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Let’s counter that with some uplifting news: We can dramatically lower our risk of chronic illness with a few small lifestyle changes. Mainly, by picking better foods to eat every day. The USDA and Department of Health and Human Services identified four nutrients typically consumed in amounts dangerously below recommended levels. They consider these under-consumed nutrients—potassium, calcium, dietary fiber, and vitamin D—of public health concern because their low intake are associated with chronic disease, such as cardiovascular disease, type-2 diabetes, and high blood pressure....

To determine the best dryers, we spent hours researching top-rated units, considering factors like capacity, features, efficiency, price, and more. We also consulted Grant Pill, head of appliances at Wayfair, and Jessica Petrino, educator and appliance expert at AJ Madison, for recommendations on choosing the best dryer for your lifestyle. In purchasing a dryer, Petrino advises you to consider a variety of factors, particularly “one’s space, budget, fuel type, and design preferences....

We set out to see if this type of cookware lived up to the type by testing out 28 different stainless steel cookware sets in our Lab. We put them through cooking tests and evaluated them based on design, durability, heating capability, and ease of cleaning. Our top pick is the supremely popular All-Clad D5 Stainless Brushed 5-Ply Bonded 10-Piece Cookware Set, which boasts even heat distribution thanks to the multiple layers of aluminum and stainless steel....

Who it isn’t for: People who don’t want an aluminum baking sheet.McKenney tells us that one of her favorite baking sheets to use are from Nordic Ware. “[Nordic Ware baking sheets] are excellent quality and have stood the test of time (and very frequent use),” she says. Our tester also confirmed the quality of these baking sheets, saying that they performed “perfectly” through all of our tests. The cookies came out “evenly browned”, while the potatoes didn’t stick to the surface one bit, both while flipping midway through cooking and in the end when they were fully roasted....

“A car vacuum should do two things: first, provide access to all upholstered and carpeted areas in your vehicle, and second, have enough suction to pick up the dirt, crumbs, dog hair, etc. that you and/or your family leave behind,” says Jennifer Myers, director of marketing at Kunes Auto & RV Group. Sounds simple, but it can be a tall order. To find the best car vacuums, we put 20 car vacuums to the test at our testing lab in Des Moines, Iowa....

“1,200 to 4,000-lumen floodlights are best for residential use, especially if it’s placed at the front of the house as you don’t want to be blinded when returning home in the dark,” says Lee Churton, manager of ProElec Electrical Services. “For other areas, and larger properties, you can go for a brighter light that can deter intruders, too.” To find the best outdoor floodlights, we researched a variety of picks, keeping in mind size, power source, watts/volts, brightness, and light beam angle....

We tested 27 outdoor solar lights in our Lab and evaluated them on setup, features, design, brightness, durability, and value. We even set up a GoPro camera to find out exactly how long the lights stayed on in the middle of the night. For expert advice, we spoke with Cate Singleton, director of design at Tilly, an online landscape design company. Before deciding which outdoor solar lights to buy, the most important factor to consider is how much sunlight you get in that area, according to Singleton....

When whipping up pizza dough, pie crust, or a delicious homemade bread, you’ll want to have one of the best rolling pins to help you. This can ensure that your dough is evenly spread and that none of it gets stuck to the pin as you work. According to Greg Mosko, pastry chef at The Gage restaurant, “the best all around rolling pin is a standard straight rolling pin, which can be used for all aspects of the business....

To find the best stovetop cleaners, we spent hours researching the various options on the market, considering factors like versatility, ingredients, ability to clean certain materials, and ability to de-grease. We also asked Emma Barton, cleaning expert and founder of Steam Clean Queen, for recommendations and tips on how to use—and choose—a stovetop cleaner. Our top pick is Bar Keepers Friend Multipurpose Cooktop Cleaner, which also happens to be one of Barton’s go-to cleaning products....

Best Cyber Monday Robot Vacuum Deals Best Overall: iRobot Roomba 694 Robot Vacuum, $179 (was $274) 51% Off: Eufy RoboVac X8 Hybrid, $320 (was $650) Best Suction Power: Thamtu G10 Robot Vacuum, $128 (was $300) Best for Pet Hair: iRobot Roomba i3+ EVO Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum, $349 (was $550) Samsung Jet Bot+ Robot Vacuum with Clean Station, $399 (was $799) Ecovacs Deebot N8 Pro+, $400 (was $700) Roborock E5 Robot Vacuum and Mop, $200 (was $360) Shark IQ Robot Vacuum with XL Self-Empty Base, $390 (was $600) Neato D9 Intelligent Robot Vacuum, $297 (was $500)...

