Latest news with #healthyhabits


Medscape
a day ago
- Health
- Medscape
Are Preschoolers in the US Meeting Healthy Behavior Goals?
TOPLINE: Only about 20% of preschoolers in the US followed five to six healthy habits, with clear differences by socioeconomic factors and geographic location. Children who lived in homes with enough food, had safe neighborhoods, had parents with excellent or very good mental health, and often ate meals with their families were more likely to have healthy behaviors. METHODOLOGY: Researchers analyzed data from the 2021 and 2022 National Survey of Children's Health to assess factors related to healthy behavior among children aged 3-5 years in the US. A total of 23,123 children were included in the analysis, with data collected through parent or caregiver reports. Six healthy behaviors were examined: daily consumption of fruits, daily consumption of vegetables, no sugary drinks, frequent outdoor play, limited screen time, and adequate sleep. Logistic regression modeling was used to assess relationships between healthy behaviors and various characteristics of the child, family, and community. TAKEAWAY: The prevalence of healthy behaviors among preschoolers varied, with 32.4% not consuming sugary drinks and 65.3% consuming fruit daily. Only 20.3% of preschoolers engaged in five to six healthy behaviors. Black non-Hispanic, Hispanic, and Asian non-Hispanic children were less likely to engage in five to six healthy behaviors than White non-Hispanic children (adjusted prevalence rate ratio [aPRR], 0.38, 0.57, and 0.64, respectively; P < .05 for all). Children aged 3 years were more likely to engage in five to six healthy behaviors than those aged 5 years. Engagement in five to six healthy behaviors was more likely among children with parents with excellent or very good mental health (aPRR, 1.30), those living in safe neighborhoods (aPRR, 1.17), those living in homes with enough food (aPRR, 1.35), and those who ate meals with their families 4 or more days a week (aPRR, 1.70; P < .05 for all). State-level variations were substantial, with Vermont having the highest adjusted prevalence of preschoolers engaging in five to six healthy behaviors (36.2%) and Mississippi, the lowest (8.3%). IN PRACTICE: 'Study findings underscore the importance of the family context and the challenges families experience in supporting children's engagement in HBs [healthy behaviors], with fewer than half of preschoolers having no sugary beverages, limited screen time, or eating vegetables daily,' wrote the authors of the study. 'There are opportunities to promote healthy living among children across multiple domains of influence, including direct counseling, screening, and referral to community resources to meet basic needs, and supporting family-focused policies and programs,' they added. SOURCE: The study was led by Julie F. Donney, PhD, of the Office of Epidemiology and Research at the Maternal and Child Health Bureau, Health Resources and Services Administration in Rockville, Maryland. It was published online on July 14, 2025, in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. LIMITATIONS: The design of the study made it difficult to determine if healthy behaviors were caused by certain factors. The link between family or community factors and healthy behaviors may be affected by unmeasured variables such as parenting styles or seasonal changes. Different definitions of healthy behaviors were not examined. DISCLOSURES: This study did not receive any specific funding. The authors declared having no conflicts of interest. This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication.
