Cardiovascular disease affects nearly half of all adults in the U.S.and it was knocking on writer Paul Greenbergs door. Oh, c’mon, that’s so old school." And why should it? Nathan Hacket I’d never smoked, I drank only in moderationusually red wine. The EKG tracings of my heartbeats were suitable for framing. True, I didn’texactlyfollow Michael Pollan’s dictum to “Eat food. Nathan Hacket Not too much.Mostly plants.” But I did mostly avoid processed junk....

Prices start at just $13. Thankfully, I’m a shopping writer who spends forty hours every week tracking down deals on kitchen products. My favorite early deals so far include discounts on kitchenware brands like Cuisinart, KitchenAid and Staub. Photo: Courtesy of Brand Prices start at just $13, so grab your favorites before these amazing deals end. While I usually buy it canned, I would prefer to start making my own....

Seasoning cast iron creates a nonstick surface and is easy to do. Plus, we have tips for washing and drying. It was shaped and forged in the hottest fire, the heat giving it life. Photo:Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Lydia Pursell, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall A beautiful, nearly immortal lifeif you treat it right. I first became enamored with cast iron during a childhood trip to Pennsylvania Dutch country....

It’s so easy, she promises, “You don’t even need a recipe!” So how do youselect the best melon? Ina covers that too, of course. Getty / NBC “I find that smelling a melon is the best way to know. If it smells ripe, it’s good to go,” she said.

Inflation continues to rise, and so does its impact on our grocery budgets. We’re all creatures of habit. Yep, the kitchen is absolutely no exception to behavioral conditioning. Photo: Courtesy of Brand They’re familiar; we trust them. Who’s going to notice or care what company’s sugar is in your brownies? This is whereLidlcomes in. Look for the Preferred Selection label for your first clue. Baking Supplies Rule No. And if you’re making sweets, sugar’s a bargain here, too....

They even sell my favorite chips! As a chef and recipe developer, I test a constant rotation of products in my professional life. But when it comes to our weekly grocery list, it’s nice to have familiarity and consistency. Photo: Getty Images I live in lower Manhattan, and there are three Targets within a mile of my house. Nevertheless, shopping at Target for essentials anchors our diets amid the chaos of the new and unknown....

Design elements: Getty Images. Collage: Cassie Basford. If anyone could make an enemy out of food, it was my mother. Photo:Design elements: Getty Images. Collage: Cassie Basford. But really, it was salt she hated the most. Lots of baked chicken and fish, salads, steamed veggies. Lots of oregano and balsamic and olive oil. Lots of time and care. Youcouldfind a collectors inventory of Mrs. Mom had them all on deck: Original, Garlic & Herb, Chicken....

Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations. If you choose links we provide, we may receive compensation. Slow cook your way to an easy, healthy, delicious weeknight meal. Photo:EatingWell / Russell Kilgore From amazing goulash and tender roasts to scratch-made soups, the slow cooker sustained our family year-round. It also makes more time for me to get to the gym because dinner is done. I read through each manual and played with all the controls....

Some nights, I can take my time and cook leisurely without rushing. Yet, other nights, I only have 30 minutes to get something on the table. Not to mention, these recipes make great leftovers for lunch the next day (speaking from experience). Photo: Marty Baldwin For more beginner- and budget-friendly cooking tips and recipes, check outThrifty. Serve this hearty chicken-and-potatoes dinner with a simple side salad to sneak in another serving of veggies....

The weather has cooled off, leaves are starting to change and football is back: fall is here! Even though the summer always feels too short, I really enjoy it when autumn starts to take over. For more beginner- and budget-friendly cooking tips and recipes, check outThrifty. Photo: Photography / Greg DuPree, Styling / Ali Ramee / Christine Keely you might use precooked rice from the package or leftover brown rice if you have it....

They are a staple ingredient in my pantry. Canned tomatoes are also incredibly versatile and lend themselves to everything from soups to casseroles to pastas. And this winter, our Spaghetti Squash Soup with Sausage has become a new staple in my house. Photo: Caitlin Bensel Serve with a piece of crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Be sure to use heavy cream; a lower-fat option might curdle when mixed with acidic tomatoes....

But the idea of preparing a big feast might feel particularly stressful this year withinflation and rising food prices. For more beginner- and budget-friendly tips and recipes, check outThrifty. If you see it, grab a few to try! Jacob Fox This simple roasting method enhances the natural flavor of the squash with butter and spices. This skin on this spatchcocked turkey gets crispy and browned because nearly all of the skin is exposed....

Festive cookies are a Christmas tradition in my familyand they can help brighten any holiday gathering! I think everyone, including dietitians, should enjoy a seasonal treat during the holiday season. For more beginner- and budget-friendly tips and recipes, check outThrifty. Serve this healthy dessert when you want all those festive holiday flavors in a lightened-upand totally deliciouspackage. Just don’t stuff your Christmas stockings with this bark because it melts quickly....