I Tried Every Major Fad Diet for a Week: A Realistic Ranking (Worst to Best)
My week of fad diets was a wild ride. The absolute worst was a juice cleanse. It felt like putting rocket fuel in my car—a quick, jittery burst of energy followed by a sputtering crash that left me starving and miserable. The middle ground was a super-restrictive, low-carb diet. It worked, but it was a social nightmare and left me constantly dreaming of a simple piece of bread. The best and most sustainable approach was simply tracking my macros and focusing on whole foods. It wasn’t a “diet” but a conscious, balanced plan that left me satisfied and in control.
Ranking the Most Overrated and Effective Exercises for Weight Loss (Worst to Best)
My quest for the best weight loss exercise taught me a valuable lesson. The most overrated exercise, by far, is doing endless crunches to lose belly fat. It’s like trying to empty a swimming pool with a teaspoon—you’re working a tiny area while ignoring the bigger picture. The most effective approach, however, was combining compound strength training, like squats, with consistent walking. This was like using a powerful pump to drain the pool. It engaged my largest muscle groups, burned more calories overall, and was a sustainable habit that delivered real, visible results.
I Tested 10 Different Fitness Apps for 30 Days: Here’s What Actually Worked (Worst to Best)
My 30-day fitness app test separated the coaches from the cheerleaders. The worst apps were just a library of random influencer workouts with no structure; it was like a gym with no trainers. The best app, however, was like having a personal trainer in my pocket. It created a progressive, personalized plan based on my goals and abilities, tracked my progress, and adjusted my workouts as I got stronger. This smart, adaptive approach was the key to staying motivated and seeing actual, measurable improvement in my fitness.
Ranking the Most Common and Dangerous Pieces of Gym Bro Advice (Worst to Best)
The gym is full of bad advice. The most dangerous “bro science” is the “no pain, no gain” mantra, which encourages you to push through sharp, stabbing pain and is a fast track to serious injury. A less dangerous but still common piece of bad advice is to obsess over supplements instead of focusing on a solid diet. The best advice, which is often the quietest, is to prioritize perfect form over heavy weight. This not only prevents injury but also ensures you’re actually working the intended muscle, leading to much better and safer long-term gains.
I Compared 5 Different At-Home Workout Programs: The Results After 90 Days (Worst to Best)
My 90-day at-home workout showdown had a clear winner. The worst program was a set of random, high-intensity videos with no progression; my results plateaued quickly, and I got bored. The best program, however, was one that focused on progressive overload. It had a clear schedule, and each week, it challenged me to do a little more—an extra rep, a little more weight. This simple, structured approach was the key to consistently getting stronger and seeing visible changes in my body, proving that a smart plan beats random intensity every time.
Ranking the Best and Worst Protein Bars by Taste and Nutrition (Worst to Best)
My protein bar taste test was a journey through chalky textures and chemical aftertastes. The worst bars were the ones that tasted like sweetened cardboard and had a laundry list of artificial ingredients, making them little better than a candy bar. The best protein bar, however, was a revelation. It had a short list of simple, recognizable ingredients like nuts and egg whites, and it was genuinely delicious. It was a convenient, healthy snack that actually felt like a treat, proving that you don’t have to sacrifice taste or quality for a quick protein boost.
I Tried to Meditate Every Day for a Month Using 5 Different Apps: My Stress Levels Ranked (Worst to Best)
My month of meditation apps was a quest for calm. The worst apps were the ones that overcomplicated things with confusing jargon and gamification, making meditation feel like another chore. The best app, however, was the simplest. It offered guided meditations with a calm, clear voice and a simple timer for unguided sessions. It didn’t try to be flashy; it just provided a peaceful, accessible tool that made it easy to build a consistent practice. The result was a noticeable decrease in my daily stress and anxiety levels, proving that simplicity is the key to mindfulness.
Ranking the Most Common and Misleading Health Claims on Food Labels (Worst to Best)
Food labels can be a minefield of misleading claims. The most misleading is “all-natural,” a completely unregulated term that can be slapped on a product full of sugar and processed ingredients. A better but still tricky claim is “low-fat,” as these products are often loaded with sugar to make up for the lack of flavor. The most important thing to do is to ignore the flashy claims on the front of the box and instead read the simple, honest story told by the nutrition facts and ingredient list on the back.