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
The #1 Habit You Should Start to Lose Weight, According to a Dietitian
The #1 habit you should start to lose weight is to eat before you get ravenous. Extreme hunger can lead to overeating of not-so-healthy foods. Prioritizing protein, eating more frequently and a balanced diet can help keep you from getting too weight can be tough, and all the confusing weight-loss advice online makes it even more difficult. Many extreme diets promise quick results, but they are also incredibly restrictive, and although social media may tell you otherwise, weight loss doesn't come down to one small change. Many habits and behavior changes over time factor into long-term weight-loss success. After following a weight-loss plan for a few days, you may find yourself extremely hungry and probably miserable. Although calories factor into weight loss (you need a calorie deficit), the key to losing weight is to avoid getting too hungry. As a matter of fact, the No. 1 habit to lose weight is to eat before you are ravenous. In this article, you'll learn why that's the case and other tips for eating for weight loss. One habit to start for successful weight loss is learning to eat before you're ravenous. We've all been there—you got wrapped up in a task, or you were out longer than expected, and you didn't have time to eat. Now you ransack the fridge and eat a spoonful of peanut butter, a handful of chips, a cookie and anything else you can get your hands on. Hundreds of calories later, you probably still don't feel satisfied. When you're overly hungry, it's easy to reach for any food that sounds good. Extreme hunger can be a recipe for overeating and possibly even bingeing to satisfy hunger. Because it takes time for the brain to tell your stomach it's full, eating when you're super hungry may cause you to eat too much. And if you think you can control hunger for the end goal of losing weight, think again. Research shows that skipping breakfast or dinner may increase the risk of overweight or obesity. The following tips can help you better accomplish the #1 habit of not letting yourself get too ravenous. There is much scientific research surrounding meal regularity and weight loss. Eating frequently and sufficiently has been shown to help with weight loss. For example, one study found that setting and sticking to a specific time for breakfast, lunch and dinner may boost weight-loss success. It also found that eating the same amount of calories at each meal may also benefit weight loss. The study authors do not hypothesize the cause of this success. However, the results showcase the power of eating regular, consistent meals for weight management. If eating at the same time every day doesn't work for your lifestyle, try eating every three to four hours, whether that's a meal or snack. This window will allow you enough time to digest your food but prevent you from going so long between meals that you're ravenous. If you struggle with distractions, set a timer on your phone until eating every few hours becomes second nature. Not only does protein contribute to muscle growth, it may also aid in weight loss. Eating protein keeps you full, which is a key component of controlling hunger. A multitude of research shows the link between protein consumption and weight-loss success. Eating plenty of protein can help not only decrease body weight, but also preserve calorie-burning muscle tissue. Protein also increases hormones that signal satiety while lowering hormones that induce hunger, so getting enough protein may reduce food intake over time. Make sure you eat protein at every meal and snack to keep you full between meals. Many people skimp on protein at breakfast and snacks. If you don't always eat enough protein throughout the day, high-protein smoothies and protein balls can help you get more of this satisfying nutrient. Although you may think you need to drastically reduce carbs or fat to lose weight, research shows that may not be the case. Studies suggest the most important aspect of losing weight is choosing a balanced, healthy eating plan that works with your food preferences. Although low-carbohydrate diets work for some people, they may be difficult to maintain for a long period of time. Plus, carbohydrate-rich foods, like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans and legumes, supply fiber, which keeps you full and may therefore help with weight loss. Eat meals that have a balance of whole-food carbohydrates and lean proteins, with a dash of healthy fats. If weight loss is a goal, start eating more frequently throughout the day. Try not to let yourself get too hungry, and eat before you're ravenous. This prevents the out-of-control feeling around food and allows you to eat smaller portions more frequently. In addition, prioritizing protein and eating well-balanced meals can help you lose weight and keep it off. Read the original article on EATINGWELL


Health Line
02-07-2025
- Health
- Health Line
How to Create a Healthy Kitchen for Weight Management
