Health News Channel - Healthy Living

6 Habits You Should Quit for Better Brain Health, According to a Neuroscientist

Seemingly innocent everyday habits could be quietly harming your brain health. With these simple changes, you can help your mind stay sharp and resilient.

Our 9 Most Popular High-Fiber Dip Recipes

*Ali Redmond (photography, food & prop styling)*

When snack time hits, these dip recipes turn raw veggies, chips or pita into a fiber-filled bite. These picks are our most-clicked high-fiber dips, and every recipe below supplies a minimum of 3 grams of fiber per serving, thanks to ingredients like black beans, chickpeas and avocados. Whether you need a speedy weeknight snack or a crowd-pleasing party appetizer, dips like our Easy Black Bean Dip or our Lemon, Mint & White Bean Dip have you covered.

Save to MyRecipes

Love any of these recipes? Join MyRecipes to save, search and organize your EatingWell recipes all in one place. It’s free!

Easy Black Bean Dip

This creamy bean dip is great for a party or picnic. Smoked paprika and ground chipotles add a robust, earthy flavor, but you can also use regular paprika and cayenne if you don't have the other spices on hand.

View Recipe

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Dip

Photographer: Hannah Hufham, Food Stylist: Amanda Stanfield, Prop Stylist: Joshua Hoggle

With a focus on fiber-rich beans, vegetables and healthy fats, this creamy bean dip is suitable for those following the Mediterranean diet. Tangy sun-dried tomatoes add a pop of acidity and make this dip reminiscent of Marry Me Chicken. We use carrots, peppers, radishes and snap peas for dunking, but you can use your favorite crunchy veggies.

View Recipe

Avocado Hummus

This vibrant green hummus recipe couldn't be easier—just toss a few ingredients in the food processor and whir away! Aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) and avocado make this healthy dip extra smooth and creamy. Serve with veggie chips, pita chips or crudités.

View Recipe

Lemon, Mint & White Bean Dip

This quick, healthy dip is an easy appetizer or snack. If you don't have cannellini beans, chickpeas work just as well. Serve this tasty dip alongside veggies, crackers, pita or pretzels.

View Recipe

Spicy Eggplant Dip with Lime & Cilantro

Grilling the eggplant gives this dip a smoky flavor that's truly delicious. Serve it as chef Yia Vang does with balls of purple sticky rice for scooping up the dip or along with your choice of vegetables for dipping.

View Recipe

Classic Hummus

It's easy to make hummus at home with just a few pantry items. Serve drizzled with your best-quality extra-virgin olive oil and chopped parsley. Mop it up with warm whole-wheat pita bread or cut-up vegetables.

View Recipe

Brownie Batter Dip

This dessert dip features an unexpected protein- and fiber-rich ingredient: chickpeas. The chickpeas blend well with bittersweet chocolate to create a sweet bite. Try dipping apple slices, pretzels, strawberries or graham crackers in this chocolaty spread.

View Recipe

Black Bean Hummus

For a fun spin on hummus, swap in black beans for the traditional chickpeas. It's just as fiber-rich and filling, but with a taste that pairs well with tortilla chips and crisp bell peppers.

View Recipe

Southwestern Layered Bean Dip

Plenty of black beans, salsa and chopped fresh vegetables mean a healthy amount of dietary fiber in this Tex-Mex-inspired layered dip. We use reduced-fat sour cream along with full-fat (and full-flavored) cheese to make the dip lighter without compromising great taste. Be sure to have lots of baked tortilla chips on hand when you serve it.

View Recipe

We’ll Be Sipping This Whipped Blueberry Lemonade All Summer Long

This whipped blueberry lemonade whirls coconut milk, lemon-infused simple syrup and fresh blueberries together into one thirst-quenching beverage perfect for a hot summer day. Keep the extra simple syrup on hand to whip up another batch of lemonade, or combine it with lemon-flavored seltzer and a splash of vodka for a light cocktail. To keep this drink extra cool, serve it over ice cubes.

My Father-in-Law Is a Podiatrist, and His Favorite Sneaker Brands Might Surprise You

Some of his favorite styles are even on sale.

The 2-Ingredient Upgrade to Add Fiber and Protein to White Rice, According to a Dietitian

This viral rice dish is easy to make.

