Bras for Large Busts That Offer All-Day Comfort and Support Every shape and every budget included

 The good news? Comfortable, flattering, and just plain pretty bras for large busts bras do exist. In fact, more brands are embracing every body, so there have never been better options available for fuller figures than there are today. For some useful tips on how to find the perfect-fitting bra, we tapped Holly Wilson, Soma’s VP of design, for her expert advice. “A good-quality bra will fit comfortably from the minute you put it on, provide all-day support, and hold its appearance over many wears and washings,”

The most important element of support in a bra comes from the fit and comfort of the band and cups,” Wilson further explains. “When the cups fit your shape and support appropriately, there is no digging, gapping, or sagging. The right band fit is essential, as it provides the most important support feature, and can determine how much support your bust gets from the bra.”

Once your bra arrives, try it on and keep an eye on the following fit notes: “If your bra fits on the middle hook, it's perfect; that means you have room to loosen or tighten it slightly based on your body’s natural changes during the month,” advises Wilson. “The cups should fit smoothly on the breast with no gaps or digging. The center front should lie flat against your rib cage. The underwire should not poke, pinch, or rest on your breast tissue. Adjust your straps so they stay in place and sit comfortably. They should not dig into your shoulders.”

With that guidance in mind, we've curated the best plus-size bras and bras for large busts for every shape and budget. Whether you’re in the market for an everyday bra that offers max coverage, a wireless style that provides the perfect amount of lift, a workout-friendly sports bra for big busts, or an affordable Amazon bestseller (hello, $12), our picks won't let you—or your girls—down.

This years-in-the-making bra from Soma will be unlike any you've ever tried. To account for the natural size changes that your breasts go through (whether due to your period, weight gain, pregnancy, etc.), the brand innovated a style that adapts to your body. "Bodify features a patent-pending Flexicup and Floataway wire construction that offers additional flexibility, natural lift, and stay-put straps that enhance the fit of the bra to work with your unique body shape," explains Wilson. Sounds like our new go-to in the lingerie drawer!

Sizes: 32B - 44H

Let us count the reasons why this is the number one bestselling plus-size bra on Amazon: full cups with a structural frame for ample coverage (especially for those with heavier busts), side and back support to smooth away bulging, no-dig cushioned straps, and it's wireless. You might want this one in a few colors.

Sizes: 32 C - 54 DDD

Available in nine shades of nudes and through size 4X, this full-coverage double-layered bra is silky and supportive. It comes with smoothing adjustable straps, comfy cushioned underwire, and wide wings that perfectly smooth your back and sides.

Sizes: 30A - 44H

Favorite Things-featured brand Girlfriend Collective is celebrated for its stylish and sustainable styles (each piece is made from recycled plastic bottles), as well as extended size ranges. Its high-support sports bra offers its famous compression that makes you feel secure without being too tight. It is not only double-lined for full coverage but also offers adjustable, soft elastic straps and an adjustable hook-and-eye support band for your perfect fit.

Sizes: XXS - 6XL

Designed with thin hybrid memory foam to provide softness inside and support outside, this full-coverage T-shirt bra molds to your unique shape. The adjustable straps also have memory foam, so they never dig into your skin.

Sizes: 34D - 44E

This comfy polyester, nylon, and spandex bra has double back-wrap panels that conform to your curves for ultimate support.

Sizes: 38 D - 46 H

Designed to prevent digging, Cacique's best-selling, back-smoothing silhouette provides a smooth foundation to any outfit. Lightweight, molded cups add coverage, while adjustable straps and a non-underwire band provide maximum support.

Sizes: 32B - 56K

When it comes to wardrobe foundations, you can't go wrong with best-in-class layers from Spanx. You'll want this easy reversible bra for quiet days lounging at home. It's wireless and seamless, and the ribbed under-band ensures that it won't roll up.

Sizes: XS - 3X

This sleek, elegant bra—which goes up to cup size O and band size 50—features three-part unlined cups and adjustable straps that won't slip. It's wire-free and has wide and adjustable front and back straps.

Sizes: 34H - 50H

This bra was specifically made with a crisscross power mesh back for posture support. The soft cups and front closure make it easy to put on and keep your breasts from overflowing.

Sizes: 32C - 44DDD

Spacer bras are constructed with lightweight, breathable foam material that keeps you cool and comfy. This bestselling Wacoal number has cups that round out your shape and offers separation between the girls. It comes in a range of sizes and colors.

Sizes: 32C - 44DDD

If you love the idea of a wireless bra but are afraid it won't provide enough support, this bestselling Lively style has your name on it. The wider band offers some lift, and a "hidden inner sling" provides the coverage that other bralettes may not. Plus, the soft modal fabric is lightweight for all day wear.

Sizes: 32A - 38DDD

Leopard print makes this full-coverage nylon and spandex bra with underwire a bit more fun. Power mesh wings lift for shape while smoothing at the sides and back.

Sizes: 32 G - 46 H

Rihanna's Savage X Fenty collection of inclusive lingerie boasts sexy yet comfortable styles, like this showstopper semi-sheer underwire balconette bra.

Sizes: 30A - 46H

Worried about the dreaded side spillage? This bestselling Knix style takes care of that with the higher side wings. Plus, it's wireless—though you wouldn't know it from the incredible amount of support it provides, courtesy of the molded cups and stretch material.

Sizes: 34G - 40H

This longline bra is so sweet, thanks to the floral lace and diamond mesh. It also has underwire, so you get as much lift and support as a regular T-shirt bra, and back hooks in case you want to convert it to a racerback style. It comes in an extended range of sizes

Sizes: 34G - 40H

EMDR Therapy Helped Me Recover from Sexual Assault A writer set aside her skepticism about this healing eye-movement practice and never looked back.

 Relax your eyes and let them follow the tip of my finger.” I tried not to feel self-conscious as I focused on the therapist’s finger as it swayed slowly back and forth in front of my face. In a snug little office in a London townhouse, she’d repositioned the armchairs so that we were close together, facing each other. A lamp glowed on her desk, and outside the window, late summer rain fell on the green leaves of a London plane tree.

It was 2019, and I’d never heard of EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy) before. I’d dabbled with talk therapy at various junctures in my life but had never really found someone I connected with. This one was new to me, and I’d been skeptical when she first suggested it as a treatment for my post-traumatic stress disorder.

“That sounds a little woo-woo,” I told her when she described the process, which would entail recalling a traumatic memory—in my case, a recent sexual assault—while my eyes tracked her finger. This “bilateral movement” would allow my brain to reprocess the memory, lessening the visceral reaction it had caused in me.

She smiled her wide, toothy smile. “I know it sounds a bit ‘out there’—like I’m just going to wave my hand in front of your face and you’ll feel better—but I can assure you it’s extensively researched and evidence-based.” She told me the method’s unusual origin story: In the late 1980s, a New York–born psychologist named Francine Shapiro was walking along a tree-lined park path, thinking about some particularly painful memories. As she walked, her eyes flitted back and forth, and she was struck by a sudden realization that the pain of the memories felt somehow lessened.

Shapiro went on to create a new form of therapy based on her experience in the park that day. Despite initial skepticism in the scientific community, study after study demonstrated the therapy’s beneficial outcomes. Since 2016, EMDR has been used to successfully treat more than seven million people in 130 countries. Over 30 randomized clinical trials (the gold standard in research) have shown it to be a highly effective treatment, and it’s recommended by the American Psychological Association, International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, and World Health Organization as a treatment for PTSD. One notable study by Bessel van der Kolk, MD, author of The Body Keeps the Score, showed it to be better than Prozac in treating trauma symptoms.

By the time I’d made it to the therapist’s office, I was feeling so awful, I was willing to try anything. At first, my PTSD diagnosis had sat uncomfortably with me—in my mind, it was for soldiers or survivors of a mass shooting. I felt strangely resistant, as if my trauma wasn’t enough.

But the symptoms had undeniably taken over my life. Each morning, I’d wake at 5 a.m. and sit bolt upright, filled with an unnamable but all-consuming dread. At night, I had violent nightmares, seemingly on loop, that woke me up whimpering and with a thumping heart.

AT FIRST, MY PTSD DIAGNOSIS HAD SAT UNCOMFORTABLY WITH ME—IN MY MIND, IT WAS FOR SOLDIERS OR SURVIVORS OF A MASS SHOOTING. I FELT STRANGELY RESISTANT, AS IF MY TRAUMA WASN’T ENOUGH.

Taking the Tube (London’s subway system) had become a waking nightmare. I couldn’t bear being close to other passengers. My whole body would tense up until I was totally rigid, and I would inevitably get off several stops early just to avoid the feeling that someone could touch me at any moment. Had I always swerved to the other side of the sidewalk or crossed the road whenever a lone man approached in the distance? It seemed impossible to remember—my carefree self from before the assault was a stranger now, a character from a half-forgotten book.

I started wearing my computer glasses, with their blue-light-filtering, non-corrective lenses, at all times, feeling as if I needed a buffer between myself and the world. I stopped wearing my trademark red lipstick because I didn’t want to be noticed.

And then there were the spiraling thoughts. The slightest trigger would send me down warrens of obsessive thinking: What could I have done differently to prevent this from happening? How could I ever be safe again? How could anyone? And thoughts about the perpetrator: Would this stop him from doing this to other women? Would he seek revenge now that I’d reported him?

There were other thoughts, too. Unwelcome, complicated, guilty thoughts. Making a complaint about the sexual assault had thrown me into utter turmoil. I was raised to keep my head below the parapet, and had done my best to avoid confrontation my whole life. Suddenly, I was at the center of a storm I had no part in making. Wild thoughts spun in my head. What if he killed himself—would it be my fault?

These symptoms—hypervigilance, rumination, guilt—are all common hallmarks of PTSD, according to Rebecca Kase, a licensed clinical social worker and a trauma therapist whose EMDR training and consulting company Kase & Co has trained 7,000 therapists. “PTSD is not just about trauma,” she explained when I reached out to her for insights. “It’s about experiences that overwhelm the nervous system to a point that your brain cannot integrate that memory in an adaptive way. When that happens, we have symptoms—just like if you eat too much food and you overwhelm your digestive tract, you have indigestion. The same thing kind of happens to our neurobiology: When things feel overwhelming, we can’t really metabolize them or digest them. The outcome is symptoms of PTSD.”

IT’S A COMMON EXPERIENCE FOR PEOPLE TO MOVE FROM SADNESS AND SHOCK INTO ANGER AND RAGE.

Kase first discovered EMDR more than 20 years ago when working at a rape crisis center. She was astonished by the positive results the therapy could bring. “I found that clients were saying, ‘It just doesn’t hurt anymore,’ because it really gets to the root of the wounds that other therapies can’t reach,” she said. “For example, cognitive behavioral therapy is about learning skills to regulate or put Band-Aids on, whereas EMDR feels like true healing without the need for Band-Aids or constant self-regulation. The research shows that after a successful round of EMDR, symptoms are greatly improved—and they continue to improve over time.”

