LaRue V. Gillespie

LaRue V. Gillespie is a journalist, freelance writer, and content creator who has written about health/wellness, mental health, fitness, nutrition, beauty, and lifestyle for the last two decades. She served as editor-in-chief/creative director for Max Sports & Fitness Magazine for 12 years and has freelanced for various publications like Strong Fitness Magazine and Living Magazine along the way. Her greatest passion involves researching and writing content that helps others live better healthier lives.

Articles by LaRue V. Gillespie

woman wearing a yellow coat scans the produce section of a grocery store

12 Fruits & Veggies That Contain the Most Pesticides

The annual "Dirty Dozen" list is out—but that doesn't mean you should throw out your blueberries yet.

Avocado oil products

The Best & Worst Avocado Oil Snacks

Not every item containing the heart-healthy fat is good for you.

shrimp cocktail

10 Things To Never Order at an Expensive Restaurant

Stay away from these overpriced, underwhelming picks.

unpacking groceries

6 Store-Bought Foods You Should Make at Home

From stocks to ghee—these staples are much better homemade.

costco wholesale

The Best Black Friday Sales at Costco

With a plethora of items going on "early" sale, you can start enjoying discounts today.

fried calamari

7 Things To Never Order At a Cheap Restaurant

There are some items that can't possibly be fresh at a lower price point.

woman holding wrapped meat at grocery store

6 Ways To Recognize Top-Quality Beef at the Grocery Store

The USDA's beef grading system can help, but there’s definitely more to it.

checkers bacon brewhouse mother cruncher sandwich

8 Fast-Food Sandwiches To Stay Away From

You'll want to skip these indulgent orders.

pumpkin spice latte, pumpkin, cinnamon sticks, and coffee beans

8 Worst Coffee Orders From Popular Chains

Some of these seasonal sips pack more calories than an average meal.

plastic food containers and bottled drinks

The FDA Refuses to Ban These Harmful Chemicals

Scientists say there is sufficient evidence that phthalates can cause serious harm to human health.

woman cooking chicken

This Food Can Be "Dangerously Contaminated" With Salmonella

Experts are calling for stricter regulations of this major source of food poisoning.

woman eating salad

Here’s Why There May Be Poop In Your Lunch

Making a healthy salad? It could end up making you sick.

Thousands Of Unregulated Chemicals Are Currently In Your Food, Experts Say

Thousands Of Unregulated Chemicals Are In Your Food

Thanks to a loophole, chemical companies are the ones deciding whether their products are safe for our consumption.

grocery store shopping

7 Groceries So Unhealthy They Should Have a Warning

Scientists are calling for implementation of an "ultra-processed" label on foods.

packaged fast food

8 Fast-Food Chains With the Most Toxic Food Packaging

New research identified food wrappers and burger boxes with highest levels of PFAS.