Category: Health & Fitness

What you order at brunch may determine whether you remain productive—or spend the afternoon fighting the urge to nap.

According to research published in the Journal of Dairy Science, a protein-rich breakfast increased fullness and improved concentration before lunch compared with a carbohydrate-rich meal or no breakfast. The study was small, but its findings reinforce a Philadelphia restaurant owner’s warning about building brunch around sugary favorites.

“You will definitely feel sluggish if you eat pancakes with blueberries and a cinnamon bun,” says Alex Kemp, owner of Pine Street Grill in Philadelphia, PA.

His solution isn’t to skip them. It’s to share richer dishes with the table while making protein, fiber and produce the foundation of the meal.

The Formula for a Better Brunch

Kemp says getting older and becoming more conscious of his food intake have changed how he writes brunch menus. Rather than treating every diner the same, he aims to provide choices for people with different nutritional needs and fitness goals.

For an omelet with substantial protein that doesn’t become excessively heavy, Kemp favors a combination of “turkey breast, broccoli, spinach and farmer’s cheese.”

The best side depends on what comes next. When Kemp is training for long runs, he increases his intake of carbohydrate-rich foods. When his goal is building muscle, he emphasizes protein.

“Either way, fruit is always a good choice,” he says.

That approach aligns with federal nutrition guidance encouraging people to prioritize whole, nutrient-dense foods, including fruits and vegetables.

Related: The Simple Eating Tweaks That Can Instantly Steady Your Energy, According to the ‘Glucose Goddess’

Why the Smashburger Isn’t the Real Problem

Kemp also rejects the idea that eating well requires always ordering the most restrictive dish. He believes occasional indulgences can make an otherwise nutritious routine easier to sustain.

“I am a big advocate for taking mental breaks from a regimented diet,” he says. “Personally, these small indulgences make me feel happier and more consistent with eating clean throughout the week.”

That means a smashburger can fit into a health-conscious diet without becoming a reason to abandon it. The larger risk, Kemp says, is becoming so restrictive that one unplanned meal turns into several days of poor choices.

His most significant personal change has come from skipping alcohol. Kemp recently quit drinking and says the benefits have outweighed what he gave up. His favorite brunch alternative is a fizzy cucumber lemonade.

“It helps keep me hydrated and still be a part of the fun,” he says.

Alcohol increases fluid loss and can contribute to fatigue, disrupted sleep and stomach discomfort, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

Bottom line: Start with protein, fiber and fruit, then share the pancakes or enjoy the burger deliberately. Brunch should feel like a break—not require one afterward.

Related: Chef Reveals the Simple Trick for Making Restaurant Meals Healthier

By 2001, Robert Redford had already built one of the most celebrated careers as both an actor and director.

Starting his career in the 1960s, Redford broke out as a Hollywood superstar in the late ’60s to ’70s with films such as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting and All the President’s Men.

Some of his most memorable movies in the ’80s included The Natural and Out of Africa. In the ’90s, Redford established himself as one of the best directors in the industry with films such as Quiz Show and The Horse Whisperer.

In 2001, he starred alongside Brad Pitt in the mystery thriller Spy Game.

Directed by Tony Scott, Redford took on the role of veteran CIA operative Nathan Muir, who is on the brink of retirement. However, Muir is forced to spring back into action after his protege, Tom Bishop, played by Pitt, is caught in an unsanctioned mission in China.

Muir launches a secret rescue operation to save Bishop, who the CIA plans to cut ties with in order to avoid a major political issue.

Spy Game Among Robert Redford’s Best Movies of All Time

Shortly after his death in September 2025, Esquire published a list of the 25 greatest Robert Redford movies of all time. Spy Game earned the honor of being named among Redford’s best works.

“Tony Scott’s propulsive action thriller Spy Game feels like a thumping good spy novel in motion,” Esquire’s Eric Francisco wrote. “Robert Redford stars as a nearly-retired CIA veteran who races against time to extract his protege, played by Brad Pitt.

“From a metatextual lens, Spy Game comes off like a confrontation between two different generations of Hollywood, with Redford ultimately passing his leading man torch to Pitt, whose fame only grew in the new millennium.”

Spy Game underperformed commercially, especially by Redford’s high standards. With a $115 million budget, the movie grossed $143 million worldwide at the box office.

Nevertheless, the high-octane action thriller remains one of the most memorable films in Redford’s iconic filmography.

