Americans weary of our ultra-processed diet often yearn for something closer to the Mediterranean approach. Europeans visiting for the World Cup, apparently, have developed a different craving: the American diet. Or at least one of its condiments.
The Trend: Perhaps you’ve seen the latest weight-loss hack, affectionately called “nature’s Ozempic,” making the rounds on social media. In wellness spaces, people are now sprinkling unflavored gelatin into warm water and drinking it before meals because it supposedly makes you feel fuller faster and eat less. Proponents say it physically expands in your stomach and takes up space, signaling to your brain that you’re already getting full. The pitch is that it works as a cheap, accessible alternative to GLP-1 medications.
What People Are Saying: Experts say the Ozempic comparison is pretty misleading. Gelatin is a protein derived from collagen, and like other proteins, it may slow gastric emptying and temporarily curb hunger. The problem is that gelatin is an incomplete protein missing several essential amino acids, so it won’t keep you as full as a balanced meal would. There’s also very limited evidence that it produces any sustained weight loss on its own.
What To Know: Moderate gelatin consumption is safe for the most part, but some people may experience bloating or digestive discomfort. Using it as a meal replacement can also crowd out the nutrients your body actually needs.
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The Cutting Board Swap Worth Considering
Courtesy: Made In
Most clean-cooking conversations focus on pans. But there’s another kitchen staple worth looking at: the cutting board.
Plastic boards have come under scrutiny because chopping can release tiny plastic particles into food. Wood has its own trade-offs, from extra upkeep to moisture and odor absorption. Made In’s Paper Composite Cutting Board Set is designed as a practical third option: non-plastic, nonporous, dishwasher safe, and made from Richlite, a paper composite material originally built for demanding kitchen environments.
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Beauty
Do Beards Really Harbor More Germs Than Bare Skin?
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You Should Know: Depending on your preference, beards fall into either a “love them” or “leave them” category. Either way, there’s a common perception that beards are less hygienic than a clean-shaven face. But is that really true?
Going Deeper: Beards can create a particularly hospitable environment for bacteria to thrive, as moisture, oils, and food particles tend to linger longer in beards than on bare skin. Hair also holds in warmth, which helps bacteria grow. Some studies have found more bacteria in beards than on toilet seats and in dog fur. Other research has refuted this, finding no more bacteria in beards than elsewhere. While beards may carry certain infections, including impetigo, other research found masked surgeons with beards were no more likely to transmit infections than non-bearded ones.
Takeaway: Everything has bacteria in or on it, including our skin and hair — some naturally present and some introduced when we eat, drink, and touch our face or hair with our fingers. Experts say as long as beards are kept clean, there’s no real danger.
Bottom Line: Beards aren’t inherently unhygienic — they just need regular care. Washing your beard and the skin underneath helps remove buildup, while trimming and combing can help keep it healthy and manageable.
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Nutrition
One Simple Food Swap Could Improve Your Health
Michael T/Unsplash
Smart Swaps: You’ve heard about “good fats” and “bad fats.” New research helps explain those monikers by looking at what these fats actually do inside our cells — and the difference may be especially important for people concerned about type 2 diabetes.
The Study: In a new review published in Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism, researchers examined how two common dietary fats affect the body: palmitic acid (a saturated fat found in foods like butter, red meat, palm oil, and many ultra-processed foods) and oleic acid (the heart-healthy fat abundant in olive oil and avocados). They found that palmitic acid may contribute to insulin resistance by promoting inflammation, disrupting normal cell function, and increasing the buildup of harmful fat molecules. Oleic acid appears to do the opposite, supporting healthy insulin signaling and potentially offsetting some of palmitic acid’s harmful effects.
Takeaway: The study reinforces the message that swapping saturated fats for unsaturated fats, like using olive oil instead of butter or choosing nuts over processed snacks, supports long-term metabolic health.
Keep in Mind: This doesn’t mean saturated fat must be eliminated (the verdict is still out on how harmful, or not, saturated fats are) but it doesadd to the evidence that prioritizing healthier fats is a smart strategy for reducing diabetes risk.
Hidden Gem? — Could this mineral really boost fertility?
Afternoon Dip — Your salad could be causing a post-lunch slump.
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What We're Cooking
Smoky Shrimp with Lemony Orzo, Green Olives & Feta
Courtesy: Food52
Serves: 4-6 | Cook Time: 30 minutes
Lemony orzo comes together with lightly charred shrimp in this simple yet flavor-packed summer dinner. Fresh oregano, thyme, and green onions add a bright, herby finish, while crumbled feta brings creamy richness. Green olives lend a Mediterranean flair, making this a light, protein-packed meal that’s perfect for a summer gathering or easy weeknight dinner.
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This, Not That
Microwave In Case of Emergency
THIS
NOT THAT
S laiba Ali/Unsplash, Getty/Unsplash
This: One frozen backup meal Not That: Emergency takeout by default
Keep one genuinely decent frozen meal, soup, chili, or batch-cooked dinner on standby. Not every night needs to be fresh and aspirational; sometimes the healthiest option is the one that saves you from chaos.
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Sponsored
Is This a Part of Your Wellness Routine?
Therapy is starting to look less like a big, intimidating step and more like something people can actually fit into real life.
Talkspace makes that easier by matching you with a licensed therapist online, with sessions available by video, audio, or messaging. It’s a more flexible way to get support for stress, relationships, burnout, or whatever’s been taking up too much mental space.
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HEALTHY HABIT
Do the Two-Song Tidy
Put on two songs and clean until they’re over. It keeps the task contained, gives you a clear stopping point, and usually makes a bigger dent than you expect.
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Final Thought
If you are distressed by anything external, the pain is not due to the thing itself, but to your estimate of it.”
