Dana Leigh Smith
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Articles by Dana Leigh Smith
5 Low-Sugar Diabetes-Friendly Desserts You’ll Want to Make on Repeat
If the phrase “diabetes-friendly dessert” makes you think of sad sugar-free cookies that taste like cardboard, we’ve got some good news: Times have changed! There isn’t one eating plan or diet approach to manage type 2 diabetes. That means if you want to find a way to make desserts—ones that actually taste good—part of your diet, there’s probably a way to swing it, Edwina Clark, MS, RD, tells SELF. This is especially true if you’re willing to roll up your sleeves and make the sweets yourself.
How to build a modern wardrobe
Amelie wears Phoebe Philo acetate Bliss sunglasses, £420, suede Round flip-flops, £690, and cotton towelling Hi towel, £500 Dana wears...
So, You've Hit a Fitness Plateau. Here's Why Your Muscles Have Stopped Growing and What to Do About It
When you dedicate a few months to a workout routine, the results come pretty consistently. Maybe you lose 2 pounds a week, your love handles slowly dissipate, and you start building muscle faster in your arms, shoulders, back, and legs. Research suggests untrained athletes can see upwards of a five percent increase in muscle size after just a few months.
23 Creative & Healthy Watermelon Recipes for July 4th
There's no fruit more synonymous with summer than watermelon. Not only is the red-hued fruit tasty, beautiful, and widely available, but because it is comprised of 90% water, it's a fantastic option if you're trying to lose weight, because it's a sweet and satisfying treat that also keeps you feeling fuller, longer compared to many other snacks.
23 Creative & Healthy Watermelon Recipes for July 4th
June 28, 2024 at 5:50 PM Photo: Canva. Design: Eat This, Not That! There's no fruit more synonymous with summer than watermelon. Not only is the red-hued fruit tasty, beautiful, and widely available, but because it is comprised of 90% water, it's a fantastic option if you're trying to lose weight, because it's a sweet and satisfying treat that also keeps you feeling fuller, longer compared to many other snacks.
29 Best Workout Sets on Amazon 2025, According to Reviewers
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission. Looking for the best Amazon workout sets for all your fitness plans this year? Matching workout sets have been the “it” outfit at fitness studios and gyms for years now, and the trend isn’t going anywhere any time soon. They’re huge on TikTok, and every brand from Alo to Nike sells them. But if you’re not looking to splurge on yoga pants and tennis skirts, the move is to turn to Amazon.
Where To Shop All The #FashionTok Trends Your Teen Wants For Back to School
One of my fondest childhood memories is getting back-to-school clothes with my mom every fall. I remember how excited I’d get to model outfits and trends for her in the mall and then show off everything I’d gotten to my friends. Today, things are a bit different—but the kids still love to shop! Gone are the days of teens thumbing through clothing racks and trying on whatever draws them in like I did in the nineties and early aughts.
7 Textures of Poop and What They Mean (Because We Know You’re Curious!)
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below." Everyone poops—but that doesn’t mean we like to talk about it or acknowledge it in any way, shape, or form. Still, it doesn’t change the fact that sometimes a trip to the bathroom can leave us scratching our heads, wondering if the latest bowel development should be cause for concern.
What Weighted Jump Roping Does to Your Body Makes It Such a Great Workout — Eat This Not That
Weighted jump roping is a hot trend in the fitness world right now—and for good reason. There are countless ways it does right by your body. But let's take a step back to answer all your biggest questions: What exactly is a weighted jump rope? Why would I want to use one instead of a run-of-the-mill rope? And lastly: Where can I buy one and how much should it weigh?
This Effective Glute Workout Will Get Your Butt Into Shape, Trainer Says — Eat This Not That Original
The desire to sculpt a lifted, toned butt is real. While a round backside may look nice aesthetically, it can also help keep you physically strong and feeling well, according to Jacqueline Elbaz, a NASM-certified personal trainer based in New York City. And that's why we've put together an ultra-effective glute workout that will get your butt into shape. "Having super strong glutes means your hips, calves, and core are also strong as they all work together," Elbaz explains.