Related: ‘I Gave Myself Up Completely’: 2013 Robert Redford Drama Has a Near-Perfect Rotten Tomatoes Score

The Air Jordan 5 Retro OG ‘Black Metallic Reimagined‘ (HF3975-001) feels like a perfect night translated into a sneaker: black nubuck stretching like a clear midnight sky, reflective details flickering like stars, and an icy outsole bringing the cool. I recently picked up the ‘Black Carolina,’ ‘White Metallic,’ and ‘Wolf Grey‘ 5s, and each reminds me why Tinker Hatfield’s 1990 design still works. Premium materials or not, though, none of them hits me quite like this pair. Let’s get into it.

Key Facts at a Glance

Where Can You Buy the Air Jordan 5 ‘Black Metallic Reimagined’ Now?

The Air Jordan 5 ‘Black Metallic Reimagined’ released February 8, 2025, for $210 and is now primarily a resale-market buy. StockX currently shows a $392 Buy Now price, a $499 last sale, and a three-month sales range of $267 to $673. GOAT listings start around $280, while Flight Club also has pairs available.

That spread tells you everything: size matters. Compare marketplaces before checking out, because the right size can mean the difference between a reasonable premium and paying several hundred dollars more for the exact same sneaker.

What Makes the Air Jordan 5 ‘Black Metallic Reimagined’ Stand Out?

This is where the ‘Black Metallic Reimagined’ becomes poetry. The black nubuck lays down the night sky, while reflective piping traces the upper like constellations waiting for light. The oversized 3M tongue flashes silver, the Fire Red Jumpman burns through the darkness, and white laces cut across the upper with purpose.

Metallic silver shark teeth sharpen the black midsole, translucent netting adds another layer of texture, and an icy outsole cools everything underneath. Even the raised reflective Nike Air heel branding gets its own moment. Nothing is fighting for attention. Every detail lands exactly where Tinker’s design needs it.

Why Does the Air Jordan 5 ‘Black Metallic’ Matter?

The original ‘Black Metallic’ arrived with the Air Jordan 5 in 1990, and the silhouette remains one of Tinker Hatfield’s most aggressive designs. Its shark-tooth midsole detailing was inspired by World War II fighter-plane nose art, while the AJ5 introduced signature elements including a reflective tongue, translucent outsole, and lace locks.

The Reimagined edition respects that history instead of trying to replace it. Jordan Brand kept the familiar black, metallic silver, and Fire Red foundation, then added reflective piping, white laces inspired by how Michael Jordan wore the AJ5, and reflective Nike Air branding to make an OG classic feel fresh.

Should You Buy the Air Jordan 5 ‘Black Metallic Reimagined’?

Yes, if the price in your size stays sensible. I’ve spent enough time in Air Jordan 5s to appreciate what the silhouette does well: they’re comfortable, substantial without feeling delicate, and easy to work into a rotation when the color blocking is right. This is exactly that kind of pair.

I’d pay above the original $210 retail because the design, OG history, and execution justify a premium. I would not chase the highest resale numbers. At some point you stop paying for a great sneaker and start paying for scarcity. The ‘Black Metallic Reimagined’ is a must-own, not a blank check.

Related: Victor Wembanyama Nike Signature Shoe: Alien Logo, Long-Term Deal & What We Know

Related: Ranking the Best NBA Athletes’ Signature Sneakers Not Named Jordan

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Why We Love This Deal

Technical outdoor gear was once considered nerdy or out of place on the street, but that’s flipped entirely, with brands like Arc’teryx showing up as often as daily wear as they do on actual mountains. The main difference is in the technology. Arc’teryx prides itself on meticulously technical design intended to function in extreme outdoor conditions. That comes with prices to match, but the brand’s pieces are widely regarded as worth the cost. Thankfully, sales happen occasionally, which is why this 35% off deal for Arc’teryx’s Kragg Long Sleeve is so special. 

The $80 Arc’teryx Kragg Cotton Long-Sleeve Shirt is now on sale on Amazon, starting at $52. This is the lowest discount the shirt has received in the last year, and if stock starts running out on Amazon, it’s also available through Zappos for the same price.

Arc’teryx Kragg Cotton Long-Sleeve Shirt, From $52 (was $80) at Amazon and Zappos

What Shoppers Should Know

• Material: 100% combed cotton jersey, 240 gsm, PFAS-compliant
• Fit: Relaxed, gusseted with extra room under the arms
• Care: Machine wash
• Best For: Climbing, layering, everyday wear

Other than just being an incredibly solid, well-built 100% cotton shirt, the main technical detail here is the gusseted underarm construction. This is a choice pulled straight from climbing gear, adding mobility for constant reaching that you don’t get in regular long sleeves. The 240 gsm cotton jersey is also heavier than the usual picks, but the shirt is still breathable and designed to allow moisture to escape so you can stay cool, whether pressed up against a rockface or just dealing with Union Square station in the summer.

Fifty bucks is still a lot for a shirt, but Arc’teryx is famously functional, and this is something you’ll own for years. It’s also completely free of synthetics and is just an overall solid outdoors shirt that you can wear camping, backpacking, or as a daily driver. 

Related: Arc’teryx’s Featherweight Packable Sima Hoodie Is a Rare $40 Off at REI

What Shoppers Are Saying

Reviews are pretty sparse on Amazon, but there are a lot more on Arc’teryx’s site, where one reviewer said that the heavyweight cotton “translates to a shirt that will just get more and more comfortable with age, that can withstand all the abuse that you can throw at it.” They added, “The loose cut is super comfy and functional.”

It’s just a great rock climbing shirt as well, with one shopper writing that they weren’t sure if it would actually help, but the difference is “instantly noticeable, and the shirt doesn’t ride up, and provides a great range of motion.”

The Arc’teryx Kragg Cotton Long-Sleeve Shirt is available now for $52, and if other Arc’teryx deals are any indication, this will likely sell out quickly, so now’s the time to grab one. 

Also Check Out

• Arc’teryx Delta Hoody, From $143 (was $220) at Amazon
• Arc’teryx Atom Jacket, From $196 (was $280) at Amazon
• Coofandy Long Sleeve Shirt, $17 (was $27) at Amazon

Restaurant food has a reputation for turning one innocent dinner into a full-contact assault on your waistline.

Aimee Olexy, co-owner of Talula’s Garden, builds satisfying dishes around seasonal produce, protein and smaller amounts of high-impact ingredients. Research suggests that eating a wider variety of fruits and vegetables can improve diet quality and nutrient intake.

Still, Olexy warns that a “farm-to-table” label doesn’t automatically make a meal nutritious.

“The type of menu might not always do it alone,” she says. “I build dishes intentionally.”

The Healthy-Restaurant Trick Most Diners Miss

At Talula’s Garden, Olexy emphasizes vegetables and enough protein to help guests leave satisfied—not flattened by dinner.

Changing the menu with the seasons also pushes her beyond standard ingredients. Depending on what’s available, she may use kohlrabi, artichokes, pumpkins, radicchio, leeks, cabbage, Sungold tomatoes or spaghetti squash.

That approach reflects American Heart Association guidance, which recommends eating varied fruits and vegetables alongside whole grains and nutritious protein sources.

How to Create Richness Without Drowning Food in Butter

Olexy’s strategy is to use less fat while making every bite count. Rather than covering green beans in butter, she might add a small amount of aged cheddar or blue cheese. Walnuts and pine nuts provide richness and crunch without a heavy cream sauce.

She uses carbohydrates just as deliberately. Gnocchi, grits, polenta or a biscuit can give a dish substance without taking over the plate. Cauliflower purée, snap-pea hummus or slow-braised ratatouille adds body while increasing the vegetable volume.

Cheese works best under the same “less, but better” rule. Its concentrated flavor encourages diners to slow down and savor it. “A little goes a long way,” Olexy says.

Related: This One Protein Swap Could Help You Feel Fuller Than Shakes

The Restaurant Meal to Order Now

Olexy’s ideal summer meal starts with corn soup made from an herb-infused corn-cob stock. Next comes a tomato-and-cantaloupe salad with basil and burrata, followed by sweet-pea-and-leek risotto with seafood.

She would still finish with peach cobbler and lavender whipped cream.

Bottom line: Build your plate around produce and protein, use richer ingredients strategically, and save room for a dessert worth ordering.

Next: Longevity Experts Say This Diet Habit Could Be More Powerful Than Counting Calories

A former WWE Universal Champion is in Minneapolis, Minnesota, ahead of SummerSlam 2026 weekend.

There are 12 matches on the card for SummerSlam 2026 (six for each night) at U.S. Bank Stadium, including seven championship bouts. Aside from the action in the ring, SummerSlam often features surprise superstar returns.

In an update, Fightful Select reports that “Kevin Owens is in Minneapolis ahead of” SummerSlam 2026 weekend. Owens has been sidelined for over a year, having undergone neck fusion surgery in July 2025.

This report follows an update from Dave Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Meltzer reported that Owens and Randy Orton (sidelined with a back injury) are slated to return “very soon.”

Owens’ last match before his hiatus was on March 1, 2025. There, he defeated Sami Zayn via pinfall in an unsanctioned match.

