Author: Padraic Guilfoyle

Alcohol is a toxic, addictive drug that can be very damaging to health. Alcohol products, mainly beer, spirits and wine can be marketed without reference to alcohol in the advertising. Alcohol is consumed without restraint or regard for its health consequences.
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Want to tone your midsection? You can start by standing up to do ab exercises. @ClevelandClinic

Want to tone your midsection? You can start by standing up to do ab exercises.

Surprised? That’s understandable. After all, most of us think of a few classic on-the-floor exercises when it comes to strengthening our abdominals. Crunches and sit-ups, for instance. Planks, too.

But it turns out, you can get a deeper and more thorough core workout while on your feet, says exercise physiologist Katie Lawton, MEd. Here’s how.

Standing ab exercises

The pursuit of “six-pack abs” explains the devotion to crunches and similar floor exercises. “You completely isolate the rectus abdominis muscles when you lie down and do that motion,” says Lawton. “It’s very targeted.”

That’s great for creating washboard abs. But it doesn’t do much to enhance other muscles in your middle that play an important role in day-to-day movements.

Standing ab exercises, on the other hand, engage a network of muscles within your core that you use all the time, whether it’s picking laundry up off the floor or putting cans on the top shelf in the pantry.

“Think of your core as a chain of muscles that needs to work together to get the job done,” illustrates Lawton. “When you do an ab workout from a standing position, you’re working more of the muscles in that system.”

Strengthening your core can help you:

  • Improve your balance
  • Maintain good posture
  • Protect your back from aches and pains
  • Better handle day-to-day movements that require bending, lifting and twisting

Incorporate these exercises in a standing abs workout to see those benefits.

Six standing exercises to strengthen your core

1. March

Muscles targeted: Rectus abdominis, transverse abdominis, erector spinae and hip flexors

  1. Start in a standing position with your feet about hip-width apart.
  2. In an exaggerated marching motion, bring your right knee straight up and move it toward your chest until your thigh is parallel to the floor.
  3. Return to a standing position and repeat the motion with your left leg for one set.
  4. Continue for 10 to 15 sets.

Pro tip: Want to make the march more challenging? Then add a “twist” to your motion by moving your right knee toward your left side when you raise it. (Your left knee would go toward your right side.)

2. Overhead side bend

Muscles targeted: External and internal obliques, quadratus lumborum, deltoids and erector spinae

  1. Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart.
  2. Extend your arms up, palms facing each other (as if you’re signaling a touchdown).
  3. Tilt to the right while keeping your torso and arms straight. You’ll feel a stretch on the left side of your body as your waist bends to the right.
  4. Return to the center position and repeat the motion to the left for one set.
  5. Continue for 10 to 15 sets.

Pro tip: “As you bend to each side, focus on engaging your core muscles to work them properly,” advises Lawton. “You’re just going to the side, too. Your torso shouldn’t lean forward at all.”

3. Standing hip abduction

Muscles targeted: Rectus abdominis, transverse abdominis, erector spinae, glutes and hamstrings

  1. Begin in an upright position with your feet about hip-width apart.
  2. Kick your right leg out to the side, keeping it straight. Your toes should point forward during the motion as your leg scissors out and back. “Keep the movement smooth and consistent both ways,” instructs Lawton.
  3. Repeat 10 to 15 times and then do the same with your left leg.

Pro tip: Use a chair to steady yourself if balance is an issue. “You always want to make sure these exercises are done in the safest way possible,” emphasizes Lawton.

4. Twists

Muscles targeted: Internal and external obliques, rectus abdominis, transverse abdominis and erector spinae

  1. Stand and plant your feet about shoulder-width apart.
  2. Extend your arms straight out in front of you, parallel to the floor.
  3. Rotate your upper body to the right from your midsection while trying to keep your hips facing forward.
  4. Return to the center. Then, rotate to the left to complete one set.
  5. Repeat 10 times.

Pro tip: Twists should be done in a slow and controlled manner. “You don’t want to be whipping back and forth,” cautions Lawton.

5. Crossover toe touch

Muscles targeted: Internal and external obliques, rectus abdominis, transverse abdominis, erector spinae, hamstrings and glutes

  1. Begin in a standing position with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
  2. Extend your arms out to your side, as if forming the letter T.
  3. Rotate your torso to the right while reaching your left hand down to tap your right foot. Most of the movement should be in your core, not your legs.
  4. Return to the T position and repeat the motion in the opposite direction (with your right hand touching your left foot) to complete a full set.
  5. Repeat 10 to 15 times.