I Tested the Accuracy of 5 Different Fitness Trackers for Calorie Burning (Worst to Best)
My fitness tracker calorie test revealed that these devices are better at motivation than math. The least accurate tracker consistently overestimated my calorie burn by a huge margin, especially during low-intensity activities. The most accurate tracker was the one that incorporated my heart rate data to make a more educated guess. However, all of them were significantly off from my calculated metabolic rate. The takeaway is that trackers are a great tool for monitoring trends and staying active, but you should treat their calorie-burning estimates as a loose, motivational guess, not as a precise scientific measurement.
Ranking the Best and Worst Pre-Workout Supplements I’ve Ever Taken (Worst to Best)
My pre-workout experiment was a jittery ride. The worst supplements were the ones loaded with a mysterious “proprietary blend” of stimulants that left me feeling anxious and tingly, followed by a huge crash. They were all frantic energy with no focus. The best pre-workout, however, had a simple, transparent list of ingredients like caffeine and L-theanine. It provided a smooth, focused energy boost that helped me push harder in my workout without the jitters or the subsequent crash. It was the difference between chaotic energy and controlled power.
I Tried to Fix My Terrible Sleep Schedule With 10 Different “Hacks”: A Sleepy Ranking (Worst to Best)
My quest to fix my sleep schedule was a lesson in fundamentals. The worst “hacks,” like drinking a specific tea or listening to a certain frequency, had almost no effect. The most effective and important “hack” was not a hack at all: it was simply maintaining a consistent wake-up time, even on weekends. This single act did more to regulate my body’s internal clock than anything else. It was a powerful reminder that there are no magic shortcuts; consistency is the true secret to a good night’s sleep.
Ranking the Most Important and Useless Stretches for Office Workers (Worst to Best)
As an office worker, I learned that not all stretches are created equal. The most useless stretch is the classic standing toe touch, which can actually put a strain on your lower back. The most important and effective stretches, however, are the ones that counteract the “office hunch.” Simple chest openers, like clasping your hands behind your back and pulling your shoulders down, and hip flexor stretches, like a gentle lunge, are the true heroes. They directly target the muscles that get tight from sitting all day, providing immediate relief and improving long-term posture.
I Compared the Experience of CrossFit, OrangeTheory, and F45 for a Month (Worst to Best)
My month of boutique fitness was an intense comparison. CrossFit was the most technically demanding and had the steepest learning curve, which could be intimidating. F45 was a fast-paced, high-energy blast of a workout. The winner for me, however, was OrangeTheory. The combination of heart rate-based training, which provided real-time feedback on my effort, and the mix of cardio and strength training felt like the most well-rounded and data-driven workout. It gave me a clear picture of my performance and pushed me in a smart, sustainable way.
Ranking the Most Common and Annoying Gym Etiquette Violations (Worst to Best)
The gym has its own set of unspoken rules. A common annoyance is people who grunt excessively loud. More frustrating is the person who hogs a piece of equipment, scrolling on their phone for ten minutes between sets. The most egregious and unforgivable violation of gym etiquette, however, is not re-racking your weights. Leaving a heavy-laden barbell or a trail of dumbbells behind you is not just lazy; it’s disrespectful to every other person in the gym. It’s the ultimate sign that you think your time is more valuable than everyone else’s.
I Tried to Drink a Gallon of Water Every Day for a Week: The Brutal Truth (Worst to Best)
My gallon-of-water-a-day challenge was a lesson in hydration and bathroom logistics. The worst part was the constant, urgent need to find a bathroom, which was incredibly disruptive to my workday. The first couple of days, I also felt bloated and uncomfortable. The best part, which I noticed after a few days, was the surprising improvement in my energy levels and skin clarity. The brutal truth is that a full gallon might be excessive for some, but the experiment was a powerful reminder that most of us are probably not drinking enough water.
Ranking the Best and Worst Foods to Eat Before and After a Workout (Worst to Best)
Fueling my workouts taught me that timing and type are key. The worst thing to eat before a workout is a heavy, fatty meal, which sits in your stomach like a rock and can make you feel sluggish and sick. The best pre-workout snack is a simple, easily digestible carb like a banana, which provides a quick source of energy. After a workout, the best meal is a combination of protein to rebuild your muscles and carbs to replenish your energy stores, like grilled chicken and sweet potatoes. It’s the perfect recovery combo to maximize your gains.
