The people's voice of reason
The people's voice of reason
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From E. coli traced to slivered onions on McDonald's Quarter Pounders to mass recalls of frozen waffles due to listeria risk, foodborne illness seems ever-present in the headlines. According to the Food & Drug Administration, foodborne illness affects 1 in 6 Americans every year—that's 48 million cases annually. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that Americans' risk of getting sick from foodborne germs is back to pre-pandemic levels, making foodborne illness a signif...
When you're on a weight loss journey, it's natural to seek tips and tricks to help reach your goals. From fad diets to weight loss "hacks," it can be tempting to try the latest trend, like the so-called "coffee loophole for weight loss." But does this method truly hold the key to shedding pounds? Ro dives into the science and explores the truth behind the seven-second weight loss coffee loophole. Key Takeaways - The "coffee loophole" for weight loss is a trend that suggests drinking coffee...
As 2024 draws to a close and the new year approaches, Instacart shares its anticipated food and grocery trends for 2025. To develop this forecast, Instacart analyzed its purchase data from 2024 to uncover standout insights about how people filled their carts (and kitchens) with items that trended across pop culture and social media over the past year. The data revealed these key insights: - Health and wellness are continuing to influence people's grocery purchasing decisions. - Cooking and bakin...
As the holiday season kicks into high gear, people are filled with excitement to see family and friends, and kitchens begin to buzz with the familiar aroma of festive dishes. According to a recent Instacart survey of over 2,000 U.S. adults by The Harris Poll, 88% are gearing up to cook festive meals for occasions like Christmas, Hanukkah, or New Year's Eve. This report explores the food and drink trends surrounding Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year's using Instacart purchase data from the 2023...
Regardless of how you celebrate end-of-year holidays, food is probably central to your winter festivities. And a trio of spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger—feature in many dishes and drinks and are an unmistakable part of the scent profile many associate with the holiday season. How did these spices, grown in the tropics, became so closely associated with the Northern Hemisphere's winter holidays?Just as cranberries' fall harvest makes them a natural choice for Thanksgiving, it's natural to...
Welcome to the holidays—and with it, the holiday rush. A third of Americans plan to travel to catch the Yuletide cheer this year, according to a September 2024 Civic Science survey. To manage the surge, airports are speeding up their adoption of passenger-focused technologies. The global smart airports market, valued at $18.2 billion in 2023, is projected to reach $40.4 billion by 2030, according to Research and Markets. U.S. airports are investing heavily in automated solutions to address l...
We're hard-wired to connect over food. In ancient Greece, revelers gathered at "symposiums" to eat, drink, and philosophize or recite poetry. The Romans also often feasted together, and the rules and rituals they developed in antiquity set the precedent for the modern-day dinner party. From grandiose Victorian affairs with multiple courses and lush decorations that flaunt one's social status to the "hostess with the mostest" trend in 1950s America, dinner parties often come with strict rules...
Traditions are a big part of what makes the holidays special, from decorating the tree to rewatching your favorite Christmas movies. But have you ever considered leveling up the holiday season by enjoying the foods featured in those iconic films? If this sounds like a fun way to spice up the season, you may be wondering which Christmas movie foods are the healthiest—especially if you're on a weight loss journey. Around 35–64% of people try to lose weight during the holiday season, and that sta...
When it comes to weight loss, people often talk about foods you should avoid or limit. But what about the items you should eat more of? If you're looking to lose weight, focusing on high-fiber foods for weight loss is a great place to start. Here, Ro explores the relationship between fiber and weight loss, six high-fiber foods for weight loss, and how incorporating these items into your diet can support your goals. How does fiber help with weight loss? There are two types of fiber: Soluble fiber...
At Thanksgiving dinner, lucky families will avoid impassioned discussions about religion and politics. But another argument is almost inevitable: white meat versus dark meat. Light meat lovers claim dark meat is greasy; dark meat devotees complain that light meat is dry and lacks flavor. Few meat eaters are ambivalent on the matter. But why do these different types of meat exist, and what underlies these differences? It comes down to the metabolic and functional differences between various...
Everyone knows fast food isn't the healthiest option, especially if you're watching your weight. But Chipotle stands out as a quick and healthy choice. The fast-casual chain offers a wide variety of fresh ingredients and customizable meals that make it easy to keep calories in check. Thanks to the array of protein, veggie, and grain options, there are dozens of low-calorie, high-protein, high-fiber meal combinations—exactly what to aim for to lose weight. Protein and fiber are the c...
Let's be honest, the best part about Thanksgiving is the side dishes. Unfortunately, that's also where the bulk of the calories are. Research shows that the average American eats at least 3,000 calories at Thanksgiving dinner. Depending on age and sex, the daily recommended intake ranges between 1,800 and 2,800 calories for an entire day. And while there's nothing wrong with indulging a bit on a holiday (everything in moderation!), navigating all the options can feel like a minefield for those...
Ah, Thanksgiving: a time to gather 'round with friends and family, reflect on what we're grateful for, and, of course, eat. Thanksgiving is a holiday centered around food. That makes it tough to navigate when you're trying to lose weight. And if you're one of the nearly 1 in 10 adults taking a GLP-1 medication like Wegovy (semaglutide) or Zepbound (tirzepatide) to lose weight, the stakes can feel even higher. GLP-1 medications are intended to be used with a reduced-calorie diet, and...
