Eating For Health

Protein is having a moment . Walk down any grocery aisle and you’ll see “PROTEIN!” splashed across labels—even on foods that aren’t exactly protein powerhouses (looking at you, cereal boxes). The truth is, most Americans get enough protein without trying. But what happens if you don’t ? WebMD highlights several important signs your body may be running low on this essential nutrient. Let’s break it down. 🍽️ How Much Protein Do You Actually Need? The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for protein is 0.36 grams per pound of body weight . Online protein calculators can help you pinpoint your needs, but here are a few examples: A 55-year-old active woman needs about 54 grams of protein per day. A 55-year-old active man needs around 65 grams per day. Athletes or people with intense training schedules may need 0.5–1 gram per pound of body weight daily. Your needs depend on age, activity level, and overall health—but protein is essential for everyone. ...

Carbonated waters are everywhere — from the grocery aisle to airplane drink carts — and many people reach for them as a refreshing alternative to soda. But are seltzer, club soda, and tonic water equally healthy choices? They’re all fizzy, but what’s inside each one varies more than you might expect. Understanding those differences can help you choose the right drink for your health goals. 🫙 What Each One Actually Is Seltzer Water — Just Bubbles and Water Seltzer is simply water infused with carbon dioxide. It contains no added minerals and has a clean, neutral taste. Many brands offer flavored versions without sugar. Club Soda — Carbonated Water with Minerals Club soda starts as carbonated water, but manufacturers add minerals such as sodium bicarbonate, potassium sulfate, or sodium chloride , giving it a slightly salty or “crisp” taste. It’s a common cocktail mixer. Tonic Water — Bitter, Sweet, and Distinct Tonic water contains quinine , which gives it a bitter flav...