Health & Wellness Editorial Team · 5 min · Jun 3, 2026
Hydration and Nutrition: How Water Fits Into Your Daily Diet
Nutrition Basics

Hydration and Nutrition: How Water Fits Into Your Daily Diet

Water is a nutrient too. Explore how hydration supports digestion, energy, and overall health alongside food.

By Health & Wellness Editorial Team · 7 min · Dec 13, 2025
Macronutrients Explained: What Carbs, Protein, and Fat Actually Do
Nutrition Basics

Macronutrients Explained: What Carbs, Protein, and Fat Actually Do

Learn what carbohydrates, protein, and fat do in your body and why all three matter for everyday health.

By Health & Wellness Editorial Team · 9 min · May 27, 2023
Micronutrients: The Vitamins and Minerals Your Body Relies On
Nutrition Basics

Micronutrients: The Vitamins and Minerals Your Body Relies On

A plain-language reference to essential vitamins and minerals, what they do, and where to find them in food.

By Health & Wellness Editorial Team · 6 min · Jan 30, 2024
Nutrition Myths That Keep Circulating — and What the Evidence Says
Nutrition Basics

Nutrition Myths That Keep Circulating — and What the Evidence Says

From carbs making you fat to detox cleanses, we separate widespread food myths from what research actually supports.

By Health & Wellness Editorial Team · 6 min · Mar 2, 2023
Plant-Based Protein Sources and How They Stack Up
Nutrition Basics

Plant-Based Protein Sources and How They Stack Up

Legumes, nuts, seeds, and grains all contribute protein. See how plant sources compare on completeness and quantity.

By Health & Wellness Editorial Team · 5 min · Feb 12, 2024
Reading a Nutrition Facts Label Without Getting Confused
Nutrition Basics

Reading a Nutrition Facts Label Without Getting Confused

Decode serving sizes, daily values, and ingredient lists so you can make more informed food choices at a glance.

By Health & Wellness Editorial Team · 7 min · Mar 3, 2026
Sensible Habits for Eating Well Over the Long Term
Nutrition Basics

Sensible Habits for Eating Well Over the Long Term

Sustainable nutrition isn't about perfection. These evidence-informed habits support healthier eating day after day.

By Health & Wellness Editorial Team · 6 min · Jul 10, 2023
Sugars in Food: Natural, Added, and Everything In Between
Nutrition Basics

Sugars in Food: Natural, Added, and Everything In Between

Not all sugar is the same. Learn the difference between naturally occurring and added sugars and why it matters.

By Health & Wellness Editorial Team · 6 min · Jul 13, 2024
The Glycemic Index: What It Is and When It's Worth Paying Attention To
Nutrition Basics

The Glycemic Index: What It Is and When It's Worth Paying Attention To

The glycemic index ranks how foods affect blood sugar. Here's what it measures, its limits, and how to use it wisely.

By Health & Wellness Editorial Team · 7 min · Mar 26, 2025
Understanding Dietary Fiber: Why It Matters Beyond Just Digestion
Nutrition Basics

Understanding Dietary Fiber: Why It Matters Beyond Just Digestion

Dietary fiber does more than aid digestion. Learn about its roles in blood sugar, heart health, and satiety.

By Health & Wellness Editorial Team · 7 min · Jun 3, 2023
Whole Foods vs. Processed Foods: What the Difference Really Means
Nutrition Basics

Whole Foods vs. Processed Foods: What the Difference Really Means

Understand what separates whole foods from processed ones and why the distinction matters for your daily diet.

By Health & Wellness Editorial Team · 6 min · Oct 5, 2023
Before Your First Workout: A Practical Self-Check
Fitness & Movement

Before Your First Workout: A Practical Self-Check

A straightforward checklist covering what to consider — health signals, footwear, hydration, and more — before diving into a new exercise routine.

By Health & Wellness Editorial Team · 5 min · Jul 23, 2023
Building a Weekly Movement Routine When Your Schedule Is Unpredictable
Fitness & Movement

Building a Weekly Movement Routine When Your Schedule Is Unpredictable

Shift work, caregiving, irregular hours — here's how to fit sustainable physical activity into a life that doesn't follow a 9-to-5 pattern.

By Health & Wellness Editorial Team · 7 min · Feb 23, 2023
Cardio vs. Strength Training: What Actually Happens to Your Body
Fitness & Movement

Cardio vs. Strength Training: What Actually Happens to Your Body

Understand the physiological differences between cardio and strength training so you can make informed choices about your exercise routine.

By Health & Wellness Editorial Team · 6 min · Aug 23, 2025
Exercise Myths That Keep Beginners Stuck
Fitness & Movement

Exercise Myths That Keep Beginners Stuck

"No pain, no gain" and "you need to work out every day" are just the start. We fact-check the most persistent fitness myths with evidence-based answers.

