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Protein in Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt is a protein powerhouse. It has almost twice the protein of traditional yogurts and provides the same gut-friendly bacteria. #HarvardHealth
Greek yogurt is a protein powerhouse. @HarvardHealth #TipoftheDay
Plank exercises for strengthening your core @HarvardHealth #physiotherapy
Plank exercises, in which you assume a position and hold it, are the gold standard for working your #core while classic sit-ups and crunches have fallen out of favor. Why the shift?
Exercise snacks for better cardiovascular health by Katie Lawton MEd @ClevelandClinic #physicalactivity
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.
1. March
Muscles targeted: Rectus abdominis, transverse abdominis, erector spinae and hip flexors
- Start in a standing position with your feet about hip-width apart.
- 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.
- Return to a standing position and repeat the motion with your left leg for one set.
- 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
- Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart.
- Extend your arms up, palms facing each other (as if you’re signaling a touchdown).
- 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.
- Return to the center position and repeat the motion to the left for one set.
- 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
- Begin in an upright position with your feet about hip-width apart.
- 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.
- 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
- Stand and plant your feet about shoulder-width apart.
- Extend your arms straight out in front of you, parallel to the floor.
- Rotate your upper body to the right from your midsection while trying to keep your hips facing forward.
- Return to the center. Then, rotate to the left to complete one set.
- 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
- Begin in a standing position with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
- Extend your arms out to your side, as if forming the letter T.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Stand with your feet positioned shoulder-width apart.
- 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.
- 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.
- Return to the raised position. Take 10 chops.
- 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.
Recipe: Oats and Honey Bread @ClevelandClinic
A homemade loaf that’s sure to impress and please
Whether you prefer to knead and bake it in the oven or use your bread machine, this recipe will be a family favorite. Oats and honey add flavor to traditional bread, giving it an extra kick your family will love. The quick oats are healthy and add texture, and the slight honey-sweet taste is sure to please!
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons of olive oil
- 1 3/4 cups warm unsweetened almond milk (directions below)
- 2 packets of active dry yeast (or 1 1/2 tablespoons)
- 3/4 cup quick-cooking oats and additional for garnish
- 1/3 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 5 cups (approximately) all-purpose flour, or try a 50/50 white and wheat blend for added flavor
- 1 large egg
Directions
- In a microwave, heat the almond milk for 1 minute and 40 seconds to be very hot. Let sit to reduce temperature to 100 to 110 F.
- In a stand mixer or large bowl, add the hot milk. Stir in beaten egg, honey, oil and salt. Add the yeast until fully mixed.
- Slowly add in the flour and oats to the large bowl of liquid mixture and mix on low. You should use a bread attachment if using a stand mixer.
- Coat another large bowl with oil. Transfer the dough to the bowl and turn it to coat.
- Cover with plastic wrap (spray with cooking spray first to keep it from sticking to the dough), then cover with a kitchen towel and let rise at room temperature until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.
- Oil two 8 1/2-inch x 4 1/2-inch x 2 1/2-inch loaf pans.
- Punch down the dough; shape into two loaves. Place one loaf in each pan. Cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free area until almost doubled in volume, about 20 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350 F.
- Sprinkle with additional oats for garnish.
- Bake until brown on top and tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 40 minutes. Cool completely.
Ingredient health benefits
- Olive oil: This cooking oil is as ancient as it is nutritious! Olive oil is loaded with unsaturated fats that help raise your “good” (HDL) cholesterol while lowering your “bad” (LDL) cholesterol. And they’re not the only heart-healthy compounds in town: Polyphenols help lower inflammation that can lead to certain health conditions in the long term, like cancer and heart disease. Olive oil also has fat-soluble vitamins like vitamins D and K for strong bones and muscles and healthy blood cells.
- Almond milk: A vegan-friendly dairy alternative, almond milk is a good source of vitamin E. This essential vitamin is famous for promoting your skin health, but it protects your eyes and immune system from disease as well. Almond milk is also a lower-calorie option compared to cow’s milk, if that’s something you want to keep an eye on.
- Oats: When it comes to whole grains, oats just may be the GOAT (grain of all time). They’re packed with digestion-friendly fiber and vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) to help lower your cholesterol levels, making them a smart choice for your heart. Oats also have magnesium, phosphorus, iron and copper, and they’re high in manganese. These minerals are important for supporting the health of your bones and blood cells. You can also count on vitamin B1 (thiamine) and zinc to keep your immune cells in peak condition.
- Honey: It’s not just a sweet deal for your taste buds! Honey is full of antioxidants like polyphenols and flavonoids, which help protect your cells from harm. They do this by fighting inflammation and free radicals, tiny particles that damage your cells and contribute to disease if left unchecked.
- Eggs: They’re easy to add to just about any recipe, but are eggs really all they’re cracked up to be? The answer is yes! Scrambled or sunny side up, eggs are a meat-free complete protein, meaning that they have you covered for all the amino acids you need and can’t make by yourself. They also have lutein, vitamin A, vitamin E and vitamin B12 — all of which are excellent for your eyes and vision! And last but not least, there’s vitamin B9 (folate) for head-to-toe health.
Nutrition information (per serving)
Serving = 2 slices
Each loaf makes about 16 slices
Calories: 100
Protein: 2.2 g
Carbohydrates: 16 g
Fat: 2.2 g (0.7 g saturated fat)
Calcium: 6 mg
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.
1. March
Muscles targeted: Rectus abdominis, transverse abdominis, erector spinae and hip flexors
- Start in a standing position with your feet about hip-width apart.
- 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.
- Return to a standing position and repeat the motion with your left leg for one set.
- 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
- Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart.
- Extend your arms up, palms facing each other (as if you’re signaling a touchdown).
- 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.
- Return to the center position and repeat the motion to the left for one set.
- 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
- Begin in an upright position with your feet about hip-width apart.
- 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.
- 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
- Stand and plant your feet about shoulder-width apart.
- Extend your arms straight out in front of you, parallel to the floor.
- Rotate your upper body to the right from your midsection while trying to keep your hips facing forward.
- Return to the center. Then, rotate to the left to complete one set.
- 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
- Begin in a standing position with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
- Extend your arms out to your side, as if forming the letter T.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Stand with your feet positioned shoulder-width apart.
- 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.
- 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.
- Return to the raised position. Take 10 chops.
- 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.
“getting my pink 💗 💓 back” … @allisonkuch #flamingos
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.
Decision Fatigue is real and you’re not alone – Anna Mathur @motherandbaby
Healthaware 