We’ve got the strangest sense of déjà vu. Laguna Beach is on TV, Hilary Duff is in the headlines, and the devil’s not only wearing Prada… but that cerulean blue sweater, too. It all feels very on brand, given that some say we’re in the midst of a millennial midlife crisis. Not the sports car kind — more like the “wait, is this it?” sort.
We followed the blueprint to build a stable life: school, career, all of it. And now reality doesn’t quite match our expectations. So, is it any wonder we want to go back, back to the beginning? If only to better understand how we got here?
Science has an explanation for our sudden urge to reach for our favorite going-out top like it’s 2006: Nostalgia kicks in when the future feels shaky… and it does more than just comfort us.
So, if this is our moment to come clean and find a pigment of truth (dare you not to sing along), here’s where we’ve gained some perspective lately:
One thing about our generation? We’re willing to move to get more of what we want — these places check all the boxes (number nine is especially tempting).
And aging isn’t all bad. Not to brag, but we’re healthier than our parents in two unexpected ways.
— Anna “My Life Is Still Unwritten” Davies, writer
The term “gut health” has been a buzzword for a while, but until recently, no one could quite agree on what it meant. Now, scientists are starting to define it… and take it more seriously.
Is this just about bathroom drama? That’s part of it, but not the whole picture. Gut-related conditions, like IBS, can be debilitating — and affect women way more than men. But your gut isn’t just responsible for smooth digestion.
So… eat more yogurt? Sure, yogurt and other fermented foods can support a healthy gut microbiome. But right now, research points to something that can move the needle even more: diversity. Here’s what that means in practice.
Slow down. You already know that chewing more can lead to better food absorption, but an RDN known as “the queen of gut health” says it matters most at this point in your meal.
Rethink your drink. Your gut isn’t exactly thrilled about diet soda. But it might like fermented options like kefir or kombucha. And if you really want to treat it, sip this tea.
You wipe out in a group fitness class and the room goes silent. Your recovery move?
Cottage cheese has long felt like the Karen Smith of the dairy aisle — it hovers near the Regina George-level Greek yogurt, but is never the first pick. Thanks to TikTok, though, the creamy dairy product is pushing further into the spotlight.
Packed with protein and essential nutrients like phosphorus (strong bones, energy, cellular repair), it works as a snack, an unexpected hero in dishes like pastas or pizzas, or a stealth ingredient to boost the profile of sides. Here are three ways to embrace the cottage cheese craze.
Add extra protein to your breakfast. Scramble cottage cheese with eggs, or mix it into this breakfast staple for a meal that will make you feel fuller, longer.
Elevate appetizers. On its own, cottage cheese can be a little meh. But it brings creamy texture and a subtle tang to dips and spreads for an instant upgrade. Start with these recipes.
Are seasonal allergies actually getting worse — or does it just feel that way?
Featured Expert
Priya Bansal, MD
A triple-board-certified allergy, asthma, and immunology specialist at the Asthma and Allergy Wellness Center in St Charles, IL, and a Castle Connolly Top Doctor.
"Seasonal allergies are worsening, and it really does feel that way! Pollen seasons are lasting longer — on average two to three weeks longer since the ’90s. Simultaneously, pollen counts have increased over the past 20 to 30 years. This extra exposure is amplified in the home when pollen sticks to hair, clothing, and pets, or when we leave our windows open.
As we become more reactive year to year, we experience symptoms earlier in the season. So make sure to identify your allergies, keep windows closed during the season, and take an evening shower.”
Because here’s the thing: Hormone shifts in the lead-up to perimenopause and menopause can impact your joints, and you may notice it particularly when you come out of winter hibernation mode.
No time to cook? That’s where your pressure cooker clocks in. It does the heavy lifting while you do… anything else. Translation: less “what’s for dinner?” drama, more meals on the table, plus options for busy weeknights and grab-and-go lunches.