Key takeaways Your kitchen setup can play a key role in supporting weight management. Simple tweaks, like swapping refined grains for whole grains and using storage containers for meal prep, can make balanced eating easier. Weight loss programs such as Noom may also help support sustainable, long-term changes and encourage healthy habits at home. When it comes to managing your weight, your kitchen can either set you up for success or work against you. In fact, building a healthy relationship with food often starts right at home with the ingredients you stock up on, the appliances you have to hand, and the habits you create around mealtimes. Let's get one thing super clear, though — this isn't about counting every crumb or cutting out entire food groups. That restrictive mindset belongs way back in the noughties and is firmly where it should stay. Rather, it's about creating a space that encourages balance, satisfaction, and consistency. From smart swaps to simple meal prep tips, we've got plenty of ideas to help you set up a kitchen that truly supports your goals. Game-changing kitchen gadgets Your choice of cooking method, and the appliances you use, can also support weight management. For example, air fryers, which have surged in popularity in recent years, are a game-changer for quick, healthy meals. Not only do they use less oil than traditional frying, which can aid you in cutting down on excess calories, but they can crisp up veggies, proteins, or even chickpeas in minutes. Pressure cookers and woks are another smart option. The former cooks food by trapping steam inside, which raises the temperature and speeds up cooking time. Interestingly, one study found that rice cooked in a pressure cooker may make you feel fuller for longer and prevent a big sugar spike in your blood after eating – both of which can support your weight management goals. Other tips for keeping a healthy kitchen for weight loss Consider a meal delivery service If your schedule or other factors make it difficult for you to prep food, buy groceries, or cook meals, you might consider a healthy meal delivery service. Alternatively, you may simply be lacking inspiration when it comes to cooking healthily, and a trial period with a meal delivery service may be enough to inspire creativity in the kitchen. Explore virtual support If you're looking for additional support in making healthier food choices, there are digital platforms, programs, and apps that may be worth exploring. They typically combine behavioral science, coaching, and tracking tools to guide you through gradual, sustainable habit changes. They may also help you build long-term routines that support weight management and overall health. Frequently asked questions What is weight management? Weight management refers to long-term lifestyle strategies, such as balanced eating, regular physical activity, and getting enough sleep, to achieve a moderate body weight. It differs from weight maintenance, which focuses specifically on keeping your current weight stable, as weight management includes strategies for healthy weight loss or gain when needed. Weight management refers to long-term lifestyle strategies, such as balanced eating, regular physical activity, and getting enough sleep, to achieve a moderate body weight. It differs from weight maintenance, which focuses specifically on keeping your current weight stable, as weight management includes strategies for healthy weight loss or gain when needed. What are three strategies for healthy weight management? Three strategies for healthy weight management include: Eat mindfully: Aim for a balanced, sustainable eating pattern that supports your individual health goals, be that maintaining, losing, or gaining weight. Stay active: Incorporate a mix of aerobic exercises and resistance training to improve cardiovascular health and increase muscle mass. Choose activities you enjoy to stay consistent. Manage stress: Chronic stress raises cortisol, which can hinder weight loss or lean muscle gain. Three strategies for healthy weight management include: Eat mindfully: Aim for a balanced, sustainable eating pattern that supports your individual health goals, be that maintaining, losing, or gaining weight. Stay active: Incorporate a mix of aerobic exercises and resistance training to improve cardiovascular health and increase muscle mass. Choose activities you enjoy to stay consistent. Manage stress: Chronic stress raises cortisol, which can hinder weight loss or lean muscle gain. Discover more weight management strategies. What is a healthy weight management plan? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a healthy weight management plan involves: eating healthily doing regular exercise getting optimal sleep reducing your stress levels where possible According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a healthy weight management plan involves: eating healthily doing regular exercise getting optimal sleep reducing your stress levels where possible Do weight management gummies work? Weight management gummies, often called weight loss gummies, claim to burn fat and suppress appetite. These gummies usually contain apple cider vinegar, which some short-term studies suggest can reduce appetite. However, more long-term research is needed on this topic. Weight management gummies, often called weight loss gummies, claim to burn fat and suppress appetite. These gummies usually contain apple cider vinegar, which some short-term studies suggest can reduce appetite. However, more long-term research is needed on this topic. Takeaway Setting up your kitchen thoughtfully can be a powerful tool in managing your weight and fostering healthier eating. By stocking up on healthy foods and essential utensils and appliances, you can create an environment that supports balance and consistency.
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
20 Common Things People Think Are Healthy That Can Actually Do A Lot Of Damage