I Compared the Cost and Quality of 5 Different Meal Prep Delivery Services (Worst to Best)
My meal prep delivery test revealed a big difference in what you get for your money. The worst service sent me tiny portions of bland, uninspired food that left me hungry and unsatisfied. The best service, however, was a game-changer. The meals were made with high-quality, fresh ingredients, the recipes were delicious and diverse, and the portion sizes were generous. While it was more expensive, the time it saved me on cooking and cleaning, combined with the consistent quality, made it a worthwhile investment in my health and my sanity.
Ranking the Most Important and Overlooked Aspects of Mental Health (Worst to Best)
Mental health is about more than just managing stress. An often-overlooked aspect is the quality of your social connections and feeling a sense of community. More important is getting enough quality sleep, which is the foundation upon which your entire mental state is built. The most important and often most neglected aspect of mental health, however, is self-compassion. The ability to treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a friend during a difficult time is not a weakness; it’s a fundamental skill for building resilience and lasting well-being.
I Tried to Run a 5K With No Training Using 3 Different Running Shoe Brands (Worst to Best)
My impromptu 5K was a painful experiment in footwear. The worst shoes were a pair of trendy, flat-soled sneakers that had zero cushioning; every step felt like my bones were rattling. The best shoes, however, were a pair of dedicated running shoes with ample cushioning and support. The difference was night and day. They absorbed the impact and provided a spring in my step that made the run far more comfortable and less punishing on my joints. It was a brutal, shin-splint-filled lesson that the right equipment isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity.
Ranking the Most Common and Persistent Diet Myths That Science Debunked (Worst to Best)
The world of dieting is full of myths. A persistent one is that eating late at night will make you gain weight; what matters is your total calorie intake over 24 hours. A more pervasive myth is that you need to do a “detox” to cleanse your body; your liver and kidneys are incredibly efficient at doing that for you. The most harmful myth, however, is that certain foods are “good” and others are “bad.” This moralizing of food creates a toxic cycle of guilt and restriction. The scientific truth is that a healthy diet is about balance, moderation, and sustainability.
I Tested 10 Different “Healthy” Snack Alternatives to My Favorite Junk Food (Worst to Best)
My healthy snack swap had some real duds. The worst was a bag of kale chips that tasted like salty, burnt grass and disintegrated into a green powder. They did nothing to satisfy my craving for a crunchy potato chip. The best and most satisfying swap, however, was air-popped popcorn seasoned with smoked paprika and nutritional yeast. It was crunchy, savory, and had a delicious cheesy flavor, all for a fraction of the calories and fat of my usual junk food. It was a genuinely delicious snack that I looked forward to eating, not a sad substitute.
Ranking the Best and Worst Exercises for Building a Stronger Core (Worst to Best)
Building a strong core is about more than just a six-pack. The worst exercise for a truly strong core is the classic crunch, which only targets a small part of your abs. The best and most effective core exercises are the ones that force your entire core to work together to stabilize your body, like planks, bird-dogs, and dead bugs. These exercises are like a team-building exercise for your midsection. They build a deep, functional strength that not only looks good but also improves your posture and protects your lower back from injury.
I Tried to Do Yoga Every Morning for 30 Days: The Flexibility and Sanity Ranked (Worst to Best)
My 30-day yoga challenge was transformative. The hardest part was the first week, when my body was stiff, and my mind was restless. I could barely hold a downward dog without my arms shaking. The best part, however, was the profound sense of calm and clarity I felt after each session, which carried me through the rest of the day. By the end of the month, not only was my flexibility noticeably improved, but my baseline level of stress was significantly lower. It became less about the physical postures and more about a daily act of mental self-care.
Ranking the Most Common and Frustrating Weight Loss Plateaus (and How to Break Them) (Worst to Best)
Weight loss plateaus are an inevitable frustration. The most common is the “initial success” plateau, where your new diet and exercise plan stops working after a few weeks. The key to breaking it is to introduce some variety, either by changing up your workouts or adjusting your calorie intake. The most frustrating plateau, however, is the “last ten pounds” plateau. Your body fights hard to hold on to this weight. The secret to breaking through is often to be more meticulous with your tracking and to incorporate more high-intensity interval training to kickstart your metabolism.
I Compared the Experience of Working Out at a Budget Gym vs. a Luxury Gym (Worst to Best)
My gym comparison revealed that a high price doesn’t always mean a better workout. The budget gym was crowded and lacked some high-end equipment, but it had all the essential free weights and a gritty, focused atmosphere. The luxury gym was beautiful and had eucalyptus-scented towels, but it was often full of people more interested in socializing than working out. Ultimately, the best gym is simply the one you will consistently go to. While the luxury perks were nice, I got just as good of a workout at the budget gym, proving that a barbell weighs the same no matter where you lift it.