By Health & Wellness Editorial Team · 7 min · Apr 6, 2023
Fitness Terms Explained: A Plain-Language Glossary for Beginners
Fitness & Movement

Fitness Terms Explained: A Plain-Language Glossary for Beginners

Reps, sets, HIIT, VO2 max, progressive overload — this reference guide defines the fitness jargon you'll encounter when starting out.

By Health & Wellness Editorial Team · 5 min · Apr 27, 2026
Group Fitness Classes: What to Expect and How to Choose One That Suits You
Fitness & Movement

Group Fitness Classes: What to Expect and How to Choose One That Suits You

From yoga to spin to water aerobics, group fitness comes in many forms. Here's how different class formats compare and what beginners should consider.

By Health & Wellness Editorial Team · 6 min · Jun 23, 2024
Home Workouts vs. Gym Memberships: Weighing the Real Trade-Offs
Fitness & Movement

Home Workouts vs. Gym Memberships: Weighing the Real Trade-Offs

Space, cost, consistency, and motivation all factor in. A balanced look at exercising at home versus joining a gym to help you decide what fits your life.

By Health & Wellness Editorial Team · 5 min · Sep 21, 2024
Low-Impact Exercise Options for People With Joint Pain
Fitness & Movement

Low-Impact Exercise Options for People With Joint Pain

Joint pain doesn't have to sideline you. Learn which forms of low-impact movement are generally considered gentler on knees, hips, and ankles.

By Health & Wellness Editorial Team · 6 min · Jun 23, 2026
Starting an Exercise Habit From Zero
Fitness & Movement

Starting an Exercise Habit From Zero

A practical, judgment-free introduction to building a sustainable fitness routine when you have no prior experience or athletic background.

By Health & Wellness Editorial Team · 7 min · Nov 14, 2024
Staying Active as You Age: How Exercise Needs and Abilities Shift Over Time
Fitness & Movement

Staying Active as You Age: How Exercise Needs and Abilities Shift Over Time

Physical activity remains important at every age, but what works best can change. An overview of how fitness approaches evolve across adult life stages.

By Health & Wellness Editorial Team · 7 min · Apr 24, 2025
Stretching Before vs. After a Workout: What the Research Says
Fitness & Movement

Stretching Before vs. After a Workout: What the Research Says

Static vs. dynamic stretching, warm-ups vs. cool-downs — here's what exercise science actually says about when and how to stretch.

By Health & Wellness Editorial Team · 5 min · Sep 11, 2024
The Case for Short Workouts: What 10 to 20 Minutes of Exercise Can Do
Fitness & Movement

The Case for Short Workouts: What 10 to 20 Minutes of Exercise Can Do

You don't need an hour at the gym to benefit from exercise. Here's what shorter movement sessions can realistically accomplish, according to exercise research.

By Health & Wellness Editorial Team · 7 min · Apr 5, 2026
Tracking Your Fitness Progress Without Obsessing Over the Scale
Fitness & Movement

Tracking Your Fitness Progress Without Obsessing Over the Scale

Weight is just one data point. Discover practical, healthier ways to notice and measure your fitness improvements over time.

By Health & Wellness Editorial Team · 5 min · May 20, 2023
Walking for Fitness: The Science Behind America's Most Underrated Exercise
Fitness & Movement

Walking for Fitness: The Science Behind America's Most Underrated Exercise

Walking is free, low-impact, and backed by solid research. Here's what regular walking actually does for your health and how to get the most from it.

By Health & Wellness Editorial Team · 7 min · Sep 14, 2025
What 'Rest Days' Are Actually For — and Why Skipping Them Backfires
Fitness & Movement

What 'Rest Days' Are Actually For — and Why Skipping Them Backfires

Rest days aren't laziness — they're when adaptation happens. Here's the physiology behind recovery and why it matters for any fitness level.

By Health & Wellness Editorial Team · 6 min · Jul 17, 2026
Why So Many New Exercisers Quit Within 30 Days
Fitness & Movement

Why So Many New Exercisers Quit Within 30 Days

Explore the most common reasons people abandon new fitness routines early — and what research suggests helps people actually stick with exercise.

By Health & Wellness Editorial Team · 6 min · Jan 28, 2026
Anxiety vs. Everyday Worry: Where the Line Is Drawn
Mental Wellbeing

Anxiety vs. Everyday Worry: Where the Line Is Drawn

Worry is a normal part of life, but anxiety is something different. Learn how clinicians distinguish the two and when it makes sense to seek support.

By Health & Wellness Editorial Team · 5 min · Apr 13, 2023
Before Your First Therapy Appointment: A Practical Checklist
Mental Wellbeing

Before Your First Therapy Appointment: A Practical Checklist

Starting therapy can feel uncertain. This checklist covers what to think about, ask, and prepare before your first session so you feel more at ease.

