AHA News: Eating Mindfully Through the Holidays - and All Year

WEDNESDAY, Nov. 20, 2019 (American Heart Association News) -- Slow down before plowing through the holiday hors d'oeuvres or finishing off that overfilled plate of comfort food. An approach called mindful eating could just help you enjoy it even more and increase well-being.

Paying close attention to food and how it makes your body feel also can help you make better decisions about what, why and the amount to eat.

Could More Coffee Bring a Healthier Microbiome?

MONDAY, Oct. 28, 2019 -- Debating whether or not you should have that second cup of coffee?

New research that links caffeine consumption to a healthy gut microbiome -- the trillions of microorganisms that live in your digestive tract and affect your overall health-- may prompt you to pour generously.

AHA News: Meat Alternatives Have Gone Mainstream, But How Can They Fit in Your Diet?

WEDNESDAY, Sept. 25, 2019 (American Heart Association News) -- By almost any measure, meat alternatives are rapidly gaining in popularity.

The explosion of innovation in plant-based meat alternatives is evident along grocery store aisles and on restaurant menus – and the products aren't only for vegetarians and vegans. Nielsen data show 98% of people who buy meat alternatives also buy meat.

Are You Eating More Calories Than You Think?

TUESDAY, Oct. 15, 2019 -- You've worked hard to curb mindless eating by not watching TV with a bag of chips in your lap, and you log everything you do eat in your smartphone app. But you could still be taking in more calories than you realize.

The fact is that throughout each day, you're bombarded by sneaky sources of extra calories that never get recorded in that journal of yours. And the result could sabotage your weight-loss diet or add unwanted weight. For instance, your office could be a diet war zone if bowls of candy sit on every other desk. That nibbling adds up, so swear off these caloric pit stops. The same goes for the lollipop bowl at your bank or dry cleaners.

Americans Are Still Eating Too Many 'Bad' Carbs

TUESDAY, Sept. 24, 2019 -- Decades into the obesity epidemic, Americans are still eating far too much sugar, starch and saturated fat, a new report claims.

Since 1999, Americans have cut down a bit on "low-quality" carbs, like heavily processed grains and snack foods with added sugar. But that amounts to only a 3% drop overall, the researchers found.