Are you craving breakfast or an afternoon snack that’s incredibly delicious, easy to make and packed with nutritional benefits? Instead of whipping up your usual egg toasts or pancakes, why not try golden milk overnight oats? It’s a beautiful blend of healthy ingredients that creates a delicious flavor, especially when mixed with rolled oats and your favorite fruits, seeds and nuts. Discover its health benefits and three easy recipes. What Is Golden Milk? Golden milk, turmeric milk or turmeric latte consists of healthy ingredients like milk, ginger, turmeric, nutmeg and cinnamon. It has a bright gold appearance, stemming from the mixture of milk and turmeric. Some people mix other spices and sweeteners to create their desired mixture. At first, it may seem a lot, but it packs a punch in terms of nutrients and benefits. You can drink it as is or mix it with other dishes, such as overnight oats. What Is Golden Milk Good for? This ingredient feels like a warm hug for your body, offering the following benefits: Reduces inflammation: Turmeric contains curcumin, the compound that gives it a striking yellow color. Many studies associate it with lower inflammation levels, resulting in decreased risk of chronic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and heart illnesses. Better brain power: Curcumin can help improve your working memory and mood, offering you that much-needed boost you need to start the day. Fights oxidative stress: Golden milk is a rich source of antioxidants, which can help neutralize free radicals that can harm your cells. Improved gut health: Curcumin and turmeric alone or in combination with other medications can help relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.  Helps lower blood sugar levels: Cinnamon can help lower blood sugar by slowing down the breakdown of carbohydrates. Like other food ingredients, it can come with possible health risks. If you’re buying pre-made golden milk, pay attention to the ingredients list and look for possible ingredients that may trigger an allergic reaction. As long as you don’t have allergies to the ingredients, you can enjoy everything that golden milk has to offer. 3 Golden Milk Overnight Oats Recipes to Try One of the most enjoyable ways to enjoy this natural elixir is to add it to overnight oats. It’s a solid alternative to your milk of choice, giving your meal an extra nutritional boost. Here are four golden milk overnight oats recipes to try out. 1. Easy Golden Milk Overnight Oats This recipe is ideal if this is your first time making overnight oats. It’ll make you realize how easy it is to create such a delicious and nutritious meal that you can enjoy as a breakfast or a snack. It’s rich in healthy fats, fiber, good carbohydrates and protein, making it a great pre-workout meal. Golden milk ingredients: 1 ¼ cups of coconut milk or any nondairy milk ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon ½ teaspoon of turmeric ¼ teaspoon of cardamom ¼ teaspoon of ginger ⅛ teaspoon of black pepper ½ tablespoon of coconut oil Maple syrup, honey or agave syrup to taste Oats and add-in ingredients: ½ cup of steel-cut oats or 3/4 cup of rolled or quick oats Chia seeds Collagen peptides powder Nut butter Blueberries Hemp hearts Protein powder Instructions: In a saucepan over low-medium heat, add milk and spices, then whisk until warm. Add in your preferred sweetener and whisk until it dissolves. Do not let the mixture come into a boil. Remove from the saucepan and cool for 10 minutes. Add oats, chia seeds and other preferred add-ins in a 16-ounce jar. Pour golden milk into a jar and seal with a lid. Give the container a shake and store it in the refrigerator for at least eight hours before eating. Top with fresh fruits like blueberries or add more cinnamon or nut butter. 2. Vegan-Friendly Recipe Looking for a vegan golden milk overnight oats recipe? This is your best bet. The golden milk recipe contains black pepper to help your body absorb turmeric better. Don’t be scared to try this out — just add your favorite vegan ingredients and you won’t notice the pepper taste at all. Ingredients: ½ cup of rolled oats ¼ teaspoon of ground turmeric ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon ⅛ teaspoon ground ginger 1 tablespoon of chia seeds Pinch of salt and black pepper ⅓ cup of unsweetened plain nondairy yogurt 2 teaspoons of maple syrup ½ cup of nondairy milk Instructions: In a medium bowl, mix all dry ingredients together. Stir until everything is combined. Pour nondairy yogurt, maple syrup and milk. Mix well. Add the mixture into a jar and seal with a lid. Put in the refrigerator for at least four hours before serving. Add desired toppings and enjoy. Some topping ideas include fruits and almonds, pecans and walnuts, which are rich sources of healthy fats, proteins and fiber. 