These tiny packages pack a nutritional punch-so much so that the advisory committee for the 2025 U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommended upping the daily serving size of legumes and promoting them as a protein source over meat and seafood. Navy beans, for example, are especially fiber-dense, and lentils are protein powerhouses.
When I lived in a big city, I used to love treating myself to lunches at trendy salad spots. Tasty as these take-out meals were, they were terrible for my wallet, and I didn't have full visibility into or control over the ingredients that went into them. I've since turned into an avid meal-prepper and make my own lunch - almost always a fiber- and protein-packed grain bowl - for a fraction of the price.
Featuring a menu brimming with black bean and avocado-forward foods, Taco Bell has always been a frontrunner among the best fast food chains for vegetarians, but its animal protein-based dishes are particularly rich in fiber, too. For example, at minimum, menu items like the chicken soft taco have at least one gram of fiber. The dish with the highest amount of fiber, the beef nachos bell grande, has about 13 grams.
Fiber comes in two forms - soluble and insoluble. The former helps to regulate blood sugar levels in in the body, while the latter promotes healthy digestion by keeping food moving through the gut. Many fruits contain both types of fiber, so incorporating them into your snacks, breakfast bowls, and desserts comes with significant benefits.
Late-night snacking has had a bad rap for a long time. When pop culture takes a stab at this (very) human thing, it often portrays the scene as pernicious or, at best, distasteful. Combine that with regular condemnation by diet culture and accusatory media headlines that frame after-dinner eating as a moral failing, and it's easy to see why most of us want to steer clear.
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans aim to translate the most up-to-date nutrition science into practical advice for the public as well as to guide federal policy for programs such as school lunches. But the newest version of the guidelines, released on Jan. 7, 2026, seems to be spurring more confusion than clarity about what people should be eating. The latest dietary guidelines, published on Jan. 7, 2026, have received mixed reviews from nutrition experts.
By choosing ingredients like eggs, which are easy to use and versatile, you can make healthy living fit into your life at the breakfast table as part of a balanced diet. For example, these egg-inspired recipes are part of the American Heart Association's Healthy for Good Eat Smart initiative, nationally supported by Eggland's Best. In addition to the social and emotional benefits of dining together, shared family meals can help promote healthier choices at the table.
Barley, the grain that is featured in this dish, is one of our most nutritious grains; it contributes protein, thiamine and niacin. Barley also is a rich source of dietary fiber. For a vegan rendition, use vegan yogurt and maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing and use olive oil instead of butter when sauteing the mushrooms. The dish is a main course salad and should be served at room temperature.
Rachel Swanson, a registered dietitian at LifeSpan Medicine and author of "Trying!: A Science-Backed Plan to Optimize Your Fertility," splits her time between New York City and Miami, spending about half the year in each. She also takes small-group workout classes three times a week, focusing on strength training. She says eating enough nutrients, especially protein for muscle-building, is crucial for her. She generally aims for around 0.7 grams of protein per pound of body weight, the protein intake usually recommended for physically active people.
Whole wheat soda bread is actually a quite healthy bread when made authentically. It is a good source of whole grains as well as fiber and some protein. If the word "bread" intimates you - fear not, friends. No kneading, proofing, or bread-baking experience required. Enjoy it fresh out of the oven, whether as a satisfying breakfast toast, a hearty side for soups, or a nutritious snack with your favorite topping. Healthy, easy, and irresistibly flavorful, this brown soda bread will quickly become a staple
Dates grow on date palm trees in tropical regions, and while they can be eaten fresh, you're much more likely to find them dried. There are many different varieties of dates, with Medjool and Deglet Noor being the types you likely know from your grocery store. Dates are soft and chewy with a flavor profile like caramel and brown sugar; they're often compared to candy, which may explain why their nutritious qualities are overlooked.
The ad leans into the truth about Raisin Bran that, for decades, it tried to obscure with messaging about its plentiful raisin content: This cereal makes you poop. I'll admit: I laughed. I can't deny a good poop joke, and its frankness about the reason some people enjoy bran cereal reminded me of my favorite SNL sketches for " Colon Blow" cereal.
Diet culture norms have led to a multibillion-dollar industry promoting diets that each come with their own set of rules, with each claiming it's the only way to be healthy or lose weight. When access to nutrition information is at an all-time high online, people are often left digging through conflicting information when trying to figure out what to eat or what a healthy diet look likes.
While I love a good cocktail, on a regular basis you'll find me drinking lighter options like sparkling water or tea. After helping my husband Alex kick his soda habit years ago, we began to discover drinks that actually make you feel energized and balanced, from cucumber-infused waters to homemade herbal teas. What's great about switching to healthier beverages is you don't have to sacrifice flavor.
Most of us are just trying to get through Tuesday without losing a hockey skate or being late to guitar practice - again. Eating healthier as a family is totally somewhere on the to-do list, but there's simply no time to overhaul the pantry or batch-cook for six hours on a Sunday just to make it happen. Sundays are already scary enough.
Sometimes all you need is to curl up on the couch with a big bowl of pasta, wearing an old sweatshirt that can handle a little tomato-sauce splatter. After all, it's comfort food with a heavy emphasis on the comfort - all carbs and sauce and warm, full feelings. But what if you could get that same satisfaction with the added benefit of a little protein boost with just one easy swap? All you have to do is reach for a box of edamame pasta.