Despite all the studies, neuroscientists still don’t know exactly why or how EMDR works. But Kase says this isn’t particularly surprising. “We don’t know how any therapy works; we don’t even know how Prozac works,” she told me. “But the hypothesis is that when you’re focusing on that incident from the past and you’re also trying to focus on the bilateral stimulation, it taxes your memory. It’s believed that taxing your memory system in this way breaks the intensity of the memory. The distraction gives your nervous system the kind of the bandwidth it needs to actually integrate the previously maladaptively stored memory.”

Before beginning EMDR, my therapist guided me through two preparation sessions, where she explained the process in depth and worked through my personal history. She also helped me hone in on a set of the most triggering memories. Then we began EDMR itself. During each 60-minute session, we’d focus on just one painful memory we’d identified. I was surprised at how little I had to describe the memories themselves—it was enough for the therapist to just touch on the memory, with some prompts about how I was feeling at that moment. My job was to focus intently on the traumatic recollection, while watching her finger move back and forth.

Since Shapiro’s discovery in the ’80s, EMDR has evolved beyond simple eye movements. Some practitioners now use tapping on alternate legs or shoulders, vibrating buzzers that switch between hands, or tones that echo in each ear. My therapist had me cross my arms over my chest and lightly tap each shoulder in rhythm with my eye movements. Another core component was reframing my key feelings about myself in the traumatic memory. In my case, my key feeling was I am so powerless. Each week, we would spend some time changing this to I am safe, and I am in control.

Week by week, I felt my symptoms lessen a little. Although EMDR has been touted as “emotional healing at warp speed,” and I could feel a shift happening, there was no denying it was hard work. Like any type of therapy, it was challenging and emotional working through painful memories. Still, by the time I finished eight weeks of EMDR, my nightmares had stopped and the rumination had slowed to a manageable level, as had the hypervigilance that had made getting on the Tube so hard.

But I had moved into a new stage: anger. I asked Kase if that meant I hadn’t had enough sessions, or if it hadn’t worked properly. She reassured me that feelings of fury are a normal part of the healing process: “It’s a common experience for people to move from sadness and shock into anger and rage. It’s a sign you’re healing in the right direction, because when you feel all that overwhelm and victimization, you’re stuck in a state of collapse. Neurobiologically speaking, that’s the real bottom rung in the ladder of your autonomic nervous system—the natural upward progression is to move into a state of feeling pissed. Anger is not always a bad thing; it gets us up off the couch, motivated to do things in our life.”

By the time I left my therapist’s office for the final time, the leaves of the London plane tree outside were yellow and scattered on the ground, and I felt myself coming back to myself. Four years later, my resounding feeling is that EMDR helped me enormously at one of the darkest times of my life. But it’s impossible to know how I would be feeling now had I not had it, or how much of my healing is tied to the passage of time. These days, I do still think about what happened to me, and I do still feel some anger. But it’s no longer all-consuming. Most of the time, I don’t feel afraid or in pain anymore.

I didn’t know it at the time, but Francine Shapiro died just a few months before I started the therapy she created. Sometimes I think about her walking along that tree-lined path, the day she had her breakthrough. I think about the fight she faced to get EMDR recognized and studied, and I think about what a beautiful thing she has left us with.

Birthday Gifts for Your Sister—No Matter What Age She’ll Be

 Be sure to keep in mind your sister's personality, style, hobbies, and stage of life. Is she a new mom in need of some quiet moments to pamper herself? Does she love health, wellness, beauty, travel, fashion, or cooking? There are plenty of options if you're doing some last-minute shopping, too. And don't forget about those milestone birthdays—hello, 21, 30, 50 etc.—she deserves some extra TLC during those big celebrations, so consider rounding up a few products to create the ultimate b-day bundle, if you can!

Whether you're looking to splurge or stay on budget, you'll find something perfect among these 26 gifts that range in price. Ahead, you'll find something for every type of woman, including a bunch of Oprah's Favorite Things.

Some days I need to do full glam—other days, a one-and-done stick like this can be a lifesaver," Oprah said when picking this item for her Favorite Things 2023 List. "Creamy matte colors that are easy to blend on cheeks and swipe on lips—and work on all skin tones? 

I chose a Lollia bubble bath—my absolute favorite—two decades ago, and I still have the original bottle by my tub,” Oprah said when picking this item for her Favorite Things 2023 List. “This year’s White Amber & Mirabelle offering is just as luxurious—and comes in bath salts, too.”

Give her a hand-poured soy wax candle that represents her birth month and is crafted with specific birthstones, flowers, and more. For example, this July candle (pictured) features larkspur and ruby. Each candle should burn for 60 to 80 hours. An elegant gift she's sure to enjoy.

Capture the special bond you have with your sister with this picture frame and sisters poem combo. The hinged paulownia wood frame has space for a photo of your choice on one side, and features a special poem on the other. It can be hung up using the attached hooks or displayed standing on its own, and also comes in gray and black

If she loves nothing more than cozying on the couch and watching a good movie, this throw would be an ideal gift. “You’ll reach for this throw during the in-between seasons," Oprah said when selecting this snuggly gift for her Favorite Things 2023 List. "Not too heavy or too light, not too big or too small (51 inches by 67 inches), and not too expensive—it’s the Goldilocks option.”

Cake for a birthday is pretty much a given, but you can be more unique with this box of 25 bite-size cupcakes. The set comes in different versions, like vegan, gluten-free, and more. But what about all those mouthwatering flavors? Here's a sampling: cookies & cream, red velvet, vanilla fluff, gluten-free tie-dye, vegan maple cinnamon bun, and white chocolate hot cocoa.

For the wine-loving sisters, this wine chiller will be a pleaser. After putting this handy device's chill cradle in the freezer for a minimum of three hours, she will enjoy cool, crisp wine without the need of clunky metal or plastic tumblers.

Glassware not included.

The fashionista in your life will adore this unique find from 8 Other Reasons—she may not have anything like it yet! Made from marled resin, this green mini purse has a magnetic clasp and one space for items. It'll certainly be a head-turning accessory when she's out and about.

Give her the gift of a hug when you're not around to physically do it yourself, by way of a weighted blanket. This seven-layer, 15-pound weighted blanket comes in soft flannel fabric and measures 48" x 72". (It's also available in a 60" x 80" size.) Made to feel like a reassuring hug, it contains nontoxic premium ceramic beads and comes in a variety of other colors, as well.

By her 40th birthday, chances are she's accumulated plenty of jewelry and likely could use some help organizing it all. This jewelry storage armoire measures 21.6" x 61", can turn a full 360°, and has a whopping 211 spaces for earrings and rings. It can be locked for security, and has a mirror on the outside and on the inside.

Sometimes those you love the most don't care for themselves as well as they could, which is exactly why you should give your sister a monthly subscription that treats her to wellness goodies. With three-month and six-month options, she'll have a variety of gifts to enjoy.

These four 375 ml cold-pressed olive oils—Ardor Chili Olive Oil, Lucid Lemon Olive Oil, Rosette Garlic Olive Oil, and Arise R Basil Olive Oil—will make her culinary endeavors burst with flavor. The striking labels in this set were created by artist B.D. Graft, artist Marleigh Culver, artist and fashion designer Peter Som, and multimedia artist Lilian Martinez.

If your sister could do with a little pampering and self-care, then this soothing skincare set is a done deal. Described as a "two-week introductory set," this kit is perfect for those with sensitive skin and eczema. It comes with five cruelty-free products: The Camellia Cleansing Oil, The Essence, The Silk Peony, Indigo Overnight Repair, and The Rice Polish: Calming. This set also comes in versions tailored to other skin types: combo to dry, combo to oily, and dry to mature.

Searching for a practical travel gift that she can put in her bag? Weighing 1.4 pounds, this compact iron and steamer with six fabric heat settings is super functional. She'll be able to quickly iron both sides of her clothes at once, and steam items for a maximum of 10 minutes. Plus, if this device is idle for that same amount of time, it'll turn off by itself.

This striking gold-tone plated necklace is certainly splurge-worthy. It features octagon-cut pink crystals and a lobster clasp. You also have the option to get it gift wrapped and include a personalized note. You should never have to spend a fortune to make her happy, but this necklace can't hurt (if it's within your budget)!

Crafted in Italy, this acrylic blanket scarf is as stylish as it is functional. If your sister travels a lot, she'll appreciate this on chilly early flights. She can wear it with flair around her neck and drape it around her shoulders when the plane's AC kicks in. The leopard print comes in natural, gray, and ivory. You can also make it extra special and add an embroidered monogram.

Quickly share photos straight to this wifi-powered frame. Email photos to a Skylight email address or through the free app, and voilà! Thanks to Gift Mode, you can also add pictures before they open the box. The images also rotate if you move the frame vertically or horizontally. This item is available in black, white, gold, and silver.

These handmade, edible cookie shot cups are a festive way to celebrate her birthday. Each kit comes with six made from cookies in some of these flavors: red velvet, double chocolate, chocolate chip, and churro. Just warm the cups in the microwave for seven to 10 seconds. Sprinkles, chocolate wafers, and other edible decorations are also included.

Could this be her new signature scent? When it comes to gifts, you can't go wrong with this lush, floral fragrance from Jo Malone. The top note is red apple, the heart note is peony, and the base note is suede. The bottle comes in three sizes—0.3 oz, 1 oz, and 3.4 oz—and arrives in a gift box, complete with a ribbon.

bottle of 60 vegan fiber gummies with clinically tested actives will help support her gut. All she has to do is take three a day. They're made without any artificial sweeteners or synthetic colors, and contain vitamins A and C, prebiotic fiber, chlorophyll, celery juice powder, and more.

just grab a pair of these for your sister and a pair for yourself. "Some days you need your slippers to go the distance, like from the house to the mailbox," Oprah said when selecting this gift for her Favorite Things 2022 list. "With quilted nylon on the outside and memory foam insoles, this plush pair, perfect for both moms and dads, makes it feel like you’re walking on a cloud."

“If someone on your list thinks instant gratification takes too long, consider this throwback camera—you can shoot up to 100 images on one charge, printing directly from the camera or from your phone’s camera roll, using the company’s app. Terrific for your next party!

wouldn't love this snuggly robe from Barefoot Dreams? Chosen as one of Oprah's Favorite Things in 2021, it's the perfect item to put on after a long commute home from work, or while relaxing on a weekend. This hooded, machine-washable garment features a waist tie and sleeves with jacquard detail. It comes in three sizes and various colors.

her to a night (or day) of pampering with this skin renewing face mask. This vegan mask with ingredients like echinacea, fruit acids, snow mushroom extract, bentonite, kaolin, and more. This clay mask—which you keep on for just 15 minutes—is meant to be used three times a week, according to the retailer. Pair the mask with a bottle of wine for an easy yet thoughtful gift.

like her 50th, consider gifting your sis something that'll help her zero in on what she truly wants—and how to make it happen. She'll be off to a great start with this set, which includes: Oprah's "The Life You Want" Planner, “The Life You Want” Daily Inspiration Cards!, and Oprah’s “The Life You Want” Love and Happiness Journal.