3. Elevated Golden Milk Overnight Oats Ready to take your overnight oats to the next level? Try this recipe if you’re tired of the usual, classic recipe. Instead of chia seeds, you’ll need sweet basil seeds, which have twice the amount of nutrients, to upgrade your overnight oats.  Ingredients: 1 cup of rolled oats ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder 1 tablespoon of basil seeds 1 cup of cashew milk or any other plant-based milk ¼ teaspoon of black pepper 1 teaspoon of ginger 1 teaspoon of cardamom 1 teaspoon of Ceylon cinnamon 2 tablespoons of honey 1 whole vanilla bean Almond yogurt Banana Optional: puffed amaranth and pomegranate seeds Instructions: In a medium bowl, add rolled oats, basil seeds, black pepper, cinnamon and honey. Mix before adding milk, vanilla, ginger, turmeric and cardamom. Pour the mixture into a jar, seal with a lid and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, add honey, caramelized bananas, almond yogurt and other preferred toppings. Store in the fridge for up to four days if fresh milk was used. Create Your Golden Milk Overnight Oats Today Embrace the nourishing power of golden milk overnight oats! If you noticed, all recipes only take less than 15 minutes to create, as long as you already have the ingredients ready. These game-changers are sure to wow your family and friends, too. Don’t forget to share the goodness with them!

Having a C-section is no small thing — it’s major surgery. As you start to heal and care for your baby, your body is quietly rebuilding tissue, replenishing blood loss, balancing hormones and managing pain. The best diet foods after a cesarean can either help that process or slow it down.This guide breaks down which foods to avoid after a cesarean, what to eat instead and why these choices matter for your recovery, digestion, energy levels and even milk supply. Quick Reference Foods to Avoid vs What to Eat InsteadWhy Nutrition Matters After a CesareanFoods to Avoid After a C-SectionBest Foods for Post-C-Section HealingWhen to Reintroduce Restricted FoodsMore Food to Avoid After Cesarean Questions Quick Reference Foods to Avoid vs What to Eat Instead As a baby mamma, you don’t have all day to figure out the food to avoid after cesarean delivery so your abdomen can heal. You’ve just had a serious procedure that cut through several layers of abdominal and uterine tissue, so this quick list is your go-to reference and reminder of what to eat, what to avoid and why. Avoid These FoodsEat These InsteadWhy It MattersBroccoli, beans, cabbageZucchini, carrots, spinachGas-forming foods can increase bloating and abdominal pressure on the incision.Fried food, creamy saucesBaked chicken, steamed vegFatty foods slow digestion and worsen constipation after surgery.Candy, pastries, sodaBerries, honey oatmealSugar increases inflammation and delays wound healing.Spicy curry, hot saucesGarlic, ginger, basilSpices irritate the gut lining and can worsen reflux and bloating.Coffee, energy drinksDecaf tea, infused waterCaffeine dehydrates you and interferes with sleep, which are both crucial for healing.Alcohol — wine, beer, spiritsSmoothies, mocktailsAlcohol impairs liver function and collagen production needed for scar repair.Whole grains, raw applesWhite rice, bananasToo much fiber too early can overload a sluggish post-op digestive system. Why Nutrition Matters After a Cesarean Let’s break down the foods you should avoid first and why. A balanced post-op diet does more than fill you up — it directly affects: How fast your incision heals Whether you struggle with gas or constipation Your breast milk production Energy levels during those tough early weeks Immunity while your body is vulnerable Foods to Avoid After a C-Section While you may be craving chocolate and spicy salsa, some foods will set back your healing process and cause discomfort. Here are the “big bad seven” to avoid: 1. Gas-Inducing Vegetables Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, beans and onions ferment in the colon due to their complex carbohydrates, such as indigestible raffinose and oligosaccharides. They are also loaded with bioactive sulfurous chemicals that are generally healthy and cancer-preventing. Still, these also increase digestive gas, so avoid eating them until your doctor gives the all-clear. Digestive gas increases intra-abdominal pressure, which can put a painful strain on your still-healing incision and the layers of tissue that doctors cut during the C-section, slowing down your c-section recovery time. 2. Fried and Fatty Foods Fatty meals — french fries, fried chicken, doughnuts, heavy cream-based sauces — delay gastric emptying and overstimulate bile production, which can overwhelm your recovering gut. These can lead to nausea, cramping or severe constipation, which is already a common post-surgery challenge. 