The Six Matches for Day One of SummerSlam 2026

The six matches for day one of SummerSlam are: CM Punk vs. Cody Rhodes for the WWE Championship, Liv Morgan vs. Iyo Sky for the Women’s World Championship, Brock Lesnar vs. Oba Femi in a Hell in a Cell bout, Nick Aldis vs. Gunther, Fatal Influence vs. The Bella Twins and Paige, and The Bloodline vs. Solo Sikoa, LA Knight and Royce Keys.

Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services.  If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

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Why We Love This Deal

Sometimes the best hiking shoe is a sandal. Even the most breathable of shoes can’t match a sandal’s airy design and quick-drying properties, and when you throw in a grippy rubber outsole, sandals really do become awesome trail shoes. There are many great pairs of hiking sandals to consider, but this Teva option from REI has an extremely attractive price right now. It’s nearly 60% off, part of an REI Outlet deal that ends on August 3. 

Teva’s Universal Trail Sandals are on sale for just $41, a 59% discount, at REI. This deal beats the price at American Eagle, the only other retailer I could find selling this shoe—not even Teva has it in stock. The good news is that, at least right now, REI has it available in all sizes from 8 through 13.

Teva Universal Trail Sandals, $41 (was $100) at REI

What Shoppers Should Know

• Upper: Recycled polyester
• Footbed: Ariaprene
• Midsole: EVA
• Outsole: Vibram Megagrip rubber

The Universal Trail Sandals are a souped-up take on the iconic Teva Universal sandal. While they feature the same strap layout, the Universal Trail is a better choice for hiking. Why? 

Starting from the top, its polyester straps are lined with Ariaprene, a synthetic foam. That makes them much more comfortable against your feet, and also reduces the likelihood of chafing and irritation, since the straps can’t dig into your skin. The Universal Trail also has an actual midsole: a layer of EVA foam to absorb impact forces and provide some cushioning to your feet. That’ll help reduce fatigue when you’re walking for hours. 

Finally, the Universal Trail rides on an upgraded Vibram Megagrip rubber outsole with a toothy lug pattern that’ll dig into dirt and find purchase on rocky trails. Good traction is essential, and I wouldn’t hike in anything less.

Compared to hiking shoes or boots, these sandals offer several advantages. Since there’s no upper, they’re exceptionally breathable and will keep your feet cool on hot days. That also makes them great for trails with lots of creek crossings, as water won’t get stuck in your shoes. In addition, at just 10.3 ounces, the Universal Trail is much lighter than a typical hiking boot.

Related: Birkenstock Makes an All-Terrain Sandal, and It’s Currently Over 40% Off

What Shoppers Are Saying

REI shoppers called the Universal Trail Sandals “very comfortable” and appreciated their “excellent fit” and the padded straps, which create a helpful buffer between your foot and the polyester webbing. One reviewer said they’re the best strap sandals on the market: “I would wear these over any other brand.” While they’re great for dayhikes, shoppers also loved them for casual wear, and said they’re “so much better than flip flops.”

At nearly 60% off, these Teva hiking sandals are likely going to sell fast—one colorway is almost completely sold out. Grab your pair today before this incredible deal slips away.

Shop More Deals

• Merrell Maipo Explorer Aerosport Hiking Shoes, $58 (was $130) at Merrell (with code EXTRA40) 
• Birkenstock Atacama Sandal, $80 (was $140) at Nordstrom Rack
• Salomon Mountain Flex Insulated Hooded Jacket, $168 (was $240) at REI

Jack Nicholson is one of the greatest actors of all time. Throughout his filmography, some movies lived up to the hype, some were underwhelming, and others opened to poor reviews before becoming all-time classics.

That was the case with his 1975 film, The Passenger, directed by legendary filmmaker Michelangelo Antonioni.

How It Went From a Box Office Flop to a Classic

The movie follows a frustrated journalist on assignment in the desert who discovers his hotel neighbor dead. He steals the man’s identity in search of a more exciting life, only to discover the man was an international arms dealer.

On paper, the premise sounded thrilling, but audiences didn’t embrace it. The film also was completely overshadowed by Nicholson’s Oscar-winning performance later that year in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.

Nicholson later bought the rights to The Passenger and kept the film out of circulation for decades. That decision created intrigue and helped set up a 2005 re-release through Sony Pictures. From that point on, the film took off, with many considering it one of Nicholson’s best performances while praising Antonioni’s direction and cinematography.

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Fifty-one years later, the film holds an 88% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 4.0-star rating on Letterboxd.

Nicholson’s Comments on the Movie Prior to Its Release

Nicholson spoke about the film before its 1975 release and explained its central theme.

