Latest news with #MarieLaFauci
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
More Americans Are Playing Sports—Especially This One
Credit - Marie LaFauci—Getty Images Never mind the popular image of Americans as sedentary, housebound, and living on the couch. It turns out a whopping 80% of us are physically active, according to a new report from the Sports and Fitness Industry Association. That's 247 million people getting up and breaking a sweat as opposed to just 20%, or 62 million, who remain exercise averse. It's a continuation of a recent trend in the U.S.—and it's fueled in part by the astonishing growth in one sport in particular. Pickleball saw a 46% increase in players from 2023 to 2024—and a jump of 311% in just the past three years. The authors of the report surveyed participation in 124 sports and activities from 2019 to 2024, analyzing online interviews with 18,000 people. Far and away, the researchers found, the most popular physical activity Americans choose is walking for fitness—it's free, easy, and requires no investment at all beyond a comfortable pair of shoes. For more than 115 million active Americans, this is the exercise of choice. Next in line is trail hiking, with 63 million participants; treadmill running, at 56 million; free weights, also at 56 million; and jogging, at 51 million. Also making the top 25 are yoga (37 million), swimming (29 million), and wildlife viewing that requires considerable walking (21 million). Read More: What's the Least Amount of Exercise I Can Get Away With? In terms of the fastest-growing physical activities, 'racquet sports are number-one,' says Alex Kerman, senior director of research operations and business development at the Sports and Fitness Industry Association. 'Tennis has been doing pretty well, and pickleball is at an unprecedented level.' Also growing quickly are pilates, trail running, and golf. The trends in the report are heartening for Americans' health, and, not for nothing, good news too for the marketers who supply the balls, helmets, paddles, and bats that keep us out on the greens, courts, tracks, and fields. 'Profitability among companies reached new heights,' the authors of the report wrote, 'with 65% reporting increased profitability in 2024—the highest percentage recorded in the past decade.' It's not clear what kickstarted the rise in Americans' activity levels, but Kerman believes the pandemic contributed. With people in sudden isolation—and gyms, fitness centers, public pools, and golf courses closed for a time—Americans filled part of their downtime with activities they could do masked or alone. 'When people were staying home, one of the only things they could do was exercise,' says Kerman. 'You couldn't do every form of activity, but you could go out for a walk or a run or a bike ride.' As people began to socialize more, albeit while keeping their distance, sports like tennis and pickleball began to thrive. 'We've been tracking pickleball since 2014,' says Kerman. 'It's risen every single year, but you didn't see these enormous jumps til 2021 or 2022.' Income, too, plays a role in how active people are. Jogging, walking, and hiking might be free, but activities like skiing, golfing, and scuba diving can be pricey, and that showed up in the study's results. Among people with an annual income of $25,000 or less at the time of the study, just over 63% were active in 2024. One bracket higher, in the $25,000 to $49,999 cohort, that figure was over 73%. The numbers rise steadily into the $100,000 and up bracket, where 87% qualify as active. Read More: What Experts Think About the Japanese Walking Trend 'Cost is the largest barrier to participation,' says Kerman. 'There's a significant difference between the lowest income level and the highest. In the past few years that gap has gotten smaller, which is great, but it clearly is still there.' The rising tide of active Americans is lifting the boats of the recreation sector. Last year, the industry expanded by 2.9%, beating the rise in the GDP, which was 2.8%—an important benchmark of growth. 'This was just the fourth time in 15 years where the industry grew more than the GDP,' says Kerman. The report does come with some important qualifiers. The 80% of the population labeled as active was inflated by including people who engaged in a sport or activity as little as once a year. Roughly 77 million Americans, aged six and over, are considered casual participants, which is about 30% of the 247 million people classified as active. And since 20% of us are not active at all, that means tens of millions of people facing a higher risk of obesity, heart disease, and other conditions that can be associated with a sedentary lifestyle. Nonetheless, the fitness trendlines are improving—and that can pay off big. 'More and more people are realizing that being physical leads to well-being,' says Kerman. 'Activity means living a healthier life.' Write to Jeffrey Kluger at
CNET
10-07-2025
- Health
- CNET
Don't Put Your Takeout Containers in The Microwave. Here's Why