What You Need To Know About Training for Your First 5K, Personal Trainers Say — Eat This Not That
Considering running your first 5K? Congrats, we're so excited for you! The 5K, which is about 3.1 miles, is a great first race for new runners because it's an achievable distance to work up to, says NASM-certified personal trainer Michele Levy. "Sometimes when people start out running, they set a really big goal, like a 10K, half marathon, or a full marathon. Those distances can feel physically and mentally overwhelming, making it hard to start and stick with a training program.
The 7 Best Workout Dresses for the Gym and Beyond — Eat This Not That
I may get some flack from the leggings lovers out there for saying this, but a workout dress is the staple of athleisure. Not only can it be stretchy, sweat-wicking, and come with features like built-in bras and shorts with pockets, but it's also appropriate to wear around the clock.
Shrink Belly Fat Faster With These Walking Workouts, Trainer Says — Eat This Not That
Walking may be how you get from point A to point B, but it's also a great way to work off the excess fat that hangs out around your midsection—and we have the science to prove it. In one small study of 20 women, researchers found that those who were prescribed and stuck to a walking workout three times a week over a 12-week span lost weight and body fat, and their waist circumference decreased.
The 4 Most Effective Exercises To Shrink Your Waistline After 60 — Eat This Not That
If you feel like your midsection is a bit bigger than it once was, take a moment to be kind to yourself. Gaining weight after 60 is totally normal! Muscle mass tends to decrease around this age, which causes the body's metabolic rate to slow down, research shows. In other words, you're burning fewer calories day-to-day than you did when you were younger. But don't fret, because we've put together the most effective movements that will shrink your waistline after 60, which we'll get into below.
7 Textures of Poop and What They Mean (Because We Know You’re Curious!)
Photo credit: Liia Galimzianova - Getty Images Sure, everyone poops—but that doesn’t mean we like to talk about it or acknowledge it in any way, shape, or form. It also doesn’t change the fact that sometimes a trip to the bathroom can leave us scratching our heads, because of, well, our poop’s many shapes and forms. Well, there’s something called the Bristol Stool Chart that breaks down all the different types of poop you can have—and it’s pretty cool.
The Best Sheets To Cozy Up In For Better Sleep, Expert Says — Eat This Not That
If you've found yourself looking at this article, we'll go out on a limb and assume you're not sleeping well, and you think your sheets may be part of the problem. Well, guess what?
The Best Walking Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis, Podiatrist Says — Eat This Not That
Walking may be one of the simplest ways to maintain good health. But choosing the right shoes for the activity can be challenging—especially when you have plantar fasciitis, one of the most typical culprits behind heel pain. "Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation and microscopic tearing of the plantar, the ligament that connects the heel to the front of your foot," explains Adam Kaplan, DPM, podiatrist, and CEO of Arcus Custom Orthotics.
The 3 Things You Should Always Do Before A Walk, Trainers Say — Eat This Not That
Walking is more than just a way to get yourself from point A to point B. It's also a great form of exercise and comes with a host of health benefits. "There are so many reasons to make walking part of your fitness routine," says personal trainer Samantha Ciaccia, CSCS. "Since it's low intensity, walking is a joint-friendly way to burn fat and maintain a healthy weight." There are psychological benefits, too, Ciaccia notes.
The Best Training Shoes For Workouts, Podiatrist Says — Eat This Not That
Lacing up a pair of running shoes to hit the weight room or a boot camp class may seem like it's not a big deal. But spoiler alert: Foot doctors don't recommend it. "It's important to choose the right kind of athletic shoe for each activity to prevent unnecessary injury," says Adam Kaplan, DPM, podiatrist, and CEO of Arcus Custom Orthotics. With Dr. Kaplan's sneaker recommendations on deck, you'll know the absolute best training shoes to shop and wear to your next workout.
The 3 Best Workout Leggings To Wear, Trainers Say — Eat This Not That
There are leggings you relax in, and then there are leggings you actually wear to exercise. Knowing what to look for in the latter isn't always straightforward. There are countless options to choose from, and not all pairs are built for just any type of workout. What you need for yoga may not stay put when you hit the treadmill or the weight room, for example. You need to know the scoop on the best workout leggings to wear for your particular fitness regimen, and we're here to help with that.
