Those looking to get and stay fit may need look no further than their smartphone, desktop computer, or wrist. The many apps, wearables, and online fitness programs that are available today are helping to motivate people to get off the couch and start getting physical. In the January 2017 issue of the journal Frontiers in Public Health, researchers report that fitness technology, which includes apps and trackers, has become increasingly popular and that it has the potential to significantly impact public health, research, and policies. However, most people don’t know much about them. The more they know about the fitness technology tools, the better they will be able to choose one that will fit their lifestyle and goals.

The Nutrition Journal reports that Americans have shifted toward eating out more and cooking at home less. With busy work and back-to-school schedules, many parents find it difficult to find the time to make home-cooked meals. Yet the American Journal of Preventative Medicine reports that the amount of time spent on food preparation and cooking may have implications for ones overall diet quality and health, and that a greater amount of time spent on home food preparation is associated with a higher diet quality. The good news is that parents who are juggling back-to-school hours and work can fit in healthy home-cooked meals that are quick to prepare, nutritious, and delicious.

Snacking is something just about everyone does. It’s hard to resist the urge to grab some snacks, especially during the summer when you are having fun and on the run. The problem is that many people grab the wrong types of snacks, which may work against their desire to be fit and fabulous. Far too often, people reach for sugary snacks, which according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention can lead to health problems such as weight gain, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. For those who want to be fit and fabulous this summer, it’s a good idea to pay attention to the snack choices they make.