Just last year, in 2019, healthy foods such as tahini and plant-based foods dominated our kitchen. This year, there’s a whole lot more, including everything from probiotics to ancient grains. Healthy eating isn’t a new “trend”, it’s just that with the introduction of processed foods decades ago, it took a bit of a backseat.
Now though, healthy eating is making a comeback as people become more aware of their bodies and the impact processed or packaged foods have on our system. The re-emphasis on healthy eating is only expected to continue to rise as our access to information has helped revolutionize nutrition science. We’re more aware of the foods we eat and synthesize and critique information more than 30 years ago.
So, what are the top healthy food trends that have popped up in 2020? We’ve curated a list of some of the most popular ones that you might want to consider adopting.
Ancient Grains
Ancient grains such as quinoa aren’t new, but there’s a whole lot of other ancient grains that have hit the market this year. Examples include farro, spelt, millet, bulgur, and so much more. Ancient grains are popular and great for your health because they’re nutrient-dense, have plenty of fiber, and are linked to health benefits such as decreased cholesterol and a lower risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Spelt flour, in particular, has gained traction lately as it’s a good source of fiber and protein and is an excellent alternative to wheat flour in both cooking and baking. Use them to bake banana bread or bake a delicious loaf of spelt bread that you can have in the morning with a cup of coffee or tea.
Mocktails over Cocktails
There’s no doubt that alcohol is bad for us, particularly when consumed in large quantities – and scientific studies back that. Evidence has found that no amount of alcohol is safe, and in fact alcohol contributes to a range of health risks and premature death. Choosing mocktails – non-alcoholic cocktails – will not only prevent those risks, it’ll also bring the delicious goodness of fruit into your diet.
The mocktail movement has certainly gained traction this year, with Google searches for the term “mocktail” increasing by 42%. As Americans embrace wellness and health, limiting alcohol units has become more mainstream, and Millennials also like that they’re cheaper than the real deal! Here’s a list of easy, delicious, non-alcoholic mocktails to try.
Probiotics
While probiotics have been popular in Greek yogurt and sauerkraut way before 2020, this year saw probiotics being infused into all sorts of food and drinks from granola bars to juices and protein powders to pet food. Probiotics have gained traction because it’s known for keeping your body healthy and working well. They’re especially good for your digestive system and help balance the good and bad bacteria in your body.
Go Natural recently released Go Natural Probiotic Chips in different flavors that’ll satisfy every palate. Each pack comes with 1 billion probiotics, and these chips are also vegetarian and gluten-free with no artificial flavors or sweeteners. As a bonus, you’ll also get 17 grams of protein with every pack and 13.5 grams of fiber.
Healthy drinks
Speaking of probiotics, in 2020 you’ve probably noticed an influx of kombucha at your local supermarket, restaurant, or perhaps you’ve tried fermenting this yourself at home. Kombucha is full of natural probiotics and it’s amazing for your gut health. Not only that, it’s also great for improving your energy, provides you with an abundance of antioxidants and polyphenols, it can actually help you to cut back on sugars and of course, it helps you to stay hydrated.
Another healthy drink people are raving about this year is oat milk. If you don’t enjoy almond milk and you’re unable to drink, or prefer to avoid, dairy products, oat milk is a delicious (and healthy) alternative. Oats contain beta-glucans, which are known for helping maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Not only that, but it also contains plenty of fiber, is high in vitamins, helps to regulate blood sugar levels, and is packed with bone-strengthening minerals. Tastes delicious and creamy in your tea or coffee as well.
Low carb diets
While the keto diet exploded in popularity this year as much as fitness products, research has suggested that it may not be good to omit carbohydrates from your diet. The study conducted showed that those who ate a moderate amount of carbohydrates lived four years more than those who ate a low-carb diet. Another study also indicated that those who consumed a low-carb diet had more premature deaths than those who ate a moderate amount.
What does this mean? It means that while you can reduce your intake of carbs, you should still be eating a healthy dose to have the right nutrients and antioxidants. There’s nothing more important than having a balanced diet, and this includes fruits, vegetables, and healthy carbs. If you’re not sure where to begin, you can consider booking a private chef with Gathar. You can create your menu – or have them help you, and a chef will come over to your home and help whip up a fresh, delicious, and nutritious meal that’ll suit your dietary needs.
Final remarks
In 2020, we’ve all had an abundance of time to think and to consider taking better care of our bodies. Eating healthy foods has been part of this natural progression. It’s always tempting to pick up the latest factory-made packaged foods when doing your grocery shop, but if you want to take the best care of your body, you need to stick to food that is natural. It’s natural flavors that are best for you, and anything that’s processed or in a packet could be doing your body more harm than good.
Try it and see the difference. Keep in mind though that you should always consult a health professional before adopting a new diet/ lifestyle change in full force. It’s also important to remember that a balanced diet, coupled with some exercise is the key to having a healthy body.