1

Give up your favorite food to lose weight

Image: amirali mirhashemian

Small amounts of your favorite high-calorie foods can be included in a weight-loss plan . Just remember to keep track of your total calorie intake. To lose weight, you must burn more calories than you consume.

2

Avoid bread, pasta, and rice

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Grains themselves aren’t necessarily bad or unhealthy. Consuming whole grains—such as brown rice, whole-wheat bread, cereal, and pasta—as part of a healthy eating plan is a good idea because whole grains provide iron, fiber, and other important nutrients .

3

Choose gluten-free foods

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Gluten-free foods are not necessarily healthier if you don’t have celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye grains. If you don’t have these health issues but avoid gluten anyway, you may miss out on important vitamins, fiber, and minerals.

4

Avoid all fats

Image: Kelly Sikkema

Despite all the bad press, not all fats are bad. Fat provides essential nutrients and should be an important part of a healthy eating plan. However, because fats have more calories per gram than protein or carbohydrates (or "carbs"), it is important to limit fat intake to avoid consuming extra calories.

5

Avoid dairy products

Image: Kenny Eliason

Dairy products are an important food group because they provide proteins needed to build muscles and support organ function , as well as calcium to strengthen bones.

Most dairy products, such as milk and some yogurts, have added vitamin D to help the body absorb calcium, since many Americans don’t get enough of these nutrients.

6

Go vegetarian to lose weight

Image: Anna Pelzer

Embracing a fully vegetarian diet only leads to weight loss if you reduce your total calorie intake . As often happens, some vegetarians may make food choices that could lead to weight gain, such as eating large amounts of foods high in sugar, fat, and calories.

Eating small amounts of lean meats can also be part of a healthy plan to lose or maintain weight.

7

Don’t snack between meals

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There is nothing wrong with snacking. It can help prevent overeating at meals , provided the snacks are healthy —like apples, peanut butter, low-fat cheese, or whole-grain crackers.

8

Healthy eating is expensive

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Healthy eating can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. With a little planning and smart shopping , you can enjoy a much healthier diet on a budget . Many people think produce is too costly, but there are plenty of examples that prove otherwise. For instance, a large bag of lettuce is affordable and lasts a long time.

9

Avoid late-night snacks

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Late snacking isn’t inherently a problem. The real issue is when your late-night snacks are unhealthy . The time of day is not as important as what you eat. If you’re eating ice cream or chips and dip, you’ll gain weight—no matter what time it is.

10

Diet soda is better than regular soda

Image: Kenny Eliason

Multiple studies have linked diet soda to an increased risk of diabetes , metabolic syndrome, and obesity, though causation is still debated. Nonetheless, if you’re looking for a healthier soda alternative, try flavored water, sparkling water, or unsweetened tea.

11

Non-nutritive sweeteners are healthy

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The increasing demand for low-calorie, low-carb, sugar-free foods has led to a larger portion of products containing non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS).

While it’s clear that a diet high in added sugar increases disease risk, intake of NNS may also raise the risk of type 2 diabetes by causing negative changes in gut bacteria and promoting blood sugar dysregulation.

12

White potatoes are unhealthy

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Delicious potatoes are often labeled as "unhealthy" because they are frequently eaten in unhealthy ways. However, these starchy vegetables are highly nutritious , providing potassium, vitamin C, and fiber , and can be included as part of a healthy diet. The key is to cook or bake potatoes, but never fry them.

1

Robert De Niro vs Mickey Rourke

Image: Vitruvian Badr

At first glance, it was the typical 1980s film set. But when Robert De Niro and Mickey Rourke worked together in Angel Heart , their differences in style weren’t just noticeable; they were combustible. De Niro, famous for disappearing into his roles with a strict Method approach, didn’t always mesh well with Rourke’s more unpredictable, improvisational take.