By Health & Wellness Editorial Team · 5 min · Oct 8, 2024
Breathing Exercises That Calm the Nervous System
Mental Wellbeing

Breathing Exercises That Calm the Nervous System

Controlled breathing can shift your body out of a stress response. Learn several evidence-informed techniques you can use anywhere, anytime.

By Health & Wellness Editorial Team · 6 min · Apr 15, 2024
Building a Wind-Down Routine That Actually Sticks
Mental Wellbeing

Building a Wind-Down Routine That Actually Sticks

A consistent pre-sleep routine can meaningfully improve sleep quality. Learn the key elements that make evening rituals work over the long term.

By Health & Wellness Editorial Team · 7 min · Mar 17, 2024
Daily Habits That Support Mental Wellbeing Over Time
Mental Wellbeing

Daily Habits That Support Mental Wellbeing Over Time

Small, consistent actions tend to move the needle more than occasional big efforts. Explore the everyday habits that research links to better mental health.

By Health & Wellness Editorial Team · 6 min · Jan 10, 2024
Emotional Regulation: The Skill Nobody Taught You in School
Mental Wellbeing

Emotional Regulation: The Skill Nobody Taught You in School

Emotional regulation is a learned skill, not a personality trait. Discover core techniques used in psychology to manage difficult feelings effectively.

By Health & Wellness Editorial Team · 6 min · Aug 23, 2024
Journaling for Emotional Health: Approaches Worth Knowing
Mental Wellbeing

Journaling for Emotional Health: Approaches Worth Knowing

From free writing to gratitude logs, different journaling styles serve different emotional needs. Here's what the research suggests about each.

By Health & Wellness Editorial Team · 5 min · Mar 24, 2024
Mental Health vs. Mental Wellness: Understanding the Difference
Mental Wellbeing

Mental Health vs. Mental Wellness: Understanding the Difference

Mental health and mental wellness aren't the same thing. Here's how they differ and why the distinction matters for everyday self-care.

By Health & Wellness Editorial Team · 6 min · Sep 20, 2023
Mindfulness for People Who Think It Won't Work for Them
Mental Wellbeing

Mindfulness for People Who Think It Won't Work for Them

Skeptical about mindfulness? This grounded introduction explains what it is, what it isn't, and how to start without any prior experience.

By Health & Wellness Editorial Team · 7 min · Sep 9, 2023
Social Connection and Mental Health: What the Evidence Says
Mental Wellbeing

Social Connection and Mental Health: What the Evidence Says

Loneliness isn't just unpleasant — research consistently links social isolation to worse mental and physical outcomes. Here's what we know and why it matters.

By Health & Wellness Editorial Team · 7 min · Jul 4, 2025
Stress Management Approaches: A Side-by-Side Look
Mental Wellbeing

Stress Management Approaches: A Side-by-Side Look

Meditation, exercise, therapy, and time management are all recommended for stress — but they work differently. Here's how to weigh your options.

By Health & Wellness Editorial Team · 5 min · Mar 2, 2024
The Science of Sleep: Why Seven to Nine Hours Is More Than a Guideline
Mental Wellbeing

The Science of Sleep: Why Seven to Nine Hours Is More Than a Guideline

Explore what happens in your brain and body during sleep and why consistently falling short has real consequences for mental and physical health.

By Health & Wellness Editorial Team · 6 min · Jan 2, 2025
Things People Get Wrong About Therapy and Counseling
Mental Wellbeing

Things People Get Wrong About Therapy and Counseling

From who it's for to what it involves, therapy is widely misunderstood. Separate the facts from the myths before writing it off.

By Health & Wellness Editorial Team · 7 min · Jul 18, 2024
Understanding Your Mental Wellbeing: A Complete Starting Point
Mental Wellbeing

Understanding Your Mental Wellbeing: A Complete Starting Point

From stress and sleep to emotions and social health, this guide covers the full picture of everyday mental wellbeing for anyone starting to learn.

By Health & Wellness Editorial Team · 8 min · Aug 7, 2023
What Chronic Stress Actually Does to Your Body and Mind
Mental Wellbeing

What Chronic Stress Actually Does to Your Body and Mind

Chronic stress affects far more than your mood. Learn how prolonged stress impacts your brain, immune system, and overall health over time.

By Health & Wellness Editorial Team · 6 min · Jul 3, 2025
Why Good Sleep Hygiene Is Harder Than It Sounds
Mental Wellbeing

Why Good Sleep Hygiene Is Harder Than It Sounds

Most people know the sleep hygiene rules. Far fewer actually follow them. Here's why that gap exists and how to close it in practical terms.

By Health & Wellness Editorial Team · 5 min · Jan 3, 2024