Maggie O'Neill

1 week ago | verywellhealth.com | Maggie O'Neill

Extra virgin olive oil has various health benefits, particularly for the cardiovascular system. But it may also help with chronic pain, according to a growing body of research. Oleocanthal and oleoresin—two compounds found in extra virgin olive oil—have been linked to reduced inflammation, which could help ease pain in a similar way to ibuprofen. Research on olive oil’s effects on pain in humans is very limited.

1 week ago | verywellhealth.com | Maggie O'Neill

GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy delay gastric emptying, which means the food can stay in the stomach for extended periods. This might lead to unpleasant gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, constipation, and diarrhea. Eating certain foods (and avoiding others) may help reduce these symptoms, but people taking GLP-1 drugs should still be able to maintain a well-balanced diet, experts say. When you're on a GLP-1 drug, avoiding certain types of foods can minimize GI discomfort.

1 week ago | verywellhealth.com | Maggie O'Neill

A new study has found that fasting three days each week—and eating what you want the other four days—may be more effective for weight loss than counting calories daily. Researchers said that when combined with physical activity, the 4:3 intermittent fasting method led to more weight loss than daily calorie restriction, possibly because it was easier to stick with.

1 week ago | verywellhealth.com | Maggie O'Neill

Some fitness influencers are swapping out protein bars for chunks of parmesan cheese. The claim is that parmesan is a "healthier" choice because it's high in protein but without the added, processed ingredients in protein bars. While parmesan is a whole food, the high fat and sodium content doesn't necessarily make it healthier. Choosing between parmesan and protein bars might depend on your preference for taste and convenience.

2 weeks ago | verywellhealth.com | Maggie O'Neill |Elizabeth Barnes

If you recently started a new fitness routine, you may be interested in building muscle by adding more protein to your diet. Instead of relying on protein powder, you should prioritize whole foods whenever possible, experts say. “Ideally, most of your protein intake should come in the form of food,” said Alissa Rumsey, MS, RD, CDN, CSCS, founder of Alissa Rumsey Nutrition and Wellness.