When you think about health and fitness, you probably think about exercise, nutrition, sleep, and stress. But there’s another major player working quietly behind the scenes every day: your gut microbiome. Inside your digestive tract live trillions of microorganisms—including bacteria, fungi, and other microbes. Together, they make up what we call the gut microbiome. And while these organisms may be microscopic, their influence can be surprisingly large.

When people think about building muscle or getting enough protein, chicken, beef, eggs, and protein shakes often come to mind. But here’s the truth: plants can be powerful protein sources too. Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, flexitarian, or simply looking to add more nutrient-dense foods to your meals, plant proteins offer an impressive combination of protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support your overall health.

Your brain and your gut are in constant communication, and when stress levels rise, your digestive system often feels the impact first. Scientists even refer to the gut as our “second brain” because of the remarkable connection between the digestive tract and the nervous system. Let’s explore why stress affects your gut—and what you can do to help both feel better.

Our bodies do the exact same thing when they are running low on vital nutrients. They don't send a text message saying, "Hey, we are running low on Vitamin B12 down here!" Instead, they drop subtle, sometimes bizarre hints that we easily mistake for just "getting older" or "having a stressful week." Here is a look at some of the most common, sneaky nutrient deficiencies, how your body flags them, and how to get your dashboard lights back to normal.

When it comes to nutrition, a restrictive mindset rarely works long-term. Instead of focusing on what to cut out, focus on what you can add to give your body the highest quality fuel possible. Eating a vibrant, colorful diet filled with whole foods—lean proteins, complex carbs, healthy fats, and plenty of leafy greens and vegetables—ensures you are hitting both your macro and micro goals.