3. High-Sugar Foods Candy, pastries, soft drinks and sweetened cereals contain refined sugar, which raises blood sugar, suppresses the immune response, and increases inflammation markers. These slow wound healing and increase your risk of infection or fatigue. 4. Spicy Dishes Spicy foods like hot curries, chili and extra-spicy salsas can increase gastric acid and irritate healing gut tissue. They can trigger reflux and digestive distress, both of which feel worse when your abs are sore, especially with the 3-4 inch surgical cut through the abdominal wall where doctors removed your baby. 5. Caffeine Coffee, energy drinks and certain teas are also a no-go. Caffeine acts as a diuretic and stimulant, reducing hydration and sleep quality because it raises cortisol levels, leaving you more stressed. Your body needs deep rest and cellular hydration to repair correctly. Caffeine works against both. 6. Alcohol Alcohol isn’t healthy during pregnancy, and wine, beer or spirits can impair liver detox, slow down collagen production and dehydrate tissue. At 14 grams of pure alcohol per drink, it can delay healing and affect medications or antibiotics you may be on. It’s also passed into the breast milk and to your nursing baby. 7. Too Much Fiber Too Soon Raw apples, whole grain breads, legumes and seeds are excellent fiber sources, but these can also trigger diarrhea and bloat because of increased gut fermentation, which can produce gas and leave you feeling bloated and tired.  Your digestive system is sluggish after surgery, so avoid overloading with fiber too early and focus on a gradual return to regular bowel movements. Best Foods for Post C-Section Healing Your healing body thrives on nutrient-dense calories, easy-to-digest ingredients, anti-inflammatory foods, fluids and electrolytes. Here’s what to add to your plate — and why it works.  1. Iron-Rich Foods Beef, liver, spinach, lentils and fortified cereals are staples. You may lose a lot of blood during the procedure — iron helps replenish red blood cells. Iron also improves energy and reduces your risk of postpartum anemia. 2. High-Protein Options Protein rebuilds tissue and supports muscle recovery. Eggs, tofu, Greek yogurt, fish and chicken are excellent protein sources. Amino acids are essential for producing breast milk and antibodies when breastfeeding. Edamame beans are ideal protein sources, providing 20% of your daily requirements, and are perfect for plant-based diets. They can produce some gas, but you can reduce this by soaking them or parboiling them before eating.  3. Low-Fiber Carbs White rice, mashed potatoes, soft bread and bananas give you energy without stressing your gut. They’re loaded with digestion-friendly resistant starch, which is comforting, bland and less likely to cause reflux. 4. Healthy Fats Avocados, nuts, olive oil and nut butter are good fats that reduce inflammation and support hormone production. They help with long-term mood balance and milk quality. 5. Vitamin C-Rich Foods Oranges, kiwi, strawberries and bell peppers are rich in vitamin C, and these are essential for collagen synthesis and wound healing. It also helps with iron absorption, giving you a double benefit. 6. Hydrating Fluids Your body needs more fluids for healing and milk production than the standard eight glasses daily. Water, coconut water, broths and herbal teas are great for helping you stay hydrated, prevent constipation and boost energy. When to Reintroduce Restricted Foods After about 4 to 6 weeks, most people can slowly reintroduce gas-producing veggies, whole grains and spices — especially if your digestion has returned to normal. Add one food at a time in small amounts to track how your body responds. More Food to Avoid After Cesarean Questions What Food Is Not Good After a C-Section? Gas-forming vegetables, fried foods, excess sugar, caffeine and spicy dishes can slow healing and cause digestive discomfort. What Foods Should I Avoid Immediately After a C-Section? Avoid high-fiber raw foods, alcohol, caffeine and anything greasy or spicy for at least a few weeks while your digestive system stabilizes. What Foods Are Good for C-Section Recovery? Iron-rich foods, protein, healthy fats and vitamin C support tissue repair, blood replenishment and immune function. How Long Does It Take for a C-Section to Heal Internally? Internal healing usually takes 6–8 weeks, though full recovery can vary. Your diet supports faster healing during this time. What Should I Eat After a C-Section to Increase Breast Milk? Oats, leafy greens, flaxseeds, fenugreek, protein and fluids can help support your baby's milk supply while nourishing you. Nourish Like a Boss Mamma The weeks after a cesarean are tender, tiring and transformative. Choosing the right foods won’t fix everything, but it can seriously support your recovery and comfort. Listen to your body, focus on foods that fuel healing and don’t stress about perfection. You just grew a human and had surgery. You’ve got healing to do — and a tiny human to cuddle.