Birthdays are always a time to get personal, and what is more personal than someone's name? This hypoallergenic nameplate necklace can showcase up to nine characters. It's crafted with gold-plated sterling silver and features a lobster clasp. The chain comes in several styles, and the lettering in three fonts. She'll be excited to put it on!

Here's how to live like a king in 2024, whatever that means to you

 Analyze your money psychology

Before we start tackling our bank balances, Sethi says we need to examine and try to shift our deeply entrenched views about money, many of which took root in childhood. Maybe you feel bad about spending extravagantly, or maybe you worry so much about not having enough that you rarely treat yourself. But money shouldn’t be a source of overwhelming guilt.

MOST OF US THINK ABOUT MONEY ONLY IN TERMS OF RESTRICTION, GUILT, AND FEELING OVERWHELMED.

The biggest money script that holds people back is feeling that they have no control over it, says Sethi, who helps his clients realize that “money is not something that happens to me. I can take control. I can make a debt payoff plan. I can invest.” Another common thing he sees is people feeling clueless. “Money involves a few new terms, but it’s just like learning to drive—you’re learning some new terms and skills. It’s not that complicated, and anyone can become very good at it.” The first step could be as simple as listening to money podcasts at the gym or on your commute—we like Black Girl Finance, by Selina Flavius, Financial Feminist, by Tori Dunlap, or Sethi’s own I Will Teach You to Be Rich.

TOO MANY PEOPLE UNDEREMPHASIZE MONEY PSYCHOLOGY AND OVERESTIMATE MATH.

Sethi believes that overcoming our ingrained money beliefs is essential. “Too many people underemphasize money psychology and overestimate math,” he says. “In reality, you should be spending as much time studying your own money beliefs as you do setting up your investment accounts.” Try this exercise: Jot down all your money beliefs that spring to mind, and pick the four worst offenders. Then make it a four-week project to flip the script, one belief per week. If you need support, you can try the Unblocked Money manifesting workshop by To Be Magnetic.

Crunch your numbers

According to Sethi, there are just four key numbers to focus on when you look at your monthly spending. “You really do not need to know how much you spent on asparagus last month,” he says. This is his breakdown of where your take-home pay should go; looking closely at past statements will give you a sense of your current breakdown and what you need to adjust:

50 to 60 percent should go to fixed costs. That includes your mortgage or rent, car payments, gas, groceries, and any debt repayments.

5 to 10 percent should go to savings. Sethi recommends setting up these payments to automatically transfer into a high-yield savings account.

10 percent should go into investments. More on this below.

The good news: You’ll have 20 to 35 percent left to spend guilt-free. “That’s a lot of money, right?” says Sethi. “Once you’re hitting your numbers, you don’t need to feel bad about eating out or buying something nice for yourself.”

Treat yourself to what you love

Put your spreadsheets and receipts aside and ask yourself this simple question: What do you enjoy spending money on? “Most of us think about money only in terms of restriction, guilt, and feeling overwhelmed,” says Sethi. He recommends figuring out what you most like to spend on and giving yourself permission to “spend extravagantly on that and cut costs mercilessly on what you don’t.” For example, if fancy fitness classes or monthly facials make you feel happy and energized, don’t skimp on them, but cut back in another area.

Think of debt like a game

A game you are destined to win, that is. “Ninety percent of people who are in debt don’t know exactly how much debt they have, and 95 percent don’t know when their debt will be paid off,” says Sethi. “That’s why it feels like such a burden—because we don’t know when it’s ever going to end. But there’s almost always a light at the end of the tunnel.”

First things first: Pull your head out of the sand and write down everything you owe, including all the interest rates: credit card balances, your mortgage, student loans, the whole gamut. Next, plug the numbers—and the amounts you can pay off each month for each—into an online debt repayment calculator (there are plenty of free ones, like this one from Credit Karma). “No matter what you plug in, you can see when you will be debt-free,” says Sethi. You can play around with numbers to see how much more quickly you could be debt-free by paying off just a little extra each month. “You’ll realize that you have a lot more control than you thought. For example, if you pay an extra $100 a month to your mortgage, you can often shave off years.”

Be the sheep of Wall Street

“Investing is where true wealth is created,” says Sethi. In I Will Teach You to Be Rich, he highlights that if you were to pay $20 a week into an investment fund it would most likely be worth $15,672 in a decade.

But many of us find investing alarming at best. We’ve all heard horror stories about a friend who invested in a tech start-up after a “hot tip” from their nephew over Thanksgiving dinner, only to lose their shirt. Rather than doing constant research and investing in individual stocks and shares, Sethi recommends choosing a low-cost index fund. For those new to investing, this means a set of investments passively managed (meaning the money isn’t moved around frequently) by a professional money manager. You’ll pay a small fee to this manager, but make sure it’s fixed and not a percentage of your investment. “If you pay 1 percent in fees to a financial adviser, that means that over the course of your lifetime, you’ll pay 28 percent of your lifetime returns in fees,” warns Sethi.

This style of investing is a much safer bet than investing in individual stocks, which can be more volatile—meaning you’ll end up with something far more valuable than dollars: peace of mind

slick, but he knows a thing or two about the subject. Coming from a middle-class background, he started investing his scholarship money into the stock market while at Stanford. Although he initially lost money, the sharp learning curve led him to start the blog I Will Teach You to Be Rich, which evolved into a successful money coaching program of the same name. The course inspired a New York Times bestselling book, and Sethi recently starred in the surprisingly bingeable Netflix show How to Get Rich, in which he transforms the money woes of regular families. Think of him as a no-nonsense money Marie Kondo, here to clean up your personal finances.

But what exactly does he mean by a rich life, and what would it look like to you? Sethi says the answer will be different for everyone. “It could be traveling for two months a year, it could be buying a beautiful cashmere coat, or it could be picking up your kids from school every afternoon,” he says. “By the age of 40, money is the primary worry for most people, and yet the vast majority have never read a single book about personal finance. Most of us can take control of our money in about six weeks: You can get the right accounts, you can set up your investments to be automatic, and you can even give yourself a very generous amount of money to spend guilt-free every month. But nobody’s going to do it for you.” Ready to take control? Here’s Sethi’s five-point plan.

Sex therapist, author, and podcast host Emily Morse is on a mission to liberate the conversation around sex and pleasure—and one of the surest ways to do that is to bust commonly believed myths. After all, misinformation can be a serious intimacy roadblock. Recently, the sexologist sat down with Oprah Daily to review some of the most common myths she sees holding people back in the bedroom. Watch the video above or check out what she has to say about some of those myths below.

 Myth: Masturbating or using toys is a betrayal of my partner.

“People are jealous of their partners’ toys all the time. But listen: Toys can’t cuddle. They can’t take you to the farmers’ market on a Sunday. I’ve never seen anyone leave their partner for a sex toy, so let’s just let that one go—and maybe use a sex toy with your partner. Fun for everybody!"

Myth: Sex is pleasurable only if there’s an orgasm.

“This is so not true. Good sex has to do with connection, touch, and intimacy. Pleasure is less about one specific destination; pleasure is about the whole entire journey. The couples who have healthy, honest conversations about their sex life report greater relationship satisfaction and sexual satisfaction. In other words: The more you talk about it, the better sex you’re going to have.”

Myth: Everyone wants the same thing in bed.

“A lot of the challenges we have from sex is that we don’t really know what gets us in the mood, and then we feel bad that we’re not in the mood. Let’s normalize the fact that it actually takes work and a little bit of personal understanding. I want us to stop beating ourselves up for not being spontaneous and ready to go. The more work you can do in understanding when you feel the most relaxed and in your body, then you can crack the code for when you’re ready for sex and what feels good.”

Unique Gifts for Women Who Seem to Have Everything She won’t be expecting these thoughtful picks.

 Whether you're shopping for your wife, girlfriend, mother, sister, best friend, grandmother, or third cousin, we’ve got something in store for her. From a fully assembled cheese and charcuterie board to a compact steamer, and even a make-your-own hot sauce kit, these are the presents you wouldn’t initially think to gift your favorite lady. Think of these ideas as hidden gems that break the mold of traditional gift-giving. So what are you waiting for? There’s no time like the present to shop for one. Keep reading to check out the 45 best gifts for women for all the occasions to come.

Is she someone who works hard and is forever busy with her hands? Treat her to this oh-so-relaxing hand massager that's petite and portable. With finger kneading, air compression, palm heating, and wrist pressing, it's a completely unnecessary (but necessary) indulgence she'll absolutely love.

Gals on the go need gear that can keep up with their busy lifestyle, and this bottle holder-meets-purse does just that. The insulated crossbody has an exterior pouch for all the essentials (think a phone, a few credit cards, chapstick) and an interior pouch that can fit her water bottle (or any other sip that's around 3.5 inches in diameter). It's the perfect way to go hands-free on her next hike or quest for 10,000 steps.

A classic crossbody bag from Lululemon is always a good choice, especially if she loves to workout or is constantly running errands. Choose from a selection of chic shades—including timeless cream and icy blue—for a version that feels the most like her. Bonus: The strap on this beauty adjusts to be a shoulder bag, too.

Calling all beauty fans! If your favorite lady is constantly trying the latest and greatest in skincare and beauty treatments, she'll go wild over this new device from TheraFace. It combines microcurrent electricity, facial massage techniques, and LED light to tackle wrinkles, better texture, and relieve tension—all from the comfort of her bathroom.

A cardholder is one of the greatest inventions of all time. This gorgeous Gucci pick boasts three roomy pockets, so she can keep her credit cards and ID all in one place without adding bulk to her purse or pocket. Translation: She'll never have to deal with a cumbersome wallet again.

This three-in-one gift packs a lot of practicality into a compact (and aesthetic!) package. Part press, part iron, and part steamer, it's the ideal gift for any fashion-loving pal, or just a woman in your life who is always on the go. It's no wonder Oprah named it as one of her Favorite Things in 2022.

Thanks to this retro camera, she can capture all of life's greatest moments with one click—without the hassle of getting images developed or scrolling through an endless camera roll. Each photo she snaps on this pint-sized device can be saved on her phone and printed on a high-quality 2"x3" Instax photo sheet.

Every gal needs a great pair of slippers to rock around the house, but sometimes the warmth they provide just isn't enough, especially in the dead of winter. Enter these plush spa booties from Sonoma Lavender. They're designed to be warmed in the microwave or dryer for an extra toasty touch that will keep her tootsies cozy.

You know she loves her wine, so why not make it that much easier for her to enjoy it? This handy device will aerate and dispense her wine for the perfect, delicious pour every time. It even makes her bottles last longer, thanks to an air-tight rubber seal.

Mansur Gavriel's iconic tote bag—which is made of supple Italian leather and lined with a punchy blue or pink hue—is a sure-fire way to bring a smile (and maybe even a few happy tears) to her face. She may not be expecting a new tote bag, but she's sure as heck be grateful to receive one.

