Choosing when to enjoy a protein shake will depend on your goals and daily habits, meaning there isn't an ideal time to sip on one.

There’s something about being out on the trail that makes food taste better. Maybe it’s the fresh air and sunshine or the intensity of climbing through mountains and forests, but a snack just hits differently when hiking.

In conventional medicine, the mind and body have been kept separate for years. Now, emerging research suggests that the two share an inseparable bond. Instilling good nutrition habits is critical to leading a healthy lifestyle, but what about how food affects mood?

A classic dessert, cookies are a beloved sweet treat that many enjoy. Regardless of the cookie type, traditional recipes often use kitchen staples such as white flour, sugar, butter, and eggs. And while it’s OK to occasionally enjoy sweets made with these ingredients, there are ways to boost the nutritional value of cookies with a few simple swaps such as switching white flour for a whole grain or nut flour, sweetening with fruit instead of sugar, and using high-fiber ingredients.

Optimal recovery, energy, focus, metabolism, and mood are all positively affected by proper hydration. Water aside, there is no shortage of electrolyte-rich beverage options to use to rehydrate. However, there might be one option you haven’t tried: pickle juice.

There is never a dull moment in the dietary supplement world. In other words, there’s no shortage of nutrition hacks or dietary supplements floating around that are supposedly going to help boost your fitness or improve your workout.

The purpose of your microbiota goes far beyond aiding digestion. As Sydney Greene, MS, RDN, told GoodRx, gut microbiota “play a starring role in our overall health.” Research has shown that your gut does everything from supporting your immune system to playing a role in nutrient absorption to making vitamins and hormones.

Protein is one of the three main macronutrients (protein, carbohydrates and fat) that people need to consume for optimal immune function, sleep, muscle growth and repair, metabolism — the list goes on and on. For many people, meeting daily protein needs solely through diet is no problem. However for some individuals, it can be challenging to include enough protein-rich foods.

When it comes to post-workout recovery, food, sleep and supplements get a lot of attention. But what about hydration? And did you know that there are many foods that hydrate?

If you’re a morning exerciser, you may have encountered the conundrum of figuring out if you should work out before or after breakfast. Some experts suggest working out on an empty stomach is the best method, whereas others recommend eating a meal or snack that contains a balance of carbs, fat, and protein (key macronutrients) prior to exercise.

After a workout, it’s imperative that you reach for food that’s rich in protein. But, why? For starters, protein is essential for the growth and recovery of muscles and tissues, immune function, hormone balance and more.

Have you ever felt totally exhausted after doing what you considered to be a moderate workout? Or maybe you can relate to feeling like you’re not physically able to finish a rigorous workout that you would normally crush. If either of these sound familiar, you might have low iron levels.