For many people who menstruate, the days leading up to a period bring mood swings, cramps and bloating. You might feel puffy, your jeans may fit tighter or you may notice the scale creeping up a few more pounds. But don’t worry — this isn’t due to weight gain, it’s mostly water retention.  Period bloating is a completely normal part of the menstrual cycle, but understanding why it happens and what you can do about it can help you feel more in control. In this article you’ll learn more about period bloating, when it occurs and practical ways to reduce the discomfort.  What Causes Period Bloating?  A period (also called menstruation) is when blood and tissue from the lining of the uterus (womb) leave your body through the vagina. It usually occurs once a month. This happens because your body prepares for pregnancy and if there’s no sperm present when your egg is fertile, the body sheds the lining.  Your body goes through four phases:  Menstrual: This is when your period starts and the uterus sheds its lining.  Follicular: As your period starts, your body prepares for the next cycle by causing the eggs in your ovaries to mature. Ovulation: One mature egg is released into the ovary. Luteal: The body prepares for pregnancy and if the egg isn’t fertilized, the uterus sheds again. Bloating during a menstrual cycle is mainly caused by hormonal fluctuations — specifically changes in estrogen and progesterone levels. These hormones influence how your body retains water and regulates digestion.  Hormonal Shifts The two primary contributing factors to hormonal shifts are estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen levels rise in the days leading up to ovulation and can cause the body to retain more water. Progesterone — which is responsible for regulating the uterine lining — drops before your period — contributing to digestive issues like constipation and gas.  People who have anxiety have elevated cortisol levels — this stress chemical affects your estrogen and progesterone causing hormonal shifts.  Water Retention High estrogen levels encourage your body to hold on to sodium and water. The fluid is stored in the body’s tissues. Water retention leads to swelling in the hands, feet and abdomen — causing that familiar “puff” feeling.  Digestive Slowdown Progesterone can also relax the smooth muscles of your gastrointestinal tract, slowing digestion. Indigestion can lead to constipation, heartburn, bloating and various indigestion issues. Gas and Gut Sensitivity Your hormone shift causes period cravings by indicating to your neurotransmitters that it needs sweet or salty foods. But these cravings can affect your gas and gut sensitivity because the excess of sodium can lead to water retention. Changes in diet, cravings — like fats and carbs — and increased gut sensitivity during your luteal phase can lead to excess gas and bloating.  When Does Period Bloating Usually Occur?  Bloating typically happens around one week before your period starts and often improves once menstruation begins. This is called premenstrual symptoms, often referred to as PMS.  This corresponds to the luteal phase — when progesterone levels rise, then drop sharply right before menstruation. For some, bloating can persist throughout the period — but it usually resolves by the end of menstruation as hormone levels stabilize.  How Long Does Period Bloating Last?  Period bloating varies based on the person and their dietary needs. Most people experience bloating for a few days. Up to 75% of women have bloating issues because of their menstrual cycle. It usually peaks the day before or on the first day of menstruation and then subsides as your period progresses.  Women have a weight increase of almost a pound because of bloating. This is due to water retention. If you experience prolonged or severe bloating, it may be a sign of another underlying issue like irritable bowel syndrome, food intolerances or a hormonal imbalance like PCOS. It’s always best to consult a healthcare provider if your symptoms are persistent or disruptive.  Six Steps To Reduce Period Bloating While bloating is sometimes inevitable and a major cause of discomfort — there are various ways to ease the pain or prevent some outcomes. Here are six steps to reduce period bloating:  Watch your salt intake: Too much sodium can cause your body to hold on to water and cause indigestion. The recommended salt intake is about 1,500mg daily. Try to limit your processed and packaged foods that are high in salt. More than 70% of Americans’ sodium intake comes from packaged foods. Cooking at home allows you to control how much salt you consume.  