For many, a new year means a number of new goals, including health and fitness related resolutions made. Paired right alongside those desired numbers and figures are new diet trends. Some work and some won’t, but here are eight diet trends for the new year.
- Vegetables anytime and anywhere – Expect to see more and more vegetable-based additions and alternatives making their way into packages and freshly prepared foods and in published recipes. Even canned and jarred items, like pasta sauces will benefit from a kick of extra vitamins and minerals from blended vegetables.
- Coconut is holding on – Coconut has been popular in oil usage, waters, and in prepared items like bars. One of the largest new uses of it will be in coconut yogurt, yogurt being a popular item in diets for years now. Expect to see more options on menus and additional flavor offerings in creamers and ice creams as well.
- Protein packed punches – Protein is important for many diet plans and athletic endeavors, and food companies are taking notice. Items like coffee and pasta are jumping in on labeling with extra protein alongside your usual items. There are many quick choices for protein in small, portable snack portions, like hummus or meat and cheese in prepared containers.
- Mediterranean diet – This favorite from a few years back is getting a resurgence because of the “balance, maintainability, palatability, family-friendliness, sustainability” and healthfulness, according to Dr. David Katz of Yale University. This diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and whole grains.
- Flexibility, including Flexitarian – With people finding being all vegetarian to be constrictive, flexitarian is now a more flexible alternative. Flexitarians eliminate meat for health reasons instead of moral ones. While eating mainly plant based products, they may include animal products occasionally or in moderation. In fact, many diets this year will be ones that are flexible since most people want a little wiggle room from time to time.
- Sweet potato options – If you are tired of cauliflower options being everywhere, keep you eyes open for sweet potatoes instead. The root vegetable is high in a number of vitamins and minerals and is already being incorporated into pasta dishes and snacking foods. Additionally, baked sweet potatoes and fries are being offered at more and more places to eat, allowing for a choice in line with this trend.
- Mocktails as an alternative – Whether someone is celebrating sobriety or they simply don’t want the effects that come with alcoholic beverages, there are a number of bar, restaurants, and parties where mocktails are being shaken and stirred with the same flavors and pizzazz of popular mixed drinks.
- Blended products – To add to the flexibility many are seeking in their diets, several meat products, like packaged burger patties, are sporting a partial meat and veggie mixture. These alternatives allow for less fat and calories while packing extra nutrients that are lacking in many of our diets. These blends also allow for those looking for ethically raised meat options without draining their bank account to have a few choices to explore.
Integrity Urgent Care highly recommends evaluating your health needs with a medical practitioner or licensed nutritionist to see where gains can be made and which diet or food trend helps to support your needs. Our doctors can help, and are also available to see you for a variety of needs in your life. Come see us at one of our several locations, open from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week.