“The basic theme of The Passenger is an identity change: it deals with the area of fantasy and the subconscious in a man who says ‘Why don’t I just walk out of my life and become someone new tomorrow?’ It deals with the releasing of all the super-psychic energy which is locked around that fantasy, and makes the comments about why you can and why you can’t do this, how far it’s real and how far it’s a fantasy,” Nicholson said.

He also revealed what it was like working with Antonioni, calling it “hard work” that required “tremendous discipline.”

“I found working with Antonioni a tremendous discipline,” he added. “It was very hard work, and there was tension between us at times, because that’s the nature of work on this kind of thing. And of course Antonioni is always very much the master.”

Related: 1981 John Travolta Film, Once a Box Office Flop, Called One of the Greatest Movies Ever by Quentin Tarantino

“Hotel California” sounds inevitable now. In 1976, its co-writer thought releasing a six-minute song with a one-minute intro and two-minute guitar finale could be a career mistake.

Don Felder helped build the Eagles classic from a chord progression recorded at his Malibu home. The finished track ignored nearly every radio rule of its era—and then reached No. 1, won a Grammy, and became one of rock’s most enduring recordings.

Don Felder Thought Radio Would Reject It

Felder initially warned Don Henley against releasing “Hotel California” as a single. As he explained in an interview revisited by MusicRadar, 1970s radio favored songs around three minutes long, with short intros and conventional structures.

“Hotel California” offered the opposite: a slow entrance, an extended running time, a breakdown, and a long guitar coda. Felder believed disc jockeys would not play it.

Listeners proved him wrong. “Hotel California” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 on May 7, 1977, according to ABC Audio, and the Eagles won Record of the Year at the 1978 Grammy Awards. The song’s refusal to hurry became part of its power. It creates a destination, lets the tension build, and then spends more than two minutes releasing it through guitars.

Related: 1981 Rock Classic, Ranked One of the ‘Best Arena Rock Songs of All Time,’ Became a Timeless Road-Trip Anthem

The Famous Solo Was Both Planned and Spontaneous

Joe Walsh and Felder trade lead phrases before joining on the descending harmony. Walsh told Guitar Worldthat the individual solos were spontaneous, while the harmonized descending lines were worked out together.

That balance explains why the ending feels precise without sounding sterile. The conversation between the guitars has personality, but both players know exactly where the road leads. Guitar World readers ranked the “Hotel California” finale the fifth-greatest guitar solo of all time, further cementing the performance as one of rock’s defining guitar moments.

The recording was also complex enough that Felder needed a modified double-neck Gibson to reproduce the layered six-string and 12-string parts live. What sounded effortless required engineering, rehearsal, and a willingness to ignore the format that radio supposedly demanded.

Listen to the full recording without skipping the intro or guitar finale. “Hotel California” remains a useful reminder that the feature everyone calls excessive may be the exact reason the work survives.

Next: 1976 Rock Classic, Ranked One of the ‘Greatest Guitar Solo of All Time,’ Became a Timeless Road-Trip Anthem

The San Francisco 49ers have placed wide receiver Ricky Pearsall Jr. on season-ending injured reserve. This comes just days after Pearsall Jr. was sidelined with swelling in his knee. The swelling stems from an injury to his Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), which occurred in a game last season against the Jacksonville Jaguars. 

Per Mick Shlain of NBC Sports. “49ers GM John Lynch told reporters Pearsall would have surgery on his PCL. A year after knee injuries limited him to nine games, Pearsall will miss the entire 2026 season.” 

Related: 49ers Add Familiar Face to Wider Receiver Room

Earlier this week, it was reported that the 49ers had some “concern” about Pearsall’s knee swelling up, and they were “exploring all options”. It now seems the team has decided the best course of action is surgery, which will cause the third-year player to miss the entirety of 2026. 

Pearsall has dealt with injuries throughout his short career after being selected in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft with pick 31. He was shot in the chest just days before the start of his rookie season during an attempted robbery, which caused him to miss the first six games of his career. He would go on to have a solid rookie season, all things considered, as he posted 31 receptions for 400 yards and 3 touchdowns in 11 games. 

His sophomore season was once again derailed by injuries, as he only appeared in 9 contests. He was able to set career highs in receptions with 36 and receiving yards with 528, but he failed to find the endzone. 

San Francisco signed receiver Deebo Samuel on Thursday to a one-year, $7 million deal. With Christian Kirk dealing with his own injury, the team reacquired Samuel to bolster a receiving corps headlined by Mike Evans, who is entering his 13th NFL season.