Stay hydrated: It may seem counterintuitive, but drinking water helps flush excess sodium and prevents your body from holding onto fluids. When your body circulates water, it also helps fluid retention, which will reduce your swelling.  Eat potassium-rich foods: Potassium helps balance sodium levels and supports fluid regulation. Your body uses the mineral to maintain fluid balance and control muscle contractions. Foods that are rich in potassium include bananas, sweet potatoes, avocados and spinach. Avoid carbonated drinks: Soda and fizzy drinks introduce gas into your digestive system because you’re swallowing air— which can worsen bloating. Stick to water, herbal teas, or infused water with lemon or cucumber. These drinks aid in reducing bloating and soothe your digestive system.  Exercise regularly: Movement helps improve digestion and reduces water retention. Even light activities like walking or yoga can help you during your period. If your energy levels are low, try light exercises. If your body can handle strenuous exercises then you should do them to reduce muscle contractions. 6. Limit carbs and sugar: Refined carbs and sugar snacks can cause insulin spikes — which may increase water retention and bloating. Opt for whole grains, fruits and vegetables instead. From Bloat to Balance — You’ve Got This! Period bloating is a common and manageable part of the menstrual cycle. While hormonal changes are the root cause, simple lifestyle adjustments — like eating well, exercising, and monitoring your sugar and carb intake — can significantly ease your discomfort. If your symptoms are severe and don’t go away, you should seek medical advice. Else, knowing that bloating is temporary and largely treatable can help you feel more in control of your body.

Conversations about the link between mental health and microbiomes usually focus on the gut. The oral microbiome is often overlooked, but it plays a surprisingly important role in how your brain processes stress, anxiety and even depression. Understanding how oral health impacts mental health is crucial to taking proactive steps toward overall well-being.  The Mouth-Brain Connection Your mouth is home to 6 billion bacteria — both good and bad. Under the right conditions, this oral ecosystem helps with digestion, supports your immune system and keeps inflammation under control. However, when it’s out of balance — usually due to poor oral hygiene, chronic stress, high sugar intake or smoking — harmful bacteria can multiply. This bad bacteria can trigger systemic inflammation, leak into your bloodstream and even travel along the cranial nerves to your brain.  Researchers are finding increasing evidence linking oral microbiome imbalances to elevated cortisol levels, increased inflammation in the brain and a heightened stress response. This means that your mouth might be making your anxiety worse.  This is a game-changer in understanding how oral health impacts mental health. It shifts the narrative from focusing solely on the gut-brain axis to a more complete picture that includes your teeth, tongue, gums and saliva.  Signs Your Mouth-Brain Link May Be Out of Sync The connection between oral health and mental health often begins with subtle physical symptoms. These signs can be early indicators that the oral microbiome is out of balance and may contribute to elevated stress or anxiety levels. Common signs of oral microbiome imbalance include: Chronic bad breath — or halitosis — even after brushing Red, swollen or bleeding gums, especially when brushing or flossing Persistent plaque buildup or tartar, which fuels bacterial overgrowth Tooth sensitivity or decay despite routine care Dry mouth, which limits saliva’s natural cleansing and protective functions Frequent mouth ulcers or sores, signaling immune response dysfunction When you ignore these symptoms, pathogenic bacteria — such as Porphyromonas — can thrive. This specific bacterium is linked to impaired memory and disorders like Alzheimer’s. Additionally, oral inflammation can impact neurotransmitter systems, particularly those responsible for producing serotonin and dopamine. These are the same brain chemicals that influence mood, motivation and emotional stability. A disrupted oral microbiome can reduce the availability of these neurotransmitters, leaving the brain more reactive to stress and increasing the risk of anxiety and depressive symptoms.  