If you've ever picked up a habit that you thought was healthy only to find out later that it wasn't doing you any favors, welcome to the club. Recently, people on Reddit shared some common behaviors that people think are healthy that can actually backfire, and I'm definitely guilty of a few of these. Here's what they had to say: 1."Overtraining without rest. Fitness obsession can backfire fast if you ignore recovery." —Appropriate_Rip_104 "Found this out recently. Terrible headache, two days of depression, and weakness. My body just said, 'no more.' I'm on a better routine now, not as intense, and learning to rest without guilt." —budda_belly 2."Carnivore diets. You're telling me you've eliminated fruits and vegetables in favor of eating absurd amounts of fat and/or protein in the name of health? Stop and listen to how ridiculous that sounds. Anything taken to the extreme is bad, and carbs do not make you fat just because they're carbs. Keto isn't much better either." —Dangerous_Pie_3338 3."The idea that because you don't have a diagnosis, you don't have a problem. I spent 23 years of my life with undiagnosed ASD/ADHD, which was unpleasant and led to some hellish self-doubt and low self-esteem. I had problems that made me feel awful, and I'd just rationalize it as everyone else had those problems, but then I realized that this wasn't the case, and that I was an oddball. Spent many nights sleepless, going, 'Why can't I be normal?'" —GreenFBI2EB 4."Consuming tons of protein! Studies show that Americans tend to overestimate protein needs. My protein needs as a grown adult, per evidence-based calculators, are about 46g of protein per day. I've been told time and time again on Reddit this isn't enough, and even been told it's not enough PER meal! Insane. Your body makes the proteins it needs as long as all of the necessary amino acids are present!" "I think a lot of American men are interested in growing the size of their muscles and hear about protein left and right, so their viewpoint of what protein needs look like may be skewed toward what's needed for bulking. And I believe this influences how many people think about protein needs online, even for people who aren't bulking whatsoever. 46g per day is easily achieved with three meals, including vegetarian meals." —Ok_Nothing_9733 5."'Positive vibes only' attitude." —Gumbercules81 "100% agree. Ignoring real emotions doesn't make them go away, it just bottles them up until they explode." —Repulsive_Reply_5891 6."Detox teas/diets. People, you do not need to detox. Your body removes toxins through its normal processes, and unless something is very wrong, you don't have random toxins hanging out in your body and poisoning you. And a lot of these really expensive teas have questionable herbs or other ingredients in them that could harm you." —LoveColonels Related: Doctors And Nurses Are Sharing The Terrifying Things They Witnessed In Hospitals, And I Guess "Grey's Anatomy" Isn't So Far Off After All 7."Working 80 hours a week because 'hustle culture' told you it's the path to success. Congrats, now you're rich and exhausted." —patilpradipj "The weird thing about this is, I'm now in C-suite management after working my way up from being an electrician, did the whole thing, big hours, night school for an MBA, I work less now than when I was a teenager! Get to a level you're happy with, then look for other things that make you happy. I put my body and mind through hell to climb the ladder, now I try to relax as much as I can!!" —Oncemor-intothebeach 8."Going vegan without proper preparation and understanding of nutrients, out here hella deficient in lots of stuff, and it's unhealthy!" —ZealousidealShift884 9."Independence. Obviously, a certain amount is healthy, but some people/cultures glorify hyper-independence, associating it with strength. Social support and connection are so important for healing, health, and quality of life." —ItsMoonka "As with anything else, a healthy balance of independence and being able to ask for help when you've really given it good effort, and then building upon that help, is really the best approach after modulating for others' perception. What people don't understand is that independence is really skill-specific and variable as your skill level improves. Depending on where you are, you may need some time to tinker on your own, or get help or advice for a while, or a quick check-in to continue on your own. Trying to apply independence in one skill vs. another dissimilar skill will simply generate frustration." —alurkerhere 10."Most diets. I think I did the cabbage soup diet for the first time at 12. I found it as an adult, and that is just... What?! What was I thinking?!?!" —Syndromia "Same! The magazines were saying Victoria Beckham was doing it, so I did it. I was just farting and hungry all the time." —AdRevolutionary6650 Related: "I Thought This Was Normal": People Are Sharing Diagnoses They Received After Someone Else Pointed Out Their Symptoms 11."Apple cider vinegar shots in the morning to boost metabolism. It's never been scientifically proven to burn fat or increase metabolism. You are also essentially rinsing your teeth in acid first thing in the morning." —RomulusTurbo 12."One that always comes to mind is those 'healthy' fruit juices. Like, we think we're doing our bodies a favor by sipping on a juice, but a lot of store-bought ones are loaded with sugar. Even if it's 100% fruit juice, it can still spike your blood sugar and mess with your metabolism. Over time, it's actually not as healthy as we think!" "Another one is low-fat or fat-free snacks. They sound healthy, right? But often, they replace the fat with sugar or artificial additives, which isn't great for your body in the long run. I've definitely fallen for that one before!" —Human_Growth8007 13."Pushing yourself