Since becoming a freelance writer in 2019, Emily has developed significant experience covering viral pop culture moments and trending news topics in the health and wellness space, while also writing about mental health, relationships, and smarter living. She joined Best Life in 2023 as a news contributor, writing for the brand’s travel, wellness, and entertainment verticals.
When Emily isn’t breaking down the latest news about Costco or the best travel hacks, she’s running Scary Mommy Book Club. As a contributing book club editor, she manages the club’s social media platforms, writes original book-related stories, and conducts interviews with authors.
A proud Iowa alum, Emily’s work has been featured on PEOPLE, Better Homes & Gardens, Real Simple, POPSUGAR, HelloGiggles, Scary Mommy, and more.
Costco may be known for its bulk items, but real shoppers know the warehouse is the holy grail of affordable, cute clothing. Among the baked goods and electronics is the store's apparel section, which is always full of stylish finds, from socks and joggers to jeans and blouses. However, Costco truly goes above and beyond when it comes to its outerwear selection. With cooler weather right around the corner, shoppers are rushing to Costco to stock up on shackets, raincoats, fleece jackets, and other cozy sweatshirts just in time for fall.
Although it isn't unusual for Costco to quietly display name-brand clothing alongside its Kirkland-brand apparel, the store's current Hunter and Nautica jacket displays have social media buzzing after shoppers realized the luxury items are nearly 70 percent cheaper than retail.
The TikTok account CostcoBuys (@costcobuys) alerted its 652,000 followers that women's Hunter rain jackets have officially hit the Costco floor. The product in question is called the Ladies Water Resistant Cotton Smock Jacket, and it costs $49.99, a bargain price considering Hunter rain boots go for upwards of $115.
They come in three colors, including fire engine red, army green, and charcoal black, and are available in a variety of sizes. Plus, the jacket has pockets, so you can step out of the house hands-free. These rain jackets aren't normally available through Hunter, so Costco shoppers will want to act fast before they sell out.
Costco also has Nautica men's bomber jackets, which typically retail for $84. At Costco, the jacket costs just $25. It's the perfect fall-to-winter transition piece thanks to its lightweight fit and waterproof material. It features both a hood and collar, making it suitable for the office and date night.
The famous TikTok account Costco Daily Deals (@costcofinds_) spotted the bomber zip-up at their local Costco for nearly 70 percent cheaper than its original price.
"These sell out every year, so grab them while you can," said one TikToker. "They're fully lined even throughout the arms with this soft fuzzy lining. They even have pockets in them."
The shackets (a cozy mix of a shirt and a jacket) come in sizes XS—XXL and a myriad of autumnal colors, including green and pumpkin orange.
Ever since the late 90s, low-carb diets—those that drastically limit the number of carbohydrates one consumes—have been at the forefront of the weight-loss industry. Though the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that carbohydrates should make up 45 to 65 percent of your total daily calorie intake, a low-carb diet usually means eating 100 grams or less of carbohydrates per day.The theory goes that by pushing your body into a state of ketosis, a metabolic state in which you burn fat instead of glucose, you'll drop more pounds. To enter such a state, people who follow low-carb diets will typically forego added sugars, grains, refined carbohydrates such as those found in cookies or crackers, fruit, some vegetables, and more.
However, a 2023 meta-analysis published in JAMA Network Open has found that not all low-carb foods are created equally when it comes to weight loss. Those researchers reviewed data from three large prospective cohort studies that included over 123,000 subjects and determined that low-carb diets that focused on high-quality macronutrients from healthy plant-based foods were associated with less weight gain. Meanwhile, low-carb diets centered on animal-sourced proteins, fats, or refined carbohydrates were associated with more weight gain.
Read on for the 10 worst low-carb foods when you want to move the needle on the scale.
In general, processed meats are best avoided for your health because they're high in sodium and trans fats—both of which are unhealthy for your heart. Experts say they can also contribute to weight gain despite being low in carbohydrates.
Michelle Routhenstein, MS, RD, CDCES, CDN, a preventive cardiology dietitian at Entirely Nourished, says this is true regardless of type: Sausages made of processed beef, pork, chicken, or turkey can all slow movement on the scale.
