Insider Today: Work out smarter

Happy Saturday! A new study uncovered more evidence linking cancer to inflammation from diets high in ultra-processed foods. Researchers are now pointing to these foods that may heal the body. (There’s more below on a concerning colon cancer trend.)

On the agenda:

But first: AI fixed Christmas.

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This week’s dispatch

ChatGPT, Santa edition

If you’re wondering what to get your friends and family this holiday season, perhaps you should follow Caroline Brew’s lead. She’s a Business Insider fellow who asked ChatGPT what to get her family for Christmas.

The AI-powered tool “gave me 19 suggestions,” Brew wrote, “along with additional ideas under categories suggesting quirky and personalized gifts.”

I decided to try it for my mom, who is hard to shop for, using the prompt: “What should I get my mom for Christmas? She’s the woman who has everything and loves books, reading, tea, and taking a bath. I want it to be thoughtful.”

ChatGPT gave me seven suggestions, touching on each theme I provided. The first suggestion was my favorite: “Get her a custom book where you can write and design a book filled with reasons you love and appreciate her.”

It’s an idea I wouldn’t have thought of myself, but one that my mom would cherish, especially because our immediate family lives in three different states.

If you’re still wondering what to get your tribe, we’ve also compiled a list of suggestions for Generation Alpha and ideas for the teenagers in your life. You can also check out our gift-giving guides, curated by BI’s Reviews team, that make holiday shopping fun, not a chore.

Colon cancer’s rise in young people

Colorectal cancer rates in people under 50 are increasing all over the world. New data from the Lancet Oncology showed that colon cancer rates in young people went up in 27 of the 50 countries the study examined during a 5-year period.

This spike also appears to be happening in richer countries. The study’s authors identified detrimental dietary exposures and sedentary lifestyles associated with economic wealth as potentially being connected to the trends.

Where the disease is on the rise.

The luxe items that make men’s lives easier

When it comes to the gift-giving season, there’s one thing most people want: something that will make their lives easier.

Whether it’s a spa package or a fancy alarm clock, there are plenty of options to choose from. BI asked successful men about the luxury items they swear by to make their lives easier, from a Herman Miller chair to $400 headphones.

Here’s what they said.

Doing less for better results

Lia Bartha is a 41-year-old pilates instructor who spent years working out too hard. She felt like she was “plateauing” and that higher-impact workouts weren’t intuitive to how her body was aging.

She’s now prioritizing longevity exercises and says low-impact routines work better for her body. Her brand, B The Method, combines pilates with other wellness techniques like breathwork and flowing gentle movements.

Low impact for the win.

Under-the-radar travel destinations

A luxury travel advisor based in Los Angeles books five-star hotels and vacations for her wealthy clients. She said many prefer traveling to spots that feel exclusive without the large crowds of tourists.

From St. Barts for a warm getaway to the Dolomites for those who want to hit the snowy slopes, she recommends these destinations to her clients looking to get out of town this winter.

Wealthy winter getaways.

What we’re watching this weekend

• “Conclave”: The papal drama starring Ralph Fiennes and Stanley Tucci has been meme fodder for social media — and now it’s finally streaming on Peacock.
• “Yellowstone”: The hit neo-Western’s season (or series) finale airs this weekend.
• “Maria”: Angelina Jolie stars as the opera singer Maria Callas in a new biographical drama on Netflix.

See the full list

What to shop

• Last-minute gifts: Time is running out for gift shopping, but luckily, we have a guide to the best last-minute gift ideas for when you’re in a pinch. Options like in-store pickup and digital delivery features (think subscriptions and gift cards) make all the difference.
• Seriously comfy slippers: Bombas makes some of our favorite socks of all time, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the brand’s new memory foam slippers rock. Our style team tried both versions — and they’ve basically refused to take them off.
• Don’t forget the ham: For many, ham is a must-have for Christmas dinner. Rather than spending your day in line, check out our roundup of the best hams that will arrive in time for the holiday meal.

More of this week’s top reads:

The Insider Today team: Dan DeFrancesco, deputy editor and anchor, in New York City. Grace Lett, editor, in New York. Lisa Ryan, executive editor, in New York. Amanda Yen, associate editor, in New York.