However, not all wallpaper is created equally. Some styles look cheap when applied to the wall, others are prone to wrinkling, making them look warped, and still others may start to peel off the wall soon after application. We put 30 of the best wallpapers to the test in our lab to figure out which brands and styles are the longest-lasting, easiest to apply, and most attractive when installed in your home....

Thanks to the leak-proof design, you won’t have to worry about any spilling, allowing you to hold it at any angle. Along with clothes, the steamer can also be used on other fabrics like upholstered furniture and curtains. Plus, it comes with three attachments, including a lint brush, soft brush, and creaser. To buy: $33 (originally $35); amazon.com The portable steamer has earned over 17,500 perfect ratings, with shoppers saying they love it so much they “refuse to go back to ironing....

As part of the Real Simple Smart Money Awards, we’re highlighting the best credit cards and tools for managing them of 2020 with the help of a panel of judges. There’s a service for everyone, from first-time credit card holders to those trying to escape credit card debt. Read on for the best credit cards and credit card services, or click here to see the other 2020 Real Simple Smart Money Award winners....

Whatever the cookies represent, they are certainly delicious. Traditionally filled with poppyseeds (a Solo can is my grandma’s preferred filling), contemporary hamantaschen can be stuffed with anything from apricot preserves to homemade jams or chocolate chips—or wherever your imagination leads you. They can be savory, sweet, or somewhere in between. Hamantashen invoke nostalgia, and many families have their own tweaks on the recipe to get it to their liking. Some like the cookie to be soft, while others like it crisp; some prefer a thin roll while others crave the cakey....

To buy: $32 (was $39); amazon.com. Made with polyester, the flowing skirt is breathable, so you could wear it right now as we close out summer and later in fall with tights on your legs and a pumpkin spice latte in hand. Even though it’s lightweight, shoppers say it is not too thin. And while several swear it is not sheer, a few claim it is, so if you’re concerned, consider wearing a liner....

While shapewear used to have a reputation for hiding so-called flaws, it’s now embraced by many shoppers as an “empowering” accessory to “help them feel their best,” says Kimmay Caldwell, Undergarment Educator at Hurray Kimmay. “Bodies age and soften. It’s totally normal,” she adds. “And some folks like the option of having a smoother or shaped silhouette.” After researching the best shapewear on the market, we landed on the Skims Sculpting Bodysuit W....

“The tree collar should complement and color coordinate with the theme and decorations on your tree,” said Christine Mango, holiday designer and producer. “I’d also suggest the tree collar complement the style and décor of the room where your tree is placed in your home.” To find the best tree collars, we’ve researched a variety of picks and considered factors like dimensions and material. In addition to Mango, we also consulted Tara Spaulding, interior design coordinator for Patio Productions, for her input on the subject....

I’m all about cute Halloween food these days. From witch rice krispy treats to pumpkin pizzas, there’s just something fun about making adorable Halloween treats! I’ve made these ghost brownies a number of times and one of the best things about them is that they’re a little different every time. The chocolate melts a little different, bends a little different over the marshmallow, flows off the side of the brownie or doesn’t....

The customer-loved robot vacuum features a powerful three-stage cleaning system with dual brush heads that loosen and trap dirt, dust, and pet hair from all floor types. It comes with edge-sweeping brushes that operate at a 27-degree angle to sweep dirt from your walls. The smart vacuum also has dirt-detecting sensors that increase its suction power in high traffic areas—and it has a patented AeroVac filter that traps allergens, dander, dust, and pollen, according to the brand....

The O2Cool Personal Misting Fan has racked up thousands of five-star ratings from people who say it’s a “must-have” item for surviving heat waves. Weighing only six ounces, the battery-powered device is super lightweight and is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. It features soft, flexible blades and a powerful motor that shoppers say is incredibly quiet. But what really set’s this handheld fan apart from others on the market is that the base of the fan is actually a misting water bottle....