"These are low in carbs but high in salt, which can lead to water retention and bloating, potentially hindering weight loss efforts," she explains.
2. Low-carb cookies or crackers
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If you eat low-carb cookies or crackers in the place of more traditional pre-packaged snacks, this may help you lose weight. However, experts note that these are still highly processed and can be labeled misleadingly, leading to slowed progress.
"Although these may be low in carbs, they are often higher in fat and total calories since they often use ground nuts and seeds in them," points out Liz Weinandy, RD, a registered dietitian at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
She notes that rather than eating low-carb processed foods, it's better to eat healthy carbs from natural sources—for instance, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains.
"Time and time again, studies show those who eat more plant foods have better health and lower risks for many chronic diseases," the dietitian says. "A better approach would be to lower the amount of ultra-processed carbs," even those that are labeled as being low in carbohydrates.
If you've been on TikTok lately, you may have noticed the viral trend of the "carnivore diet," a restrictive meal plan in which dieters eat only meat and other animal products, such as eggs and dairy. However, experts say that not only is this a heart health hazard, but it may also backfire when it comes to weight loss.
"Fatty red meat, like ribeye steak, contains significant amounts of saturated fat, which can increase insulin resistance and inflammation, thereby hindering progress toward weight loss goals," says Routhenstein.
The dietitian notes that deli meats are also poor additions to your weight loss diet: "Processed meats like salami are high in saturated fats, sodium, and preservatives, which can contribute to weight gain and cardiovascular problems."
4. Low-carb cocktails and beer
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When you want to lose weight, it's a good idea to cut back on your alcohol consumption. But simply switching to low-carb cocktails or beer at your previous volume is unlikely to yield the results you're after.
"Even low-carb alcohol still has calories in it, and these can add up," says Weinandy, noting that alcohol slows down the metabolism. "Most beverages with calories, if consumed regularly, can thwart weight loss efforts. This is why water and calorie-free tea and coffee is recommended over any sugary beverage."
When you're following a low-carb diet, it's best to reach for high-quality oils and fats to cook with—for instance, extra virgin olive oil.
"Butter, although it doesn't contain carbs, is calorically dense and high in saturated fat, which can impede weight loss goals by contributing to excess calorie intake," says Routhenstein.
6. Cheese
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Most types of cheese contain few or no carbs—but that doesn't mean they'll necessarily result in weight loss.
For instance, cream cheese—despite being low in carbs—is rich in saturated fats and calories. "Excessive consumption of cream cheese may lead to weight gain and negatively affect heart health," warns Routhenstein.
Condiments are often a hidden source of calories—which is why they can easily sabotage your weight loss goals if not portioned out carefully.
"Just one tablespoon of mayonnaise, about the size of your thumb from the tip to where it meets your palm, is 100 calories," notes Weinandy. "It's easy to use two to three tablespoons on a single sandwich. Low-carb? Yes. Low calorie? No!"
8. Whipped cream
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Whipped cream contains only 1.75 grams of carbohydrates per quarter cup, yet Routhenstein warns against it.
"Whipped cream is low in carbs but high in saturated fats and sugars, which can lead to weight gain and increased risk of heart disease when consumed in excess," she says.
9. Nuts and seeds
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Nuts and seeds can be a nutrient-dense snack that helps keep you fuller for longer. However, they're also calorie-dense—and this can lead to weight gain if you don't consider portion control.
"Nuts and seeds are powerhouses of nutrients, containing many different micronutrients such as magnesium, zinc, selenium, and fiber. However, they are high in fat and calories, too," says Weinandy.
She notes that though nuts contain healthy, monounsaturated fats, including Omega-3 fatty acids, the calories will still add up and can prevent weight loss.
10. Artificial sweeteners
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Though it's a good idea to minimize sugar on any diet plan, some experts say that replacing it with artificial sweeteners can backfire.
"Research is mixed on sugar substitutes, with some studies showing they can help with weight loss and others showing no benefit or even worse—that they may increase appetite. There may even be a larger negative to using these, though. There is concern they may negatively affect the gut microbiome, and over time, this can affect many aspects of our health," warns Weinandy.