According to lore, all hell broke loose when Rourke decided to ignore De Niro’s suggestions for a scene. What was supposed to be a straightforward shoot turned into multiple takes, frustrating not just the two stars but the entire crew. The altercation quickly became Hollywood gossip, with insiders saying it was a classic case of two strong personalities refusing to give in.

2

David Letterman vs Jay Leno

Image: John-Mark Smith

Who deserved the late-night crown , Letterman or Leno? For years, Americans were unable to settle the debate. On screen, both comedians exchanged polite words and even jokes, but behind the curtain, the situation was a little more complicated.

Reporters loved to stir the pot, writing headline after headline about which funnyman truly deserved the throne. Viewers, meanwhile, treated it almost like a sporting match, tuning in to see who would come out on top. In truth, much of the "feud" was blown out of proportion, yet the friendly jabs and constant comparisons managed to keep audiences entertained.

3

Dean Martin vs Jerry Lewis

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On stage, there were only gags, music, and applause. But behind the scenes, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis were falling apart. Martin often felt stuck playing the calm, serious foil while Lewis stole all the laughs with his wild, over-the-top routines.

Over time, that imbalance created real tension. After starring in 16 hit films together, the famous duo finally called it quits. Their split was so final that they didn’t exchange a word for two full decades. Fans were stunned when they eventually patched things up later in life, a reminder that even the biggest comedy legends aren’t immune to bruised egos and long silences.

4

Olivia de Havilland vs Joan Fontaine

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Few family feuds reached the heights of Olivia de Havilland and Joan Fontaine’s legendary rivalry. The sisters were competitive long before the bright lights of Hollywood, each vying for their mother’s attention. Once both became movie stars, the bad blood only grew stronger.

In 1942, the two actresses were even nominated for Academy Awards in the same category. Fontaine ended up winning and later claimed her older sister pulled her hair during the ceremony. That incident became one of Hollywood’s most talked-about snubs. Their quarrel stretched on for decades, marked by jealousy, pride, and the kind of family drama that the public can’t get enough of.

5

Elton John vs Madonna

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It may sound like sensational news, but Elton John once declared Madonna’s Bond theme "the worst ever." From that point on, the two megastars exchanged sharp words through the press, with Elton poking fun at her performances and Madonna brushing off the criticism with icy charm.

Reporters loved every jab, turning their spat into tabloid gold. Though they occasionally patched things up, the rivalry lingered. Even music royalty can squabble just like the rest of us!

6

Marilyn Monroe vs Jayne Mansfield

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In the 1950s, Hollywood had room for only so many platinum blondes, and Marilyn Monroe was already the reigning queen. When Jayne Mansfield came to light with her hourglass figure and playful charm, the press quickly dubbed her "the next Monroe."

Marilyn, who guarded her image carefully, bristled at the idea of a copycat stealing her thunder. Meanwhile, Mansfield leaned into the comparisons, showing up at events in daring outfits and orchestrating photo ops that guaranteed headlines. The result was a highly public rivalry that fascinated fans, turning every red carpet into a showdown.

7

Johnny Carson vs Joan Rivers

Image: Debby Hudson

One phone call never answered, one friendship lost forever. Joan Rivers owed much of her early success to Johnny Carson, who gave her a career-changing boost as a regular guest on The Tonight Show . For years, she was seen as his comic protégé, someone he personally championed. But when Rivers accepted an offer to host her own late-night program, Carson viewed it as a betrayal.

He cut off contact immediately, refusing to take her calls, and the friendship that once seemed unbreakable collapsed overnight. Fans were stunned to see the bitter end of what had appeared to be a classic mentor-and-student bond. The silence lasted all their lives.

8

Debbie Reynolds vs Gene Kelly

Image: Kazuo ota

When Debbie Reynolds starred in Singin’ in the Rain , she was a 19-year-old performer stepping into a major role for the first time. Gene Kelly, already an established star, demanded flawless performances and wasn’t known for his patience. Reynolds later recalled long hours of grueling rehearsals, where Kelly frequently criticized her every move, reducing her to tears.