Pro tip: Skip this exercise if you sometimes get lightheaded when raising your head and up and down.

6. Wood chop

Muscles targeted: Internal and external obliques, rectus abdominis, transverse abdominis, erector spinae, deltoids and latissimus dorsi

  1. Stand with your feet positioned shoulder-width apart.
  2. Clasp your hands together (as if holding an ax) and bring them up over your head to the right. Your torso will rotate slightly to the right as you twist.
  3. Bring your hands down and to the left in a “chopping” motion that swings across your chest toward your left leg. Rotate your torso to the left as you take the swing. Bend your knees slightly and pivot your feet, too.
  4. Return to the raised position. Take 10 chops.
  5. Repeat with your hands, starting to the left and swinging to the right.

Pro tip: Tailor these exercises to your range of motion. “Move the best you can within the parameters you have,” advises Lawton. “When you start to feel that tension in your muscles, stop there. If it hurts, you’ve gone too far.”

Final thoughts

The simplicity of standing ab exercises just … well, stands out. That’s because the exercises build on natural movements that we do all the time. “That’s a big reason why they’re so effective,” says Lawton.

It’s important to safely progress these exercises as they become easier. Resistance bands, cable machines, medicine balls or free weights are all tools that can help you increase the intensity of the movements.

Dedicating a few minutes a day to these exercises can help you build core strength that supports everything you do, from walking the dog to lifting groceries.

“Standing ab exercises really don’t take a lot of time,” emphasizes Lawton.

Plus, you won’t need to find your floor mat to do them.

Learn more about our editorial process.

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These crispy sweet potato wedges come out Cajun spicy and sweet. They’re also really healthy. They’re loaded with antioxidants and phytonutrients and are a great source of beta-carotene.

Recipe: Baked Cajun Sweet Potato Fries

Swap regular fries for these delicious, and nutritious, potato wedges

These crispy sweet potato wedges come out Cajun spicy and sweet. Don’t tell anyone but they’re also really healthy. They’re loaded with antioxidants and phytonutrients and are a great source of beta-carotene. Another plus? As complex carbs, they digest slowly and raise blood sugars gradually — keeping you from a spike and drop-off.

Ingredients

  • 2 sweet potatoes, cut into wedges (about 8 wedges per potato)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 425 F.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sweet potatoes, oil and Cajun seasoning. Mix well to evenly coat wedges.
  3. Spread the wedges in a single layer on one (or two, if needed) ungreased baking sheets.
  4. Bake for 30 minutes or until crispy and brown on one side.
  5. Flip fries over and bake for another 30 minutes or until the wedges are crispy on the outside and tender inside.

Ingredient health benefits

Nutrition information (per serving)

Serving = 1 cup

Calories: 110
Total fat: 5g
Saturated fat: 0.5g
Trans fat: 0g
Protein: 2g
Carbohydrate: 16g
Dietary fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 57mg

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2026 is the Year of the Cabbage @voguebeauty

2026 Is the Year of the Cabbage: Meet the Most Underrated Leafy Green

By Audrey Noble

January 13, 2026

Cabbage often—and unfairly—gets overlooked, with flashier veggies and protein-dense superfoods getting all the attention. But as far as nutritional food options go, the leafy green is pretty hard to beat. A staple in different cuisines (American coleslaw! Middle Eastern malfouf! Chinese suan la bai cai!), cabbage has been a longtime favorite amongst global chefs.

“Much of this stems from its versatility,” Woldy Reyes, chef and author of the cookbook In the Kusina: My Seasonal Filipino Cooking, tells Vogue. “We are seeing a growing trend of chefs utilizing it as a centerpiece, such as cabbage steaks, rather than as a side dish. The culinary appeal has never been stronger.”

“Its popularity stems from its ability to transform,” adds Tatiana Mora, chef of plant-based Michelin star restaurant Mita. “It can be eaten raw, fermented, steamed, roasted, or sautéed, consistently providing flavor, texture, and nutrition. I love it because it is a noble vegetable that grows easily, keeps well, and can be used almost entirely, making it perfect for a conscious and respectful approach to cooking.”

It’s accessible, easy to cook, and delicious. Here are all the reasons cabbage deserves a seat at your table (get it?) in 2026.

What is cabbage?