If you’re looking to lose weight, diet and exercise absolutely go hand in hand. However, experts say the choices you make at the dinner table far outweigh the choices you make at the gym. That’s why, to move the needle on the scale, you should regularly opt for nutritionally dense, low-calorie foods that fill you up with their high fiber content—which is why we consulted experts about the best fruits for weight loss.
“Losing weight doesn't necessarily mean that you have to eat less food,” says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “You can create lower-calorie versions of some of your favorite dishes by substituting low-calorie fruits and vegetables in place of higher-calorie ingredients.”
The health authority further explains that the water and fiber in fruits and vegetables can help bulk up your meals, allowing you to eat the same amount of food without packing on the pounds. “You can feel full while eating fewer calories,” they write.
Besides being naturally low in fat and calories, many fruits contain vitamins A, C, and E, along with antioxidants, which have been linked with lower body weight, reduced fat gain, and less abdominal fat.
Wondering which ones dietitians recommend? These are the seven best fruits for optimizing weight loss and shedding those unwanted pounds.
Any fruits that are high in fiber and low in calories with a low glycemic index should help aid in weight loss, says Amie Alexander, an accredited dietitian at Nutri Peak.
“My pick would be berries—like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries—since they are rich in fiber and antioxidants while being low in calories. They keep you fuller for much longer and help sweet cravings without a big blood sugar spike,” she explains.
“For a whole pound of strawberries, you eat only 150 calories,” adds fitness expert and content creator Eric Roberts in a recent TikTok post.
2. Apples
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Alexander also recommends following the old adage of having an apple a day. She says they can satisfy your sweet tooth while helping to control hunger between meals.
“They are full of fiber, particularly pectin, a type of fiber that slows digestion and makes one fuller longer,” the dietitian says. “It's also good for those on a weight loss diet because it has a very low ranking in the glycemic index, and it is known to aid in fat burning due to its high water content and presence of compounds that may lower insulin levels.”
3. Pears
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Pears offer many of the same benefits as apples. “They are rich in dietary fiber, especially in the skin. They have the same filling effect as apples and can prove to be a quite satisfying low-calorie snack,” Alexander notes.
Chris Mohr, PhD, RD, a fitness and nutrition advisor at Fortune Recommends Health, agrees that pears should top your list of weight loss-friendly foods: “They're low in calories and filled with vitamins and minerals.”
4. Kiwi fruit
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Alexander says kiwis are another “excellent addition” to a weight loss diet.
“They are full of fiber and vitamin C and have one extraordinary quality—fixing digestion and boosting metabolism of fats. In addition, natural sweetness helps to kill the desire for unhealthy snacks,” she tells Best Life.
In a 2018 animal study, researchers from the University of Western Ontario looked at the effects of nobiletin—a flavonoid found in oranges—on weight loss. They found that when they added nobiletin extract to the diets of obese mice, the animals not only lost weight and reversed their symptoms of metabolic syndrome, but they also reversed the effects of atherosclerosis—a buildup of plaque in the arteries.
“These tangy fruits are a low-calorie, nutrient-dense choice that can help with weight loss,” says Catherine Gervacio, RD, a registered dietitian and a certified exercise nutrition coach working with Living.Fit. “The fiber in oranges helps you feel full and aids in digestion while its vitamin C content enhances the body’s ability to absorb iron from plant-based foods, which is especially important for preventing anemia. One to two oranges per day is enough."
6. Grapefruit
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Ever since the 1930s, grapefruit has been a popular part of weight-loss diets. However, experts note that these eating plans rely on a dramatically reduced calorie intake, not some secret superpower of the fruit itself.
Gervacio points out that grapefruit contains only 38 calories per half-fruit but can be relatively large and filling. This means that if you eat it before meals, as these diet plans suggest, you may go on to eat less during your meal while still feeling satiated.
“It is also rich in vitamin C that supports the immune system. This is important to ensure a healthy weight loss,” she says.
Besides being a low-calorie food that can aid in weight loss by reducing your overall calorie intake, watermelon is a robust source of citrulline, an amino acid that metabolizes into arginine, which has been shown to help burn fat quickly.