Our 18 Most-Saved Skillet Recipes of All Time (So Far)

When end-of-day dishes feel like a chore, these simple and delicious skillet recipes have your back. With everything coming together in one pan, you can enjoy a balanced mix of proteins, whole grains and fresh produce without all the dishes. These skillet recipes are the most saved by users on MyRecipes, our free tool that makes saving and organizing your favorite recipes a breeze. So, next time you want a stress-free dinner, try our Chicken & Spinach Skillet Pasta with Lemon & Parmesan or our One-Skillet Garlicky Salmon & Broccoli, and don’t forget to save your favorites!

Save to MyRecipes

Love any of these recipes? Join MyRecipes to save, search and organize your EatingWell recipes all in one place. It’s free!

Chicken & Spinach Skillet Pasta with Lemon & Parmesan

Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Natalie Ghazali

This chicken pasta combines lean chicken breast and sautéed spinach for a meal that’s garlicky, lemony and best served with a little Parm on top. I call it “Mom’s Skillet Pasta,” and she called it “Devon’s Favorite Pasta.” Either way, it’s a quick and easy weeknight dinner we created together and scribbled on a little recipe card more than a decade ago, and it remains in my weekly dinner rotation to this day. It’s a simple dinner the whole family will love.

View Recipe

Teriyaki Chicken Skillet Casserole with Broccoli

Photographer: Brie Goldman, Food Stylist: Lauren McAnelly, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco

Whip up this quick and easy teriyaki chicken casserole in just one skillet—it’s the perfect go-to recipe for hectic weeknights, sure to satisfy a crowd. It’s ideal for making use of any leftover chicken and rice you have on hand. If you’re short on leftovers, a rotisserie chicken paired with a package of microwaveable brown rice is a good substitute.

View Recipe

One-Skillet Garlicky Salmon & Broccoli

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey

This one-skillet salmon and broccoli recipe is the perfect 20-minute dinner for busy weeknights. This dish combines tender, flaky salmon with crisp, garlicky broccoli and bell pepper, all cooked in one pan for easy prep and cleanup. Packed with lean protein, omega-3s and a generous serving of veggies, this is one recipe you’ll want on repeat!

View Recipe

20-Minute Creamy Skillet Chicken with Corn, Tomato & Basil

This saucy 20-minute chicken recipe features fresh summer corn, tomatoes and basil. Serve this light and tangy quick dinner over pasta or brown rice.

View Recipe

High-Protein Ground Beef & Sweet Potato Skillet

Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Sammy Mila, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco

This ground beef and sweet potato skillet is a fast, hearty meal made with just five simple ingredients (not counting oil, salt and pepper) for a flavorful one-pan dinner. The sweet potatoes cook until tender, soaking up the savory flavors from the beef and veggies. With no complicated prep or cleanup, it’s a satisfying and stress-free option for any night of the week.

View Recipe

Orange Chicken & Broccoli Skillet

Photographer: Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood

This protein-packed orange chicken and broccoli skillet casserole is a vibrant dish that combines the sweet and zesty flavor of oranges with the savory richness of chicken thighs. Baked together with fresh, crisp broccoli and hearty brown rice, it’s a complete meal that’s both nutritious and easy to clean up.

View Recipe

White Bean Enchilada Skillet

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

This skillet recipe takes inspiration from classic enchiladas, featuring veggies, tortillas, white beans and a cheesy topping. Instead of rolling up the filling, the tortillas are baked right into the skillet for the perfect weeknight dinner. We love tangy green enchilada sauce here, but feel free to swap it out for red sauce if you prefer.

View Recipe

Skillet Spinach, Mushroom & Wild Rice Casserole

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

This wild rice and mushroom casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining hearty, wholesome ingredients with rich, savory flavors all in one skillet. The earthiness of the wild rice pairs beautifully with the meaty mushrooms, while fresh spinach adds a burst of color and nutrients. It’s the perfect balance of texture and taste—a cozy, one-pan meal that’s easy to make, which makes it even more comforting on those busy days!

View Recipe

Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Chicken Skillet

This creamy spinach-and-artichoke chicken skillet serves up the classic combo often reserved for dips, elevating it to main-dish status with the addition of quick-cooking chicken cutlets. It’s a one-pan wonder that comes together quickly, perfect for those busy nights when you crave something comforting yet sophisticated without spending hours in the kitchen. We prefer tender canned artichokes here, but be sure to give them a good rinse to wash away some of the sodium. Add some crushed red pepper to give this dish a little kick.

View Recipe

Creamy Balsamic Chicken & Mushroom Skillet

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

The sauce in this creamy balsamic chicken and mushroom skillet recipe strikes the perfect balance of acidity and sweetness. The shallots, garlic and thyme add aroma and flavor to the dish. Thin-cut chicken cutlets are key for getting dinner on the table quickly. If you can’t find chicken cutlets, make your own: Look for boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are about 8 ounces each. Slice them in half horizontally and pound to an even thickness.