Simple Practices That Make a Difference Caring for the oral microbiome is a foundational part of supporting emotional and neurological health. These everyday habits can help restore microbial balance in the mouth and reduce the inflammatory triggers contributing to anxiety and stress.  1. Brush Twice Daily Brushing in the morning and before bed removes plaque, food particles and harmful bacteria that can disrupt the oral microbiome. Use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean thoroughly without damaging the gums or enamel. Brushing consistently keeps inflammation in check, reducing the chances of bacterial byproducts entering the bloodstream. It’s also an opportunity to build healthy habits across generations. Children often imitate their parents, so when brushing is part of a visible, shared routine, they’re more likely to adopt it as a lifelong habit. Letting them experiment with different toothpaste flavors or choose their own toothbrush can make the process more fun and engaging while still laying the foundation for strong oral and mental health.  2. Floss Every Day The American Dental Association recommends flossing once a day, whether it’s first thing in the morning or before bed. Flossing removes debris and bacteria between teeth — areas a toothbrush can’t reach. Neglecting this step allows harmful microbes to thrive in tight spaces, leading to gum inflammation and microbiome imbalance. Daily flossing is one of the most effective ways to support oral and systemic health. 3. Avoid Harsh Mouthwashes Many over-the-counter mouthwashes contain alcohol or strong antimicrobial agents that indiscriminately kill bacteria, including beneficial strains. This can weaken the oral microbiome over time. Instead, choose an alcohol-free, microbiome-friendly mouthwash that maintains balance without wiping out the good microbes. 4. Choose a Microbiome-Supporting Diet A diet high in sugar and refined carbohydrates feeds harmful oral bacteria. Prioritize whole foods, leafy greens, fiber-rich vegetables and lean proteins. Crunchy, fibrous foods like carrots and apples can help mechanically clean teeth while supporting healthy bacteria. Staying hydrated promotes saliva production, essential for neutralizing acid and maintaining oral balance. 5. See a Dentist Regularly Visit your dentist at least once every year for a checkup. Routine dental checkups are essential for spotting early signs of microbiome disruption, such as gum inflammation or plaque buildup. Professional cleanings help remove hardened tartar and allow the dentist to catch issues before they become chronic. Preventive care plays a direct role in protecting oral and mental well-being.  A Healthier Mouth for a Calmer Mind The connection between oral health and mental well-being is stronger than many realize. An imbalanced oral microbiome can quietly fuel systemic inflammation, disrupt neurotransmitter function and increase the body’s stress response — all of which contribute to anxiety. Understanding how oral health impacts mental health shifts the focus beyond just brushing for cavity prevention. 

There are so many ways to start the day, but rice for breakfast might be the best one. It’s easily available and simple, especially when you already have a handy rice cooker at home. Plus, it’s relatively easy to digest and provides plenty of energy due to its carbohydrate content. You can also cook it in many ways.  Which Rice is Best for Breakfast? Whole-grain rice, like brown rice, is an ideal breakfast option. It contains bran and germ to provide a more nutrient-dense meal, leaving you full and nourished throughout the day. However, you can also explore other options like white rice if that’s what’s available to you.  There was also some evidence that brown rice helped reduce body weight, though it did not significantly affect blood sugar control in pre-diabetic or type-2 diabetic people. Further research is necessary to confirm its effectiveness. That said, it’s worth including in your weight loss journey.  Who Even Eats Rice for Breakfast? There are many people who eat rice for breakfast, but it’s typically recognized as a staple in Asian cuisine. In fact, China consumes more rice than any other country, eating 145 million metric tons of it from 2024 to 2025. In terms of lifestyle, athletes and bodybuilders are big fans of white rice. The food group is rich in carbohydrates and fulfills the macronutrient count needed to fulfill extreme training without exhaustion. If you want to work on your physical health, it’s certainly worth looking up.   