through pain. It's one thing to push yourself in a workout a little more than last week to see results, but I've seen so many people brag about 'playing through an injury,' and all I can think is, 'Congrats? I guess?' No joke, I met a dude who claimed he finished a rugby game at school with a torn ACL and called me a pussy for getting surgery as soon as I could." —Sufficient-Ad-3586 14."Obsessive diet limitation. You want to give up sugar for a short period of time or try a diet elimination to find out what's making you bloat go for it but chances are if you continue this on a hardcore bias and cut out things completely if it's not allergy related it's not sustainable and you are just going to binge later. Sugar is okay in moderation. Carbs are okay in moderation." —Spirited_Cress_5796 15."Comparing your real life to Instagram fitness models' highlight reels. Mental health matters more than visible abs." —7th--HoKAgE 16."Pretty much every unregulated dietary supplement out there. There are people who say that they don't trust Big Oil, Big Pharma, but take like 10 or more supplements, despite the fact that prescription drugs are much better regulated than any supplement." —WhaleSharkLove 17."Following whatever viral podcast seems like it has 'good' health information." —The_HungryRunner 18."Talking about your feelings. Obviously, don't bottle stuff up to the point of some kind of implosive episode. But it's not healthy to 'vent' all the time or analyze every emotion you have. It shrinks your worldview down to 'how you feel about it' and removes your ability to think critically or objectively about things. It also breeds a sort of narcissistic state of being where everything is filtered through the lens of how YOU feel about it." —Pure-Veterinarian979 "I'm a therapist, and I've told clients this. It's helpful to a point, but it can also be used as a crutch to avoid actually taking actions to make your life better. This doesn't really apply to significant grief, but when there are things that you can reasonably do to improve your situation, at some point you've gotta step out of your comfort zone and try to do them." —WerhmatsWormhat 19."Sun exposure. Like, yes, of course, go outside and get fresh air and open your curtains, but over time, long-term sun exposure is what leads to signs of aging, but worse, of course, can lead to skin cancer and other skin issues. Wear sunscreen, stay in the shade as much as you can when you're outside, take care of yourself, etc, etc." "I felt so silly learning this as an adult. If excessive tanning makes people look like leathery reptiles and if the sun burns you, why would you only wear sunscreen only in the summer only on certain parts of your body? The sun's rays are always hitting you. Why else did people who didn't go out have such pale and even skin? Duh. It's so obvious to me now." —snickerssnacks finally, "Honestly, too much of everything will make you sick, no matter if it's healthy or not." —tracyvu89 "My dad once said, 'You need water to live, too much water you'll drown.' That stuck with me. You have to find a balance." —Mildly_Excessive Is there anything else you would add? Tell us about it in the comments or via the anonymous form below: Also in Goodful: "The Damage Is Irreversible." Doctors And Nurses Are Revealing The "Small" Health Signs That People Should Never, Ever Ignore Also in Goodful: People Are Sharing Their Biggest "How Doesn't Everyone Know This?" Facts, And I'm Honestly Embarrassed I Never Realized Some Of These Also in Goodful: This Woman Is Going Viral For Begging Women Not To Get Married Right Now, And Personally, I Couldn't Agree More
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
These 10 Tiny Habits Can Make a Big Difference in Your Health—Starting Today
You've probably read that healthy habits add up to long-term behaviors that can promote overall health. These are little things that people who are healthy do, like drinking 10 glasses of water daily and incorporating at least 30 minutes of exercise into each day. But what if you can't maintain these healthy habits, no matter how hard you try? Maybe these microhabits are more your speed. To learn how taking some small steps can lead to major payoffs for our health and longevity, we talked to Dr. Annie Fenn, author of The Brain Health Kitchen. It's all in the baby steps! Yep, it's true. Water really is that important for you. But so many people struggle to drink enough daily or get enough from the food they eat. 'Every part of your body functions more smoothly when well hydrated, especially the brain,' Dr. Fenn says. 'In fact, even mild dehydration can lead to brain fog, fatigue, and problems with short-term memory.' If you're one of those people who forget to drink water, here's a tip: place a full glass of water at your bedside at night. Sure, you can take a sip in the middle of the night if you wake up, but drink up the rest of the glass when your alarm goes off. Starting your morning with a glass of water helps you get a leg up on the day, which will help you attack the other microhabits on your list. According to Dr. Fenn, berries are a neuroprotective fruit proven to support memory and thinking skills as you age. Berries fight oxidative stress and neuroinflammation (inflammation in the central nervous system), and studies have long supported the fruit's ability to stave off cognitive decline. Blueberries are rich in anthocyanins, a phytonutrient that provides their deep blue color and provides a big health boost. In addition to brain health, anthocyanins are also linked to reduced risk of heart disease. You don't need to pop an entire cup at once; sprinkle some over your morning cereal and then add the rest to your afternoon bowl of yogurt. A scroll through your social media feed can make you feel like the laziest person in the room, with everyone posting their gym selfies. But don't discount the power of a simple walk when it comes to health benefits. 