Healthy living is a big goal for many people, so it's no surprise that trends in nutrition get a lot of attention. Most approaches to eating are based on modern science and the motivation to try something new. Here, Gabriel Patterson, Winnipeg nutritionist touches on ten trends in food and diet that may be just right for helping you be at your best.
Dropping Dairy
One popular approach to better nutrition is giving up any food made with milk products, including cheese, yogurt, and cream. Many dairy products are high in fat, so some people find that it helps with weight control. Dairy may also contribute to digestive problems and inflammation. Try giving up dairy foods for a short period to determine if you feel healthier and have more energy.
Bringing Back Carbs
Carbohydrates were considered a nutritional enemy for a long time, with many people seeking to consume as few as possible. New research is showing that the secret to handling carbs is choosing the right type.
Simple carbohydrates are linked with sugar and often give a short energy burst that is followed by a slump. However, other types of carbs are necessary to sustain you for long days and physical activity. Getting carbs through whole grains, veggies, and legumes isn't just okay. It makes sense for your body and provides you with the nutrients you need.
Combining Protein and Fiber
This is a nutrition trend that combines two recent movements in the dieting world. People who want to lose weight will often turn to a high protein diet to help build muscle and raise metabolism. Others eat a high-fiber diet to fill full. It turns out that combining these two approaches is the perfect mix for some people in maintaining a healthy weight.
Substituting Plants for Meat
While meat is a good source of protein, you can get the same benefits from a diet based on plant products. Veggie burgers and plant-based meat substitutes are more popular than ever before, and many versions do pack in the protein. Even some fast food chains are now offering these vegetarian options.
Paying Attention to Your Gut
Gut health is vast when it comes to modern nutrition. From digestion to allergies to mental health, many people find that keeping the right balance of bacteria in the gut is the key to feeling great.
For gut health, try taking probiotic or eating food like yogurt or even fermented veggies. Drinking Kombucha has also become popular and can help with good bacteria.
Mixing Keto with Intermittent Fasting
The purpose of the keto diet is to throw your body into ketosis, a state where it will burn calories more efficiently. This is accomplished by eating large amounts of fat and very few carbs. It's been shown to be helpful for weight loss and insulin resistance.
Some keto followers are now taking this a step further by combining the keto way of eating with intermittent fasting. They say this helps the body stay in a state of ketosis more efficiently.
Consuming Adaptogens
Adaptogens are plants with properties that users believe help reduce physical and mental stress in the body. They can be taken as supplements or used in cooking. Some popular adaptogens include ashwagandha, holy basil, aloe vera, and ginseng.
Eating Good Fats
Take the focus off your low-fat diet and consider powering up the mitochondria in your cells. Healthy fats are essential resources that your cells use to make energy. Good fats include those found in olive oil, avocado, fish, and walnuts.
Getting More Collagen
Collagen first became popular as an ingredient in shampoos and other beauty products. It can be used to add volume to your hair or make your skin appear more hydrated. Nutritionally conscious people are now taking collagen as a supplement with a variety of good results.
Collagen can come in a capsule or as a powder to add to smoothies or other foods. It is said to help build muscle and relieve arthritis and joint pain.
Tracking with Tech Gadgets
Savvy, modern health enthusiasts are using technology to do all kinds of things that help boost workouts and keep diets on track.
Fitness bands are very popular and allow users to track how many steps they take in a day and how effective their workouts are. You can also use technology to keep track of the calories and nutrients you consume. Many apps can be personalized for these functions and help motivate you to reach your fitness goals.
“These ten trends in fitness and nutrition are in full swing, and many people are finding them useful in attempts to lose weight, gain energy, be fit, and fight stress,” said Gabriel Patterson, Winnipeg health coach. Which approaches will work for you?