The 3 Best Recovery Products For Tight Muscles, Trainer Says — Eat This Not That
Ask anyone who works out (or works behind a desk), and they'll likely tell you that muscle soreness is inevitable. You may not find yourself getting achy every time you hit the weights or burn the midnight oil, but at one point or another, your muscles are going to feel tight. Not only is this uncomfortable, but it may also affect your workouts or make day-to-day activities (like typing, bending down, and walking) more of a challenge. The good news?
The Best Clothes To Wear For A Better Night's Sleep, Expert Says — Eat This Not That
You already know that it's important to keep your bedroom dark, cool, and quiet if you want to get a good night's rest. But did you realize that your PJs can also make or break how well you snooze? You might not be aware of the best clothes to sleep in for a better night's rest, but don't fret, because we have you covered with all the details.
The Top Benefits Of Going On A Hiking Trip, Science Says — Eat This Not That
There's nothing quite like planning a trip to get out into Mother Nature for a hike. With each step, every muscle from your calves to your heart is challenged. Pair that with the feeling of the trail under your boots and the sounds and scents of the great outdoors, and you have the perfect makings of a workout that provides mental and physical health benefits.
5 Major Benefits Of Kicking Up Your Cardio, Science Says — Eat This Not That
If you enjoy activities like walking your dog or going for a bike ride, then guess what? Those are all forms of aerobic exercise, or "cardio." "Almost any movement can be considered cardiovascular exercise if it raises your heart rate and gets your blood pumping," explains Susan Bentley, CPT, a trainer and group fitness instructor at 24 Hour Fitness in Folsom, California. "This is generally done through repetitive, rhythmic movement that incorporates large muscle groups like the legs or back.
The 6 Best Winter Workout Items to Stay Warm, According to Runners — Eat This Not That
As the mercury drops, even the most determined exercisers can feel pretty meh about heading outside to work out. While staring at the four walls of a gym can be monotonous, freezing your butt off is way worse! But armed with the right gear, it's possible to stay safe, warm, and comfortable. The trick is to pick items that will keep you dry and toasty—but not too toasty. As your workout progresses, your body will naturally heat up. So ideally, you should dress as though it's 20 degrees warmer.
5 Best Health Benefits of Strength Training, Says Science — Eat This Not That
Strength training is often marketed as a way to get a flat stomach, a perkier butt, or more defined arms. And while it can help with those things, weight lifting can do so much more—and you don't need dumbbells or fancy equipment to reap the benefits.
5 Best Health Benefits of Walking, Says Science — Eat This Not That
Want to stress less, sleep better, and possibly live longer? Lace up your sneakers, step outside (or onto a treadmill), and go for a walk. Rinse and repeat 20 minutes daily to reap the most benefits from this super simple form of exercise. "The mental and physical health benefits of walking are endless," says Christine Torde, CPT of Body Space Fitness in Manhattan.
25 Most Popular Pies — Ranked | Eat This Not That
When it comes to holiday pie, it goes without saying that you're going to eat a slice or two—even if you're trying to watch your weight. But that doesn't mean you have to gobble down the very worst slice on the table to satisfy your taste buds. To help you pick the best indulgence for your belly, the staff at Eat This, Not That! took a look at America's most popular pies. After examining the nutritional profiles of each, we ranked them by their calorie, fat, and sugar contents.
6 Major Red Flags You Need a New Exercise Routine, Trainers Say — Eat This Not That
If you regularly work out, go ahead and give yourself a pat on the back. It's not always easy to make the time, especially when life gets busy. But here's the thing: Just 'cause you're fitting it in exercise doesn't necessarily mean you're getting all you can out of your workouts. There's also a chance your routine is leaving you susceptible to injury or putting your health at risk in other ways. Not sure if your workouts are leading you down the right path?
4 Nutrients You Need More of After 50, Say Dietitians — Eat This Not That
As you've probably noticed by now, the body is ever-evolving. What you may not realize? With each new life phase, it's vital we take stock of our nutritional needs to ensure our bodies have what they need to stay healthy and thrive. This is especially true as we move into late adulthood.
