By A.J. Jacobs
Author of Drop Dead Healthy
Three years ago, I was fat. Not fat all over. I was what they call “skinny fat”—a body that resembled a python after swallowing a goat. My goal? To test out every diet and exercise regimen on planet earth, and figure out which work best. In the end, I lost weight, lowered my cholesterol, and doubled my energy level. I feel better than I ever have. The project is over, but I’ve kept dozens of the strategies I found most helpful.

This veggie is so versatile that you can eat it raw, add it to salads, steam it, boil it, bake it, stuff it, and more. When it comes to nutrition, zucchini is great. A cup of sliced zucchini is packed with vitamin C and supplies only 16 calories. From The 17 Day Diet Cookbook by Dr. Mike Moreno.

There is something oh‑so-comforting about slurping up hot fettuccine coated in a decadent cream sauce. But hold the cream! This dairy-free vegan version is every bit as rich and satisfying, with only half the fat. From Chloe’s Kitchen: 125 Easy, Delicious Recipes for Making the Food You Love the Vegan Way by Chloe Cascarelli.

By Kristin Sidorov
It’s no secret that a big dose of narcissism can be a toxic trait—common side effects include arrogance, conceit, haughtiness, and adverse strain on relationships. But it’s bad for your health, too. According to a new study, the unfortunate personality trait puts a huge amount of strain on the heart, especially in men.

By Kristin Sidorov
Pregnancy weight gain has always been a touchy subject for moms-to-be. Gaining the “right” amount of weight can be a fine, delicate line that’s difficult to tread—especially when it seems like everyone has an opinion on the matter. The slew of media attention surrounding Jessica Simpson’s pregnancy weight proves that everyone does—to the nth degree.

You know it’s good for you, but a million excuses can get between you and a workout. Here’s how to change your thinking—and your health—with tips from The Ultimate Stress-Relief Plan for Women: Heal the Destructive Effects of Stress on Your Body, by Stephanie McClellan, M.D., and Beth Hamilton, M.D.

By A.J. Jacobs
Author of Drop Dead Healthy
My kids and I recently watched the movie Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. This is the one where giant steaks, ice cream scoops, pancakes and, of course, meatballs plummet from the sky. It was funny. But it with a few tweaks, it could be turned into a terrifying documentary. In recent years, portions have experienced a puberty-like growth spurt.

By Kristin Sidorov
The do-it-yourself movement is in full swing, and homemade decorations, foods, and fashions are all the rage. Getting crafty is a great way to find a little “me time“—and it just so happens to be a top-notch stress reliever that can actually help you relieve pain, control blood pressure, beat back depression and anxiety, and aid in sleep.

What is the cost of Jenny McCarthy appearing on Oprah to blame her son’s autism on vaccinations? Or notable pediatricians such as Dr. Jay Gordon and Dr. Bob Sears downplaying the risks of vaccine-preventable diseases? Unfortunately, when one family decides not to vaccinate, other families can pay the price–even those who’ve chosen to vaccinate their kids, explains author Seth Mnookin in The Panic Virus.

by Kristin Sidorov
You might be a little perplexed to learn that it’s a thing now to attempt to choke down spoonfuls of cinnamon without water. Dubbed “the Cinnamon Challenge,” this latest fad’s intense and growing popularity seems strange. For one, it seems, well, bizarre and gross, and also, isn’t it dangerous?

It’s spring sports season, and head injuries among athletes big and small, soldiers, and many unfortunate others have created an emerging health crisis. Knowing the symptoms of this invisible injury is key. From The Concussion Crisis: Anatomy of a Silent Epidemic by Linda Carroll and David Rosner.