“Fiber is a health superhero.” — Gretel Schueller 
 

Read the full U.S. News & World Report study: Top Health and Nutrition Trends for 2026 HERE 

Each January, the wellness world waits for the U.S. News & World Report rankings—and this year, the USN&WR Health team went a step further. Instead of focusing only on “best diets,” they surveyed a panel of medical experts to identify the health and nutrition trends that will shape 2026. 

In this episode of AGE BETTER, Barbara Hannah Grufferman sits down with Gretel Schueller, Health Editor at U.S. News & World Report, to break down what rose to the top, what surprised the experts, and how to think about new health advice without chasing every headline. 

They cover the expanded role of GLP-1 medications, how AI-powered wearable technology is changing personalized health management, why “food as medicine” is gaining traction, and why the Mediterranean diet continues to stand the test of time. They also talk about what actually helps people stick with health goals—especially in midlife—when simplicity and sustainability matter more than perfection. 

If you’re trying to make smart, realistic health choices in 2026, this conversation will help you focus on what truly matters. 

Key Topics Covered 

• The top health and nutrition trends shaping 2026 
• GLP-1 medications and their expanding role beyond weight loss 
• AI and wearable technology for personalized health insights 
• Why “food as medicine” is having a moment 
• The critical role of fiber in long-term health 
• Why the Mediterranean diet remains the gold standard 
• How to set health goals you can actually stick with 

Listen now to learn how to approach 2026 with clarity, confidence, and a lot less noise. 

Connect With  Barbara:   

Have ideas for future episodes? We'd love to hear from you!   

- Email: ⁠⁠⁠agebetterpodcast@gmail.com   ⁠⁠⁠

- Connect on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE  

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices