Keep Those 2026 Health Goals Simple

The new year is a time when many try to start good habits and commit to improving health and wellness. But resolutions, lofty as they may be, can turn daunting quickly with all the advice and sometimes contradicting information coming at you from news reports, advertisers, influencers, friends, and even politicians. But they don't have to be. This year, the AP got the downlow on all manner of health and wellness claims and fads. The good news is that the experts mostly say to keep it simple. As 2026 arrives, here's what you can skip and what you should pay attention to:

• Protein and fiber are important: When it comes to your diet, experts say most people can skip the upcharge. If you're eating enough, you're probably getting enough protein and don't need products that promise some big boost. It's true that most people could use more fiber in their diets, but ditch the "fiber-maxxing" trend. Instead, eat whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains.
• A good skin care routine is not expensive or complicated: That 20-step skin care routine and $200 serum some TikTokker sold you on? Dermatologists say you don't need it. Skip the beef tallow and slather on a good sunscreen instead (yes, even if you have darker skin). And the same rule for simplicity applies to that hourlong "everything shower." The best showers are simple and short, dermatologists say, no "double cleansing" required.
• Simple ways to get that workout in: If the gym and all its equipment feel intimidating, drop the illusion that a good workout requires either. The comeback of calisthenics put the focus back on no frills, bodyweight workouts you can do at home. You may eventually need weightlifting or other equipment, but it's a great place to start.

• Be wary of wellness fads: Even if you imbibe too much this New Year's Eve, doctors say you can do without "IV therapy" that have vitamins you can get more easily and cheaper in pill form—if you even need more, which is unlikely if you have a balanced diet. You're just paying for "expensive urine," one doctor said. Same for "wellness" focused products like microbiome testing kits that generate information that doctors can't actually act on.
• Back to basics: Walk more. Research shows walking is great for physical and mental health. It's so good for you, doctors are literally prescribing time in the outdoors to their patients. Get certain health metrics under control, like high blood pressure, which is known to cause a range of health problems down the road. Prioritize getting enough sleep. Don't just eat right—eat slower. Give your mind some care: Set better boundaries with your technology and regain and retrain your attention span.