Food trends come and go. Are you wondering about the latest trends in food - what might be of value and what might just be a fad? Well, there’s a little of both in many of them.
What I see for the upcoming year is a sincere attempt by many to eat healthier. At long last there’s a mainstream movement toward believing that what you eat matters, so more effort is being put into making healthier choices. As a consumer it’s important for you to get past the hype and look carefully at the ingredients in any trendy product you buy.
Here are the top 10 trends I see in foods for 2020:
1.. Oat milk
This is a hot one. Cow’s milk has lost its grip on the market. Simply put, oat milk is made from oats and water. Promoted as a non-allergenic drink, it may or may not be the case. Oats are often processed int he same factory as wheat, which is a common allergen. Most people drink milk as a source of protein, potassium calcium. It has adequate potassium and calcium but it should be noted it does not have complete protein. As always, look carefully at the panel of ingredients and nutrients when buying oat milk or any milk.
2. Plant based meat substitutes
Next to oat milk, plant based burgers are the hottest trend today. I’m not a fan of some of them. They replace beef with an array of fibrous ingredients and many artificial additives. You can find a list of the ingredients for the two most popular burgers here. For now, well-intentioned consumers beware. High salt content, many non-food ingredients, and these newer products are much less a food than a manufactured product. If you want a plant-based burger, make them yourself with black beans, bread crumbs and vegetables. Skip the commercial products and their additives.
3. Probiotics
Probiotics are the good bacteria your digestive system needs to function properly, build immunity and provide a host of other benefits. One food trend that provides probiotics is a drink called kombucha. Heard of it? You will for sure in 2020. Kombucha is just one source of probiotics, and a very good one. You can also acquire good flora or bacteria from fermented foods. They include apple cider vinegar, sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, pickles and yogurt. You can find information on probiotic supplements that are focused on particular needs like immune building, digestive health, etc. on my portal.
4. Bone broths
Broths are touted as a source of collagen and other nutrients for the skin, hair joints and bones. Make your own - it’s a long and arduous process, but the outcome will be worth it as compared to packaged bone broths.
5. Greens
Brussels sprouts are the rage. I happen to love them, but if you don’t choose green vegetables you like and eat them often.
6. Green snacks.
You’ll see kale chips and dips and all sorts of snack foods featuring a green vegetable as the focal point. Remember, these are just snacks. The amount of actual vegetable contained in these products is minimal. Skip the packaged snacks and eat a piece of fruit or a handful of celery if you’re hungry.
7 .Fruit reductions and syrups
For the sugar conscious diner, you may see foods containing fruit reductions or syrups showing up. They’re a speck better than the refined sugars they replace, but just a speck. Sugar is sugar and it harms your health. See why here.
8. Trending toward Sustainability
The good news is more consumers are concerned about the impact of food on the environment. Outcomes include an increase in community gardening, rooftop gardens in cities and support for local farming and hopefully an end to toxic pesticides on our food, water and air.
9. Home delivery systems
As one decade closes, the use of Uber and other transport services for humans is expanding into transport services for the evening meal. Uber eats expects to be busier than ever in 2020. While it may be a wonderful option in busy lives, it is not, and never will be, a replacement for simple whole foods prepared and cooked at home. My advice? Be grateful food delivery services are an option in a pinch, but day to day, grow or buy your food, prepare it and sit down at your table for a relaxing meal. You’ll have a better handle on where your food comes from and how it reached your plate.
10. Intermittent fasting
Various studies are ongoing on intermittent fasting and its effect on aging, disease, weight and overall energy. There are various forms of intermittent fasting you might want to explore. You’ll be hearing much more on this topic in the next decade.
Just like fashion, there will always be trends and fads in the world of nutrition. In the past decade we saw paleo and keto diets as the answer to everyone’s dietary and weight loss needs, and these are sure to be replaced with a new concept in the next decade. But what remains as the single best way to nourish yourself and maintain a healthy weight is a diet of simple whole foods. Your plate should consist of about 1/4 protein (lean meat, fish, tofu, beans, lentils), 1/4 whole grains (brown rice, quinoa, barley, farro) and 1/2 vegetables ( a mix of sweet like carrots, sweet potato, beets with bitter like greens) with a piece of fruit if you like dessert. My book Food Becomes You - Simple Steps for Lifelong Wellness contains many recipes and menus to make this work easily in your life.
Need help with your food, weight or overall health? Contact me for a complimentary consultation to see if a holistic nutrition program is right for you.