I never turn down an invitation to a holiday party. Too often, it's the same for the food, cocktails, and treats that often accompany them. To make sure I'm snacking smart at the soirees' snack stands, I've checked out two popular items that tend to find their ways onto many a hostess's serving tray — olives and almonds. Ready to see the side-by-side breakdown? Read more

Spears or strings — which do you prefer? When it comes to serving up the green sides, I often choose between asparagus spears and green beans. My kids love them both, and they both go with a variety of meal choices, making them staples in my fridge. While I know they are both good for the body, they surely must have some nutritional differences. Ready to see them for yourself? Read more

When it comes to burger time, do you gobble or moo? Many people trying to eat a healthier diet opt for a turkey burger believing it will provide them better nutritional value with the same basic taste as its beef counterpart. While some may fly to the coop, others are still partial to the original version and can't leave the sirloin behind. Before you place your next order, you may want to take Read more

How many times have you been at a soirée and picked at sticks of celery and carrots, occasionally dipping them into a bowl of ranch dressing? A typical party hors d'oeuvre, the veggie sticks are often the healthiest option at a buffet table. While you can't go wrong with either of them, there are distinct differences between the two, which may have you trying to balance out your consumption. Read more

Don't eat this, stay away from that — following a diet can seem like a total killjoy. If you're feeling depressed about how restrictive your diet is, here are some proven weight-loss rules you'll welcome with open arms. Dig into a big breakfast: Skipping breakfast to save calories? That's a big mistake because eating breakfast actually jump-starts your metabolism. Your first meal of the day Read more

The nutritional value of McDonald's oatmeal explained in pictures — MindBodyGreen Dance like Natalie Portman and Skype a Ballet Beautiful workout — Vital Juice Get absolutely fabulous abs with these six moves — Fitness Road tripping? Healthier fast food choices from Hardee's and Carl's Jr. — DailySpark Drink your next beauty treatment; sip on Drew Barrymore's fave green smoothie — Read more

Soy is one of the most versatile ingredients; it can be eaten whole or ground, fermented, and formed into various ingredients for nutritious and healthy cooking. Not only that, but it's also high in protein and fiber and contains less fat than its animal counterparts, so it's a no-brainer for people who want to eat less meat. Want to know how different forms of soy compare in both taste and Read more

An immediate reaction to a dollar store buy might be, "What a steal!" However, that's not always the case. Sometimes, the deal is actually less of a bargain than you thought and the poor quality is just not worth the potential cost of your health. Here are several things you need to consider before buying food items from the dollar store, advises consumer expert Andrea Woroch: Be observant: Read more

We know it best for sushi, ramen, and teriyaki chicken, but Japanese cuisine actually encompasses a vast range of dishes and flavors. Japan may be a relatively small island nation, but its topography is peppered with snow-capped mountains, broad agricultural fields, and plenty of seashore. Pasture land is at a premium, so the diet tends to be low in animal fats and relies heavily on locally Read more