Search HowStuffWorks and the web:
 

Food & Lifestyle should go hand in hand. Learn about the health benefits of all types of foods and how you can create a nutritious diet a part of your daily lifestyle.

Featured Food & Lifestyle Article

How Vegetarians Work

Did you know that there are almost as many types of vegetarians as there are reasons for becoming one? Find out why vegetarians are such a diverse lot. More »


> How to Get More Fruit in Your Diet
> How to Choose Carbohydrates

FOOD & LIFESTYLE LIBRARY

Can humans survive on air alone?

If you had the perfect cure for world hunger, wouldn't you want to share it? A group called the Breatharians claims to have the answer to this worldwide dilemma and to other food-related diseases: stop eating.

How Antioxidants Work

You've probably heard the hype: Antioxidants can make you look and feel younger! Some hopeful folks even believe antioxidants will lower the threat of disease. Can there be any truth to this? Learn what an antioxidant actually is.

How Artificial Sweeteners Work

Many dieters use artificial sweeteners as a way to cut sugar without eliminating all things sweet. But did you know that some artificial sweeteners have almost as many calories as sugar? Find out how artificial sweeteners came about and learn about the controversies surrounding them.

How can pizza be good for you?

If you're a healthy eater who turns to pizza as an occasional junk-food splurge, you may experience some guilt after you've downed a few (or five or six) slices of cheesy, empty-carb heaven. But soon, that could all change. Sort of.

How do vegetarians get enough protein?

You may have heard of the Atkins diet, a high-protein diet that threw people into something of a protein obsession. Is protein really that important? And what about vegetarians? If you're not eating meat, are you missing something important in your diet?

How Fats Work

Tired of hearing about things like monounsaturated fats, partially hydrogenated oils and trans fatty acids and not knowing a thing about any of them? Find out what you need to know here.

How Low-Fat Baking Works

A fascinating article that explains the techniques and science behind low-fat baking!

How Organic Food Works

Organic food promises freedom from synthetic ingredients. Find out what organic food is, how organic farming works, what the pros and cons are, and why you should care.

How Vegans Work

Vegans take vegetarianism several steps further, avoiding even animal products like honey and silk. Learn about what it's like to be a vegan and why veganism seems to stir up controversy.

How Vegetarians Work

Did you know that there are almost as many types of vegetarians as there are reasons for becoming one? Find out why vegetarians are such a diverse lot.

45 Common Foods and the Number of Calories They Contain

Losing weight basically comes down to using more calories than you consume. Learn about the number of calories in 45 common foods in this article, including apples, carrots, and ice cream.

Calories and Fat in 36 Fast Foods

Many fast foods contain nearly all of a person's daily fat and calorie requirements. Learn the calories and fat in 36 fast foods, including the Baconator and a Double Whopper with cheese.

Fiber Facts

Getting enough daily fiber is important for good health. How much fiber do adults need? What does fiber do? Find fascinating fiber facts and tips on how to get more fiber in your diet at HowStuffWorks.

Food Label Terms Defined

Food label terms can be confusing and vague. Don't be mislead by false advertising. See a glossary of food label claims and learn what food labels are really saying.

How to Downsize a Recipe

The good news is that you don't have to do too much to most recipes to make them suitable for one or two. Knowing how to decrease the yield of a recipe opens up a world of food choices, and the more varied your diet, the easier it is to eat well. Get tips.