Healthy Living, Simplified

Spoon pouring sugar into a mug, illustrating the question of is sugar toxic

Is Sugar Really Toxic? No, but You Should Probably Cut Back Anyway.

Social media says sugar is toxic, but the science tells a different story. Learn why nuance, not fear, is the key to understanding sugar's role in your diet.

Woman speaking into a microphone, reflecting the connection between speech patterns and brain health

Your “Ums” and Pauses Might Say Something About Your Brain

New Canadian research used AI to analyze everyday speech quirks—pauses, filler words, hesitations—and found they may offer subtle clues about how well the brain's executive function is working. The science is early, but it's a promising step toward understanding the speech-cognition connection.

Cognitive Health

Fitness

Nutrition

Sleep

Couples Who Work Out Together, Stay Together

Workout Buddies: There are countless versions of “couples who do X together, stay together,” and new research out of Brigham Young University (BYU) adds exercise to the list. The findings suggest that couples who do physical activity together report higher relationship satisfaction. The Study: The researchers examined data from nearly 1,700 young married couples in the U.S. Each couple reported how frequently they exercised, individually and together with their spouse. They also reported assessments of “marital communication, conflict resolution, and conflict.” After analyzing the data, the researchers concluded that exercising together was significantly associated with improved conflict resolution, better communication, and lower overall levels of marital conflict. The number-one reported form of joint exercise was walking, which the researchers said provides an opportunity for conversation. Takeaway: Exercising with your spouse could improve your relationship by way of improving communication and conflict resolution skills. And it doesn’t have to be costly or intense: taking a simple walk seems to be impactful. Keep in Mind: You don’t have to do everything together, all the time. Some marriage counseling professionals say that couples with different hobbies can thrive, too.

Your Genes May Decide If Caffeine Actually Boosts Your Workout

Rise and Grind: Lots of gym goers swear by caffeine to give their workouts an extra boost, while others drink a cup of coffee before lifting and feel nothing. Research has shown that caffeine can improve athletic performance and focus, but if you’re not seeing much of a difference, it may not be all in your head. A new study looked into why caffeine affects people differently during workouts and suggests the answer may trace back to genetics. The Study: Researchers ran a randomized, placebo-controlled crossover trial with 94 resistance-trained men and women, sorted into three groups based on which version of the CYP1A2 gene they carried, which influences how quickly the liver metabolizes caffeine. Each participant then took three milligrams per kilogram of caffeine or a placebo before bench press and squat tests, and researchers measured how fast they moved the weight. Caffeine improved strength and endurance performance overall, but those with the fast-metabolizing version of the gene saw the biggest gains. The Takeaway: If your coffee never seems to hit before a workout, that might be your biology talking, not a lack of effort. Keep in Mind: This research focused on one specific caffeine dose and two specific […]

You Don’t Need a Gym to Get Fitter

Home Work: It’s easy to come up with reasons not to exercise. We might not have much free time or feel comfortable working out at a gym or have room in the budget for a trainer or membership. But it is possible to get a solid workout at home, according to a new study of older adults. The Study: Researchers set out to eliminate one main exercise obstacle — going to the gym — to see if participants could get results on their own at home. 20 healthy participants aged 61 to 74 (11 women and nine men) first spent eight weeks following their usual routines and levels of activity. As a comparison, they then spent eight weeks doing a short but challenging HIIT workout on a non-weight-bearing ergometer (think at-home rower or stationary bike) four days a week, supervised with video monitoring. Researchers did body-fat scans and measured their V02 max before and after each period. The Takeaway: Fitness levels declined in the first period, but then increased during the HIIT phase. The participants also lost some fat and pounds during the HIIT period. All of this indicates that people in their older age can still see fitness gains — […]

Running Gets a Luxury Makeover

The Trend: Running, historically one of the most affordable forms of fitness, is being positioned as a luxury lifestyle. Fueled by gorpcore-esque brands like Bandit, Satisfy, and District Vision that cater to affluent customers with an angle toward exclusivity, running has taken on an identity unattainable by many (or most). What People Are Saying: Luxury running brands selling high-ticket athleisure are really selling more than the clothes. The appeal of these brands is partly performance, but also design, craftsmanship, and exclusivity. District Vision, for example, has built a cult following around minimalist aesthetics and highly technical products, while Satisfy leans into a punk-inspired, rebellious identity. As runners increasingly see their gear as part of a broader lifestyle, not just something worn for exercise, they are willing to spend more: some reports say runners spend nearly $1,500 per year on the sport, when the true essentials cost much less. What to Know: Running is still accessible and affordable. You can still lace up your old kicks and run out the door in whatever athletic clothes you own. If you can afford luxury running clothes and want to try them, that’s fine, too — just remember that luxury gear might make running […]

Low-calorie fruits like green apple enjoyed as part of a healthy lifestyle

The 12 Best Low-Calorie Fruits To Add To Your Diet

Fruit gets an unfair bad rap when you're watching calories, but these 12 low-calorie fruits, from watermelon to raspberries, let you satisfy your sweet tooth without derailing your goals.

