Sleep Showdown

Don’t you love it when science backs up what you’ve always argued as fact? A new study by bed manufacturer Eight has determined that mothers face more challenges sleeping than fathers do. We’re not taking sides, but this is one to bring up the next time the kids wake up at 4 a.m. (And don’t forget to educate yourself with our infographic on your sleep habits.)

Paleo Power

Takeout menu on the wall, what’s the trendiest diet of all? Paleo, according to delivery service GrubHub, which tracked its customer orders according to popular healthy-eating plans. Is this plan for you? Read our dietitian’s take.

I Dream of Cloud Eggs

Unicorn lattes? That’s so last season (and a little too controversial). The latest food trend is still pretty ethereal: cloud eggs, which are sweeping Instagram. They’re not easy to make (here’s how to do it, if you’re brave) but they sure look pretty. And the best part? They’re still healthy.

WATCH > ASK A TRAINER ABOUT ROUTINES

Like This Post, Lose That Pound

If you’re using MyFitnessPal to track what you eat, you’re utilizing what we think is the most powerful tool out there to hold yourself accountable and assist in your quest to lose weight. But many people are using Instagram to supplement — and in many cases, replace — their food diaries with photos of what they eat. A new study by the University of Washington backs this up and weighs the pros and cons of relying on the popular social media platform to track your intake.

Exercise Is Brain Power, Too

We read about studies all the time that claim running helps you live longer or regular exercise maintains memory. What about all of them rolled into one? A pair of studies finds aerobic exercise is good for your brain, period, in a number of ways. So get moving already!

You’re An Animal, We Swear!

Go ahead, let that bomb slip. We won’t judge. A new British study suggests swearing while you exercise can increase your performance. How? That profanity-laced tirade may help you push through your workout. &@%*!

This Runner Is No Croc

OK, let’s get this straight: At MFP we recommend supportive, well-constructed footwear when you run a race. But we’ve still gotta give it up to this teenager who finished a half-marathon in Indianapolis wearing a pair of crocs … in 72 minutes.

READ MORE > WE TRIED BARRY’S BOOTCAMP — HERE’S WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

So Hot in China

Marathons are the latest thing in China, according to this report from NPR. The proof? The world’s most populous nation is scheduled to host more than 400 this year; that’s up from just 22 in 2011. It’s even pushing to be included in the World Marathon Majors circuit.

Mighty (Marathon) Mouse

There’s “couch to 5K” and then there’s GW1516. In a study by biotech firm Genentech, mice given this particular compound ran 100 minutes longer than a control group. It’s not a quick fix, nor has it been tested in humans, but the hope is that the scientists eventually can synthesize the compound into a drug that helps people who have heart conditions or other issues with exercise.

Hold That Pose (and Hold My Beer)

Last time around, we told you about the strange trend of goat yoga. This time, it’s beer yoga. Which is … exactly what it sounds like, according to GQ. It may surprise you to hear this trend originated at Burning Man. Just kidding — you’re not surprised.

Much Ado About Nothing

Whether it’s prepping food or working out, action and staying in motion is the key to fitness, right? What if we told you taking some time to do nothing was hugely beneficial? That’s the takeaway from this story. If you’ve got a minute to spare, we recommend this 60-second mini-meditation to re-center yourself.

Just Don’t Overdo the Downtime

Of course, there’s a flip side, too. Just how long can you go without physical activity before your body starts to feel negative effects? A new British study has an idea, and you won’t like the potential health risks.

The 30-Second Workout

Come on, really? That can’t be a thing, can it? Apparently it can. University of Calgary researchers are drilling down into what the body can actually accomplish in small bursts, and their findings show benefits in even half a minute of exercise. (For the record, we still recommend you start with HIIT if you’re pressed for time.)

Get Cowboys Fit

And if you need a little more incentive to work out — and you happen to be a Dallas Cowboys fan — maybe this one will grab you. The five-time Super Bowl champions have built a plush mega-gym inside their new training facility, complete with a rooftop pool and a view of the practice field. The best part? It’s open to the public for the low price of $88 per month.

WATCH > ASK A TRAINER: ON RUNNING

He Literally Ran Across the Country

Need a little inspiration to get moving? Earlier this month, a 60-year-old from Colorado finished his 50th marathon, run across all 50 states. “I don’t consider myself a serious runner,” Ken John said. We don’t recommend you try to emulate him, necessarily — but check out this 6-Week Running Plan, perfect for summertime.

Marking a Milestone

Last week marked the 52-year anniversary of Jim Ryun becoming the first high schooler to run a sub 4-minute mile (there’s a classically grainy video of it in this Deadspin writeup). The eventual Olympic athlete and U.S. congressman held the mark for 36 years. Some impressive food for thought while the running community is focused on a sub 2-hour marathon.

An Rx for Clean Eating

Over to food now. You pick up prescription medication to help with your health. So why can’t you do the same with what you eat? One company is attempting to do just that, according to this NPR report: Meet the Fresh Food Pharmacy.

READ MORE > 6 APPETITE-CONTROL STRATEGIES THAT KEPT ME FROM OVEREATING

That’s One Weigh to Go

We publish Success Stories on this very blog all the time about people who have lost weight and made changes to their habits by using MyFitnessPal. One writer from Outside Magazine took on a quest of his own, including utilizing the app and obsessively weighing everything he put in his body over four months. His findings were fascinating.

Should You Go Green?

Plant protein is all the rage right now, as is anything with the buzzword “plant-based.” But there’s also an uptick in professional athletes who are strategically going vegetarian for better performance. Check out this excerpt from “The No Meat Athlete Cookbook” and learn whether  you can benefit from a similar approach.

Avocados or a Home? You Choose

And finally, plant your tongue firmly in cheek for this one. We all know the housing market is nuts. One Australian real estate mogul has a suggestion for young people: Stop spending so much money on avocados and fancy coffee (especially blended into one horrific hipster delicacy). We’ll counter with this, mate: There’s scientific proof that eating avocados may help you live longer. Pass the guac.