When hunger and laziness coincide, reheating last night's leftovers in the microwave seems like the best idea. But if you reheat them in the plastic container they came in, you could be ingesting microplastics and harmful chemicals. But is plastic contamination as dangerous as experts say? All signs point to yes. Study after study has shown that the resulting chemical exposure of microplastics could pose significant health risks, linking to increases in medical issues like infertility and even cancer. Here's everything to know about safely reheating your leftovers. Most takeout containers are not heat-safe Most black plastic containers are not microwave-safe. Image by Marie LaFauci / Getty "If you're using takeout containers to reheat food, they need to be labeled as heat-safe," advises Ricardo Jarquin, executive chef of Loews Coral Gables in Miami. "Most restaurants do not use them because they're more expensive." Aluminum, cardboard and paper-based containers are typically plastic-free and safe to store and reheat food. Cheap plastic takeout containers are mostly not safe and should never be used to reheat food. Styrofoam is even worse because it melts in the microwave, a clear indication that it is an unsafe vessel for reheating food. Read more: These 7 Takeout Containers Don't Belong in the Recycling Bin What to use instead of plastic It might sound like more work but bringing your own food storage container for leftovers is the safest bet. FreshSplash/Getty So what's the best way to reheat that delicious meal? We chatted with Jarquin, who has overseen culinary operations and food safety protocol for major hotel chains including Four Seasons, Hilton, and Marriott, as well as Hope Montgomery, owner of Brick & Mortar in St. Petersburg, FL, to get the skinny on safe use of takeout containers. Ideally, the restaurant is using compostable paper, aluminum or cardboard products, which can be found at Brick & Mortar and is Montgomery's material of choice. A surefire way to guarantee that food is stored and reheated in a heat-safe container (whether by initial temperature or via microwave) is to simply use your own. "The safest containers are BPA-free, or even better, glass ones like Pyrex," recommends Jarquin. "Stainless steel and aluminum are great, too, just not for the microwave." One of our favorite options is this colorful 10-piece set that offers the convenience of multiple sizes. This means you can limit the shape to accommodate the amount you plan to reheat or take home from the restaurant, from an entire entree to a few bites of dessert. Beware of plastic containers marketed as microwave- and freezer-safe Many plastic containers are marketed as "freezer- and microwave-safe," but that's not the case. Rubbermaid Many plastic containers are marketed as "freezer- and microwave-safe," but that's mostly marketing jargon. Plastic containers should really never be frozen or microwaved. Ziploc and Rubbermaid are facing a lawsuit for advertising its plastic-based containers as "microwave safe" and "freezer safe." When heated, plastic containers are found to leach chemicals into food. When frozen, the plastic often breaks off, which can contaminate food. How to reheat food safely Deli containers may be considered food-safe but glass and ceramic are safer options for reheating food in the microwave. Julien McRoberts/Getty Even more important than reheating your food so it tastes good is making sure it's safe to eat. Never reheat your leftovers in a non-heat-safe vessel. That includes most cheap plastic containers used by restaurants, such as plastic clamshells or black plastic containers. Deli containers like the ones you get your grocery store chicken salad in are considered "food safe" for storage but it's still not recommended to use them to reheat food at high temperatures. When reheating food in the microwave, always use glass or ceramic. Keep any containers, lids or utensils that contain plastic or rubber out and use for serving only. How to reheat food so it tastes good An air fryer is one of our favorite ways to reheat leftovers. ThaiAside from the risks of plastic exposure when hot food is stored in those containers, you'll want to ensure that reheating leftovers maintains the overall quality. "Though microwaving is quick and easy, better results can often be achieved by reheating on the stovetop," says Montgomery. "A little extra fat like olive oil and butter, as well as seasoning, can also be helpful," she adds, noting that this doesn't pertain to some dishes like her restaurant's famed beef tenderloin carpaccio, which should be consumed within its entirety on location. Jarquin echoes these sentiments. "You get a much better result when reheating leftovers in a frying pan or in the oven," he stresses, revealing that some dishes may even taste better when enjoyed the next day. "At Americana Kitchen, the rigatoni with vodka sauce keeps getting tastier the next day. Also, any of our pizzas or the mushroom pasta definitely gets better the next day. The flavors soak in even more and the texture stays great when reheated slowly," he says. Other foods recommended by Jarquin for enjoying at home after dining include "stews, curries, chili, and lasagna," which are typically items where the flavors can keep developing overnight. Concerns about bacteria growth Food, including cooked rice, can develop bacteria quickly if not stored properly. Chris Monroe/CNET Another risk to consider with leftovers is the rapid formation of bacteria that can lead to often brief yet sometimes serious illnesses. In short, the longer food sits out, the quicker these spores grow. "The general rule is that it takes about two hours at room temperature and one hour if it's really hot out" (usually above 90 degrees Fahrenheit), said Jarquin. "After that, bacteria can grow quickly and you don't always see or smell it. That's why it's important to either serve food hot, chill it fast or keep it properly stored." Read more: I'm Not Messing Around With Leftover Rice - You Shouldn't Either At the end of the day, if you're even the slightest bit fearful of microplastics and/or foodborne illnesses, no leftover is worth the temporary satisfaction. Accept your losses and task yourself with whipping up your own homemade delicacy to ensure safe, plastic-free bites within the comfort of your own kitchen. For a comprehensive guide to food safety protocol, check out the CDC's Four Steps to Food Safety.
CNET
28-05-2025
- Health
- CNET
Seriously, Stop Reheating Leftovers in the Container They Came in. Here's Why
When hunger and laziness coalesce, reheating last night's takeout or the leftover pasta you took home from a restaurant in the microwave seems like the best idea. But if you don't do it properly, you could be ingesting microplastics and harmful chemicals. But is plastic contamination as dangerous as experts say? All signs point to yes. Study after study has shown that the resulting chemical exposure of microplastics could pose significant health risks, linking to increases in medical issues like infertility and even cancer. Most takeout containers are not heat-safe Most black plastic containers are not microwave-safe. Image by Marie LaFauci / Getty "If you're using takeout containers to reheat food, they need to be labeled as heat-safe," advises Ricardo Jarquin, executive chef of Loews Coral Gables in Miami. "Most restaurants do not use them because they're more expensive." Aluminum, cardboard and paper-based containers are typically plastic-free and safe to store and reheat food. Cheap plastic takeout containers are mostly not safe and should never be used to reheat food. Styrofoam is even worse because it melts in the microwave, a clear indication that it is an unsafe vessel for reheating food. Read more: These 7 Takeout Containers Don't Belong in the Recycling Bin What to use instead of plastic It might sound like more work but bringing your own food storage container for leftovers is the safest bet. FreshSplash/Getty So what's the best way to reheat that delicious meal? We chatted with Jarquin, who has overseen culinary operations and food safety protocol for major hotel chains including Four Seasons, Hilton, and Marriott, as well as Hope Montgomery, owner of Brick & Mortar in St. Petersburg, FL, to get the skinny on safe use of takeout containers. Ideally, the restaurant is using compostable paper, aluminum or cardboard products, which can be found at Brick & Mortar and is Montgomery's material of choice. A surefire way to guarantee that food is stored and reheated in a heat-safe container (whether by initial temperature or via microwave) is to simply use your own. "The safest containers are BPA-free, or even better, glass ones like Pyrex," recommends Jarquin. "Stainless steel and aluminum are great, too, just not for the microwave." One of our favorite options is this colorful 10-piece set that offers the convenience of multiple sizes. This means you can limit the shape to accommodate the amount you plan to reheat or take home from the restaurant, from an entire entree to a few bites of dessert. Beware of plastic containers marketed as microwave- and freezer-safe Many plastic containers are marketed as "freezer- and microwave-safe," but that's not the case. Rubbermaid Many plastic containers are marketed as "freezer- and microwave-safe," but that's mostly marketing jargon. Plastic containers should really never be frozen or microwaved. Ziploc and Rubbermaid are facing a lawsuit for advertising its plastic-based containers as "microwave safe" and "freezer safe." When heated, plastic containers are found to leach chemicals into food. When frozen, the plastic often breaks off, which can contaminate food. How to reheat food safely Deli containers may be considered food-safe but glass and ceramic are safer options for reheating food in the microwave. Julien McRoberts/Getty Even more important than reheating your food so it tastes good is making sure it's safe to eat. Never reheat your leftovers in a non-heat-safe vessel. That includes most cheap plastic containers used by restaurants, such as plastic clamshells or black plastic containers. Deli containers like the ones you get your grocery store chicken salad in are considered "food safe" for storage but it's still not recommended to use them to reheat food at high temperatures. When reheating food in the microwave, always use glass or ceramic. Keep any containers, lids or utensils that contain plastic or rubber out and use for serving only. How to reheat food so it tastes good An air fryer is one of our favorite ways to reheat leftovers. ThaiAside from the risks of plastic exposure when hot food is stored in those containers, you'll want to ensure that reheating leftovers maintains the overall quality. "Though microwaving is quick and easy, better results can often be achieved by reheating on the stovetop," says Montgomery. "A little extra fat like olive oil and butter, as well as seasoning, can also be helpful," she adds, noting that this doesn't pertain to some dishes like her restaurant's famed beef tenderloin carpaccio, which should be consumed within its entirety on location. Jarquin echoes these sentiments. "You get a much better result when reheating leftovers in a frying pan or in the oven," he stresses, revealing that some dishes may even taste better when enjoyed the next day. "At Americana Kitchen, the rigatoni with vodka sauce keeps getting tastier the next day. Also, any of our pizzas or the mushroom pasta definitely gets better the next day. The flavors soak in even more and the texture stays great when reheated slowly," he says. Other foods recommended by Jarquin for enjoying at home after dining include "stews, curries, chili, and lasagna," which are typically items where the flavors can keep developing overnight. Concerns about bacteria growth Food, including cooked rice, can develop bacteria quickly if not stored properly. Chris Monroe/CNET Another risk to consider with leftovers is the rapid formation of bacteria that can lead to often brief yet sometimes serious illnesses. In short, the longer food sits out, the quicker these spores grow. "The general rule is that it takes about two hours at room temperature and one hour if it's really hot out" (usually above 90 degrees Fahrenheit), said Jarquin. "After that, bacteria can grow quickly and you don't always see or smell it. That's why it's important to either serve food hot, chill it fast or keep it properly stored." Read more: I'm Not Messing Around With Leftover Rice - You Shouldn't Either At the end of the day, if you're even the slightest bit fearful of microplastics and/or foodborne illnesses, no leftover is worth the temporary satisfaction. Accept your losses and task yourself with whipping up your own homemade delicacy to ensure safe, plastic-free bites within the comfort of your own kitchen. For a comprehensive guide to food safety protocol, check out the CDC's Four Steps to Food Safety.
