Registered dietitians Amy Davis and Michelle Routhenstein discuss the optimal timing for breakfast to enhance metabolism. They recommend eating within 30 minutes to two hours of waking up to boost metabolism, stabilize blood sugar and insulin levels, and support circadian rhythms. They emphasize that while timing is important, the nutritional content of breakfast is crucial, highlighting the benefits of protein, fiber-dense carbohydrates and healthful fats.

Muscle cramps, often sudden and painful, are commonly believed to be alleviated by consuming potassium-providing foods like bananas. However, Jennifer Bruning, registered dietitian nutritionist and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and sports expert Heidi Skolnik suggest that while bananas provide essential nutrients, their immediate effect on cramps is minimal. They explain that cramps can result from various factors including dehydration and muscle strain, and while maintaining a diet rich in electrolytes like potassium can help prevent cramps, bananas alone are unlikely to provide instant relief.

Registered dietitians Ana Reisdorf, Melissa Mitri and Abbey Sharp suggest simple food swaps to aid in weight management without the need for restrictive diets. Key recommendations include replacing sweetened cereal with Greek-style yogurt topped with fruit and nuts for breakfast, opting for whole-grain toast with cottage cheese instead of a bagel and cream cheese, and choosing roasted chickpeas over chips for snacks. These swaps focus on increasing protein, fiber and healthful fats to promote satiety and support sustainable weight management.

By dedicating 45 minutes to a single, meaningful task with no distractions, you can tap in to your brain's natural peaks in attention and creativity -- something called your "ultradian rhythm," writes career coach Luciana Paulise. Taking a 15-minute break in between work sessions acts as a buffer and should be spent stretching, walking or briefly checking emails before diving back in, Paulise notes. "Once you master the rhythm, expand it beyond work. Timebox everything: your workouts, lunch, family time, reading and even rest."

A study presented at a meeting of the Obesity Society found that more than half of patients who stop taking GLP-1 drugs regain weight within a year. The analysis of data from more than 1.2 million patients found people with Type 2 diabetes were more likely to persist using the medications than those without Type 2 diabetes.

A study in JAMA Oncology that included data from more than 29,000 female nurses found that those with the greatest intake of ultraprocessed foods had a higher risk of developing early-onset colorectal conventional adenomas compared with those with the lowest consumption levels. Researchers noted that greater intake of artificially sweetened beverages was associated with a higher risk, although no specific food group was linked to the overall risk.

A study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice found that a 30-mg maintenance dose of peanut protein in oral immunotherapy may effectively increase tolerance in children with peanut allergies. The study, involving 51 children, showed that 76.5% of those on the 30-mg dose tolerated at least 443 mg of peanut protein, indicating potential for lower doses in treatment protocols.

Many Americans are turning to AI for medical questions, driven by a frustration with the traditional medical system and AI's 24/7 availability and ease of use. In 2024, 1 in 6 US adults used chatbots to find health information at least once a month, according to a survey from KFF. The New York Times documented dozens of interviews in which people described their experiences using chatbots for medical information or advice.

The renewal of Affordable Care Act tax credits is facing challenges as the deadline approaches, with the Senate Finance Committee taking the lead. Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, and Ranking Member Ron Wyden, D-Ore., are key figures in the discussions. Democrats want a clean extension, but Republicans are pushing for changes, including an income cap and minimum premium payments.

The Alabama State Board of Education has relaxed some hiring requirements for directors in the state's Child Nutrition Program, now requiring a high school diploma, three years of experience in food service management, training approved by the state, and a level four certificate from SNA. The previous requirements included a bachelor's degree and 1,400 hours of compensated food management experience. State Schools Superintendent Eric Mackey said the change will help districts find qualified candidates.