Ranking the Most Effective and Useless Ways to Boost Your Immune System (Worst to Best)
When it comes to boosting your immune system, a lot of products are just selling magic. The most useless are the expensive IV drips and “immune-boosting” supplements that are not supported by science. The most effective ways to boost your immune system are the boring, free, and scientifically proven ones: getting enough quality sleep, managing your stress, and eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables. There is no magic pill or quick fix; a strong immune system is the result of a consistently healthy lifestyle.
I Tried to Quit Sugar for 30 Days: My Withdrawal Symptoms Ranked (Worst to Best)
My 30 days without sugar was a war against my own brain. The worst part was the first three to five days. The withdrawal was brutal, with intense cravings, splitting headaches, and a surprising amount of irritability. It felt like my body was throwing a temper tantrum. The best part, which emerged in the second week, was the incredible surge of stable, consistent energy I had throughout the day, without the usual afternoon crash. My taste buds also reset, and a simple piece of fruit tasted like the most delicious candy I’d ever had.
Ranking the Best and Worst Kitchen Gadgets for Healthy Eating (Worst to Best)
Some kitchen gadgets are a healthy cook’s best friend. The worst is the juicer. It’s expensive, a huge pain to clean, and it strips all the beneficial fiber from the fruit, leaving you with a glass of sugar water. The absolute best and most versatile gadget for healthy eating is the air fryer. It can make crispy, delicious versions of your favorite “fried” foods with a fraction of the oil, and it’s great for roasting vegetables quickly. It’s a true game-changer that makes healthy eating both easy and incredibly satisfying.
I Compared the Calorie Counts on Menus vs. What I Actually Got at 5 Fast Food Chains (Worst to Best)
My fast food calorie investigation was an eye-opener. I found that the posted calorie counts are often an idealized best-case scenario. The biggest discrepancies were in items that are hand-portioned, like fries or a burrito bowl, where a generous employee could easily add a few hundred extra calories to my meal. The most accurate items were the pre-packaged, standardized ones, like a cookie. It was a powerful reminder that menu calorie counts are a helpful guide, but they should be treated as an estimate, not as an exact science.
Ranking the Most Common and Dangerous Mistakes People Make When Lifting Weights (Worst to Best)
In the weight room, bad form can lead to disaster. A common but less severe mistake is using momentum to swing the weights instead of controlling them. A more dangerous mistake is lifting with your ego, trying to lift a weight that is too heavy and sacrificing your form. The most common and dangerous mistake of all, however, is neglecting your warm-up. Jumping straight into a heavy lift with cold muscles and joints is like trying to stretch a cold rubber band—it’s a recipe for a snap, and in this case, a serious, debilitating injury.
I Tried 5 Different Intermittent Fasting Schedules: Here’s What Happened (Worst to Best)
My intermittent fasting experiment showed that the “best” schedule is the one you can stick to. The worst, for me, was the “eat-stop-eat” method of a full 24-hour fast, which left me feeling weak and obsessing over food. The most effective and surprisingly easy schedule was the 16:8 method, where I simply skipped breakfast and had my first meal at noon. This compressed eating window naturally reduced my calorie intake without me feeling deprived, and it fit seamlessly into my daily routine, making it a sustainable and effective strategy.
Ranking the Most Important and Overlooked Benefits of Simply Walking More (Worst to Best)
Walking is the most underrated form of exercise. An overlooked benefit is its positive impact on creativity and problem-solving; a good walk can often untangle a knot in your brain. A more important benefit is its role in weight management. The most important and overlooked benefit of walking, however, is its profound impact on mental health. A simple daily walk can reduce stress, improve your mood, and provide a gentle, meditative break from the chaos of daily life. It’s a free, accessible, and powerful tool for both physical and mental well-being.
I Compared 5 Different Types of Group Fitness Classes: The Fun vs. a Good Workout (Worst to Best)
My group fitness class tour was a sweaty comparison. The class that was the most fun but the least effective workout was a dance cardio class; I was smiling the whole time but barely broke a sweat. The most effective but least fun class was a boot-camp style class that felt more like a punishment than a workout. The clear winner, for both fun and a great workout, was a spin class. The combination of high-energy music, a motivational instructor, and the ability to control my own intensity made it a challenging, effective, and incredibly fun experience.