Ah yes, the gift of coffee, anytime and anywhere. What could be better? This portable espresso maker will help her pull a pro-worthy shot of espresso from virtually anywhere, including her desk at work or the sidelines of her kid's soccer game. It even comes with a protective case, and the lid doubles as an espresso shot cup—genius!

Meant to facilitate conversation and connection, this card game from renowned couples therapist Esther Perel is unlike any "game" you've ever gifted before. Instead of relying on competition and strategy, it asks players to dig deep in order to answer various prompts and become the storytellers of their own lives.

Add a touch of coziness to her home with this whimsical printed throw blanket. Made from a cuddly, fleece-like material and available in several punchy hues, it's the ideal cuddle companion during her next streaming session or winter hibernation. Even better, it doubles as beautiful home decor, making it a great option for a friend who just moved into a new place.

New moms and night-shift workers alike will fall in love with this pair of reusable eye masks from Dieux Skin. With them, she'll be able to depuff and relax daily without the waste that traditional disposable sheet masks create. These lightweight masks will hold her favorite gels, serums, and creams close to delicate eye skin for maximum absorption and efficacy.

Is there anything better than an expertly crafted cheese and charcuterie board? The answer is no, of course—especially when she doesn't need to make it herself. As a bonus, this delightfully edible treat can be personalized with her initials or a number (like her latest birthday milestone) cut out of cheese. How fun is that?

Ready, set, jet! Send her off to her next trip in style with a personalized passport case from Graphic Image. Available in feminine pink or zesty orange, this stunning pick will ensure she's the most stylish person at the airline counter (and that she'll never misplace her identification!).

Another one of Oprah's Favorite Things, these Brazilian bath salts make for a luxurious soak, softening skin and scenting the entire bathroom with the intoxicating smell of Breu Branco and vetiver. Snag them for the special lady in your life who could use a bit more R&R. She can even reuse the chic canister to hold cotton swabs or hair elastics when she's done.

Whether she aims for a certain step goal each day or just likes to track how many hours she clocks a night, a fitness tracker is a great gift for any woman passionate about health and fitness. This pretty pick is a bit more unexpected than an Apple Watch—not to mention a financially savvy alternative.

Just wait, because this gadget is going to wow your favorite wellness girlie. This innovative herbal infusion machine allows users to infuse any herb into oil, butter, honey, vegetable glycerin (and more!) with just the touch of a button. With it, she'll be able to home-infuse ingredients with endless benefits, from stress-relieving shower steamers to healthy culinary creations, like basil olive oil.

With so many people crazy for pickleball, there's a good chance that a special lady in your life is one of the sport's newest fans. And, if she is, we're sure she would appreciate a new bag for her hobby. Why not throw in some new shoes to help improve her game, too?

Earrings may seem like an expected gift for her, but these pretty pieces from jeweler Anna Janelle offer a charming twist on the classic accessory. Part hoops, part dangles, they combine gold and pearls for an elegant and effortless look she can rock to work, school, or an upcoming date night.

If she's always achy and sore, a personal percussion massager is a great way to help her relieve her muscles. This Hypervolt device is petite and portable, so she can tote it everywhere from the gym to the golf course with ease. Even better, it includes two different heads; a flat one for overall massage and a pointy one to target stubborn knots.

Voracious readers will love leveling up their game (and minimizing their TBR pile) with the new Kindle Scribe. Not only does it boast the same great features of the Paperwhite—like an easy-read display and long battery life—but it also allows for note-taking and document editing, so she can scribble in the margins of her favorite poetry book or amend a work document with ease.

A nylon handbag with a magnetic clasp is both functional and fashionable, making it the ideal gift pick for your friend or sister-in-law who fancies herself a fashionista. The ruched handle on this one adds a textural touch to this periwinkle pick for a bag that will instantly elevate her outfit.

A plush, sorbet-colored scarf from of-the-moment brand Loewe is a great way to brighten her winter outfits even on the darkest, coldest days. Even better, this pick is made from a combination of mohair and wool, making it so cozy that she'll never want to take it off.

She may make entertaining a crowd look easy, but that doesn't mean she wasn't feeling the stress five minutes before everyone walked through the door. Your favorite hostess will love this clever charcuterie board from 2023's Oprah's Favorite Things, which is basically a "paint by numbers" for meats and cheese. It features carvings that direct her where to place everything—from soft cheese and fresh fruit to chocolate—for Insta-worthy appetizers.

This is another gift you can feel good about, since 20 percent of the proceeds from these cheeky Jonathan Adler canisters go to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Not only that but they're practical, too! She can use them basically in any room in her house, from housing tea sachets in the kitchen to storing beauty supplies in the bathroom.

If she loves her daily crossword puzzle app, why not get her a tangible book of puzzles that will keep her busy for hours on end? This collection from Simon & Schuster boasts 300 puzzles with a range of difficulties to challenge her brain at every turn. Bonus: The pages are perforated in case she wants to take a few on the go during her morning commute without lugging the whole book.

Every woman on your gift list can benefit from Oprah's Favorite Things Gift Set. Featuring the best-selling "The Life You Want" Planner, Oprah's Love and Happiness Journal, and the limited edition Daily Inspiration cards, this bundle will help her set a life vision and move forward confidently toward her goals.

If your mom, sister, or friend can't start their day without a steaming cup of coffee, this gift set from Grounds and Hounds is the ideal way to upgrade their morning routine. It features three packs of their signature beans, plus a tote and signature mug. The best part? A portion of the proceeds from every sale goes toward animal rescue organizations.

"Hello, Moto" is a short story about three best friends, each in possession of a magical wig. While the wearers planned to use their powers for good, the tone of the story takes a sudden and abrupt shift when the wigs possess them.

 This is a tale you will only hear once. Then it will be gone in a flash of green light. Maybe all will be well after that. Maybe the story has a happy ending. Maybe there is nothing but darkness when the story ends.

We were three women. Three friends. We had goals, hopes and dreams. We had careers. Two of us had boyfriends. We owned houses. We all had love. Then I made these… wigs. I gave them to my two friends. The three of us put them on. The wigs were supposed to make things better. But something went wrong. Like the nation we were trying to improve, we became backward. Instead of giving, we took.

Walk with me. This is the story of How the Smart Woman Tried to Right Her Great Wrong.

Dawn

With the wig finally off, Coco and Philo felt more distant to me. Thank God.

Even so, because it was sitting beside me, I could still see them. Clearly. In my head. Don’t ever mix juju with technology. There is witchcraft in science and a science to witchcraft. Both will conspire against you eventually. I realized that now. I had to work fast.

It was just after dawn. The sky was heating up. I’d sneaked out of the compound while my boyfriend still slept. Even the house girl who always woke up early was not up yet. I hid behind the hedge of colorful pink and yellow lilies in the front. I needed to be around vibrant natural life, I needed to smell its scent. The flowers’ shape reminded me of what my real hair would look like if the wig hadn’t burned it off.

I opened my laptop and set it in the dirt. I put my wig beside it. It was jet black, shiny, the “hairs” straight and long like a mermaid’s. The hair on my head was less than a millimeter long; shorter than a man’s and far more damaged. For a moment, as I looked at my wig, it flickered its electric blue. I could hear it whispering to me. It wanted me to put it back on. I ran my hand over my sore head. Then I quickly tore my eyes from the wig and plugged in the flash drive. As I waited, I brought out a small sack and reached in. I sprinkled cowry shells, alligator pepper and blue beads around the machine for protection. I wasn’t taking chances.

I sat down, placed my fingers on the keyboard, shut my eyes and prayed to the God I didn’t believe in. After all that had happened, who would believe in God? Philo had been in Jos when the riots happened. I knew it was her and her wig. A technology I had created. Neurotransmitters, mobile phones, incantation, and hypnosis- even I knew my creation was genius. But all it sparked in the North was death and mayhem. During the riots there, some men had even burned a woman and her baby to death. A woman andherbaby!

I didn’t want to think of what Philo gained after causing it all. She never said a word to me about it. However, soon after, she went on a three-day shopping spree in Paris. We could leave Nigeria, but never for more than a few days.

“Oh God, I’m so sorry,” I whispered. “I meant well.” I opened my eyes and looked at my screen. The background was a plain blue. The screen was blank except for a single folder. I highlighted the folder and pressed “delete.”

I paused, my hands shaking and my heart pounding in my chest.

“If this doesn’t work, they will kill me,” I whispered. Then I considered what they’d do if I didn’t finish. So many others would die and Nigeria would be in further chaos, for sure. I continued typing. I was creating a computer virus. I would send it out in a few hours. When they’d both be busy. Then all hell would break loose…for me, just me. Sometimes things have to get worse before they get better.

My name is Rain and if I didn’t get this right, the corruption already rife in this country would be nothing compared to what was to come. And it would all be my fault.

The Market

I am beast. I am lovely. I am in control. I was born beautiful.

All this Philo thought as she walked through the fruit and vegetable section of the open-air market. Around her, women slaved away. They sat behind tables and in booths selling tomatoes, peppers, plantain, egusi seeds, greens, yams. All those things that they’d have to cook at home for their families after a long day. Philo didn’t live that life. She’d chosen better. She was above all of them.

Philo was tall and voluptuous, as she sashayed past women and men in her pricey high heels and brown designer dress that clung to her every inch. Her foundation make-up made her skin look like chocolate porcelain. Her eyelids sparkled with purple eye-shadow. Her lips glistened bright sensual pink. Perfect. Sexy. Hot. And her wig was awful. A washed-out black with auburn frosted tips, it looked as if it were made of colored straw and sat on her head like it knew it did not belong there.

“Here,” a woman said, running up to Philo and handing her a roll of naira. “Take. You will make better use of it than me.” The woman paused and frowned, obviously confused by her own actions and words.

“Thank you,” Philo said, with a chuckle. She grabbed the money with her long nailed painted fingers and stared into the woman’s eyes. Philo felt her wig heat up and then a dull ache in the back of her head. Then she felt it behind her eyes, which turned from deep brown to glowing green. Philo sighed as the laser shot from her eyes into the woman’s eyes. The woman slumped, looking sadly at her feet. It always felt so good to take from people, not just their money but their very essence. Philo quickly moved on leaving the tired sad-looking woman behind.

She passed a group of young men. They stared and she stared back, zapping and taking. Their ravenous looks grew blank. Philo smirked knowingly. She felt amazing. She strolled into a booth where a man sold hundreds of Nollywood movie DVDs. She glanced over the array of colorful dramatic covers where women and men scowled, wept, grinned, pointed, accused, laughed. “I’ll take this one,” she said, picking a DVD at random. She’d watch it. She’d enjoy it. She loved Nollywood. These days, she enjoyed everything. The world was hers. Soon it would be, at least.

