A Deep Dive into the Controversial New Carbohydrate "Study"
On social media, a screenshot of this review looks identical to a gold-standard meta-analysis. One is a group of low-carb advocates selecting studies that confirm their priors. The other represents the synthesized findings of hundreds of researchers and thousands of participants. But they get the same real estate in your feed, the same 'interesting!' retweet, the same air of authority. If you (unlike me) had better things to do than spend three days in the methodology mines, you'd glance at the title, think 'huh, maybe carbs ARE overrated,' and scroll on. That's not your fault. But it IS the problem.
So let's do what we do here: dig into the history, examine the science, and figure out what this paper actually proves versus what it claims to prove. Spoiler: those are very different things.
What Dry January Actually Does to Your Body (And When One Month Isn't Enough)
What does Dry January actually do to your body? Here's what the research says about alcohol, athletic recovery, and when one month isn't enough.
Is Kombucha Good for You? What the Research Actually Says
Kombucha is everywhere. But is it actually good for you? Here's what the human research says about fermented foods, probiotics, and gut health.
How to Talk to Someone About Their Diet Without Ruining Family Dinner
Trying to talk someone out of keto or carnivore? Here's what the research on belief change actually says, and what to do instead.
Do You Need Gels for a Half Marathon? Yes. Here's the Science.
The "you don't need gels" take is everywhere in running culture. Here's what the glycogen research actually says about fueling your half marathon.
Low Energy Availability Is More Common Than Anyone Wants to Admit
Low energy availability affects nearly half of all athletes. Here's what the research says about LEA prevalence, risk factors, and why it goes undiagnosed.
The Science of What Food Insecurity Actually Does to Us
Food insecurity is a documented risk factor for eating disorders. Here's what the research actually says — and why school lunch funding is a public health issue.
Sports Supplements That Actually Work (And the Ones That Don't)
Caffeine, creatine, bicarb, beta-alanine, nitrates: the only sports supplements with real evidence behind them, and what the research actually shows.
RFK Jr. Wants Everyone in a Glucose Monitor. The Science Says Not So Fast.
RFK Jr. wants every American in a CGM. For people with diabetes, they're life-changing. For healthy people? The science still isn't there.
Carb Ratios for Endurance Athletes: Why the 2:1 Rule Is More Marketing Than Science
The 2:1 glucose:fructose ratio is everywhere in endurance fueling, but the science is more complicated. Here's what carb ratios actually mean.
Lead in Protein Powder: What the New Consumer Reports Data Actually Means
Consumer Reports found lead in most protein powders tested. Here's what the data actually means, who should be concerned, and what needs to change.
Should You Be Slurping Olive Oil Like Kilian Jornet?
Kilian Jornet fueled with olive oil. Here's why it might work for him, why it will probably wreck you, and what his flask actually tells us about fueling.
Apple Cider Vinegar Has No Business Being This Famous
Do Adaptogens Work? The Science Is Messier Than Your Mushroom Latte Suggests
Ashwagandha, rhodiola, lion's mane — adaptogens are everywhere. But do they actually work? Here's what the research says, and what it doesn't.
Does a "Cortisol Cocktail" Actually Lower Stress?
Cortisol cocktails promise to hack your hormones and flatten stress. Here's what the science says about cortisol, adaptogens, and adrenal health.
DIY Endurance Fuel Probably Isn't Actually Cheaper
DIY gels look cheaper until you factor in time and performance. Here's the real cost breakdown of homemade vs. commercial endurance fuel.
When Medical Devices Become Wellness Status Symbols
CGMs, Normatec boots, IV drips: medical devices keep getting repackaged as wellness upgrades. Here's the business model behind the trend. (
Endurance Athlete Nutrition Myths That Need to Retire
Five nutrition myths still haunting group chats and aid stations, what the research actually says, and what endurance athletes should do instead.
Pilates Does Not Give You "Long Lean Muscles"
Pilates can't lengthen your muscles or reshape your skeleton. Here's what the research says about "toning," spot reduction, and body genetics.