View Recipe

Cheesy Chicken & White Bean Skillet

Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Lydia Pursell

This chicken and white bean skillet is so easy, creamy and cheesy you’ll want to eat it on repeat! With minimal prep and easy-to-find ingredients, it’s the perfect weeknight meal that’s sure to satisfy. Pepper Jack cheese and a jalapeño pepper add kick to the sauce. If you want to reduce the heat, swap out the pepper Jack for Monterey Jack and skip the jalapeño.

View Recipe

Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach

Photographer: Brie Goldman, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco

Quick-cooking chicken cutlets are coated in a garlic cream sauce, while spinach adds a boost of color and nutrition to this easy one-skillet recipe.

View Recipe

Ground Beef & Potatoes Skillet

In this healthy one-pan meal, ground beef and potatoes team up with colorful veggies, including kale, tomato and peppers. Everything is cooked in one skillet, which builds layers of flavor while also cutting back on the number of dishes.

View Recipe

Cheesy Black Bean & Quinoa Skillet Casserole

This Southwestern-inspired one-skillet casserole is stuffed with quinoa and plenty of fresh vegetables. Sharp Cheddar cheese flavors the filling and adds a layer of ooey-gooey melted cheese on top.

View Recipe

Chicken Enchilada Skillet Casserole

This simplified take on cheesy chicken enchiladas only requires one pan for cooking and eliminates the need to stuff and roll corn tortillas. Charring the veggies in a cast-iron skillet adds depth of flavor. Don't worry if you don't have one, because you can use any oven-safe skillet instead.

View Recipe

High-Protein Enchilada Skillet

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer

This black bean and tofu enchilada skillet is a one-pan meal packed with plant-based protein. Crumbled tofu soaks up the sauce, while corn tortillas soften into it for a rich, satisfying filling. Black beans provide protein and fiber, and a sprinkle of cheese on top adds melty goodness to every bite. Quick and nutritious, this skillet meal is perfect for your next weeknight dinner.

View Recipe

Skillet Lemon Chicken & Potatoes with Kale

Photographer: Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen

This easy one-pan skillet recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners. Juicy chicken thighs are cooked in the same pan as the potatoes and kale for minimal cleanup.

View Recipe

20-Minute Creamy Tomato Salmon Skillet

Photographer: Carson Downing, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco

Salmon fillets cook quickly and are coated with a delicious creamy sauce made with tomatoes, zucchini and Italian seasoning. This easy salmon dinner is sure to become a new weeknight favorite the whole family will love. The best news: You can get this meal on the table in 20 minutes flat.

View Recipe

Bobby Flay Just Shared the Recipe for His Vegas Restaurant's Top-Selling Pasta Dish—Make It Tonight

We need to make this seafood pasta ASAP.

Natalie Portman's Favorite Salad Is Just 4 Ingredients, and It's Perfect for Summer

And it’s perfect for summer, too.

The #1 Drink to Buy at Costco for Better Blood Sugar, According to a Dietitian

Reviewed by Dietitian Alyssa Pike, RDN

Key Points

Sparkling water tops the list at Costco as the best drink to help manage blood sugar.
Sparkling water is free of added sugar, offers hydration and is fun to drink.
Along with making smart drink choices, eating a balanced diet and staying active are key.

Staying hydrated is essential for overall health—and it can also support better blood sugar management. Costco has no shortage of drink options, but not all are created equal when it comes to keeping your blood sugar in check. While sweetened drinks like sodas, sweetened teas and energy drinks are fine occasionally, regularly consuming them is not advised due to their high sugar content. For a smarter sip, registered dietitians recommend opting for one of the many varieties of sparkling water on Costco’s shelves. “These drinks have no added sugar, carbohydrates or artificial sweeteners,” says Sara Prato, M.S., RDN, CSR. “Sparkling water is a fun, flavorful alternative to plain water that can make staying hydrated easier.” From San Pellegrino Sparkling Natural Mineral Water to Waterloo or LaCroix, you can take your pick when it comes to finding a sparkling water you love.