She tucked the DVD into her purse and left the booth without paying. No one stopped her. As she stepped into the sunshine, she turned, absolutely loving herself. She knew everyone was looking at her, just as she knew she was sucking the life from them as they stared. Her wig’s heat increased and her brown eyes glinted a bright green as she smiled at any man who caught her eye. By the time she left this market, she’d be weighed down with naira given and life juices taken. Market by Market. It was like this every day.

Her cell phone went off. A male voice happily drawled, “Hellllo Moto,” then upbeat music began to play. Everything about Philo rattled as she stopped and lifted her purse- the jangling bangles on her arms, her jingling earrings, and her three gold chain necklaces. She was clicks and clacks, shines and sparkles.

“Oh where is it,” she said, digging in her purse, mindful of her long nails. “Where, where where.” She pushed aside her lipstick, her unnecessary wallet, tissues, compact case, a pack of gum, wads and rolls of naira. Her cell phone continued going off. She laughed. She already knew who it was. Rain, the weakest link in the chain. She could tell by the ring tone. However, she could also tell by more than that. In her mind’s eye, Philo could see Rain standing outside her compound, next to some flowers, holding her cell phone to her ear, waiting. Philo found her phone, flipped it open and held it to her ear. It clicked against her long gold earring.

“What?” she said, grinning with all her teeth. She heard nothing. “Rain, I know it’s you. Say someth…”

She felt it before she saw it. A coolness that contrasted horribly with the heat of her wig. She frowned as the phone made an odd beeping sound. She held it before her just as the phone glinted a deep green similar to the one her eyes flashed when she sucked psychic energy from those around her. Her phone buzzed, an electrical current zipping across it before disappearing. Green smoke began to dribble from it.

“Chey!” Philo exclaimed staring at it. If she were smart, she’d have dropped it. But Philo was never really that intelligent. Just greedy. Rain didn’t know that before but she knew that now. A text message appeared on the screen but Philo could make no sense of it. It was a series on nonsensical symbols, rubbish. She dropped the phone, pressing a hand to her wig. “That bitch,” she snarled, looking around with wide enraged eyes. “How dare she even try.” In the sunshine, her canines almost looked pointed.

Right then and there, Philo disappeared in a flash of green.

His House

Coco had just lit a cigarette. She leaned back on the plush white leather couch and crossed her legs. She held her glass of champagne up to the photo of her husband on the wall. He was out. He was always out. Working. For her. She laughed, scratching under her itchy wig with her long-nailed index finger. Scritch scritch. It was spiky, dark red and short and no one in his or her right mind would wear it. She got up and looked at her reflection in the glass that protected her husband’s photo. Her skinny jeans and t-shirt fit wonderfully snug. Her face was flawless. And her hair was power.

“Mwah,” she said, blowing herself a kiss.

She ambled into the living room where two fans were blasting. She stood very still between them, her wig’s “hairs” blowing about her face. It felt secure, despite the blowing air. She shut her eyes and inhaled deeply. Behind her eyelids, she could see. Then she began to draw it in from…

The busy street. People sitting in bustling bush taxies and perched atop hundreds of okada motorbikes. Market women walking alongside the road. The mish-mash of old and modern buildings of Lagos. Disabled beggars in the road. Boys playing soccer on a field.

When she opened her eyes, they glowed a deep green and the wig glinted an electric blue. The blowing fans made the heat from her wig more bearable. Her cell phone went off and she nearly jumped. “Hellllo, Moto,” it said as it played its dance music.

“Ah ah, what now?” she muttered. But she was smiling. The wig. It always left her feeling so good. Minus the heat, which left the actual wig feeling like a burning helmet. She ran to her cell phone on the couch. It was Rain. What did she want now? In her mind, the wig showed Rain standing outside her compound looking worried. The woman always looked so worried; she should have been at the top of the world.

Coco held the phone to her ear as she brought out some lipstick. “Hello?” she said, smearing on a fresh coat. She grinned, sure of what she’d hear. She frowned. “Hello? Rain, what is it? Speak up.”

But she heard nothing. She held the phone to her face when it suddenly became like a chunk of ice in her hand. “Iiieeey!” she exclaimed, throwing it on the couch. As she stared at it, appalled, the cell phone began to dribble green smoke. A text box opened on its screen. Coco squinted trying to read it. It looked like rubbish. But, like Philo, Coco understood what was happening.

“Oh,” Coco said, out of breath. “You want to play now, eh? Ok.” She threw her lipstick on the leather seat, the lid still off. It left a smear on the pillow. “Someone will die today, o. And it will not be me.”

She disappeared.

I have made my choice. That’s why I am still here, standing in these lilies. I run my hand over my shaved head. Waiting. The sun shines bright and happy in the sky, unaware of what’s about to happen to me. Unaware of what I have done and will soon suffer the consequences for. Unconcerned.

Philo appears. She is standing on the lilies, mere feet away from me.

“What is wrong with you?” she shouts. She looks beautiful and ghastly in her tight brown dress that probably cost more naira than a market woman makes in two years.

“I’m…” Fear pumps through my veins like adrenaline and blood.

“Why is your wig off, eh? You look horrible.” Her wig flashes as the digital virus tries to cripple it. Notice I say “tries”.

“I took it off,” I snap. “This is wrong, o! This is wrong! Wake up!”

Philo chuckles. “And what is wrong about it? We have everything we want.”

“Stealing from people is not what I made these for! I made them to help us give! To cure the deep seated culture of corruption by giving people hope and a sense of patriotism. Remember??”

She looks at me as if I am crazy. The wig has made her forget. Na wao. Tricky tricky things, these wigs.

“Put it back on,” she says, pointing a long nail at me.

“No,” I say. “It has made us cruel witches. Look at you!”

Coco appears behind me. She hisses like a snake. She is in no mood for words. Her wig flashes. The virus is not working. When you mix juju with technology, you give up control. You are at the will of something far beyond yourself. I am done for.

See how it all ends? Or does it begin? I am watching them approach me now. I tell you while my life hangs on its last thread. I am putting my wig on. It is so hot. I should have paid more attention to the cooling system when I made these. I hear the heartbeat of everyone around me now, including the irregular rhythm of Coco and Philo’s. But oh, the power. It rushes into me like ogogoro down the throat of a drunk.

See Philo bare her teeth. They are indeed sharp like those of a bloodsucker. The virus is working through her wig now. But something has gone very wrong. They are both smiling. For a year, we have been psychic vampires but now as they come at me, mouths open, teeth sharp, I see that they have become the blood-sucking kind.

I feel my own teeth sharpening too as I prepare to defend myself. This is new but I can’t think about that right now. I tear the wig off and throw it aside.

“Come then!” I shout. Then, I…

 

The End

Best Scary Short Stories to Tell in the Dark For when you need a quick burst of the Halloween spirit.

 La Llorona is a fixture of Mexican folklore. In this story, Silvia Moren0-Garcia—author of the horror novel Mexican Gothic—puts a modern twist on the age-old tale, by casting a homeless woman as the legendary La Llorona.

Adapted into a podcast in 2020, "The Left Right Game's" first incarnation was as a post on "No Sleep" subreddit, where users submit fictional stories often framed as urban legends. "The Left Right Game" quickly garnered a reputation as one of most elaborate, unexpected, and downright terrifying entries ever. It's about a supposedly harmless game, which can be played on any old suburban road.

If you're looking for a small story that packs a big scare, check out this imaginative riff of a fixture of the modern age: the cellphone. A girl buys a smartphone that happens to have pictures that foretell her own doom.

Joe Hill comes from horror pedigree: His father is the Stephen King. With this short story (and all of his novels), Hill shows his own distinct, but equally chilling, style. "Abraham's Boys" is about the sons of the Dutch vampire hunter, Professor Abraham Van Helsing—the sons have no idea who their father really was.

Snakes are easy. It’s people that I don’t know how to charm," the narrator of this sneaky and unexpected story says, at one point—before the plot gets extremely gnarly (trust us, it will). "All the Fabulous Beasts" uses tropes of horror and metamorphosis to discuss trauma rooted in reality.

Looking for a kid-friendly story to read around the campfire? We've got you covered with this charming short story about a house in Arkansas that's teeming with ghosts—but the friendly kind.

Dread. That's the word that best describes this early short story from the legendary Joyce Carol Oates. Connie is a teenage girl at odds with her family, so she turns to the world for companionship. What she finds may be even worse.

Carmilla is a vampire novel first published in 1872, predating Dracula by two decades. In 2019, the acclaimed author Carmen Maria Machado edited a new edition of Carmilla. While promoting the book, Machado had quite an...unexpected interview with Electric Literature. It's best not to give away any details from the interview. Just be sure to read until the end—because frankly, this deliciously creepy Q&A is better than any vampire movie.

FromThe Haunting of Hill House to We Have Always Lived in the Castle, Shirley Jackson made a career out of forging terrifying, but thought-provoking, tales. "The Lottery" is her most famous short story and a staple in school curricula—for good reason. Read what happens when a community perpetuates a twisted tradition.

If it's a Neil Gaiman story, you know you're in for an enchanting, magical, and yes—slightly creepy ride. This short story, in particular, begins with an extremely evocative opening; the kind that teases a story you'll read in one sitting. Follow along as our unnamed protagonist searches through dark caves to find what he's looking for, and encounter what he isn't.

Kali Fajardo-Anstine's short story follows a 20-something-year-old woman living in a remote desert house with a mind of its own—literally. While there are horrors in this story, they're not supernatural but an all-too-common kind.

Rebecca author Daphne DuMaurier wrote "The Doll" when she was 20 years old. Then, it was lost for approximately 70 years, only resurfacing in 2010. The legend around "The Doll" is but an appetizer for the delightfully creepy story itself, which foreshadows DuMaurier's career as an author of unforgettable gothic fiction.

If you are looking for a great gothic story about vampirism, look no further than "The Lady of the House of Love." This short from renowned author Angela Carter follows a female vampire queen on her quest to find her next victim.

story of the walrus and an English treasure at risk of being sent to the US V&A trying to raise £2m to keep medieval ivory artwork in the UK

 New research is shedding fresh light on one of Britain’s most important yet least well-known works of art.

An ultra-rare medieval English ivory sculpture is in danger of being exported to the US – and London’s Victoria and Albert Museum is now appealing to the public for £2m to keep the 830-year-old masterpiece in the UK.

The museum believes that the Deposition of Christ (or Deposition from the Cross) was originally part of a much larger ivory artwork, and is therefore appealing to the public not only for funds to help keep it in the UK, but also for information about where other fragments of the original priceless masterpiece might be.

Made of walrus tusk ivory, the original artwork would almost certainly have consisted of around seven scenes from Christ’s final days: including the Last Supper, Judas betraying him in the Garden of Gethsemane, the crucifixion, the removal of Christ from the Cross (the deposition), the entombment and the resurrection.

Other fragments may well survive, so far unidentified, in private collections or small museums in Britain or abroad. If the original multi-scene artwork had survived intact, it would have been an unparalleled masterpiece - and it’s estimated that it would now be worth tens of millions of pounds.

At present only two fragments are known, potentially representing around 7 per cent of the multi-scene original.

