Lauren Vinopal

Lauren Vinopal is a writer based in Chicago. She specializes in reporting expert-driven fitness, nutrition and mental health content, as well as the intersection between wellness and culture.  She is interested in new workouts and products, the proliferation of cannabis in the wellness industry and any emerging optimization trends. As a former staff writer at Fatherly and Mel Magazine, Vinopal’s work has also been featured in SlateViceMen’s Health, Men’s JournalGQPsychology Today, and more. Her writing about therapy accessibility has been highlighted on NPR’s Marketplace, and she was also on a panel for an episode of Open Debate featuring renowned psychotherapist Esther Perel. She excels at blending data and expertise with personal experience and humor, which has made her a reliable health journalist and consistent contributor in the men’s media space.

All Articles From Lauren Vinopal

The Myth of the Happy Idiot

IQ scores and literacy are on the decline, but our newfound ignorance isn’t leading to bliss

This Ancient Practice Could Save You From an Awful Sleep

People have sworn by yoga nidra for centuries. We tried it alongside its Andrew Huberman-backed equivalent, called “non-sleep deep rest.”

Is High-Volume Eating Right for You?

The habit keeps you full — and can keep your weight in check. But there are a few concerns to know about.

What 50 Morning Jumps Can Do for Your Fitness

Influencers claim the micro habit boosts energy. We put it to the test.

Could “Loaded Stretching” Cure Your Back Pain?

The underrated practice improves strength and mobility at the same time

You Really Want to Live Longer? Get a Grip.

The metric is a better predictor of premature death than your blood pressure

The Perfect Workout Most of Us Will Never Even Try

Fencing supercharges your forearms and footwork. Here's how to give it a go.

One of the Best Things You Can Do After a Fight

Pissed off? Getting out of the house could get you out of fight or flight.

How to Eat More Fiber — Without Spending More Money

Only 5% of American men meet daily fiber recommendations. Here's how to join them.

Are Men Allowed to Yell at Their Therapists?

Anger isn’t always a meltdown. Sometimes it’s a breakthrough.

Should Weed Be Part of Your Wellness Routine?

Cannabis has the potential to help with weight loss, gut health, sleep and much more

Why Can I Fall Asleep on the Couch and Not in My Bed?

Sleep experts explain why your brain resists rest when it matters most

Is AI Therapy Really a Good Idea?

It’s here, so let’s examine the pros, cons and unknowns of outsourcing your counsel to an LLM

This Is Your Brain on Creatine

Most commonly linked to muscle building, the supplement can actually encourage short-term memory and clear thinking, too

What Does Sleep Have to Do With Aging? Everything.

Sleep quality starts declining far earlier than most people realize — and understanding why could help you preserve it

The Dietary Change That Brought My Energy Back

Going "flexitarian" turned food into fuel again — and helped me fight fatigue