As the air turns crisp and the anticipation of holiday gatherings begins, it's time to rediscover the foods and festivities that define the season. According to a recent Instacart survey of over 2,000 U.S. adults by The Harris Poll, a hearty 89% plan to celebrate Thanksgiving. This report explores the trends surrounding Thanksgiving using Instacart purchase data from the 2023 holiday season as well as a recent Harris Poll survey. The festive findings include the most and least popular...
November 25, 2024–Momma's cornbread dressing was a staple of the holidays at our house. It was never "stuffing"-cooking anything to eat other than giblets inside a turkey is just weird and never comes out right-but was always beside the turkey, next to the giblet gravy but before the ham and casseroles. Here's my Momma's recipe, from cornbread through dressing. I've also put a quick way to fake giblet gravy at the end, for those of you who've never mastered the Art of Gravy. Cornbread dressing b...
The holiday season is the perfect time of year to enjoy a cup of coffee, whether you're settling into a coffee shop armchair and catching up with friends, or pulling into a drive-thru for a quick reprieve while running errands. Fast food restaurants have pulled out the stops when it comes to winter-inspired flavors this year. Hers looked at the largest U.S. fast-food chains with exclusive holiday drink menus and ranked them from "healthiest" to least healthy. There's quite a range when it comes...
From field to fork: how America's farming revolution affects your plate and wallet In an era of rapid technological advancement and environmental change, American agriculture is undergoing a revolution that reaches far beyond the farm gate. From the food on consumer plates to the economic health of rural communities, the transformation of U.S. farming practices is reshaping the nation's landscape in ways both visible and hidden. LandTrust explores how these changes impact everyone, whether they...
Spooky season has arrived, and whether you dress in costume with full abandon or turn off the porch lights first thing on Halloween night, there's one thing that's unavoidable this time of year: candy. In fact, the National Retail Federation estimates that consumers will spend $3.5 billion on candy in 2024. There's candy sitting out in the office breakroom, every grocery store end cap, and in your kid's trick-or-treat bag (will they really notice if you grab a few fun size bars for yourself?). I...
The American breakfast is rooted in both tradition and innovation. Throughout the 1800s, many Americans ate high-protein breakfasts like bacon and eggs. Later, as the industrial revolution led to less physically demanding work, lower-calorie breakfasts became all the rage. But as these meals mostly took place at home, decades would pass before breakfast became a staple on restaurant menus. In the mid-20th century, spots like The Original Pancake House began catering specifically to the morning...
Similar to fashion trends and cultural entertainment, like film cameras or pedal pushers, food trends can also ebb and flow depending on Americans' ever-changing tastes, interests, and technological advancements only to fall out of favor. Cottage cheese was once a popular snack food in America (in the 1970s, the average American ate nearly 5 pounds of cottage cheese according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture). Consumption declined in the 1980s due to the popularity of yogurt—only to s...
Where you live may influence your eating and health habits more than you think. Do you savor every meal or squeeze in a sandwich during your commute? Are you more likely to indulge in comfort foods while watching your favorite show or try new foods dining out with friends? Personality plays a part, but a 2024 Hims study shows regionality may also play a significant role in eating behavior. Hims compares America's most anxious, automatic, enthusiastic, escapist, and uplifting foodie capitals....
It's finally here: The largest national fast food restaurants have released their fall coffee menus for 2024! You're not just limited to pumpkin spice lattes this year—there are all kinds of apple, almond, and chai-inspired concoctions to choose from. While a coffee drink may seem like a quick, low-calorie treat, many are more like desserts when it comes to nutritional value. That's why Hers took a look at the data for the top five U.S. fast food chains by revenue that serve fall-exclusive c...
This year, the beginning of October marks when Jews all over the world start getting ready for the High Holidays: the Jewish New Year of Rosh Hashana Oct. 2 followed on Oct. 11 by the Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur. Rabbis are polishing their sermons for one of the few times they can be confident of a large congregation ready to hear what they have to say. Cantors, who lead congregants in worship, are practicing the special "nusach," melodies used during the High Holidays for prayers. Choir...
Here's my guaranteed no-fail pumpkin cheesecake recipe: -go to Costco -buy a pumpkin cheesecake -serve slathered in whipped cream to cover up the pumpkin taste No, I'm not a fan of pumpkin. I like the seeds, but pie? No. Pumpkin pie spiced latte? Seriously? Do I look like a man bun-wearing hipster soy boy? I think not! For some reason I can't begin to fathom, pumpkin pie spice has become the official flavor of fall. So, to help you celebrate, here's a recipe to make your own Fall Spice Mix, and...
Over the past two decades, ultra-processed foods have grown to make up a majority of Americans' daily calorie intake, and a growing body of research suggests these cheaper eats could be costing us our lives. Top Nutrition Coaching analyzed resources from UCLA Health, Harvard's T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins Medicine, and academic studies to break down the less savory side of the highly processed foods in grocery stores. An early study that analyzed more than 9,000 people's...
