While studies suggest that moderate alcohol consumption may be associated with improved cardiovascular-related biomarkers, we all know that our consumption (of everything!) tends to be a little more than “moderate” throughout the holiday season. So what happens in our bodies when we over-indulge?

Are you eating a meatless diet? Many people are opting for plant-based diets either to prevent cruelty to animals or to help save the resources (land, energy, and water) used to produce meat. Others avoid meat for health-related reasons. For example, a recent study found that the life expectancy for vegetarians was greater than for meat-eaters. Vegetarians in the study had lower rates of heart disease than participants who reported eating meat. Vegetarian diets tend to be higher in fiber and ...

  Do you enjoy an occasional hamburger? Many people love the taste of red meat, but wonder if it’s healthy.  During the past few years, red meat has received some bad press, but there’s conflicting data out there about its benefits and drawbacks. So, what’s a full-blooded carnivore to do?

  If you want to become faster, stronger, and more flexible, pay attention to the food that you eat. Optimal nutrition is the key to peak performance on and off the field, because food provides essential nutrients necessary to build and maintain a strong body. “Biomechanical changes take time and persistence, but changes in diet can be made quickly and can have an immediate effect on how your body works,” says US Olympic triathlete Jarrod Shoemaker.

By Perrin Braun Many people think of nutrition bars as a health food, but are they really good for you? Unfortunately, the answer is not a simple yes or no. Some brands of nutrition bars can make for a healthy quick snack, but many varieties contain as much calories and sugar as a candy bar! While nutrition bars are a convenient way to stock up on calories and carbohydrates, don’t become dependent on them and miss the benefits of whole foods in your diet.

  Avoiding foods with gluten has become a lot more common. You can find gluten-free breads, cereals, pastas, and crackers at most supermarkets, and an increasing number of restaurants offer gluten-free dishes. When you remove gluten from your diet, though, which nutrients might you be missing?  

  Did you know that iron plays an important role in ensuring wellness and optimizing physical performance? If your levels of iron are low, you may feel fatigued and run down; if you have too much iron, your levels of triglycerides and LDL cholesterol may increase. To find out exactly what your iron levels are, sign up for an InsideTracker plan. If your iron levels are out-of-range, InsideTracker will give you suggestions for diet, exercise, supplement and lifestyle changes to help you optimize ...

  According to the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, we’re supposed to be eating 3-5 servings of whole grains every day. But what is a “whole grain”? What is the difference between “multigrain” and “whole grain”? You’re in good company if you’re unsure! Due to the fact that these two terms are not interchangeable, there’s a lot of misunderstanding about which product is healthier. An InsideTracker plan can help you figure out which nutrients you need and which grains may provide them. In ...