Though their discord was rooted more in his high standards than personal dislike, the experience marked a harsh introduction to Hollywood for the young actress. Today, their behind-the-scenes tension is remembered as both a glimpse into Kelly’s tough reputation and a reminder of the enormous pressures that came with working alongside legends.

9

Orson Welles vs William Randolph Hearst

Image: William Warby

When Citizen Kane hit the screens, it wasn’t just a film debut; it was the spark of one of Hollywood’s fiercest battles. William Randolph Hearst, the media tycoon who saw too much of himself in the story, launched an all-out war against Orson Welles.

He tried to bury the film before it could reach audiences, banning ads in his papers and fueling smear campaigns. What began as a clash of egos grew into a cultural showdown, forever linking their names to both scandal and cinematic history.

10

Frank Sinatra vs Marlon Brando

Image: Brett Sayles

If you watch Guys and Dolls today, all you’ll see is glamour. In reality, the shooting was pretty stressful: Sinatra craved efficiency, Brando thrived on slow-burning performance. Brando’s Method acting tested Sinatra’s patience, as Ol’ Blue Eyes favored efficiency and clean, polished takes.

Rumors of heated exchanges and icy silences hit the media, and by the final days of filming, the pair were barely speaking. What should have been a classy production became notorious for its behind-the-scenes tension, adding an extra layer of drama to the musical classic.

11

Bette Davis vs Joan Crawford

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So iconic was their hatred that it later inspired documentaries and TV series. Davis and Crawford didn’t just feud; they redefined what a Hollywood rivalry is. For decades, the two icons sparred over leading roles, critical acclaim, and public adoration.

Gossip included backhanded insults, stolen lovers, and outright sabotage during productions. When they finally shared the screen in 1962’s What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? , the film’s unsettling tension was magnified by their very real animosity.

12

Chevy Chase vs Bill Murray

Image: Aleks Dorohovich

In the early days of Saturday Night Live , Chevy Chase and Bill Murray were usually at each other’s throats. Chase’s sharp, polished delivery often clashed with Murray’s more offbeat, improvisational style, and the tension spilled offstage.

Reports of heated arguments (and even a near brawl backstage) turned their working relationship into one of the show’s most notorious conflicts. Though both later moved on, their rocky career start stands as a reminder of how fragile chemistry can be in comedy’s spotlight.

1

Times Square, New York

Image: Claudio Schwarz

Of course, the famous multicolored screen-lit corner of Midtown Manhattan is one of the most concurred spots in the country and the world. It is estimated that over 300,000 people pass through this intersection every day.

Forever buzzing with shiny advertisements and businesses that grant service 24/7, the "Crossroads of the World" and its nearby streets are a hub offering adrenaline, entertainment, history, gastronomy, and museum-like stores. During the New Year's Eve ball drop event, the number of visitors can climb up to one million, although it reached its all-time record on December 31st, 1999. An estimated two million people gathered there to watch the ball mark the end of the year, century, and millennium!

2

Las Vegas Strip, Las Vegas

Image: David Vives

The Las Vegas Strip is said to be the brightest spot on the planet when seen from space. This four-mile-long stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard in Nevada concentrates some of the world’s largest and most boastful hotels, casinos, and resorts. No wonder the area attracts approximately 42 million visitors each year.

Although the heart of Las Vegas offers plenty of entertainment venues, fine dining establishments, sports events, galleries, and huge shopping centers, it is most famous for being a gambling destination . A 2019 survey concluded that eight in ten adults who visited Las Vegas gambled while they were there.

3

National Mall, Washington, D.C.

Image: Chad Stembridge

Visitors in Washington D.C. flock in masses to the National Mall. This open-park area sprawls over two miles from the U.S. Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial and is also home to iconic landmarks like the Washington Monument , the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the World War II Memorial. The Smithsonian museums are another attraction, offering free access to art, history, and science exhibitions.