How Much Vitamin D You Need at Every Age, Say Dietitians — Eat This Not That
You know vitamin D is an important nutrient. But did you know there's a good chance you and your family aren't getting enough of it? According to recent research, more than 90% of American adults are deficient in vitamin D. The same holds true for about half of the infant population and 61% of U.S. children and adolescents. This is a major miss for our collective health because the nutrient brings a lot to the table.
21 Awesome Ways to Lose Weight With Yogurt
If you could only eat one dairy product for the rest of your life, Greek yogurt should be it. While all dairy products have protein, few have the versatility or wide plethora of health benefits that yogurt carries. It can literally transform from a morning staple to a marinade in a matter of minutes—it's pretty amazing! It's also one of the few sources of probiotics you'll find in the dairy section of the supermarket. Probiotics help create an environment where the good bacteria can flourish.
9 Best Low Sugar Ice Creams, According to Dietitians
Summer has arrived, friends, which means one very exciting thing: Ice cream season is officially here. Even better news? Thanks to all the great low-sugar ice creams out there, you can enjoy a daily scoop (or pop or sandwich) without blowing through your daily added sugar quota. Which, by the way, the American Heart Association (AHA) says should be no more than 25 grams per day for women and 36 grams for men.
10 Best Low-Carb Breads on Grocery Store Shelves
10 Best Low-Carb Breads on Grocery Store Shelves All hail the low-carb Gods! Thanks to a slew of new bakehouse products, you no longer have to ditch bread to stick to a plan like keto or Atkins. "It's easier than ever to follow a low-carb diet," says Julie Upton, registered dietitian, and co-founder of the dietetics practice and nutrition communications firm Appetite for Health.
6 Best Gluten-Free Flour Alternatives, According to Dietitians Original
We may earn a commission for anything you purchase through links on this page. Pricing and availability are accurate as of the piece's initial publication. If you were to hop in a time machine and travel back to the early 2000s, you'd find that the supermarket wasn't a very friendly place for those avoiding gluten, a protein naturally found in wheat, barley, and rye. But things are different now.
8 Low-Carb Fruits for Fast Weight Loss
Though many conventional dieters turn to fruit to quell sugar cravings and stay satiated between meals, those following a low-carb plan, like the keto diet often don't realize they have the same luxury. While many of Nature's candies are loaded with carbohydrates, that doesn't mean low-carb fruits don't exist.
How To Eat Bananas for a Flat Belly, Says Science
If an expanding waistline is your problem, research says that eating more fruits and veggies is one of the best solutions. But does that include high-carb fruits like bananas? The short answer is yes! has 105 calories, 27 grams of carbs, 3 grams of satiating fiber, and 14 grams of naturally occurring sugar—not to mention a host of healthy flat belly nutrients.
21 'Healthy' Habits That Make You Gain Weight — Eat This Not That
Science and research methods are ever-evolving, which means weight loss recommendations are constantly being revised. So what we may have thought was healthy decades ago (like making sure everything you're eating is low-fat), has now been debunked as actually promoting weight gain. So if you think you're eating healthy, yet gaining weight, it could be because what's "healthy" to you is anything but.
21 Ways to Get a Flat Belly After 40, According to Experts — Eat This Not That
Venturing further into adulthood has its perks. You likely have stronger relationships, a better vocabulary, a more robust bank account, and maybe even a family of your own. But sometimes it can feel like you had to trade in your fit figure to obtain all of these "grown up" perks. Sure, it can be harder to maintain a flat belly as you age, but it's not at all impossible.
'I Rebuilt My Body In 2020 After Years Of Chronic, Mysterious Pain'
Twenty-nine minutes: That’s how long it took me to run a virtual Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day this year. Four years ago, when I was 28, extremely active, and pain-free, this wouldn’t have been a race time I’d have put on the internet and bragged about. But a lot has happened since my last 5K in July 2016. In January 2018, as I was packing up some boxes at work (we were moving to a new office building), I felt a sharp, stabbing pain in my back, trailing down into my left glute.