Ongoing investigations are revealing that the artwork fragment that the V&A is trying to keep in the UK – an image of Christ being brought down from the Cross – isn’t just important from an art-historical perspective, but was also associated with some of the most important events of English history.

It’s likely that it was commissioned from a 12th century York sculptor by one of Norman England’s richest and most powerful noble families, the de Warennes, whose ancestor had been a senior companion of William the Conqueror at the Battle of Hastings.

The de Warennes had one of their main castles just two miles from Wakefield, and were the feudal Lords of the Manor of Wakefield (which covered 150 square miles and was one of the largest manors in England). The available evidence suggests that the sculpture (prior to the Reformation, part of a spectacular series of scenes from Christ’s passion) was probably housed, for much of the Middle Ages, in one of the chantry chapels (or other locations) inside the parish church (now a cathedral) in the Yorkshire town of Wakefield, or perhaps even in one of Wakefield’s four independent chantry chapels (only one of which still exists).

Chantry chapels were used specifically to chant prayers for the dead (often for decades after they had died).

Wakefield’s very large parish church was also, for much of the medieval period, associated with the English state’s most important royally-favoured religious institution: the College (and chapel) of Saint Stephen in the royal Palace of Westminster (where the Houses of Parliament now stand). Indeed the College described itself as “the king’s chief chapel”.

The new research into the ivory sculpture suggests that it probably remained in Wakefield (most likely in the parish church) for many hundreds of years until 1545 or 1547 (the nationwide suppression of the chantries), when parts of it were rescued by Catholics during the English Reformation to prevent the sculptures from being seized or destroyed by pro-Protestant government officials.

The ivory passion series as a whole was either partly seized and/or partly destroyed, but at least two crucial fragments (and conceivably many more) were rescued and hidden in local Catholic houses.

One fragment (showing Christ, at the Last Supper, offering Judas Iscariot a piece of bread) was discovered in 1769 in a secret hiding place inside a house near the church, in a still-surviving Wakefield street called Northgate, which may well have been the home of one of the church chantry chapel priests. It’s likely that the deposition scene was similarly hidden (and that it was likewise rediscovered in the 18th or 19th centuries).

Investigations into the Catholic rescue of sacred images in Wakefield have revealed that many other sacred medieval sculptures (but made of wood and alabaster, not ivory, and sadly now lost) were also hidden in the same street that the ivory Judas and Christ Last Supper sculpture (now in the V&A) was discovered. For, in 1756, around 25 sacred Catholic sculptures were found hidden above a false ceiling in what had, in the mid-16th century, been the home of one of the church chantry chapel priests. And in the mid 19th century, in the same area, two 5ft-tall religious stone statues were discovered hidden in a wall inside another house near the church. (They had presumably been there since the 16th century.) Again, the act of illegally hiding literally dozens of Catholic artefacts in defiance of and opposition to the Reformation was a reflection of the bitter ideological struggle which finally drew the medieval world to a close and gave birth to much of our modern one.

Wakefield has yielded more hidden medieval Catholic treasures than almost any other English town. The ivory and other artworks were, in a sense, at the heart of popular resistance to the 16th century Protestant Reformation. For, in 1536, the small town of Pontefract (just eight miles from Wakefield) was the launch pad of a famous armed pro-Catholic revolt, known as the Pilgrimage of Grace, which almost certainly had substantial support from many of Wakefield’s citizens and no doubt some of its clerics. And just five years later, in 1541, Wakefield itself was at the heart of a major Catholic plan to overthrow Henry VIII and his Protestant government.

What’s more, the Wakefield plotters were also conspiring to bring Scotland into their uprising, thus continuing a centuries-old conflict between Edinburgh and London. But the suppression of the chantries (and indeed the monasteries) also represented an upsurge in capitalistic corruption, with huge amounts of the wealth seized from Catholic institutions being embezzled by business and other interests.

It also often wrecked the provision of education to the poor which had traditionally been provided by chantry priests and monks. It therefore contributed to disadvantaging the newly expanding ranks of the urban working population.

The Victoria and Albert Museum and New York’s Metropolitan Museum are competing to purchase the Deposition ivory masterpiece.

Unless the Victoria and Albert can raise the £2m by 14 June, it will lose the contest, and the medieval English artwork will go instead to New York. For most of the past 40 years, it has been on long-term loan from its owners to the Victoria and Albert Museum.

The sculpture was almost certainly made in York, probably between 1190 and 1200. It’s made of adult male walrus ivory, probably imported from late Viking settlements in Greenland (recent DNA research has shown that from the early 12th century to the 14th century, most walrus ivory came from Greenland, rather than from northern Scandinavia which had been the main source in earlier centuries).

The ivory Deposition of Christ sculpture therefore not only reflects Christian art and religion and English history, but also northern Europe’s early transatlantic colonisation and trade operations.

The V&A’s £2m fundraising appeal, to keep the sculpture in Britain, follows a decision by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to impose a temporary export bar on the artwork. The museum regards the artefact as “an exceptionally rare piece” and “one of the finest and most important examples of English Romanesque ivory carving to survive today”.

“The successful acquisition of the Deposition from the Cross by the V&A would allow for the sculpture to be reunited with the only known surviving piece of the same ensemble, a fragmentary ivory carving of Judas at the Last Supper, discovered in Wakefield during the 18th century, which is currently in the V&A Collection,” said the museum.

“This compelling work offers a rare, tantalising glimpse of the sophistication and emotional power of art in England in the Middle Ages, a legacy that was almost entirely obliterated by the iconoclastic ravages of the Reformation. It was made at a time when Church doctrine struggled to explain the mysteries of the Incarnation and, in this way, it is evidence of the pivotal role that the visual arts played in conveying devotional developments,” said James Robinson, the V&A’s acting director of collections.

The sculpture is “an example of the craftsmanship and taste at the highest levels of society in the north of England in the late 12th century,” he said. It depicts the moment in the story of the Passion of Christ in which Jesus’s body is lifted down from the Cross by Joseph of Arimathea.

Having survived the widespread destruction of religious art and imagery during the English Reformation of the 16th century, it offers a rare glimpse into the art and craftsmanship of England during the Middle Ages,” said Mr Robinson.

The American author is back with a new anthology that highlights the struggle against algorithmic ‘mind control’

 In the stillness of the night, a voice intrudes upon her thoughts. It tells her how she must behave to win over Randy. Who is Randy, she wonders. She doesn’t know, so she gets out of bed, dons her nightgown, descends to the kitchen, and powers up her computer. This is how author George Saunders, winner of the Booker and PEN/Malamud awards who grew up in Chicago, weaves his tales. He creates characters for the thrilling world he wants to inhabit. His stories are like untamed creatures, leading readers on a journey of self-discovery. “I love the idea of them being like little wild animals, you know? Isn’t that what they should be?” he asks.

The man who some consider the greatest living American short-story writer is somewhere in Los Angeles, smiling in front of a computer. It’s morning for him when he answers my video call, and it looks like he’s wearing a comfy sheepskin jacket. Saunders says he’s still getting used to L.A., which seems futuristic to him. “So, for the first time, we’re city folks, and I must say it’s actually pretty good.” He moved there to be close to his daughter, although he still teaches at Syracuse University in New York. It’s Valentine’s Day, and Saunders believes Gloria and Randy, the protagonists of that late-night story that started with a late-night voice, are still together. The short story is titled Sparrow and is part of Saunders’ Liberation Day: Stories (2022) collection.

“I don’t believe soulmates exist, but souls that fit together definitely do. Every love story is some version of that type of fit. One has to be willing to adapt, to blur oneself a little, to fit into another person’s life. And the other person should do the same,” he said. Saunders talks about how he feared that he would have to throw away that “little animal” that began as a voice in Gloria’s head. “I didn’t feel like telling another love story like that.” But the story evolved into a reflection on “how cruel the world can be to someone in love.” How did that happen? “I wrote the story in one night at the kitchen table, but I worked on it for months.” That’s how it works for Saunders, who writes four or five hours every morning. Most of this time is spent rewriting stories and exploring ideas for new ones.

Saunders has only written one novel — the brilliantly disruptive, funny and award-winning Lincoln in the Bardo (2017). He sees fiction as a “garbage detector,” pinpointing societal wrongs while serving as a catalyst for change. “I consider myself a post-postmodern writer. I’m not looking to destroy everything unless it’s a good kind of destruction, in a happy sort of way. I strongly believe in positive destruction. Fiction can disrupt how we come to troubling conclusions, and offer respite and space to think outside of every plane,” he said. Even though he claims not to think about specific topics while writing, Liberation Day can be seen as a modern-day manifesto on the battle for “mind control” that rages in our world.

“In at least three of the short stories in the collection — Liberation Day, Ghoul and Elliott Spencer — it’s clear that the writer [Saunders sometimes talks about himself in the third person] is thinking about social media. If it were 1485, your ideas would be local, from your family and town. Nowadays, ideas come from afar. Add not just ideas, but an agenda imposed on you, altering your thought process. These stories touch on mental autonomy and its challenges. How can I stay true to myself with all this input infiltrating my mind? A century from now, people may call this the era of altered minds,” said Saunders.

Controlled and altered minds. By what — algorithms? “Altered by the captivating technology we live with, and yes — the algorithms. The abundance of information we allow in contributes to all the violence and unhappiness today. How can we find happiness with so much suffering around us? While suffering and cruelty have always existed, we used to be shielded by our surroundings. Now, there’s no protection,” he said. “Social media doesn’t want you to think for yourself or spend time alone with your thoughts. I don’t know for what purpose. It instantly turns you into some kind of animal, some kind of monster, a ferocious version of yourself that automatically has an opinion on things you know nothing about.”

The writer, who attended a school run by Catholic nuns, is now a Buddhist and practices meditation. He tries to protect his mind against invasions of all kinds, and he’s been doing it since the beginning. “When I got my first smartphone, I remember I was reading some Russian authors [he loves Gogol, Isaac Babel and Chekhov]. Suddenly nothing seemed to make sense. My reading comprehension plummeted. I had to tear myself away from the screen for a while to understand the stories, to get the color back. That moment was both fortuitous and terrifying at the same time.”

Saunders is currently reading January, a novel by Argentine writer Sara Gallardo. “I’m fascinated by how she uses stylistic elements to add tension to the story.” He also says he’s working on a new novel, his second in a 40-year literary career. “But I’m still at the beginning,” he said. “We’ll see.” Saunders is convinced that the only thing to do these days — besides protecting your mind — is to try and grow in some way. “It might seem tough, but I truly think that everything going on with us can be turned around. My students are already doing it. They’re trying to ensure that the flame doesn’t go out, trying to be a little kinder every day. That’s my only goal right now. Be more loving, more present and more honest every day. Accept the complexity of the world without despairing — despair is our worst enemy. Perhaps that’s why all the cynical forces out there love it. Let’s keep our distance from them.”

KABUL: Herbert Fritz, an 84-year-old Austrian far-right activist who was detained in Afghanistan last May, has been released by the Taliban.