Best Asian Recipes with Rice There are many Asian breakfast cuisines that love incorporating rice, so you have plenty of options when you want to start having rice for breakfast. Here are the 10 tastiest ones: 1. Bibimbap Bibimbap is a popular dish that people often get when introduced to Korean cuisine. The direct translation is mixed rice with meat and assorted vegetables. Spinach, bean sprouts, mushrooms and carrots are the typical vegetables added into the recipe, but you can explore more additions like seaweed and onions.  2. Oyakadon Japanese chicken and egg rice bowl or oyakodon is another breakfast staple to try out. It has quite a flavorful broth that starts with dashi and soy sauce before incorporating sake and sugar. From there, you can slice and simmer chicken breast or thighs into the mix. Top it onto a bed of freshly cooked rice with an egg.  3. Tapsilog Tapsilog is made of meat, fried rice and egg. Filipino tapa is traditionally beef that’s cured with different spices and dried or smoked, but you can explore other options like corned beef or fish. One of the most unique ingredients in its marinade is calamansi juice, which adds a tanginess and tenderizes the meat. You can substitute with other citrus fruit juices.  4. Roast Eggplant If you want a simple introduction to having rice for breakfast, roasted eggplant is pretty easy to whip up. When grilled, these vegetables are rich in fiber and water while being low in starch. Pair this with a tahini and turmeric sauce that is nutty, earthy, and aromatic all at once. Some also garnish it with fresh cilantro and mint leaves.  5. Khao Pad Krapow Khao Pad Krapow is a popular must-try dish from Thai cuisine. What sets it apart from other dishes is the addition of basil leaves and the extra kick from chilies. Plus, unlike pad kra pao that’s just stir-fried meat and basil, this dish tosses the meat with leftover rice together, making it easier to make in just one pot.  6. Miso Salmon Create a delicious Japanese miso salmon rice bowl to start your morning off right. Marinate the fish first in soy sauce and miso, along with sesame oil and ginger, before frying. Run some cucumbers on a mandolin to get perfectly sliced circles, which will add a crunchy addition to the savory breakfast meal.  7. Tuna Onigiri Want an easy breakfast to take with you on the way out the door? Onigiri is a great travel food because it is handheld. These tuna mayo onigiri, especially, are so enjoyable because they are so simple to make. You can use an onigiri mold to get the iconic triangular shape right, or try your hand at a plastic wrap.  8. Edamame Fried Rice Edamame is a delicious soybean that can add a nice texture to your fried rice. Plus, it can account for 20% of your daily protein intake without a single ounce of meat. For the best results, get some leftover brown rice and add some julienned carrots into the mix. Pair with a protein of your choice, like egg or meat.  9. Congee Chinese congee or rice porridge is versatile— you can top it with sausage, bacon, and other kinds of protein. It mainly utilizes long-grain white rice, but you can use whatever’s available. Either way, it goes into this flavorful broth filled with chicken or vegetable stock. Sliced ginger makes it even more flavorful.  10. Poha Poha is a traditional Indian breakfast that’s absolutely flavorful. The word translates to flattened rice and it can also be topped with just about anything. Some do eat it as is, though, as the onion, spices, herbs, lemon juice and peanuts already give it a distinctive taste. However, you can also do yogurt and vegetable salad on the side.   How to Make Rice Breakfasts Healthier Rice for breakfast can already be quite healthy. However, there are a few key steps that you can take to ensure that it’s even more nutritious and geared for weight loss. Try these out: Portion right: One cup of rice per meal is enough to help you feel full during breakfast time. You can still cook multiple portions so that you have leftovers to experiment with for the next few mornings.  Sprinkle in extras: To lessen the carb count and increase the nutrition, add a variety of grains and other foods to your rice. For instance, you can add quinoa, corn, lentils, and mushrooms along with your seasonings of choice.  Add a healthy side dish: Similar to some of the recipes on this list, you can add a healthy side dish to balance out the rice’s heaviness. Think coleslaw, cucumber salad or slices of avocado.  Enjoy Rice Breakfast Meals Rice for breakfast is an underrated way to kick-start your morning and fill up your stomach. Make sure you try out your favorite recipes and add them to your rotation. Share photos with us on our social media accounts and happy cooking!

