I’m not just Prevention’s senior health editor, fitness + nutrition on paper, I literally live out my title every day; I’m a wellness fanatic, but in a down-to-earth kind of way. I prioritize exercise (and genuinely love it), enjoy cooking and eating well (a produce deal hates to see me coming!), have self-care rituals that are non-negotiable, and I work hard at managing stress. But I approach all of those good-for-you habits in a balanced manner—some days I choose the couch over the gym or have a “girl dinner” that doesn’t hit all the food groups—so as not to get burnt out on my mission to stay well.
My job allows me to discover tons of products to support my wellness-centric lifestyle, and each month I’ll be sharing a handful of picks that I’m loving right now or just can’t live without. You can expect to see my favorite fitness gear, essentials for a clean home, beauty products that are worth your dollars, my go-to healthy food that you just have to taste, tools for better sleep, and so much more.
As we all settle into a new year, this month’s picks help you healthfully navigate the start of 2026—and beyond. Looking for a new hobby to pass the time until we spring the clocks ahead? I’ve got a couple of fun activities to keep you occupied. I’m also sharing some of my favorite snacks and good-for-you desserts that are mainstays in my own menu, plus living room-approved workout equipment, sound sleep must-haves, and more.
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Getting quality shut-eye is so important when it comes to staying energized and well, and I find that I tend to get my best beauty sleep when I doze off with this weighted sleep mask on. Made of soft silk, it’s filled with slightly heavy material to offer the benefit of deep-pressure therapy, which studies suggest can help calm the nervous system to make nodding off easier. I struggle to shut off my brain at night, but this has me out like a light!
Hibernation season is prime puzzle time—it’s a meditative pastime and good for your brain, plus it elicits feelings of accomplishment when you finish your masterpiece. The puzzles from Piecework Puzzles are so cool. Each intricate scene is packed with delightful details to discover, and with many sets there is a matching playlist, and music can further lift the mood. Explore mini and kid puzzles along with 500-, 750-, and 1,000-piece ones.
It’s sick season, and getting the flu, Covid-19, or even the common cold just plain stinks, which is why my apartment is stocked with stay-well essentials. Manuka honey is an immunity staple for me—it has more antioxidants than traditional honey, and while it’s more expensive than the regular sticky stuff, it’s worth the splurge. I like Nature Nate’s version, sourced from New Zealand (the birthplace of Manuka honey) and UMF-certified, meaning it’s third-party tested to ensure potency, authenticity, and freshness. Sweet!
I don’t have to tell you that cooking at home is key to staying on the healthy eats train. I make Italian “Sunday supper” each week, and more often than not, it’s a nourishing pasta dish, since this reminds me of the tradition I grew up with. A couple of times a year, I fill my pantry (and my Italian mom’s!) with items from Giadzy, such as G’s Go-To Italian Gift Box, which is filled with high-quality imported Italian staples just like those my mom uses (think organic pasta, rich extra virgin olive oil, heirloom cherry tomatoes, and more). I like to treat myself to these healthful eating staples because they’
re all selected by chef Giada De Laurentiis, who prioritizes good quality, nutritious ingredients in her own recipes and cooks in the same style as my own mother and Nana did.
I set a new fitness focus each season—this winter, it’s core work. The Pilates kits from BetterMe come with all the gear for a great workout—such as resistance bands, wrist and ankle weights, a toning ring, sliders, a Pilates ball, and grippy socks—and the gear comes in the cutest colors, making them adorably motivating. I search online for workout videos by Pilates experts and follow along.
If you have a sweet tooth, these stuffed dates are a simple, delicious, nutritious dessert—naturally sweet Medjool dates combined with creamy nut butter and enrobed in 70% dark chocolate feel like a decadent treat. I love their bonbon-like texture and that they deliver helpful fiber and have no added sugar.
If you’ve ever found comfort in twirling your hair or tapping your foot when you’re stressed or anxious, that shows the power of fidgeting, which studies indicate may help ease those feelings and boost focus. Fidget jewelry is a fashionable way to redirect restless energy, and Pura Vida has cute styles with built-in design details to play with—balls to toggle, rings to spin. I like that people don’t know I’m self-soothing when I wear these.
Tinned fish is a convenient and often cost-effective protein-rich pantry staple to keep stocked. But since I eat a ton of tinned salmon, tuna, calamari, sardines, etc., I like to mix things up with tins that feature fun flavors or unique fish. I really enjoy these hand-packed tins of sustainably sourced seafood from a family cannery in the Pacific Northwest. I use them on charcuterie boards and to create tinned-fish flights. Grab smoked mussels, salmon, albacore tuna, or oysters.
Winter affects my mental health and energy, so I’m always looking for activities to keep me occupied and stimulated. I was pleased to stumble upon this Watercolor Painting Kit from Adults & Crafts—creative hobbies are uplifting and bring me joy in the winter. This kit comes with 100 watercolor shades and a workbook full of outlines to fill in, so I don’t have to feel stressed or down about my lack of artistic ability!
I’ve always been in the pro-cottage-cheese camp because it’s a high-protein pick that fills me up. Good Culture cottage cheese is my go-to. It’s delicious and more creamy than clumpy; plus, it has probiotics (not true of most cottage cheeses). Even if you’re dubious, try it: I’m convinced it will convert all cottage cheese skeptics. I prefer plain, but there are single-serve flavored cups too.
I need noise-canceling headphones during my overstimulating commute, when trekking home to visit family, and for zoning out to my fave songs when I want to chill. These sleek ones from Bose are top of the line (and worth the cost). They have pillowy ear cushions that are so comfy, superior audio quality, so I don’t have to hike the volume too high, and they are stellar at blocking out environmental noise.
Self-care is necessary year-round, but especially during winter when we have less sunlight, and this gorgeous faux-fur Bubble Cuddle blanket makes “me time” feel oh-so-luxurious. The oversize option is perfect for snuggles with family members, friends, or pets (good for mental health!) or to wrap yourself in an extra-comfy cocoon (swaddling can help fussy babies chill out, and I find that it makes me feel calmer too). Plus, the blanket is mega-plush and silky-soft and will look nice on any couch.
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