Surprising Food Pairings That DOUBLE Your Fat Loss
Want to lose weight fast? The solution is simple: Eat more. Although that may sound counterintuitive, there's some sound food combination science behind the recommendation. But before you get too excited and double-up on ice cream and cookies, realize this food pairing trick does have some caveats. To burn belly fat, you'll need to pair the right foods together on one plate. Thanks to their complementary nutrients, all the mighty duos below either fry fat, beat bloat, or ignite your metabolism.
14 Healthiest Foods for Your Pantry
A well-stocked pantry allows you to pull together healthy meals–in a hurry–and makes it much easier to stick to your diet. To help you stay on track towards your goals, we flipped through the scientific journals to find the foods with the most impressive health benefits and then considered versatility and taste of each contender to make our final cuts. Some items you may already have, while others you'll want to add to your list next time you head to the store.
Getting Interrupted at the Workplace Is Probably Stressing You Out
Although it feels like it was a lifetime ago, I’m going to ask you to recall back to The Before TimeTM when everyone still worked in offices. Picture it: you’re back at your desk, deep into a project, and finding your groove. Your fingers are tapping away, and the work is getting done before your eyes. And then — cue disturbing *BZZZZZZZT* sound here — a wild co-worker appears, asking you the same dumbass question they asked you three days ago. So long, work.
7 Best New Healthy Chocolates
Consider yourself a chocoholic? Prepare to fall in love with these brand-new, good-for-you bites. Every chocolate lover has their go-to favorite candy that they absolutely cannot live without. But sometimes even the most die-hard Green & Black's fans need to shake up things. And there are a number of delicious new products on the market that are sure to satisfy even the strongest of sweet cravings—without breaking the calorie bank. The best part? All of them can be purchased right online.
7 Healthiest Superfoods for Women
You want to lose weight and improve your health so you've made a point to add nutritious foods like fruits, veggies and whole grains to your diet. Great start! But the key is that you shouldn't just eat healthfully; you should eat smart, too. See, everything you put into your body is essentially a tool in your disease-fighting arsenal, and picking the very best weapons is paramount. So, what exactly are the best dietary weapons of choice?
The Best Frozen Breakfast Foods for Weight Loss
While some may argue that it's impossible to lose weight with the click of a button, we have to disagree. As long as it's the defrost button you're hitting, it's totally possible to melt fat and get the body you've always wanted with minimal effort—all before you've even polished off a cup of java, no less. However, there's one condition: you have to swap your go-to nutritional duds with nutrient-dense frozen breakfast foods.
15 Pumpkin Spice Products to Try This Fall
Foodies and fancy research firms may claim that the pumpkin spice is so over, but anyone who's been to the supermarket recently can clearly see that the trend is still in full swing. Everything from granola bars and nut butter to pastries and hummus (yes, hummus!) have been spiked with the gourd's quintessential fall flavor.
40 Popular Burgers—Ranked! | Eat This Not That
Everything is bigger and better in America, especially the things we value the most: our cars, our homes, and our burgers. And boy, do we love our burgers! As a nation, we consume more than 50 billion patties and buns every year. And considering they contain 75 percent more calories than they did 30 years ago, that's not exactly good news for our collective waistline. As the patties grow in circumference, so do our guts.
America's 18 Worst Restaurant Chicken Wings—Ranked! | Eat This Not That
"Let's get the wings," my friend Ben said as we slid into a plush restaurant booth to watch the game. "I need to lose 10 pounds so I'm on a low-carb, high-protein diet. I'm pretty sure wings are the only thing I can eat here." Boy, was he misguided. "Since we're planning to get a beer or two, why don't we just get the carrot sticks, celery, and dressing that come with the wings and call it a day?" I countered.
21 Shocking Sources of Hidden Carbs
Many dieters turn to low-carb plans each year—but few people do much research beforehand. Most of us can quickly name the biggest carb offenders like pasta and bread, but we rarely think beyond that in search of sources of carbohydrates in our food. The shocking truth is that carbs aren't just lurking in the obvious places; they're hiding out in seemingly innocent foods too, like coleslaw, ketchup, and yes, even certain types of chicken dishes.
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