Ranking the Most Common and Misleading “Before and After” Fitness Photos (Worst to Best)
“Before and after” photos on social media are often an illusion. The most common and misleading trick is simply a change in posture, lighting, and clothing. In the “before” photo, the person is slouching under harsh, direct lighting. In the “after” photo, taken just minutes later, they are standing up straight, flexing, and under soft, flattering lighting. It creates the illusion of months of progress in an instant. The most honest “before and after” photos are the ones that show a long, realistic timeline and focus on performance gains, not just aesthetic changes.
I Tried to Improve My Posture With 5 Different Gadgets and Exercises (Worst to Best)
My quest for better posture had a clear, tech-free winner. The worst was a posture-correcting brace, which acted like a crutch and made my back muscles weaker. The best and most effective method was a simple set of exercises focused on strengthening my back and core muscles, combined with a conscious effort to sit and stand tall throughout the day. The gadgets provided a temporary reminder, but building the actual muscular strength to hold myself up properly was the only thing that created a real, lasting change.
Ranking the Best and Worst Hydration Drinks for Athletes (Worst to Best)
When it comes to athletic hydration, not all drinks are created equal. The worst are the sugary, brightly colored “sports drinks” that are often just soda without the carbonation. They provide some hydration but also a huge dose of unnecessary sugar. For most workouts, the best and most effective hydration drink is simply water. For long, intense endurance events, a better choice is an electrolyte drink that is low in sugar, which helps to replace the essential minerals you lose through sweat without the sugar crash.
I Compared the Mental and Physical Effects of Caffeine vs. Giving It Up for a Month (Worst to Best)
My month without caffeine was a tale of two halves. The first week was the absolute worst. The withdrawal headaches were debilitating, and I walked around in a fog of exhaustion. After that initial hurdle, however, the best part was the incredible improvement in my sleep quality and the disappearance of my baseline level of anxiety. I also discovered that my natural energy levels, once my body had adjusted, were much more stable throughout the day. While I still enjoy an occasional coffee, the experiment was a powerful reset for my body and mind.
Ranking the Most Common and Frustrating Excuses for Not Working Out (Worst to Best)
We’re all guilty of making excuses. A common one is “I’ll start tomorrow.” The most frustrating and persistent excuse, however, is “I don’t have time.” The reality is that we all have the same 24 hours in a day. It’s not a matter of having time; it’s a matter of making time. Even a quick, 15-minute workout at home is better than nothing. The real challenge isn’t a lack of time; it’s a lack of prioritizing our own health and well-being.
I Tried to Build Muscle on a Vegan Diet for 6 Months: The Results (Worst to Best)
My six-month vegan muscle-building experiment was a success, but it required careful planning. The hardest part was simply getting enough protein without consuming a huge volume of food. I had to be very intentional about including protein-dense foods like tofu, tempeh, and lentils in every meal. The best part was the noticeable improvement in my recovery time and overall energy levels. In the end, I was able to build muscle and increase my strength just as effectively as I had on an omnivorous diet, proving that with smart planning, a plant-based diet can absolutely support serious fitness goals.
Ranking the Most Important and Overlooked Factors for a Good Night’s Sleep (Worst to Best)
When it comes to sleep, we often focus on the wrong things. An overlooked factor is the temperature of your bedroom; a cool room is essential for quality sleep. More important is avoiding screens before bed, as the blue light can disrupt your body’s melatonin production. The most important and often most neglected factor for a good night’s sleep, however, is your level of stress and anxiety. You can have the perfect mattress and the darkest room, but if your mind is racing, you won’t sleep. A simple pre-bed relaxation routine can be the most powerful sleep aid of all.
I Tested 10 Different “Healthy” Recipes from TikTok to See if They’re Actually Good for You (Worst to Best)
My TikTok healthy recipe test revealed that “healthy” is a very subjective term. The worst recipes were the ones that were just lower-calorie versions of junk food, packed with artificial sweeteners and processed ingredients. They weren’t truly nutritious. The best recipes, however, were the ones that celebrated whole foods in a creative way, like a simple but delicious salad with a homemade dressing or a clever way to roast vegetables. They were a great source of inspiration for making genuinely healthy and delicious meals, proving that TikTok can be a great resource if you know what to look for.
Ranking the Best and Worst Ways to Deal With Stress and Anxiety (Worst to Best)
When stress hits, our coping mechanisms matter. The worst way to deal with it is to numb or avoid the feeling through things like excessive drinking or binge-watching TV. A better but still temporary solution is to vent to a friend. The best and most effective long-term strategy for dealing with stress and anxiety is to engage in activities that actively calm your nervous system, like deep breathing exercises, meditation, or a simple walk in nature. These tools don’t just distract you from the stress; they give you the power to manage it from the inside out.