Why Sparkling Water Is the #1 Drink

Helps Avoid Excess Sugar

If you find yourself turning to sugary drinks such as soda on a regular basis, sparkling water can be a good alternative. “With the carbonation, it [sparkling water] can help you kick a soda habit,” says Emily Kean, M.B.A., RD, LD, CDCES. There’s a reason to switch to unsweetened beverages, as regularly drinking sugar-sweetened sodas can spell trouble for your blood sugar. Research shows that high-sugar beverages will spike blood glucose and potentially lead to insulin resistance and diabetes. Sparkling water offers a carbonated alternative that won’t spike your blood sugar.

Contributes to Hydration

A common misconception about sparkling water is that it doesn’t offer hydration in the same way as plain water. However, that’s not the case. A small study found that drinking carbonated beverages after exercise relieves post-exercise hypotension, which is often a sign of dehydration. Still, relying on sparkling water as a primary source of hydration may not be the ideal choice for many due to the potential for digestive discomfort and bloating.

Aids in Weight Management

Avoiding liquid calories, like those found in sugar-sweetened beverages, is an effective strategy for weight management. Sugar-sweetened beverages deliver a high amount of sugar and calories without promoting satiety, the feeling of fullness that helps you stop eating. Because these drinks do not contribute to feelings of satiety, it’s easy to underestimate how many calories and grams of sugar you consume in a single sitting. Sparkling water, on the other hand, offers zero calories and comes in a variety of flavors, making it a refreshing, weight-management alternative.

Fun to Drink

Let’s be honest, you’re unlikely to regularly drink a beverage you don’t enjoy. Thankfully sparkling water is fun to drink! It’s offered in so many flavors, with each brand putting their own twist on the drink. Blackberry lemonade, raspberry nectarine and strawberry peach are just a few options you’ll find at Costco. Plus, sparkling water makes for a great base for healthier mocktails, says Kean. For unflavored varieties, Kean recommends adding a squeeze of lemon or lime for extra flavor.

Strategies for Better Blood Sugar

Eat Balanced Meals

“Eat balanced meals and snacks by pairing carbohydrates with protein, healthy fats and fiber,” says Prato. This strategy can help to slow digestion, which means a slower rise in blood glucose while also helping to keep you full. “For example, try salmon with brown rice and broccoli, or a snack of apples and nuts,” says Prato.

Have a Schedule

“Staying consistent with meals and snacks is another key component to blood glucose regulation,” says Jennifer O’Donnell-Giles, M.S., RDN. Avoid skipping meals or prolonged periods of fasting. Having balanced snacks on hand can help you stay fueled while managing blood sugar levels.

Eat Plenty of Fiber

Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds are all great sources of fiber. Some fiber sources are higher in carbohydrates than others but some, like nonstarchy vegetables, can add volume to meals without causing a significant spike in blood sugar. “High-fiber foods (i.e., fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains) at every meal and snack will help to slow the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream,” says Giles.

Avoid Added Sugar

Reading nutrition labels and ingredient lists is an essential practice when managing blood sugar, particularly when it comes to added sugar. “Hidden sugars can show up in snacks, sauces and drinks,” says Elizabeth Walker, M.S., RDN. “Look for options with minimal added sugar (ideally under 6 grams per serving) and be mindful of portion sizes.”

Get Moving

“A short walk or some light exercise after meals can help lower blood sugar naturally,” says Prato. Official recommendations for adults are to exercise at least two and a half hours per week, a number that only a quarter of the American population meets regularly., If you can’t get out for a walk because you’re at your desk for most of the day, Kean recommends trying squats. “Since squats use your major muscle groups—quads and glutes—they can help lower blood sugar,” says Kean.

Our Expert Take

If you’re looking for the best blood-sugar friendly beverages at Costco, sparkling water tops the list. It’s not only free of added sugar, it also offers hydration and is fun to drink. Plus, switching to zero-calorie beverages can help with weight management over the long term. Managing your blood sugar isn’t just about what you drink. It also requires prioritizing fiber-rich foods and balanced meals that incorporate a mix of carbohydrates, fat and protein. “Start small and be patient. Even little changes add up over time,” says Prato. Focusing on the foods on your plate, as well as prioritizing movement, will go a long way in managing your blood glucose levels.

8 Foods You Should Never Put in the Microwave

Unless you want a mess in the kitchen, be careful what you heat up.

Sheet-Pan Lemon-Garlic Cod with Roasted Vegetables Is Packed with 36 Grams of Protein

This sheet-pan cod and vegetables recipe is a simple, flavorful meal where everything cooks together on one pan for easy cleanup. The cod is nestled in a foil packet, so the herbed butter and juices keep the fish tender and moist while the vegetables roast beautifully.

Page 2 of 9