“Watermelon is about 90 percent water, so it helps keep you hydrated and full without adding a lot of calories," says Gervacio. "It is also rich in vitamins A and C to support overall wellness. It is generally recommended to eat one to two cups per day of watermelon."
Regular exercise, managing stress levels, and getting enough sleep (the National Institute on Aging recommends adults get seven to nine hours each night) are some of the more obvious secrets for longevity. However, a well-balanced diet is arguably one of, if not the most important ingredients to sustaining a long and healthy life. In fact, a 2023 study published in Nature found that people with healthy dietary patterns that restrict processed meats and sweetened beverages can increase longevity by up to 10 years. And the proof is the pudding—just look at supercentenarian Louise Jean Signore, who recently celebrated her 112th trip around the sun.
Signore is the second oldest person living in the Big Apple. She was born on July 31, 1912, to Italian immigrants in Harlem, New York, per her profile in the New York Post. She’s lived through World War II, which her brothers served in, the Prohibition era, the Great Depression, the events of 9/11, and a global pandemic—and also outlived her five younger siblings.
And yet, she still lives an active lifestyle at the ripe age of 112 years old. “It’s my body. Nobody tells me what to do. I do what I think is best. It works,” she told the NY Post.
As a kid, Signore was into ballroom dancing, swimming, playing bocce, and biking. While some of her favorite forms of physical exercise have taken a backseat in recent years, including line dancing, Signore still prioritizes her daily walks, even if it’s just a light stroll up and down her apartment building’s hallways.
However, her initiation into the supercentenarian club (an elite group who live to be 110 years old and over) is all due to her diet, she told the NY Post.
“It starts when you’re young,” explained Signore, giving kudos to her Italian-American heritage.
“We had salad, fruit, and vegetables every single night, and we always had wine on the table,” she recalled. Signore and her siblings were only allowed to indulge in “cake and soda on Sundays,” she added.
As for her current meal plan, Signore enjoys eggs and toast as a light breakfast and “doctors up” her lunches and dinners with “tomato sauce, or garlic and olive oil.”
“I don’t have much. I have eggs. I have bread with jam and tea, but that’s it,” she said of her ideal breakfast.
However, there is one popular morning beverage she skips. “No coffee, I don’t drink coffee,” she quipped. Signore has also made a point to avoid smoking and alcohol.
At the end of the day, though, Signore said it really boils down to Italian food. Speaking with the NY in 2019, Signore credited her longevity to her healthy relationship with food, especially authentic Italian cuisine, and the instrumental part it played in her upbringing.
“Italian food is very good for you,” she said. “I was brought up with very good food.”
Aside from Italian food, Signore claimed that the reason why she’s outlived her siblings and most of her friends is because she chose to stay single.
“That’s why I am living. That’s why I am okay, because I didn’t get married…no marriage, no children. I’d rather be single,” she said days after celebrating her 112th birthday. “When you are married you have a lot of trouble.”
It feels like 2024 simply won’t let up with health scares, with the onset of bird flu, rising COVID cases, and foodborne illness. Unfortunately, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is sounding the alarm on yet another troubling trend: an increase in human parvovirus cases. While people who contract the seasonal respiratory virus are often asymptomatic, there are certain signs and symptoms you should keep an eye out for.
In an Aug. 13 Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory, the CDC noted the increase in parvovirus B19 (also known as fifth disease) in the U.S. There was an earlier uptick in reported cases in 14 European countries.
Roughly 50 percent of adults have detectable parvovirus B19 antibodies (signaling a past infection and presumed protection against reinfection) by the time they’re 20, and more than 70 percent have them by 40. However, new data from the CDC revealed that the proportion of people of all ages with IgM antibodies—which indicate a recent infection—increased between 2022 and 2024. The greatest increase was observed in children between the ages of 5 and 9.
The virus is “highly transmissible in respiratory droplets,” and people working in schools with children are at a higher risk of infection. Some students and staff are infected during school outbreaks, while others are infected after “household exposure.” The illness can also be transmitted from a mother to a fetus during pregnancy or through certain kinds of blood and plasma transfusions. However, the CDC notes that “transfusion-associated parvovirus B19 infection is extremely rare.”
