Portrait of Alice Callahan

Alice Callahan

I mainly write about how the foods we eat affect our well-being, including stories about gut health, the microbiome, food ingredients and contaminants, supplements, and how to eat well for pleasure and health.

I have been writing about health and science for more than a decade. As a freelance journalist, I published stories in Scientific American, The Atlantic, Slate, The Washington Post and Knowable Magazine, among others. I began contributing to The Times in 2016 and joined the newsroom staff in 2023.

Before I started writing about science, I was doing it myself; I earned a Ph.D. in nutrition from the University of California, Davis, and worked as a postdoctoral researcher in physiology for several years. I also taught physiology and nutrition courses for a decade. I’m the author of “The Science of Mom: An Evidence-Based Guide to Your Baby’s First Year.” I live in Oregon with my family, our cat and dog, and a flock of chickens.

Like all Times journalists, I’m committed to upholding the standards of integrity outlined in our Ethical Journalism Handbook. I don’t have a financial stake in any food companies, nor do I accept money or gifts from industry groups. I recognize that people have strong opinions about food and nutrition; we all have to eat every day, and the food choices that we make can be integrally tied to our culture, identity and beliefs. I strive to include diverse perspectives in my reporting, and to make clear where there is scientific consensus on a topic and where there is more uncertainty so that readers can make informed choices for themselves.

Latest

  1.  
  2.  
  3.  
  4.  
  5.  
  6.  
  7.  
  8.  
  9.  
  10.  
  11.  
  12.  
  13.  
  14.  
  15.  
  16.  
  17.  
  18.  
  19.  
  20.  
  21.  
  22.  
  23.  
  24.  
  25.  
  26.  
  27.  
  28.  
  29.  
  30.  
  31.  
  32.  
  33.  
  34.  

    You Deserve a Great Nap

    Experts say a midday rest is great for your health. Here’s how to get the most out of it.

    By Alice Callahan

  35.  

    Test Your Protein Knowledge

    How much do you need, and where should you get it? See how much you really know about this essential nutrient with our quiz.

    By Alice Callahan

  36.  
  37.  
  38.  
  39.  
  40.  

    Test Your Candy I.Q.

    Trick or treat! See how much you really know about sweets with this quiz.

    By Alice Callahan

  41.  
  42.  
    Ask Well

    Is Pumpkin Good for You?

    It’s the quintessential flavor of fall. It also has big benefits for your health.

    By Alice Callahan

  43.  
  44.  
  45.  
  46.  
  47.  
  48.  
  49.  
  50.  
  51.  
  52.  
  53.  
  54.  
  55.  
  56.  
  57.  
    ask well

    Do I Need to Avoid Dark Chocolate Now?

    A recent report found high concentrations of cadmium and lead in dark chocolate. There’s no reason to panic, experts say, but it’s worth a closer look.

    By Alice Callahan

  58.  
  59.  
    Scam or Not

    Is Food Sensitivity Testing a Scam?

    These assessments, which tell you which foods to avoid, are becoming increasingly popular. Here’s what the experts want you to know.

    By Alice Callahan

  60.  
    Ask Well

    Why Do I Sweat So Much in My Sleep?

    There are many possible reasons you might wake up in a pool of perspiration. Here’s how to tell when it should be cause for concern.

    By Alice Callahan

  61.  
  62.  
  63.  
  64.  
  65.  
  66.  
  67.  
  68.  
    Scam or Not

    Do Neti Pots Really Work?

    Nasal rinsing has been used for thousands of years to relieve sinus inflammation, congestion, allergy symptoms and more. Here’s what the evidence says.

    By Alice Callahan

  69.  
  70.  
  71.  
  72.  
    SCAM OR NOT

    Is B.M.I. a Scam?

    It can be a helpful health measure for large groups of people, but it won’t tell you much about yourself.

    By Alice Callahan

  73.  
  74.  
  75.  
  76.  
  77.  
  78.  

    The Truth About Food Pouches

    The fruit-and-vegetable packets are O.K. in moderation, experts say, but don’t rely on them for every meal.

    By Alice Callahan

  79.  
  80.  
Page 8 of 10