Cabbage is a leafy green that is part of the brassica plant family (which also includes broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, and kale), says Amy Shapiro, RD, registered dietitian and founder of Real Nutrition. It comes in several varieties, but the most common ones you’ll see are green, red (or purple), and savoy. What makes cabbage different from other leafy greens is its density and durability. “It’s heartier, stores longer, and holds up well to cooking, fermenting, and shredding,” Shapiro says. “Nutritionally, it shares many benefits with other cruciferous vegetables, but it’s often milder in flavor and more versatile across cuisines.”

The Benefits

Besides its versatility, one of the main benefits of cabbage is its many nutrients. Shapiro lists other main benefits of the leafy green:

Supports Gut Health

Shapiro says that, because cabbage contains fiber and other compounds that support digestion, eating this leafy green can benefit the gut bacteria and boost gut health.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Cabbage is also rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients that studies have shown can reduce inflammation, she says.

Boosts Heart Health

Along with fiber, cabbage has potassium, which supports healthy cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Cabbage also has vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting (and bone health). Shapiro points to red cabbage in particular, which she says contains antioxidants called anthocyanins that studies have shown can improve brain and heart health.

Regulates Blood Sugar

Cabbage is low in calories and carbs while being high in fiber, which can help stabilize glucose levels in the body.

Boosts Immune System

Shapiro says that cabbage is rich in sulfur-containing compounds to help strengthen your immune system’s defences—and vitamin C, which studies have shown can provide antioxidant protection and support immune health.

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Decision Fatigue is real and you’re not alone – Anna Mathur @motherandbaby

The invisible workload of parenting can leave you stuck in mental loops:

🍼 “Which nappy cream again?”
🥦 “Is this snack okay?”
📱 “Should I Google that rash one more time?”

Anna Mathur reminds us: decision fatigue is real, and you’re not alone. Tap the link in our bio to learn more about how you can tackle decision fatigue and how Anna’s new book The Good Decision Diary can help.

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2026 is the Year of the Cabbage @voguebeauty

2026 Is the Year of the Cabbage: Meet the Most Underrated Leafy Green

By Audrey Noble

January 13, 2026

Cabbage often—and unfairly—gets overlooked, with flashier veggies and protein-dense superfoods getting all the attention. But as far as nutritional food options go, the leafy green is pretty hard to beat. A staple in different cuisines (American coleslaw! Middle Eastern malfouf! Chinese suan la bai cai!), cabbage has been a longtime favorite amongst global chefs.

“Much of this stems from its versatility,” Woldy Reyes, chef and author of the cookbook In the Kusina: My Seasonal Filipino Cooking, tells Vogue. “We are seeing a growing trend of chefs utilizing it as a centerpiece, such as cabbage steaks, rather than as a side dish. The culinary appeal has never been stronger.”

“Its popularity stems from its ability to transform,” adds Tatiana Mora, chef of plant-based Michelin star restaurant Mita. “It can be eaten raw, fermented, steamed, roasted, or sautéed, consistently providing flavor, texture, and nutrition. I love it because it is a noble vegetable that grows easily, keeps well, and can be used almost entirely, making it perfect for a conscious and respectful approach to cooking.”

It’s accessible, easy to cook, and delicious. Here are all the reasons cabbage deserves a seat at your table (get it?) in 2026.

What is cabbage?

Cabbage is a leafy green that is part of the brassica plant family (which also includes broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, and kale), says Amy Shapiro, RD, registered dietitian and founder of Real Nutrition. It comes in several varieties, but the most common ones you’ll see are green, red (or purple), and savoy. What makes cabbage different from other leafy greens is its density and durability. “It’s heartier, stores longer, and holds up well to cooking, fermenting, and shredding,” Shapiro says. “Nutritionally, it shares many benefits with other cruciferous vegetables, but it’s often milder in flavor and more versatile across cuisines.”

The Benefits

Besides its versatility, one of the main benefits of cabbage is its many nutrients. Shapiro lists other main benefits of the leafy green:

Supports Gut Health

Shapiro says that, because cabbage contains fiber and other compounds that support digestion, eating this leafy green can benefit the gut bacteria and boost gut health.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Cabbage is also rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients that studies have shown can reduce inflammation, she says.

Boosts Heart Health

Along with fiber, cabbage has potassium, which supports healthy cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Cabbage also has vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting (and bone health). Shapiro points to red cabbage in particular, which she says contains antioxidants called anthocyanins that studies have shown can improve brain and heart health.

