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Lauren Manaker MS, RDN, LD, CLEC

Lauren Manaker MS, RDN, LD, CLEC

About author

Lauren Manaker is an award-winning registered dietitian, book author, and recipe developer who has been in practice for almost 20 years. With expertise in nutrition and women's health, Lauren prides herself on providing accurate and evidence-based nutrition information to people throughout the lifecycle. As the owner of a nutrition communications business, Lauren also acts as a nutrition communications consultant and recipe developer for small healthy food brands and start-ups. She earned her undergraduate degree in human nutrition at the University of Florida, her master's degree in clinical nutrition at Rush University in Chicago, and her certification in lactation education from UC-San Diego. Currently, she is enrolled in NYU's School of Professional Studies, focusing on writing health-related information for the media. Lauren has been quoted in countless media outlets, including Eat This, Not That! and US News and World Report. Her writing can be found in outlets such as EatThis.com, Eating Well, The Kitchn, POPSUGAR Fitness, and VeryWell Health. Lauren lives in Charleston, S.C., and she takes full advantage of everything that her amazing city has to offer when she is not working.

Articles by Lauren Manaker MS, RDN, LD, CLEC

chicken nuggets with ketchup, concept of the worst frozen foods that can make you gain weight
Groceries

10 Best & Worst Frozen Chicken Nuggets

These are the healthiest and unhealthiest frozen chicken nuggets based on calories, fat, and fillers.
fast food breakfast sandwich
Restaurants

The 14 Healthiest Restaurant Chain Breakfasts

Among the piles of bacon, hash browns, and confectionary-covered pancakes, there are some surprisingly healthy breakfast choices at these chain restaurants.
Burger King's Whopper
Restaurants

10 Best & Worst Burger King Burgers

An RD discusses which BK burgers to indulge in—and which ones to skip over completely.
bowl of hummus with veggies on board, concept of the best 100-calorie snacks for weight loss
Groceries

11 Best Hummus Brands on Grocery Store Shelves

How to choose the healthiest hummus from the dizzying array of options, as well as experts' top picks.
people eating french fries and onion rings appetizer sides at a restaurant
Restaurants

The #1 Unhealthiest Side Dish at 11 Restaurant Chains

Skip these unhealthy sides that just add unnecessary, empty calories to your main meal.
best high protein snacks to buy
Groceries

28 Best High-Protein Store-Bought Snacks

With at least 5 grams of protein per serving, these snacks can help you meet your health goals.
fast food grilled chicken sandwich
Restaurants

8 Healthiest Fast-Food Chicken Sandwiches

Stay on track with your health goals with these healthier fast-food chicken sandwiches.
banana kefir smoothie
Healthy Eating

6 Superfoods for Better Digestion & a Healthier Gut

Improve your body's digestive processes and support gut health with the help of these dietitian-recommended foods.
hard boiled egg snack plate with cucumber
Healthy Eating

14 Healthy Snacks That Will Make You Feel Full

Just because weight loss requires cutting back on calories, doesn't mean you have to deprive yourself or go hungry.
Cold Fried Chicken and Biscuits with pickles on red wood table
Healthy Eating

7 Worst Foods For Your Brain Health

These foods may work against your brain health goals—especially if you include them in your diet frequently.
collagen powder and supplements
Healthy Eating

7 Best Supplements for a Longer Life

These expert-recommended supplements support healthy aging and can even extend your longevity when taken regularly.
close-up woman pouring cup of blueberries into hand, foods to burn belly fat
Healthy Eating

9 Brain-Boosting Foods to Enhance Cognitive Function

Improve your ability to perform cognitive tasks such as memory and concentration with the help of these foods for brain health.
supplements
Healthy Eating

10 Best Supplements You Should Be Taking After 40

Registered dietitians review the supplements that help address health issues that arise once you hit the age of 40.
Beef jerky
Groceries

11 Best and Worst Beef Jerky—Ranked!

Experts say these are the beef jerky brands to try for your next snack—and the ones to avoid.
9 Best Supplements for Reducing Inflammation, Say Dietitians
Healthy Eating

9 Best Supplements for Reducing Inflammation

These evidence-backed supplements can help you fight chronic inflammation.
eating oysters
Healthy Eating

8 Foods That Can Help Boost Testosterone

These testosterone-boosting foods and drinks can offer a lot of benefits besides just building muscle bulk.
woman eating ice cream sundae
Healthy Eating

What Happens When You Eat Ice Cream Every Day

An occasional bowl of ice cream is one thing, but how does eating this dessert daily impact your health?
apple cider vinegar in a bottle and glass next to an apple
Healthy Eating

8 Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

From curbing your appetite to combating bad breath, find out why ACV is so popular—and good for you.
9 Best Supplements to Slow Signs of Aging After 40
Healthy Eating

Best Supplements to Slow Aging After 40

There's no magic pill to stop the aging process, but there are some supplements to help slow it down.
eating fish
Healthy Eating

8 Foods That Make Your Pee Smell—and Why

Experts say what you eat and drink can impact how your urine smells.
vitamin supplements
Healthy Eating

11 Supplements Dietitians Actually Take

In a sea of supplements, it can be hard to choose what's best for you. We go to the experts for advice.
eating dessert
Healthy Eating

The Best Healthy Desserts on Store Shelves

Something sweet doesn't have to be sinful—there are plenty of healthy desserts to be found.
Picking at Basket of Blueberries
Healthy Eating

7 Science-Backed Benefits of Blueberries

Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, the benefits of blueberries appear boundless.
Sam's club
Healthy Eating

6 Healthiest Frozen Dinners at Sam’s Club

Enjoy these dietitian-approved, quick, nutritious Sam's Club frozen dinners on your busiest evenings.
Supplements for gut health
Healthy Eating

8 Best Supplements for Gut Health

Happy gut, happy life! Try these dietitian-recommended gut health supplements.
inflammatory foods
Healthy Eating

11 Inflammatory Foods Wreaking Havoc On Your Body

Reducing the amount of inflammatory foods in your diet may result in positive outcomes for your health.
too much caffeine
Drink This, Not That!

How Much Caffeine Is Too Much?

A dietitian discusses the recommended caffeine limit and signs to look for that you've had too much.
2023 best and worst new snacks main
Groceries

17 Best & Worst New Grocery Store Snacks

Some are incredibly nutrient-packed, but others have some rather questionable ingredients...
Poppi Grape
Groceries

10 Best & Worst New Sodas In 2023

The bubbly new beverages not only tickle our taste buds—in some cases, they may support our health, too.
olive oil and olives
Healthy Eating

Is Olive Oil Good for You?

Though rich in fat, the benefits of eating olive oil may just outweigh the impact of the side effects.
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