Originally written for The Washington Post, January 19, 2019 Imagine yourself exercising: running, hiking, dancing, lifting weights — whatever you like to do. Picture yourself pushing to a maximum intensity. Now, ask yourself: Are you breathing out of your nose or mouth? If you are like most exercisers, you breathe through your mouth, especially as the … Read more →

Originally written for The Washington Post, December 26, 2018 This is the season for reflections and resolutions. It will be immediately followed by the season for failure and frustration. That’s because people who make health-related New Year’s resolutions also make a big mistake: They look at them as an issue of willpower rather than ability. A … Read more →

Originally written for The Washington Post, November 13, 2018 Fall is here, with its delicious foods and flavors. Cinnamon, apple varieties, Brussels sprouts, beets, potatoes, turnips and parsnips will be abundant on tables and trending in recipes. And the star of many a produce stand will be a colorful assortment of winter squash — including butternut, … Read more →

Originally written for The Washington Post, October 1, 2018 Fasting is an ancient practice sparking new interest in both pop and scientific culture. Entrepreneurs, venture capitalists and a variety of celebrities have extolled its virtues in helping them lose weight, while medical experts are intrigued by the possibility that it may enhance cognitive functioning and longevity … Read more →

Originally written for The Washington Post, August 21, 2018 There seems to always be a mad dash toward the next new thing when it comes to nutrition and fitness — whether it’s the latest exercise craze, superfood or diet regimen. But leaping from fad to fad isn’t exactly a well-reasoned strategy for improving our health. Nor … Read more →

Originally written for The Washington Post, July 17, 2018 For something that’s been discussed as far back as Aristotle, there is still a lot that’s unknown about menopause. But new research is shedding light on how women can better manage this often-unsettling time in their lives. Although the average age for natural menopause (365 days without … Read more →

Originally written for The Washington Post, April 25, 2018 Recent Swedish research about diabetes could change how we think about the disease. The large, long-term study shows that individuals may be able to predict their risk of diabetes 20 years before it develops. Such advance warnings may help people prevent the disease altogether. The study, published … Read more →

Originally written for The Washington Post, April 2, 2018 When you’re trying to lose weight, it’s easy to assume that as the number on the scale goes down, other issues associated with weight will be resolved. For example, if weight gain was due to overeating, as it often is, it’s understandable to expect that hunger … Read more →

Originally written for The Washington Post, February 13, 2018 High blood pressure has received a good amount of press in recent months. New guidelines have lowered the definition of hypertension to a blood pressure of130/80 instead of 140/90. In addition, the DASH diet, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, a well-studied, evidence-based plan, continues to be effective decades after … Read more →

Originally written for The Washington Post, January 10, 2018. If you think about a food you love, it’s often the fat, sugar, and/or salt that is the ingredient you really enjoy eating. Think about common favorite comfort foods such as fries, pizza, ice cream, doughnuts, or popcorn, and you’ll find it will come back to … Read more →