 The Austrian government confirmed Fritz's safe arrival in Doha, Qatar, with the help of the Qatari government. Fritz had been arrested for ignoring Austria's travel advisory against visiting Afghanistan, which had fallen back under Taliban control in 2021.

Fritz expressed a desire to return to Afghanistan, calling his detention "bad luck." He also mentioned encountering both friendly and foolish individuals during his captivity.

Prior to his arrest, Fritz had garnered attention for his positive reports on living conditions in Afghanistan. He even published an article titled "Vacations with the Taliban," which contributed to arguments that the country was safe for refugees to return to.

The Taliban accused Fritz of spying, and his case gained traction among Austrian neo-Nazis through Telegram channels.

Since May, Austria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs had been actively working on securing Fritz's release and expressed gratitude to Qatar and the European Union representation in Kabul for their assistance. Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer acknowledged Qatar's Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and his team for their strong support in bringing Fritz back to his family.

Herbert Fritz, identified as a founding member of Austria's National Democratic Party (NDP), an extreme right group banned in 1988, had reportedly been researching a book in Afghanistan, according to the Freedom Party of Austria.

The party, currently leading in opinion polls ahead of parliamentary elections, had been advocating for Fritz's release.

Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs thanked the caretaker government in Afghanistan for facilitating Fritz's release.

"The State of Qatar has proven, regionally and globally, that it is a trusted international partner in various important issues," the ministry said, adding, "It spares no effort in harnessing its energy and ability in the areas of mediation, preventive diplomacy, and settling disputes through peaceful means."

First Private U.S. Moon Landing As ‘Odie’ Touches Down At Moon’s South Pole

 Houston-based Intuitive Machines has become the first private U.S. company to land on the lunar surface after its Nova-C lander called Odysseus touched down at a crater close to the moon’s south pole.

Intuitive Machines joins a select group of five government agencies—from the U.S., Soviet Union, China, India and Japan—to successfully land on the moon.

The historic landing—the first American spacecraft to land since Apollo 17 in 1972—took place at 5:23 p.m. CST/6:23 p.m. EST on Thursday. It ended a period of 51 years, 2 months and 8 days with no American moon landings.

The spacecraft’s powered descent began 12 minutes before it landed. “Odie” is carrying 12 payloads, some belonging to NASA.

Earlier in the day Intuitive Machines adjusted the landing time of its 1M-1 mission, moving it up by 19 minutes, based on the lunar orbit the spacecraft ended up in. It was then delayed, leading to a two hour “problem solving” orbit, which was followed by a communications problem upon landing that delayed its confirmation.

Mission control used Goonhilly Satellite Earth Station in Cornwall, England to finally pick up a faint signal from the spacecraft’s high-gain antenna, and confirm the landing. “Odysseus has a new home,” said mission director Dr. Tim Craine.

First Commercial Moon Landing

“Odie” has succeeded where Peregrine failed. Pittsburgh-based Astrobotic’s Peregrine spacecraft launched successfully on Jan. 8 with the aim of becoming the first commercial spacecraft to touch down on the moon. However, after successfully launching on United Launch Alliance’s debut Vulcan Centaur rocket, a propellant leak dashed it hopes of reaching the moon and it crashed back to Earth on Jan. 18.

On Jan. 18 the Japanese Space Agency’s SLIM lander precision-landed within 55 meters of its target at, the nation’s first successful landing on the moon. It came in the wake of Japan’s ispace failing in a similar bid in 2023 and Israel’s SpaceIL also crashing into the moon in 2019.

businessman still interested in Inter Milan despite Singapore troubles

 Finnish businessman Thomas Zilliacus said on Thursday he remained interested in bidding for Italian soccer club Inter Milan despite a warrant for his arrest issued by police in Singapore that he described as "incomprehensible".

Singapore police on Wednesday issued arrest warrants for Zilliacus, a former CEO of Singaporean e-commerce firm Yuuzoo (YUUZ.SI), opens new tab, and four other former Yuuzoo executives over alleged "misleading statements in the company's financial reports".

The police alleged that financial reports released by YuuZoo in 2015 and 2016 overstated the company's revenue by $4.6 million to $18.8 million.

Zilliacus told Reuters he had been cooperating with police in Singapore since investigations started in 2018, and described the arrest warrant as "incomprehensible".

"We sold technology and got shares in return for it, not money," he said, adding the investigation was about how the share value should have been calculated under Singapore's market rules.

We used the best consultants you can imagine. We had a new business model so we wanted to make sure that we were reporting everything in full compliance," he said.

Zilliacus said he last communicated with police in Singapore on Feb. 15 about the case and remained available remotely but was unable to fly to Singapore because he was suffering from long-COVID.

Zilliacus, a former Asia head of technology company Nokia, last year pursued a potential deal for English soccer club Manchester United, before dropping out of the running to focus on Inter Milan.

He told Reuters he was still interested in a deal with the Italian club despite the arrest warrant.

Inter Milan's Chinese owner, Suning Holdings, last year denied a sale of the club was in the works.

Earlier this week, two people familiar with the matter told Reuters that Oaktree Capital Management (OAK_pa.N), opens new tab was working to extend a 275 million euro ($298 million) loan to Inter Milan before it expires in May.

On February 24th, 2024, the Full Moon will be in Virgo, opposite the Sun in Pisces. Let's find out the impact of the Full Moon in Virgo on your zodiac sign.

 The Moon symbolizes your inner desires and motivations. During this time, it opposes Mercury, which represents communication, and Saturn, which represents limitations or restrictions. Pisces, being the last sign of the zodiac, is associated with ancient wisdom passed down through generations

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With the Full Moon aligning closely with Lilith, known for her rebellious nature, you're being encouraged to explore unconventional or taboo aspects of yourself or your life. It's a time to embrace the unknown and challenge societal norms.

Aries: It's important to realize that you don't have to be perfect all the time. Making space for yourself to embrace imperfection can actually highlight your skills and talents. Instead of trying to please everyone else, focus on gaining wisdom from your own experiences. It can be exhausting to constantly feel like you're being judged or guided by others' expectations. Try to shift your focus away from worrying about the end result and instead enjoy the journey.

Taurus: Ask yourself if you're truly having fun when you're constantly overanalyzing every aspect of your enjoyment. During this Full Moon, consider focusing on investments, both financial and personal. Maybe hold off on splurging on something new until you're sure it's worth the cost. However, investing in yourself and your well-being is always a good idea. Taking breaks and treating yourself kindly can recharge your energy and motivation.

Gemini: Take some time to appreciate the stillness and comfort of your current home environment. While things may change and evolve over time, try not to worry too much about what the future holds. Just like how spring brings new growth after the melting snow, focus on being present in the moment. You might feel pressure to have everything figured out, but remember that good things often take time to unfold.

Cancer: Introspection can be a valuable tool for self-discovery, but don't get caught up in overanalyzing every aspect of yourself and your past. It's okay to embrace your quirks and unique qualities without constantly comparing yourself to others. Instead of feeling like your inner child is at odds with the world, try to appreciate how far you've come and the person you've become today. Sometimes, simplicity is the key to finding peace within yourself.

Leo: Trust in your instincts and beliefs, and don't feel the need to constantly justify your choices to others. You understand the value of what brings you a sense of security and happiness, so don't second-guess yourself. Remember that glitter and glamour aren't always necessary to feel fulfilled. Trust in your own experiences and skills to guide you in the right direction.

Virgo: It's important to take care of yourself both physically and emotionally. If you find yourself biting your lips out of stress or hesitation, consider whether it's a sign of needing more self-expression or confidence in speaking your truth. While you may be comfortable observing from the sidelines, remember that your voice and story are valuable contributions to any conversation. Trust that where you are right now is just a temporary part of your journey, and don't underestimate your own worth and insight.

Libra: Sometimes, relying too much on logic can make you lose touch with your intuition. Your intuition is that gut feeling you get, even if it doesn't always make logical sense. It's okay to trust that feeling and go with it, even if you can't explain it. Don't stress too much about having all the answers—sometimes, just knowing what feels right is enough to guide you on your journey.

Scorpio: It's time to stop overthinking your friendships. You might be trying to read too much into things or anticipate what others are thinking without letting them speak for themselves. Relax and let things unfold naturally. Focus on connecting with the people who matter to you and give them the space to open up in their own time.

Sagittarius: Sagittarius, instead of stressing over that email, why not focus on boosting your professional profile? You have a lot to offer, so don't be afraid to showcase your skills and accomplishments. Opportunities will come your way when you start putting yourself out there and speaking up for yourself.

Capricorn: You know more than you give yourself credit for. Don't let others make you doubt your expertise or opinions. Even if you're not always right, every experience is a chance to learn and grow. Have confidence in yourself, and don't let negativity from others bring you down.

Aquarius: Don't be afraid to open up and share your thoughts and feelings. Vulnerability is the key to forming deeper connections with others. Stop worrying about what might go wrong, and let yourself be authentic. Holding back only prevents you from truly connecting with others.

Pisces: Don't overanalyse your relationships. Sometimes, you just need to go with the flow and see where things lead. Avoid judging others too quickly and give them a chance to show who they are. Being open and accepting will create stronger and more meaningful connections.

Super Healthy Foods

 –6: Fruits and berries

Fruits and berries are popular health foods.

They are sweet, nutritious, and easy to incorporate into your diet because they require little to no preparation.

1. Apples

Apples contain fiber, vitamin C, and numerous antioxidants. They are very filling and make the perfect snack if you’re hungry between meals.

2. Avocados

Avocados are different from most other fruits because they contain lots of healthy fat. They are not only creamy and tasty but also high in fiber, potassium, and vitamin C. Swap mayonnaise for avocado as a salad dressing, or spread it on toast for breakfast.

3. Bananas

Bananas are a good source of potassium. They’re also high in vitamin B6 and fiber and are convenient and portable.

4. Blueberries

Blueberries are both delicious and high in antioxidants.

5. Oranges

Oranges are well known for their vitamin C content. What’s more, they’re high in fiber and antioxidants.

6. Strawberries

Strawberries are highly nutritious and low in both carbs and calories.

They provide vitamin C, fiber, and manganese and make a delicious dessert.

Other healthy fruits

Other healthy fruits and berries include cherries, grapes, grapefruit, kiwi, lemons, mangoes, melons, olives, peaches, pears, pineapples, plums, and raspberries.

8–10: Meats

Lean, unprocessed meats can be included in a healthy diet.

8. Lean beef

Lean beef is an excellent source of protein if you consume it in moderation. It also provides highly bioavailable iron.

9. Chicken breasts

Chicken breast is low in fat and calories but high in protein. It’s a great source of many nutrients.

10. Lamb and mutton

Sheep are usually grass-fed, and their meat tends to be high inTrusted Source omega-3 fatty acids compared with omega-6.

11–15: Nuts and seeds

Despite being high in unsaturated fat and calories, nuts and seeds may help lower the riskTrusted Source of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and other health issues. They are a satisfying snack could help those managing their weight.