Approximately 30 million visitors walk the area each year, which makes it a top-tier attraction for people all over the country and the world. Of course, the park is most flooded with attendance on special dates and events, such as the celebrations of Independence Day , Earth Day, or the Blossom Kite Festival.

4

Millennium Park, Chicago

Image: Kevin Olson

Those who travel to Chicago know they should visit Millennium Park, and those who go to Millennium Park know they must approach the iconic bean-shaped Cloud Gate . As a consequence, it is estimated that 25 million people are reflected on the silver surface of The Bean every year.

Millennium Park was opened twenty years ago, in 2004, as an urban development built over a former industrial area to promote art and outdoor recreation in the "city in a garden," which is Chicago’s motto.

5

Golden Gate Park, San Francisco

Image: Alireza Mirzabegi

Sprawling by the Pacific Ocean is the Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. It covers a massive 1,017-acre urban section and includes attractions like the de Young Museum, the California Academy of Sciences, and the Japanese Tea Garden. It also offers beautiful gardens , picnic areas, lakes, and iconic structures like the Conservatory of Flowers. Not to mention privileged views of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.

24 million visitors come to the park each year, with some events gathering over 200,000 attendees, like the annual Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival. There are spots in this park to suit all interests : Windmills, boat rentals, observation towers, a Shakespeare Garden, 130 species of birds, and even bison!

6

Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, Orlando

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Even though Magic Kingdom Park charges for admission, it’s still one of the most visited places in the country every year. At least 20 million go through the turnstiles annually to walk the quintessential Disney theme park.

Cinderella’s Castle, Main Street, U.S.A., and iconic attractions like Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Haunted Mansion are fan favorites in this land. Special events held for Halloween, Christmas, and Fourth of July are among the park’s largest annual celebrations, drawing thousands of visitors.

7

Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston

Image: Brett Wharton

Faneuil Hall Marketplace has been standing since 1742 when it was established. Historically, it served as a focal point for public discourse and commerce. Today, it is mainly a marketplace that features more than 80 businesses , including eateries, shops, and entertainment venues, all set along charming cobblestone walks.

The area is vibrant all year round, frequented by musicians, magicians, and other performers . Foodie soirees, history tours, and fairs of local enterprises are further reasons to visit the spot. About 18 million do so every year.

8

Balboa Park, San Diego

Image: Vincent Yuan @USA

Balboa Park in San Diego features stunning gardens and buildings, as well as the world-famous San Diego Zoo . 1,200-acre wide, it also houses the San Diego Museum of Art and the San Diego Natural History Museum. The park famously boasts Spanish-Renaissance architecture and has become a hub for both locals and tourists.

During the holidays, the December Nights celebration gathers over 350,000 visitors across two days, when museums offer free entry and festive performances are held. EarthFair is another huge event in the park, attracting 60,000 attendees to one of the world’s largest environmental fairs to promote sustainability.

9

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Image: Jack Prommel

Straddling the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, this National Park gathers over 12 million people every year. It is indeed the most visited national park in the U.S. and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site . Its mist-covered peaks, lush forests, and diverse wildlife fascinate visitors who walk its hiking trails. These include the Appalachian Trail.

Hundreds of thousands choose to visit the park during fall when autumn colors light up the landscape. In spring, the Wildflower Pilgrimage draws botany enthusiasts who come to the guided talks and walks to appreciate the park's unique biodiversity.

10

Pier 39, San Francisco

Image: Deane Bayas

Pier 39 is ideal for a family-friendly promenade. Located on San Francisco’s Embarcadero, this waterfront marketplace is known for its shops, restaurants, and stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the Bay. There’s also a colony of sea lions forever lounging on its docks, who have become one of the dearest attractions of the site.

Another main attraction is the two-tiered carousel sitting towards the end of the pier. The 15 million pedestrians who come yearly can also enjoy its video arcade, 3D rides, shops, and restaurants, and visit the Aquarium of the Bay.