How Friends Make You Healthier

Socialize for your health's sake - One of the best kept secrets to good health and a long life? Having a robust social network that includes relatives, friends, and other relationships. These are just a few of the reasons why you should prioritize your family and pals.

You’ll be less likely to get sick. - In one well-known study, folks with more diverse social connections were less susceptible to colds than those who were socially isolated.

You may sleep better. - Being lonely leads to restless sleep, a University of Chicago study suggests: The lonelier you are, the more you toss and turn.

You’ll stay sharper. - Having strong social support may cut your risk of cognitive decline, according to several studies.

You could live longer. - People with stronger social connections were 50% more likely to live longer than those with weaker connections, a 2010 analysis found. That makes the impact of friendlessness comparable to that of smoking.

Streamline your go-to meals

Six p.m. might just be the shortest hour of the day. Save the dicing, measuring, and fussing and still get healthy, mouthwatering food on the table with these tips from Ellie Krieger, RD, host of the Cooking Channel’s Healthy Appetite and author of Comfort Food Fix.

Use no-chop ingredients - All you need for a great homemade meal in 15 minutes is a quick-cooking, minimal-prep protein (chicken or fish), whole grains (whole-wheat pasta, brown rice), and veggies that are already bite-size (snow peas, baby arugula). "I love garlic basil shrimp with cherry tomatoes and orzo—you don’t even need a knife," Krieger says.

Swap shortcuts - You might automatically grab a tub of shredded Parmesan, then head to the fresh produce section for veggies. But rethinking which ingredients you buy premade can cut time and boost flavor. "Frozen peas and spinach are easier and just as good as fresh in many dishes," Krieger says. "But there’s no substitute for freshly grated cheese. Plus it has more flavor than store-bought, so you use less." Just put a hunk on the dinner table along with the grater.

Alter the atmosphere - A lot of cooking stress comes from the attitude you walk into the kitchen with, Krieger says: "I used to approach making dinner as drudgery, but then I started putting music on, pouring a glass of wine, having my daughter there ripping up lettuce for the salad. It can become the nicest part of your day."