Finding a healthy Valentine's Day gift is all about balancing indulgence with wellness. Whether you're looking for something nourishing, active, or just a better-for-you version of a classic, here are some curated ideas:

It’s Heart Month and conversations continue around the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA). Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. – so how do we reconcile the new DGA with a heart-healthy eating pattern?

 Unfortunately, the face of the new DGA is the new inverted food pyramid, which prominently displays foods not normally associated with heart health – a thick marbled steak, a container of ground beef (which could be lean!), a carton of whole milk, and a stick of butter.

But the pyramid doesn’t tell the whole story. For that, you have to delve into the text of the DGA.

Here are the new guidelines for blood pressure categories and all you need to know

This blog post offers a comprehensive guide to selecting the healthiest milk option from your grocery store, whether you prefer dairy or plant-based alternatives. It emphasizes that the "best" milk depends largely on individual dietary needs and health goals, such as lactose tolerance, allergy concerns, protein requirements, and fat intake.

The article delves into the nutritional profiles of various milk types, including different kinds of cow's milk (whole, skim, lactose-free, A2, grass-fed) and popular plant-based alternatives like soy, almond, oat, hemp, pea, and coconut milk. For each, it highlights key nutritional aspects such as calorie, protein, fat (especially saturated fat), carbohydrate, calcium, and vitamin D content.

A key takeaway is the importance of checking nutrition labels, particularly for added sugars, thickeners, and fortification with essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D, which can vary significantly between brands and types of milk. For those avoiding dairy, fortified soy milk often comes closest to cow's milk in terms of protein and nutrient density. Ultimately, the blog encourages readers to make informed choices based on their personal health considerations and preferences.

I want to make the case for the Dietary Guidelines—by helping people understand what they have offered, consistently and over time. Right now, you have the public’s attention. This is the moment to use it well.

Dietitian’s review of “The New Pyramid”

The U.S. federal government has released the 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, marking one of the most significant updates to national nutrition guidance in decades. These Guidelines — available through realfood.gov and the official Dietary Guidelines portal — put an emphasis on whole, nutrient-dense foods and offer a clear framework for helping people make healthier choices every day.

The new year is a fantastic opportunity for a fresh start, a chance to set new goals, and to truly invest in yourself. Forget those fleeting resolutions you abandon by February – this year, let's create a "bucket list" of achievable and enjoyable goals that will genuinely enhance your life!

Here are trends and facts from consumer markets that may impact health educators and their curriculum.

Here is a list of the top 20 articles on foodandhealth.com as evidenced by the clicks of our readers! Foodandhealth.com saw over 275,000 viewers in 2025. Thank you for helping us spread the good news of food and health.

Here is my answer to this question every night that keeps me enjoying the process. If you stock your kitchen with the right ingredients, the answer to “what’s for dinner” is always easy. When I stopped trying to cook so many “recipes” and started cooking healthy ingredients, I was able to whip a dinner out very fast.

We know that a high-fiber diet and fermented foods help keep your gut microbiome flourishing, but did you know that protein sources may also impact it? 1 New research from North Carolina University suggests that protein in an animal’s diet may affect the population as well as the function of the microbiome. This research may lead to a better comprehension of how to prevent and treat gastrointestinal conditions that affect the quality of life of millions of people worldwide.

Here is my summary of what going to the gym every day for a year has brought me.

Here are the top choices that make meal prep easy every night of the week. Put these on your Black Friday shopping list.

Here is a Thanksgiving Food Trivia quiz PLUS a coloring sheet with food math questions for kids. Enjoy!

Thanksgiving doesn’t have to break your budget or your healthy-eating goals! With smart planning and fresh ingredients, you can enjoy a traditional meal that’s lighter, more nutritious, and just as satisfying.

Eating foods that are high in potassium supports heart health, muscle function, and overall balance in the body. Potassium helps regulate fluid levels, nerve signals, and blood pressure by counteracting the effects of sodium. Diets rich in potassium are linked to a lower risk of hypertension, stroke, and kidney stones, while also reducing muscle cramps and promoting stronger bones. Because the body doesn’t store large amounts of potassium, it’s important to include fruits, vegetables, legumes, and dairy in your daily meals to maintain optimal levels and support long-term health.

Glucagon-like peptide medications (AKA GLP-1 agonists) such as Wegovy and Zepbound are taking the weight loss industry to a whole new level.

Yes, you can purchase store-brand vinegar and still achieve great success. However, cooking becomes more enjoyable when you have vinegar with a variety of flavors that is high in quality.

Fall is the season for many orange-colored fruits and veggies!

Oranges, winter squash, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, carrots, persimmons, cantaloupe, and golden beets are in season now.

Why not consider a challenge to feature an orange fruit and vegetable each day leading up to Halloween? Check out our Hokey Pokey Carrot Mocktail!