Those infected with parvovirus B19 might not show any symptoms, but when they do appear, they’re typically mild and appear in two phases. During the first phase, people may experience a fever, myalgia (muscle pain), and general malaise roughly a week after being infected. On its page outlining parvovirus B19, the CDC notes that headache, cough, sore throat, rashes, and joint pain can also occur. People are most contagious during this phase, which typically lasts five days.
During the second phase, adults may have a rash on the trunk of the body and joint pain, while kids often develop a “characteristic facial rash,” also known as a “slapped cheek” appearance. This may also be followed by a net-like rash and joint pain. When the rash shows up, children are no longer contagious.
The CDC notes that people generally only require care during the acute phase and then recover completely. Complications like myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle), hepatitis, and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) are rare. However, those without preexisting immunity to parvovirus B19 who are pregnant, those who have weakened immune systems, and those with a specific form of anemia can have “adverse health outcomes.”
The CDC recommends familiarizing yourself with the symptoms and its respiratory virus guidance, especially if you are at higher risk of severe disease. You should also seek medical care if you are pregnant and have been exposed to parvovirus B19 or show symptoms, as well as if you have an underlying condition and symptoms of the virus.
Inflation fell just below 3% (2.9%) for the first time since 2021, which makes it the perfect time to look at your financial matters with a fresh perspective. But how can you take advantage of the current economic climate? “The top ways to grow your wealth are really simple, almost deceptively so,” self-made millionaire and author of “I Will Teach You to Be Rich” Ramit Sethi tells CNBC. “And they seem boring, but they are the ones that actually work.” So what should you do? Here’s how to save money and grow wealth, according to financial experts.
Consider investing even a small amount of money to grow wealth. “Invest a percentage of your income every year automatically and increase that percentage 1%,” Sethi says. “We often believe that rich people have access to secret investments, and that’s how they make a ton of money. Listen, I have access to those investments, and I can tell you right now, they typically do not perform better than a simple S&P index fund. The ordinary truth is that you can get great returns with a simple low-cost long-term index fund.”
2. Make More Money
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Don’t feel limited by the amount of money you make. "An often-overlooked option to save more money is to make more,” Kevin M. Curley, II, CFP, wealth advisor at Global Wealth Advisors, tells CBS News. “Working to improve or build up a skillset can increase an employee's value and the amount of money someone might be willing to pay them. Market any specialized skills on social media platforms by broadcasting them to anyone who will listen. You don't have to be an influencer to make money on YouTube, for example. It is possible to reach people who are interested in very niche areas and start making money with only 1,000 subscribers.”
2. Plan Ahead
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Plan ahead when doing food shopping or planning to go to a restaurant so you don’t get tempted by something outside your budget. "Be honest with yourself and set expectations with friends and family who might be expecting you to pick up the tab or purchase a gift,” Dr. Kate Mielitz, Accredited Financial Counselor at Beyond Finance, tells CBS News. “Yes, it's hard, and uncomfortable, to say, 'I can't afford it,' but it pays off when you have money in your account at the end of the pay period.”
4. Switch Service Providers
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Consider switching service providers to save money. "As a personal example, I recently switched telecom services and found it was 30% cheaper, and the plan gave me free cell service for the first year," Curley says. “Shopping around for home and auto insurance rates can be a good way to save money,” says Nia Adams, personal finance educator at Perspectives.
5. Is Your Salary Fair?
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Don’t be afraid to ask for a raise to make sure you are getting a fair wage. “Learn the skills of negotiating your salary and getting paid what you’re worth,” Sethi says.
6. Side Hustle
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Consider making more money by exploring side hustles. By using your spare time to work on new projects, you can make more money. “If you really want to increase your earnings, consider starting a business on the side,” Sethi says.
7. Reduce Investment-Related Fees
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Don’t overlook the fees on your investment accounts. "Fees are imperative to consider when choosing an investment because they can diminish your investment returns, and with compound interest, can cost you a substantial amount of money over time," Vincent Grosso, founder at Pascack Capital, tells CBS News. "To save money, investors can look for less expensive fund options. A more expensive fund does not always equate to a superior fund. Evaluating your fund fees can save you money today, and your future self will thank you, as well.”