Guides for a healthier 2018

Our reporters tested food-tracking apps, broke down the best diets out there, looked at the back-to-basics movement in the fitness industry, and provided you with a single shining example: a record-setting 101-year-old running champ.

Stuart Kinlough/Getty Images As marriages fall apart, more spouses are turning to digital espionage to get evidence and exert control — and it’s often legal A year after their separation, her ex-husband still seemed to know her every move. She knew she wasn’t being followed. Then her mechanic found the GPS tracker. "I am absolutely terrified," she told police — but because she and her ex-husband they owned the car together, no crime had been committed. The tools also present frightening new challenges for domestic violence victims and workers. Maximilian Stock Ltd./Getty Images The best diets last year were balanced, flexible and easy to follow Nutritionists, dietary consultants and doctors rated the Mediterranean diet and the heart-healthy DASH diet as the top options for overall healthy eating in an annual ranking by U.S. News & World Report. But no one diet is best for everyone, experts note, what really matters is being able to stick with it. Apps that track your eating might help with that. In exercise, experts see fewer gadgets and more high-intensity classes this year. Or just follow the example of Man Kaur, 101, who started running in 2009 and now is breaking records. Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP As Trump and his administration lash out a reporter's new book, he tells NPR he stands behind it '100 percent' "This was an organization that was almost, I'd say, in a real sense shattered from the first day," says author Michael Wolff, whose new book takes an intimate look inside the president’s first year in office. Excerpts released from Fire and Fury may have permanently severed the alliance of President Trump and former adviser Steve Bannon. They also triggered howls of indignation from the White House, and a threat of legal action from Trump. Jessica Kourkounis/Getty Images It’s been a bone-chilling new year so far for East Coasters — and their animal friends and neighbors Wild animals are struggling with the record-low temperatures that iced over the U.S. this past week, with "flash-frozen" iguanas dropping from trees and sharks freezing solid. Pet experts say not even the coziest ridiculous little sweater will keep your dog warm outside for very long. And make sure to bang on the hood of your car in the morning, in case a cat has huddled up underneath. Jamie Jones/Ikon Images/Getty Images Hit the mental-health gym: Some find it hard to get into meditation, but this writer says even the tiniest bit helps "I truly believe one minute counts and that it doesn't need to be one minute every day. You can shoot for daily-ish." ABC News anchorJournalist Dan Harris became a firm believer in meditation after having an on-air panic attack. He says it's all about self-awareness of the "zoo inside of our skulls." "When you see how absolutely bonkers you are, you have a much better chance of not being owned by the insanity." You received this message because you're subscribed to our Best of NPR emails. |  Unsubscribe  |  Privacy Policy | NPR 1111 N. CAPITOL ST. NE WASHINGTON DC 20002