They also require almost no preparation, so they’re easy to add to your routine. They can also add texture to salads and other dishes.

However, they are not suitable for people with a nut allergy.

11. Almonds

Almonds are a popular nut that contain with vitamin E, antioxidants, magnesium, and fiber. A 2021 reviewTrusted Source found that almonds may contribute to weight loss, support the gut microbiota, improve thinking, manage heart rate when a person is under stress, and prevent skin aging.

12. Chia seeds

Chia seeds are a nutrient-dense addition to the diet. A single ounce (28 grams) provides 11 grams of fiber and significant amounts of magnesium, manganese, calcium, and various other nutrients.

13. Coconuts

Coconuts provide fiber and fatty acids called medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs).

14. Macadamia nuts

Macadamia nuts are tasty and higher in monounsaturated fats and lower in omega-6 fatty acids than most other nuts.

16. Brazil nuts

Brazil nuts are nutrient-rich and have a smooth, buttery texture. The nutrients they contain support thyroid function, and they are a good source of the mineral selenium.

17–26: Vegetables

Calorie for calorie, vegetables are among the most concentrated sources of nutrients. Including a variety of vegetables in your diet will ensure you get a wide range of nutrients.

17. Asparagus

Asparagus is a popular vegetable that is low in both carbs and calories and rich in vitamin K.

18. Bell peppers

Bell peppers come in several colors, including red, yellow, and green. They’re crunchy and sweet and are a great source of antioxidants and vitamin C.

19. Broccoli

Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable that tastes great both raw and cooked. It’s an excellent source of fiber and vitamins C and K and contains a decent amount of protein compared with other vegetables.

20. Carrots

Carrots are a popular root vegetable. They’re sweet, crunchy, and loaded with nutrients such as fiber and vitamin K. They’re also high in carotene antioxidants, which have numerous benefits.

Put a few carrots stick in your lunch box or use them for eating guacamole and other dips.

21. Cauliflower

Cauliflower is a very versatile cruciferous vegetable. You can add it to curries, roast it with olive oil, or use it raw in salads or for dipping.

22. Cucumber

Cucumbers make a refreshing snack. They are low in both carbs and calories, consisting mostly of water. They also contain small amounts of vitamin K and other nutrients.

23. Garlic

Garlic is a healthy and tasty addition to salads and cooked savory dishes. It containsTrusted Source allicin, which has antioxidant and antimicrobial effects. Its nutrients may also reduce the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease.

24. Kale

Kale is high in fiber, vitamins C and K, and other nutrients. It adds a satisfying crunch to salads and other dishes. You can also add it to stir fries or bake in the oven to make crunchy kale chips.

25. Onions

Onions have a strong flavor and feature in many recipes. They contain a number of bioactive compounds believed to have health benefits.

26. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are usually categorized as a vegetable, although they are technically a fruit. They are tasty and provide nutrients such as potassium and vitamin C. For a bit of fun and extra flavor, try growing tomatoes on your windowsill.

More healthy vegetables

Other vegetables worth mentioning are artichokes, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, celery, eggplant, leeks, lettuce, mushrooms, radishes, squash, Swiss chard, collard greens, turnips, and zucchini.

27–32: Fish and seafood

Fish and other seafood can be healthy and nutritious. They’re rich in omega-3 fatty acids and iodine.

Research suggestsTrusted Source that eating oily fish can boost a person’s heart and brain health.

27. Salmon

Salmon is a type of oily fish that is tasty and high in nutrients, including protein and omega-3 fatty acids. It also contains some vitamin D.

28. Sardines

Sardines are small, oily, and highly nutritious fish. They provide many nutrients, including calcium and vitamin D.

29. Shellfish

Shellfish are nutrient dense and make a tasty light meal. Edible shellfish include clams, mollusks, and oysters. Be sure to get them from a reputable source to ensure they are fresh and toxin-free.

30. Shrimp

Shrimp is a type of crustacean related to crabs and lobsters. It tends to be low in fat and calories but high in protein. It also provides selenium and vitamin B12.

31. Trout

Trout is another type of delicious freshwater fish, similar to salmon.

32. Tuna

Tuna tends to be low in fat and calories and high in protein. It’s perfect for people who need to add more protein to their diets but keep calories low.

Be sure to buy low mercury varieties that are responsibly sourced.

33–35: Grains

Whole grains play an important role in your diet because they are healthy carbs and provide a variety of micronutrients, fiber and, fuel for your body.

They may also help with weight management.

33. Brown rice

Rice is a staple food for much of the world’s population. Brown rice is more nutritious than white rice, with decent amounts of fiber, vitamin B1, and magnesium.

34. Oats

Oats provide nutrients and powerful fibers called beta glucans. Glucans provide numerous benefits, including helping lower cholesterol and feed beneficial bacteria in the gut.

35. Quinoa

Quinoa is a tasty grain that’s high in nutrients such as fiber and magnesium. It is also an excellent source of plant-based protein.

36–37: Breads

Whole grain breads can be high in fiber and other nutrients, and are a better choice than highly processed white bread.

When buying bread, compare product labels and look for those with the most dietary fiber and the least added sugar.

If you make your own bread, you’ll know exactly what goes into it. A bread making machine can help if you’re not sure about baking.

36. Ezekiel bread

Ezekiel bread is made from organic sprouted whole grains and legumes.

37. Homemade low-carb and gluten-free breads

If you’re looking for low-carb or gluten-free breads, you might want to consider making your own. Here’s a list of 15 recipes for gluten-free, low carb breads.

38–41: Legumes

Legumes are a great plant-based source of protein, iron, and fiber.

Legumes can sometimes interfere with digestion and nutrient absorption, but soaking and properly preparing them can reduce this risk.

38. Green beans

Green beans, also called string beans, are an unripe variety of the common bean. Use them whole as a side dish or add them cold to salads.

39. Kidney beans

Kidney beans contain fiber and various vitamins and minerals. Make sure to cook them properly, because they’re toxic when raw.

40. Lentils

Lentils are another popular legume. They’re high in fiber and a good source of plant-based protein.

41. Peanuts

Peanuts are, in fact, legumes, not true nuts. They are tasty and high in nutrients and antioxidants. One studyTrusted Source has concluded that peanuts can aid in weight loss and may help manage blood pressure.

However, if you’re monitoring your calorie intake, you may want to be mindful of your consumption of peanut butter, which is very high in calories and easy to eat in large amounts.

42–44: Dairy

For those who can tolerate them, dairy products are a healthy source of various important nutrients.

42. Cheese

A single slice of cheese may offer about the same amount of nutrients as an entire cup (240 ml) of milk. It’s also a tasty addition to many dishes and can replace meat as a protein food. However, it can be high in fat.

There are many types of cheese, with different flavors and textures. Opt for less processed varieties of cheese.

43. Dairy milk

Dairy milk contains vitamins, minerals, protein, and calcium.

A 2022 reviewTrusted Source concluded that people who consume dairy products are less likely to die from cardiovascular disease (CVD) than those who don’t. However, full-fat dairy may increase the risk of CVD and some cancers.

44. Yogurt

Yogurt is made from milk that is fermented through the addition of live bacteria. It has many of the same health effects as milk, but yogurt with live cultures has the added benefit of friendly probiotic bacteria.

45–46: Fats and oils

Dietary patterns that include unsaturated fats and oils are considered very healthy.

45. Extra-virgin olive oil

Extra-virgin olive oil is one of the healthiest vegetable oils. It contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and is high in antioxidants that have powerful health benefits.

46. Coconut oil

Coconut oil is a saturated fat, but it contains MCTs and may have similar health effects to olive oil.

However, coconut oil has been shown to increase LDLTrusted Source (bad) cholesterol to a greater degree than other plant-based liquid oils, so it’s best to use it in moderation.

47–48: Tubers

Tubers are the storage organs of some plants. As foods, they are called root vegetables.

47. Potatoes

Potatoes provide potassium and contain a little of almost every nutrient you need, including vitamin C. With their jackets, they are also a good source of fiber.

Potatoes contain moreTrusted Source water and are less energy-dense than pasta and rice, and can leave you feeling full, so that you don’t need to eat more. As a result, they may help with weight loss.

48. Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes are rich in antioxidants, beta carotene, vitamin A, and other essential nutrients. Eat them baked, mashed, or added to other dishes.

49. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar may help regulate postmeal blood sugar levels when consumed with a meal, though more evidence is needed on its effectiveness.

It’s great to use as a salad dressing or to add flavor to meals.

47–48: Tubers

Tubers are the storage organs of some plants. As foods, they are called root vegetables.

47. Potatoes

Potatoes provide potassium and contain a little of almost every nutrient you need, including vitamin C. With their jackets, they are also a good source of fiber.

Potatoes contain moreTrusted Source water and are less energy-dense than pasta and rice, and can leave you feeling full, so that you don’t need to eat more. As a result, they may help with weight loss.

48. Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes are rich in antioxidants, beta carotene, vitamin A, and other essential nutrients. Eat them baked, mashed, or added to other dishes.

49. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar may help regulate postmeal blood sugar levels when consumed with a meal, though more evidence is needed on its effectiveness.

It’s great to use as a salad dressing or to add flavor to meals.

50. Dark chocolate

Dark chocolate contains antioxidants known as flavonoids that may help manageTrusted Source cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. However, the amount of chocolate that is usually healthy to eat is not enough to provide significant benefits.

The American Heart AssociationTrusted Source recommends eating chocolate but in moderation and for enjoyment rather than its health benefits.

Frequently asked questions

What are the 20 most healthy foods?

Research from 2021 developed a scoring system of food based on 54 attributes covering these nine domains: nutrient ratios, vitamins, minerals, food ingredients, additives, processing, specific lipids, fiber and protein, and phytochemicals. Based on the mean values of this scoring system, the healthiest food categories are:

legumes

vegetables

fruit

fish and seafood

sauce condiment

dairy

mixed dishes

beverages

grains

meat, poultry, eggs

fats and oils

savory snacks and sweet desserts

Of course, whether a particular food is healthier than another ultimately depends on the exact food and any specific ingredients it may contain. It’s a good idea to consult a dietician to determine exactly what foods are best for you.

What foods are healthy to eat every day?

According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025Trusted Source, each day you should aim to eat a variety of fruit, vegetables, dairy, grains, and foods containing protein (either plant-based or from lean meats or fish).

What is the #1 healthiest food?

No one food can provide all the nutrients you need to consume in one day, so eating a balanced diet is the best way to get what you need to stay healthy. In addition, the state of your overall health and any conditions you might have may limit what foods you can consume, even if they are very nutritious. Speak to your doctor to determine the best nutrition plan for you.

That said, research looking at the nutrient density of various food groups found that the following foods contain the most nutrients:

organ meats

small fish

dark green leafy vegetables

bivalves such as oysters and clams

crustaceans such as lobster and shrimp

goat meat

beef

eggs

milk

canned fish with bones

mutton

lamb