Figuring out how to get fluffy hair can seem like quite a mystery for many people, especially with people who weren’t born with those luscious curls and waves from the get-go. However, there are tips and tricks you can use to achieve that flawless-looking head of hair. Learn: Why the Fluffy Hair Is In Style How to Get Voluminous Hair Easily Other Frequently Asked Questions Why the Fluffy Hair Is In Style Thick and full hair has always been popular regardless of gender. It’s often a sign of good genes and youthfulness, as well as health and hair care strategies. Even before the fluffy hair agenda, people in the 50s and 80s just adored having as big and as bouncy hair as possible. When people talk about how to get fluffy hair today, they usually refer to the Sabrina Carpenter style of having curtain bangs and layers that look effortlessly beautiful. Timothée Chalamet's bedhead hair is also a good point of reference for men.  How to Get Voluminous Hair Easily The art of getting fluffy hair mainly involves a good haircare routine and intentional styling. Let’s break it down into seven simple steps.  1. Know Your Haircut Inspo Get the best chances of having voluminous hair with a haircut. The right hairdo lets different parts of your hair stand out in the best of ways. A butterfly or wolf cut can create layers that work as a foundation for the fluff.  For men or those who would want more male-presenting cuts, ask for mullets or shaggy cuts. You can also ask your barber for some recommendations on what would work for your facial structure and current hair style.  2. Focus on Hydration First Some people tend to confuse fluffy hair with frizzy hair or a cowlick. And while those are big hair by their own definition, the latter two are indicative of hair dryness and damage. You know that your hair is fluffy if it's well hydrated with a light texture.  To achieve this, you can adopt moisturizing hair products. The occasional hair mask, conditioner, and oils are ideal for a boost of hydration. Good hair care habits, like gentle towel drying and using silk pillowcases, are also important to avoid friction and moisture loss.  3. Find Lighter Hair Products For your regular hair care routine, you want to have a standard set of lightweight hair products. For example, you should use a volumizing shampoo and conditioner that washes off easily after lathering and foaming. These formulas clean the scalp and strands without product buildup.  If you already have thick and wavy hair, you can really stop at that with the products. However, if you’re seeking more definition, a volumizing or texturizing hair mousse or spray should do the trick. Remember that it should be as light as possible.  4. Blow Dry With Care If you want optimal hair volume, consider blow-drying it. You can section out your hair to really work through and add air to different portions of your hair. Taking it as slow as possible would prevent uneven drying. You can also dry your hair upside down for extra volume and use heat protectant to avoid damage.  5. Brush and Tease Take inspiration from the vintage age and brush and tease your hair. You can use a wide-tooth comb to remove the tangles before switching to a bristled brush. Like blow drying, you want to work in sections and tease the hair upward. This motion can cause friction, so remember to practice hair hydration and gentle movements beforehand.  6. Style with Volume By this stage, you should already have pretty fluffy hair that you can just wear as is. However, you can also take it to the next level in style with volume in mind. Irons, air wraps and hot rollers work wonders in achieving those curls and waves. You can use your best judgment on what would work best for your budget, hair length and more.  7. Think About Hair Aftercare Volumizing the hair, especially with blow drying and heat styling, can take a lot on your hair. The average person loses 50 to 100 strands every day due to breakage. Remember to hydrate afterward with hair repair and other deep conditioning products. You can also space out the next time you have fluffy hair.  Bonus: Consider Overnight Styling! There are heatless ways to style and volumize your hair even before you wake up. Sleep-in curlers or rollers, for example, can help condition your hair for those beachy waves.  Remember to avoid frizz by putting your hair in a silk cap before hitting the hay. You can also use a satin scrunchie to achieve the loose bun for effortless fluff.  Frequently Asked Questions How Do I Get Fluffy Hair As a Guy? The main way to get fluffy hair as a guy or masculine-presenting person is to get the right haircut first. From there, you can add volume and texture to the roots and strands with different products to add volume. Here's an example of some of the best boy haircuts for 2025 with fluffy hair: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/11822017765477619/ How Do I Get Fluffy Hair As a Girl? Fluffy hair is traditionally associated with femininity. The best way to achieve it is a similar process with guys, where you have the ideal hairdo and work magic with your hair care products. Check out an example of the best girl haircuts for 2025 for voluminous hair: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/654570127099391201/ How Do I Get Fluffy Hair with Straight Hair? Straight hair can be a little more stubborn when trying to add volume to it, as it’s geared to be naturally flat. Blow-drying upside down and a little tousling or finessing is often a good way to create that texture. However, remember to avoid touching your hair too much, as overdoing it can cause it to fall.  How Do I Get Fluffy Hair with Thin Hair? Fluffy hair is associated with thick hair, which can seem challenging to achieve when you have thinner locks. You can try home remedies like giving yourself a scalp massage or using essential oils to stimulate hair growth. It can take a while to see results, but consistency can go a long way in achieving that optimal density.  How Do I Get Fluffy Hair After a Shower? It’s natural for fluffy hair to fall flat when wet. A little airdrying and tousling should naturally restore its volume. However, if you’re in a hurry, blow-drying and heat styling are your best bets. Remember to use heat protectant before subjecting your hair to that routine! Learn How to Get Fluffy Hair Now that you know how to get voluminous hair, it’s time to use it almost any chance you get. Whether you’re just out to get some groceries, heading out to see some friends or meeting a potentially special someone, you’ll be picture-ready