Regulates Blood Sugar

Cabbage is low in calories and carbs while being high in fiber, which can help stabilize glucose levels in the body.

Boosts Immune System

Shapiro says that cabbage is rich in sulfur-containing compounds to help strengthen your immune system’s defences—and vitamin C, which studies have shown can provide antioxidant protection and support immune health.

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DASH stands for “Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension.” @ClevelandClinic #hearthealth

Image

DASH stands for “Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension.” This eating plan was designed to lower the risk of hypertension (high blood pressure). High blood pressure affects 1 in 3 U.S. adults and is a major risk factor for heart disease. When you follow the DASH diet, you consume higher amounts of potassium — a heart-healthy mineral. You also consume less sodium, which can help lower your blood pressure and improve heart health.

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Does #honey work to soothe a sore throat and cough? Yes, says family medicine physician Elizabeth Rainbolt, MD.@ClevelandClinic

Honey for Your Sore Throat and Cough

The natural at-home remedy can soothe irritation and decrease inflammation

t feels faint at first — there’s a little tickle or scratch at the back of your throat.

Then, it hurts or even burns when you swallow.

Ugh, you’ve got a sore throat, and a cough isn’t far behind.

You’re taking cough syrup and lozenges in an attempt to get some relief. But what about using honey for sore throat symptoms? Does this natural home remedy actually work to soothe a sore throat and cough?

Yes, says family medicine physician Elizabeth Rainbolt, MD.

Dr. Rainbolt explains how honey works and when and how to use it.

Honey for a sore throat

It’s common to get a sore throat every now and then. You may have a sore throat due to the following:

In addition to having other symptoms like nasal congestion, fatigue and fever, you may develop a cough.

Honey has a long history of being used as a natural remedy. And one remedy is to soothe sore throats and help alleviate a cough.

“Research shows that honey has some antimicrobial and anti-inflammation properties. Honey can help by decreasing inflammation and irritation in your throat,” explains Dr. Rainbolt. “Another study shows that honey may reduce mucus secretion. So, you can use honey for cough symptoms as well, whether it’s a wet or dry cough.”

Is it safe for children?

Giving honey to a child under 1-year-old isn’t recommended, warns Dr. Rainbolt.

“There’s concern for an infant botulism, a serious illness that’s caused by Clostridium botulinum,” she continues. “While it’s a rare occurrence, honey can contain spores that cause botulism. It attacks the body’s nervous system and children under one are more vulnerable.”

How to use for a sore throat

Most sore throats tend to get better within a week, but during that time, adults can take a spoonful (about 1 teaspoon) of honey for a cough and sore throat.

You can also dilute half a teaspoon to 1 teaspoon of honey in warm water or tea. This method is also recommended for children older than 1.

“You can use it with any kind of herbal tea or warm water with lemon juice, which can be soothing as well,” says Dr. Rainbolt.

So, how often can you use this home remedy? Dr. Rainbolt recommends using honey no more than four or five times a day.

And part of that reasoning is that honey does contain sugar.

“If you’re concerned about your sugar intake, then I recommend using honey more sparingly,” she says. “I would just use it at night to give you some relief before you go to bed.”

And can you use both honey and traditional cold medicine?

Yes, says Dr. Rainbolt.

“If it seems like the honey isn’t helping on its own, then you can certainly do both honey and medication, if medicine is something that you are able to take,” she notes.

Is honey safe to use?

Honey can be a helpful tool for those who can’t take traditional cold medications — for example, children under 6 years old or individuals with health conditions like high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.

Overall, honey can be a good way to help soothe your sore throat and cough. It doesn’t come with some of the side effects that over-the-counter medications have like drowsiness.

So, can you just buy any honey you see on the grocery store shelf?

Yes, but you might want to make sure it’s been pasteurized. The pasteurization process removes any crystallization and unwanted yeast. It also improves honey’s texture and color, while extending its shelf life.

Dr. Rainbolt also mentions that some people think using local honey, which tends to be unpasteurized or raw, can come with extra benefits.

“There’s a thought that if you use local honey, you are exposed to some of the area’s natural allergens in a positive way,” she explains. “The idea is that it will help with allergies you have.”

The next time your throat starts to tickle, reach for honey and see if it helps.

“Think of honey as a first line of defense for those over 1 year old,” says Dr. Rainbolt. “Honey is something that pretty much everyone can try. And it’s been shown to work as well as some cough suppressant medications. It’s a nice alternative.”