But sleeping less than seven to nine hours per night has some serious health consequences. Of course, getting more and better sleep tonight plays a major role in better energy levels tomorrow. This included twins as well as unrelated adults so they could estimate the impact of genetics on the results. Photo: Getty Images More surprising, though, were the other revelations after crunching the numbers from the two-week info-gathering session....

Your gut does much more than digest your food, research shows. Each busy micro-universe is unique, depending on our own particular mix of bacteria. According to a growing stack of studies, our gut bacteria affect much more than digestion. And balancing the beneficial bacteria with the harmful bugs is key to keeping your gut happy and humming along. Helps with Weight Loss Animal studies have shown a link between weight and gut health....

Nutrition labels feature a lot of info, but you dont have to look at it all. I work faster and smarter by looking at these key pieces. Getty Images What jot down of grocery store shopper are you? Photo:Getty Images Im the one lingering in the produce section, letting my eyes dictate what I put in my cart. Thats because Im also the shopper who takes nutrition label reading seriouslybut in a good way!...

I will be buying multiple bottles of this beverage on my next trip. Find my newest Trader Joes gem, whether it was a fun beverage or a veggie-packed pantry item. But one word on the box gave me pause: spicy. Photo:Melissa Renwick/Toronto Star/Getty Images My spice tolerance is low, so I was wary of the heat level in these patties. Luckily, after trying one bite of these tender patties, my fears were alleviated....

Stop tossing the skin, it can be packed with nutrients! Fish provides a high-quality source of protein and boasts essential omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. Rich in Collagen Unknown to many, fish skin also is rich in collagen. Photo:Photographer: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall Prop Stylist: Lydia Purcell Types of Fish Skin That Can Be Eaten 1. Salmon Salmonis one of the most popular fish species, and this is for a good reason....

And it doesnt have to be from formal exercise. Getty Images We recently reported about how the10,000 steps recommendationisnt based on science. Other research suggests that just 10 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per day may help prevent cognitive decline. Photo:Getty Images How Was the Study Conducted? OPACH was a part of the larger Womens Health Initiative Long-Life Study. After researchers adjusted for various factors, including preexisting conditions, several statistical analyses were run on the data....

In this healthy 3-day meal plan, delicious diabetes-friendly ingredients make balancing your blood sugar simple. Don’t miss the helpful “Diabetes Tips” throughout for more information on eating with diabetes. See our7-Day 1,200-Calorie Meal Plan for Diabetes. Season with a pinch each of salt and pepper. fat, 1,280 mg sodium. Or go with a “light” option made with zero-calorie sweeteners. Lunch (357 calories, 41 g carbs) 1 servingTuna, White Bean & Dill Salad P....

This healthy meal plan will help move things along thanks to fiber and plenty of fluids. Plus, they don’t do much good for the body at any time. How We Create Meal Plans Registered dietitians thoughtfully create EatingWells meal plans to be easy-to-follow and delicious. Robby Lozano Too much fiber too soon could cause stomachaches and possibly diarrhea. Each Night:Before bed, combine 1 Tbsp. chia seeds with 1 cup water, fresh lemon juice and a dash of cayenne pepper....

These chia pudding cups can be made ahead for easy breakfasts all week. Before serving, top with dark chocolate chips for a fiber- and protein-packed breakfast that tastes like dessert. Divide among 4 single-serving glass jars or containers. Photo: Carolyn Hodges Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours and up to 4 days. When ready to serve, stir well and top each with 2 teaspoons chocolate chips. To make ahead Prepare through Step 2; cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days....

Simmer sauces pack tons of flavor into one ingredient, which helps streamline this easy three-ingredient dinner. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, 3 to 5 minutes. Photo:Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle Cut the sweet potatoes in half; top with the chicken and sauce. Top with yogurt and sprinkle with cilantro, if desired....

These stuffed dates can be an easy dessert or snack when you’re craving something sweet. We love the mild flavor of almond butter, but natural peanut butter would be a nice substitute. A flaky sea salt like Maldon elevates the flavor. Photo:Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle Be sure to sprinkle the salt over the dates before the chocolate has set. Place chocolate in a medium microwave-safe bowl; microwave on Medium for 1 minute....

These chips can be enjoyed as-is or dressed up with seasoning. Simply toss baked potato peel chips with seasoning immediately after removing them from the oven. (If you season before baking, the spices may burn.) Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless The only trick is to season them right awaythe seasonings will not adhere well once the chips have cooled. Thoroughly scrub and dry potatoes....

An easy lunch is only three ingredients away with this cucumber Boursin wrap. Spread Boursin over the tortilla. Sprinkle evenly with cucumber. Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle Roll up the tortilla and slice into 6 pieces. Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. (-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle