Month: July 2026

Today marks five months since Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie, disappeared from her Arizona home in the middle of the night. Now, a law enforcement expert with years of experience working criminal cases has exclusively told Men’s Journal about what could lead to a breakthrough in the case.

How a Former FBI Agent Believes the Nancy Guthrie Case Could Break Open

When the FBI released images of the suspect in the Nancy Guthrie case, who some observers now call Porch Guy, it was arguably the biggest break to date. Unfortunately, the masked man still hasn’t been identified in the months since then. However, a former FBI agent has just exclusively told Men’s Journal about concrete ways his identity could be discovered, which would be a huge breakthrough.

Jennifer Coffindaffer is a former FBI special agent and SWAT team member who worked as a federal agent for 28 years, 25 of which she spent with the FBI. After retiring from law enforcement, she has become a NewsNation contributor and the host of her own show, “Break the Case with Jen Coffindaffer FBI.”

During her Men’s Journal interview, Coffindaffer explained that she was 99% certain that the Nancy Guthrie case will be solved. When she was asked what she thought was most likely to break the case, she explained why she believes that the images of Porch Guy could be the key.

“I still think that the best piece of evidence is the picture of Porch Guy and the video of him, which show everything he was dressed in and all of that. I really think it will be a matter of time before somebody who knows him finally comes forward.”

After discussing her expectation that someone will tell law enforcement who Porch Guy is, Coffindaffer detailed several likely reasons why that hasn’t happened yet.

“I think there are a lot of reasons that haven’t happened. Everyone who follows true crime or the news thinks that everybody knows about this case. But the fact of the matter is that’s just not true. So many people have no idea other than ‘Oh, yeah. Wasn’t that a girl from the Today show?’ Or, ‘Wasn’t she an older person who was kidnapped or something?’ So you have to wonder whether the people who know Porch Guy even know that this incident happened. His mom, his sister, and his relatives may have no idea, so I think that can be a problem.”

Coffindaffer continued, “Even if they do know what has happened and suspect him, a lot of times people will just completely blow that off. They might even say something to him like, ‘Oh my gosh. You look so much like him in the eyes.’ Of course, his response would be, ‘Oh, come on. It’s not me.’ Which makes them say, ‘Of course, it’s not you.’ So, that’s another big problem. People who end up coming forward later often say things like, ‘I always thought it, but I just couldn’t believe it.’ The other thing, of course, is loyalty and love. His closest friends will want to protect him. Finally, there is fear. Those are the four major reasons that probably have caused nobody to come forward. But I think that is the best way that he’s going to be found.”

On top of identifying what she believes is most likely to result in the Guthrie case being solved, the former agent discussed concrete steps that could lead to that happening soon. While talking to Men’s Journal, Coffindaffer made it clear that she believes investigators should be doing more to publicize that they are seeking information about Porch Guy. She noted her belief that the images of the suspect should be everywhere in Tucson with verbiage in both English and Spanish.

“The biggest thing that is bothering me is I don’t understand why investigators are not putting Porch Guy’s face in advertisements, billboards, and flyers all throughout Tucson. It also baffles me that none of this is in Spanish.”

Next: Nancy Guthrie Update: Expert on Why the Case Is ‘Red Hot’ Behind the Scenes

While carbs play an important role in a healthy diet, especially for athletes, there are plenty of reasons some people opt to go low-carb. Many turn to this approach to support weight loss, improve blood sugar control, or reduce cravings and constant hunger. Cutting back on carbs, particularly refined ones like white bread and processed snacks, has been linked to more stable energy, fewer blood sugar spikes, and even reduced bloating and inflammation.

That said, going low-carb doesn’t mean cutting out carbohydrates entirely. In fact, some are essential for overall health. When it comes to picking meals or snacks, it’s all about being selective. As Federica Amati, Ph.D., the head nutritionist at ZOE, puts it, “It’s important to distinguish between the carbohydrates that we want to reduce, and those that are essential for good health. A nutrient-dense, lower-carb snack is most likely to be a whole food that provides protein, fiber, healthy fats, and polyphenols, not just a low-carb label.”

Want the latest fitness advice and workouts to tackle any adventure? Sign up for our Blueprint newsletter.

10 Delicious Low-Carb Snacks 

1. Plain Greek Yogurt

“After a workout, you [can] find me smashing plain non-fat Greek,” says Casey Lee, certified personal trainer and owner of Purposeful Strength, LLC. “Plain Greek yogurt has zero added sugar and the only carbs are naturally occurring milk sugar, lactose.” 

Before a workout, the protein-packed snack helps supply amino acids to support your muscles and keep you from breaking down muscle tissue during training. After a workout, it offers a hit of leucine, the amino acid that helps kickstart muscle repair and growth. 

2. Handful of Almonds With Cherries

Just because you’re eating low carb doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy carbs altogether, especially right before a workout. While you don’t need to bog yourself down with carbs, Alexandria Hardy, RDN, LDN, and owner of Pennsylvania Nutrition Services, suggests a small handful of almonds or walnuts with a few dried tart cherries can do the trick. 

“This combination provides plant-based protein, anti-inflammatory compounds, and just enough carbs for glycogen replenishment,” she says.

3. Sauerkraut

While most people don’t think of sauerkraut as a grab-and-go snack, it’s a gut-healthy must-have—whether you’re low carb or not. A typical half-cup serving has just two to three grams of net carbs, and it’s high in fiber, which helps keep you full longer and supports digestion without spiking blood sugar.

“Fermented foods are important for gut health, which is tied to a healthy body comp and metabolism,” says Dawn Jackson Blatner, RDN, CSSD. “I love it mixed with avocado for ‘gut-friendly guac,’ which is a delish snack [with] jicama sticks or mini peppers.”

4. Cottage Cheese, Pineapple, and a Sprinkle of Sunflower Seeds

If you’re cutting back on carbs, it’s important to make up the difference with other key macronutrients—namely, high-quality protein and healthy fats. With this delicious snack combination, “you get a complete protein for sustained muscle support, pineapple for bromelain, an anti-inflammatory enzyme, and some healthy fats to round it out,” says Kara Siedman RDN, CDCES, and Director of Partnerships at resbiotic. 

Related: The 12 Healthiest Carbs to Fuel Weight Loss, According to Experts

5. Popcorn

Popcorn often gets overlooked as a healthy snack, but it can be a great low-carb option when portioned right. It’s a whole grain, which means it contributes to the recommended intake of whole grains—a key part of anyone’s diet. Eating more whole grains has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and more. Stick to air-popped or lightly seasoned popcorn to keep it nutritious and low in added calories and sugars.

6. Chia Seeds

If you’ve ever heard the term “superfood,” you’ve probably heard it used alongside chia seeds. These small but nutrient-dense seeds are “high in omega-3s, fiber, and protein, [and are] great as a pudding soaked overnight or sprinkled on salads or yogurt,” says Amati. 

7. Chickpeas

Hummus isn’t the only way to enjoy chickpeas! Pop open a can of chickpeas, flavor with spices and a touch of olive oil, and bake in the oven. Chickpeas are brimming with protein, fiber, iron, and numerous energy-boosting B-vitamins—a delicious way to take in important nutrients.

8. Beef Jerky

When choosing a beef jerky brand, aim for options with little to no added sugar—many packaged varieties sneak in unnecessary ingredients. Cleaner jerky delivers a solid dose of protein and sodium, both of which your body craves after a tough, sweaty workout.

9. Jicama

“Jicama is another underrated option,” Siedman says. “It’s a crunchy, slightly sweet root vegetable that’s high in water and fiber, but low in carbs. It works great raw with a squeeze of lime or seasoning and makes a great alternative to chips or crackers.”

10. Edamame

Edamame is a well-known snack at Japanese restaurants, but how often do you actually eat it at home? Well, you should. It’s rich in both protein and fiber, and research shows it can support better metabolic health. “They’re easy to add to meals or enjoy on their own and are more blood-sugar friendly than many people realize.”

Related: Trying to Crush Your Next Workout? Eat One of These 10 Trainer-Approved Pre-Workout Meals

What to Look for in Low-Carb and Nutrient-Dense Snacks

“What makes a snack both low-carb and nutrient-dense is the quality of the ingredients,” says Lee. “Ideally, snacks come from whole food sources like fruits and veggies, but there are so many on-the-go options available, like hard-boiled eggs, beef jerky, and even your classic cheese sticks. When eyeing low-carb items, I tell my clients to look for two things. First, minimal to zero added sugar. Second, how many grams of fiber.”

How to Avoid Ultra-Processed Keto Snacks

If you’re just starting your low-carb journey, chances are you’ve fallen for “keto snacks” more than once. But here’s the thing: Just because something says keto on the label doesn’t mean it’s actually healthy.

“Flip that label, if there are 15 plus words in the ingredient list that you can’t say, it’s more candy bar than recovery fuel,” says Chris Pruitt, a certified personal trainer and CEO of Workout Healthy. “Stick to snacks that are comprised of whole foods, or ingredients you can pronounce—all-meat sticks, cheese, nuts, hard-boiled eggs, plain Greek yogurt.”

Every Fourth of July has its staples: burgers on the grill, fireworks after dark, and a playlist that somehow always includes classic rock. This year, America’s biggest Independence Day celebration is adding something new. As part of the countdown to the nation’s 250th birthday, Chris Stapleton, The Smashing Pumpkins, Jon Batiste, and Queen Latifah are helping kick off a nationwide effort that organizers hope will permanently change how Americans celebrate July 4.

According to America250, the congressionally chartered nonprofit leading the nation’s 250th anniversary commemoration, the star-studded event is about more than putting on a concert. It’s also launching Giving 4th, a campaign designed to encourage Americans to celebrate Independence Day by supporting a favorite charity or nonprofit.

The Concert Is Just the Beginning

According to America250, America’s Block Party will take over the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on July 4, with Queen Latifah serving as host and performances from Chris Stapleton, The Smashing Pumpkins, Jon Batiste, Sofia Carson, and other artists.

The festivities begin at 3 p.m. with a free Block Party Village featuring food vendors, games, giveaways, interactive exhibits, and family-friendly activities before the concert starts that evening. The celebration will conclude with a fireworks spectacular and drone show, while a nationwide livestream will allow neighborhoods across the country to host their own block parties, according to America250.

Tickets start at $17.76—a nod to the year America declared its independence—with proceeds benefiting the Giving 4th initiative, America250 said.

America250 Wants Giving Back to Become a July 4 Tradition

While charitable giving traditionally peaks during the holiday season, America250 says many nonprofits experience a lull during the summer months. Through Giving 4th, the organization hopes to establish Independence Day as a new annual day of generosity.

Rather than asking Americans to support one specific cause, the campaign encourages people to donate to the nonprofit or charity of their choice. Whether that’s a local food pantry, veterans organization, youth sports league, animal shelter, or another community group, the goal is simply to give back.

America250 also encourages Americans to volunteer their time or take the Giving 4th pledge as another way to participate.

One Small Way to Celebrate America’s Birthday

Most Americans will spend July 4 the same way they always have—firing up the grill, watching fireworks, and enjoying a long summer weekend.

If you’re looking to show a little extra patriotic pride, fly the American Flag Set from Allegiance Flag Supply, display The Classic Half Barrel handcrafted wooden flag from The Heritage Flag Company, or top off your holiday look with Stetson’s Independence 20X USA 250 Edition cowboy hat, released to celebrate America’s upcoming 250th birthday.

And if America250’s vision catches on, one more tradition may join the list: giving back. Whether it’s a donation to your favorite nonprofit or a few hours of volunteering, the organization hopes Independence Day becomes as much about strengthening your community as celebrating the country’s past.

Related: NYC Is Going Bigger Than Ever for America’s 250th Birthday—Here’s What to Expect