Assorted condiments for blood sugar in small bowls, including mustard, marinara, balsamic vinegar, and yogurt-based dip, arranged on a wooden table

Condiments Can Spike Your Blood Sugar — Here Are 7 That Won’t

Ketchup and BBQ sauce can pack more added sugar than you'd think. Here are 7 condiments for blood sugar that bring flavor without the spike, from tangy vinegars to protein-rich Greek yogurt.

woman taking a supplement to reduce cortisol

6 Supplements That Might Help Lower Cortisol or Ease Stress — and What to Know Before Trying Them

Ashwagandha, magnesium, omega-3s, and more all claim to lower cortisol, but does the research back it up? Here's what six popular supplements to reduce cortisol can (and can't) do, plus the lifestyle habits that may matter more.

Two latte art coffees next to a berry-topped pancake, illustrating the coffee before or after breakfast question

Should You Drink Coffee Before or After Breakfast?

Coffee before or after breakfast: does the order really matter? Here's what the science actually says about energy, digestion, and blood sugar, plus how to keep your daily cup healthy either way.

a woman in the shower wonders if it would be better for her to shower in the morning or at night

Should You Shower in the Morning or at Night?

Is it better to shower in the morning or at night? It's an even split among Americans — and both camps have science on their side. Here's what each does for your body.

Using Cannabis for Stress Relief? Study Says It Might Backfire

Cannabis-Cortisol Connection: Frequent cannabis use may be linked to changes in the body’s natural stress response, according to new research from Oregon State University. The study found that people who frequently used cannabis had higher levels of cortisol — the hormone involved in regulating stress — when they first woke up than people who didn’t use cannabis. The Study: Researchers focused on the cortisol awakening response (CAR), a normal surge in cortisol that occurs shortly after waking and helps prepare the body for the demands of the day. Interestingly, the size of that cortisol increase was similar between cannabis users and nonusers. The difference was that frequent users started the morning with more cortisol already circulating in their bodies, and then still experienced the increase. Takeaway: Frequent cannabis use could disrupt the body’s natural stress response. Stress is also one of the most common reasons people report using cannabis, raising the possibility of a feedback loop in which cannabis use and stress regulation influence each other. Keep in Mind: The study does not prove that cannabis causes elevated cortisol, nor that elevated cortisol causes people to use cannabis. More long-term research is needed to understand the relationship. However, the findings […]

Why You Shouldn’t Make Your Bed First Thing

You Should Know: Making your bed may give you a sense of accomplishment and order to start the day, but there’s a case for leaving it unmade for a little while. Overnight, your body releases moisture through sweat and breathing (as much as 700 mL!), and immediately covering that damp bedding can create a warmer, more humid environment where dust mites thrive. Experts suggest pulling back the covers and letting your bed air out for 30 to 60 minutes before making it. Going Deeper: The gross-out factor may be bigger than the actual health threat. Dust mites are microscopic creatures found in many homes, and their droppings and body fragments can trigger allergies and asthma, but they don’t generally make healthy people sick. The bigger concern is for people who are sensitive to them, like those with severe allergies. Keeping indoor humidity below 50%, washing bedding weekly, and using allergen-proof mattress and pillow covers can help reduce exposure. Takeaway: You don’t have to choose between a tidy bedroom and a healthier sleep environment. Simply make your bed later — after you’ve showered, had coffee, or have otherwise given your bedding some time to breathe. Bottom Line: Making your bed isn’t […]

How to Get a Good Night’s Sleep on Hot Summer Nights

It’s a Hot One: The summer of 2026 is on track to be one of the hottest summers on record, per the NOAA. Most of the U.S. has a heat index forecast for August of at least 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Some parts of the U.S. are expected to fall into “extreme caution” and “danger” zones. If you live in an area where air conditioning isn’t the norm (hi, SoCal) you may have noticed that it’s hard to sleep in this heat. We’ve got a few tricks to help. How to Sleep Well in the Heat: Invest in sun-blocking drapes and keep them drawn in the afternoon to prevent your home from warming up too much before bedtime. Use fabrics like bamboo or linen for bedding — same for pajamas (we really like this brand). Consider stashing your pillowcase in the freezer for 15-20 minutes before bed (yes, it works!). And if you find yourself getting frustrated, don’t lie in bed and suffer. Try reading, coloring, or another low-stim activity until you feel sleepy again. The Benefits: Sleep deprivation, even a mild case, can lead to brain fog, low mood, irritability, memory problems, weakened immunity, and more. When you sleep well, […]