I Compared the Effectiveness of HIIT vs. LISS Cardio for Fat Loss (Worst to Best)
My cardio experiment compared high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with low-intensity steady-state (LISS) cardio. While HIIT burns more calories in a shorter amount of time, it’s also much more physically and mentally demanding, making it harder to do consistently. LISS, like a brisk walk on an incline, burns fewer calories per minute but is much easier to recover from and can be done more frequently. The best approach, for me, was a combination of both. The true winner isn’t the method that burns the most calories in one session, but the one you can stick with for the long haul.
Ranking the Most Common and Dangerous Sunscreen Mistakes People Make (Worst to Best)
Sunscreen is our best defense against skin cancer, but many people use it incorrectly. A common mistake is not using enough; you need about a full shot glass to cover your whole body. A more dangerous mistake is forgetting to reapply it, especially after swimming or sweating. The most common and dangerous mistake of all, however, is only wearing it on sunny days at the beach. Harmful UV rays are present even on cloudy days, and daily application to exposed skin is the single most important thing you can do to protect yourself.
I Tried to Meal Prep for an Entire Week: The Time, Cost, and Sanity Ranked (Worst to Best)
My first full week of meal prep was a lesson in planning. The worst part was the sheer amount of time it took on a Sunday; my kitchen looked like a disaster zone, and I was exhausted. The best part, however, was the incredible sense of calm and freedom I felt during the week. Having a healthy, delicious meal ready to go in minutes saved me from making poor food choices when I was tired and hungry. The initial time investment was significant, but the payoff in time, money, and sanity throughout the week made it absolutely worth it.
Ranking the Best and Worst Ways to Stay Motivated on Your Fitness Journey (Worst to Best)
Staying motivated is the hardest part of any fitness journey. The worst way to stay motivated is to rely on shame or guilt, like hating what you see in the mirror. A better source of motivation is an external goal, like an upcoming event. The best and most sustainable motivation, however, is intrinsic. It’s the motivation that comes from falling in love with the process and focusing on how working out makes you feel—stronger, more energetic, and less stressed. When you focus on the feeling instead of just the outcome, motivation becomes a natural byproduct.
I Compared the Joint Impact of Running on a Treadmill vs. Pavement vs. a Trail (Worst to Best)
My running surface comparison was a real eye-opener for my knees. The worst and most punishing surface was the hard, unforgiving pavement, where every step sent a jolt through my joints. The treadmill was a better option, offering a more cushioned and consistent surface. The absolute best and most joint-friendly surface, however, was the trail. The softer, uneven ground absorbed the impact and forced me to use more stabilizing muscles. It wasn’t just a run; it was a more engaging and less punishing full-body workout.
Ranking the Most Important and Underappreciated Micronutrients in Your Diet (Worst to Best)
We hear a lot about vitamins C and D, but other micronutrients are just as vital. An underappreciated but important one is potassium, which is crucial for blood pressure regulation. More important is magnesium, which is involved in hundreds of bodily functions, from muscle contraction to nerve function. The most important and often underappreciated micronutrient, however, is Vitamin K2. It plays a critical role in directing calcium to your bones and away from your arteries, making it essential for both bone and heart health. It’s a true unsung hero of the nutrient world.
I Tried to Take a Cold Shower Every Day for a Month: The Shocking Benefits (Worst to Best)
My month of cold showers was a brutal but rewarding experience. The worst part, without a doubt, was the initial shock and primal urge to jump out of the icy water. It never got “easy,” but it did get easier. The most shocking and best part, however, was the incredible, lasting surge of energy and mental clarity I felt afterward. It was like a natural, supercharged cup of coffee that left me feeling alert, focused, and ready to take on the day. The daily act of doing something difficult also built a surprising amount of mental resilience.
Ranking the Most Impactful and Overrated Health and Wellness Trends of the Year (Worst to Best)
This year’s wellness trends were a mixed bag. The most overrated was the obsession with expensive “superfood” powders that promise miracles but offer little benefit over a simple, whole-foods diet. A more impactful trend has been the growing popularity of wearable fitness trackers, which have helped millions of people to be more mindful of their daily activity. The most impactful and important health trend, however, has been the growing conversation around the importance of mental health, reducing stigma, and recognizing that a healthy mind is the foundation of a healthy body.