'Walking after a meal has the power to stabilize blood sugar, a boon for metabolic health,' Dr. Fenn says. 'For additional benefit, make it a tech-free 'brain break'—leave your earbuds and phone behind.' Need another reason to lace up your shoes? A 2024 study conducted at the University of Leicester found that the equivalent of a 10-minute daily brisk walk for inactive folks over 60 was linked to an extra year of life in women and 1.4 added years in men. The study also found that longer and more intense activity can add even more years to your lifespan. Packed with healthy monounsaturated fats and vitamin E, nuts help protect both the heart and brain. Including a variety of nuts and nut butter in your diet is a smart way to ensure you're getting plant protein, minerals like zinc and selenium, fiber, and healthy fats. More specifically, walnuts are a great snack to add to your rotation if you're just starting to incorporate nuts. Research shows that eating five (one ounce) servings of walnuts weekly can lower your risk of death overall by 14%, while reducing your risk of cardiovascular disease by 25%. You've probably heard that prolonged sitting is the new smoking. It's true–sitting is bad for your health for a myriad of reasons. But what do you do if you have a job that requires you to sit or drive for prolonged periods of time? Dr. Fenn points out recent research from Columbia University that shows you can reverse the downside of being sedentary by adding five minutes of light activity for each half hour of sitting. The researchers were actually looking to find how little exercise would be beneficial for people who sit for extended periods. The study determined that a five minute walking break every half hour helps to offset the negative aspects of sitting. Set a reminder on your phone to help you get up regularly—a desk treadmill is another tool to help you get those mini walks in. Starting a meditation practice can feel daunting. I've tried and failed several times to incorporate meditation into my wellness routine because it just feels like another 'to-do' on my never-ending list. But Fenn insists that just five minutes of this mindfulness practice can boost mood, calm the nervous system, and help the brain focus. Though it can feel impossible to make time for one more thing, free apps like Aura and Insight Timer can help you get it done. Feeling aimless? Try a guided meditation with a specific theme, like stress relief or a dopamine boost. Over time, you can increase the duration of your sessions, which can provide additional benefits for your brain and outlook. We've all read that stimulating your brain is important as we age. Games help us retain our memory and are great for neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new connections. Fenn asserts that your noggin truly loves a good workout, and suggests choosing one that feels both challenging and fun can make this task more appealing. You may just need to experiment a bit. The New York Times Connections is a quick word-grouping game that I can knock out in about 10 minutes or less. Other games like Colordle may be more interesting for artsy folks. And of course, The Times' Wordle has become a new classic for anyone who wants to challenge their brain. We are in the midst of a loneliness epidemic, especially among parents, which can lead to depression, dementia, stroke, anxiety, and even heart disease. Daily contact with friends and family does more than brighten up your day, Dr. Fenn says. In fact, people tend to live healthier, longer lives when they have strong social connections. Sometimes it feels like we just don't have the time to call our best friend or sister to catch up, but it's easier to justify that half-hour gabfest when you know it's literally adding years to your life. Rich in both fiber and plant protein, beans are undoubtedly one of the healthiest foods on the planet. Eating just one half-cup of beans weekly, or half a cup three times a week, is linked to reducing the risk of heart disease while keeping blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure in check. Toss black beans into your salad at lunch, include black-eyed peas in your burrito, snack on edamame, or blend garbanzos into a creamy dip. You can even incorporate beans into brownies—yum! Even with dinosaur time, the veggie-eating hack that recently went viral, many of us still struggle to get our leafy greens. Whether it's the bitter flavor of greens like kale, spinach, and collards, or the lack of time to prepare them, very few of us are eating enough. I go with pre-washed greens because I'll actually eat them that way. But however you can do it, just add more! A study done at Tufts on people in their 80s found that consuming just one cup of leafy greens daily is linked to slower cognitive decline. And those who ate the most were approximately 11 years cognitively younger than their non-green-eating peers. Sign me up for your biggest salad, please! Whether you start your microhabit revolution with a call to your college roommate or a five-minute meditation, know that every little bit does count. Getting healthier isn't about perfection—it's about consistency. Here's to the little things adding up to big rewards! Read the original article on Real Simple