The ‘healthy food’ scene is always evolving. Some things turn out to be passing fads, while others become part of our daily routine for years to come. I spent the summer of 2017 in Los Angeles discovering some of the trends that are likely to make their mark in 2018. These are my top predictions:
1. Fast-mimicking diets
Researchers at the University of Southern California have spent millions of dollars over the last two decades researching the benefits of fasting on health. From anti-ageing cellular regeneration through to reducing belly fat and its associated risk of type two diabetes, the benefits of fasting appear never-ending.
But because it is hard and people’s ability to stick to it is low, the researchers turned their attention to developing a sophisticated five-day ‘fast-mimicking diet’ (FMD) called ProLon. The world’s first diet of this type, it is made up of special, plant-based mini meals such as vegetable soups, nut bars and kale crackers, specifically formulated not to trigger our nutrient-sensing pathways. Unlike water-only fasts, ProLon provides essential nutrients and enables you to take advantage of the benefits of fasting without needing to starve yourself.
2. Bowl foods
From Instagram favourite Acai berries to Hawaiian Poke and Korean Bibimbap, the trend for so-called ‘bowl foods’ is on the rise. Freshly prepared and easy to eat as they typically only require one utensil, they are perfect for people who are keen to stay healthy despite their busy lives. So expect to be swapping plates for bowls during 2018.
3. Low alcohol, no alcohol and healthier drinks
Statistics show that Generation Z are drinking less than previous generations - but that is not to say they are necessarily any less sociable. Cue demand for a wider choice of alcohol-free and low alcohol drinks.
The alcohol market is also being shaken up with the arrival of a wider variety of healthier alcohol-rich beverages too. Californian drinks lists routinely offer organic wines, gluten-free beers and low-sugar cocktails based on healthy ingredients. Kale-and-apple mimosa, anyone?
4. Local, seasonal superfoods
Until kale came along, superfoods were generally thought to originate from far, exotic climes. But these days, Beyonce is such a huge fan of the brassica that she even wears clothes advertising its leafy, green goodness – and she is not the only one embracing local, seasonal fruit and veg as not only a healthy, but also an environmentally-friendly choice too.
5. Artisan gluten-free alternatives
In the past, gluten-free foods were typically highly processed and filled with undesirable ingredients. But as demand has risen, the dry, sliced loaves of old are starting to fall by the wayside as healthier, artisanal alternatives become more and more available. In 2018, it will be easier than ever to be ‘free from’ and not miss out.
6. Healthy breakfasts
Traditional breakfasts are now being ditched in favour of freshly made, healthier alternatives ranging from porridge pots to savoury scrambles. But over the year ahead, expect to see smoothie bowls, breakfast salads, matcha green tea pancakes and coconut yoghurt parfaits join them on the menu of your favourite brunch spot.
7. Plant-based diets
Far from a passing fad, the move towards a plant-based diet is becoming increasingly popular. Whether for health, environmental or ethical reasons, growing numbers of people are turning vegetarian, vegan or gravitating towards a ‘flexitarian’ diet - eating a primarily vegetarian diet, with meat and fish making an appearance only as an occasional treat.
Conclusion
While I do not encourage people to indulge in fads or to eat foods just because they are in vogue, trying out new trends can be a fun way to revamp your diet. Many of us makes New Year’s resolutions to eat, and live, more healthily, but rather than count calories or deprive yourself, why not focus on healthy fare that you can enjoy instead? You never know – it might be the start of something big.
Kim Pearson, who qualified as a nutritionist at London’s Institute for Optimum Nutrition in 2008, takes an individualised approach to nutrition. Her areas of speciality comprise weight loss, skin health and healthy ageing. Kim is the UK brand ambassador for ProLon.
The ‘healthy food’ scene is always evolving. Some things turn out to be passing fads, while others become part of our daily routine for years to come. I spent the summer of 2017 in Los Angeles discovering some of the trends that are likely to make their mark in 2018. These are my top predictions:
1. Fast-mimicking diets
Researchers at the University of Southern California have spent millions of dollars over the last two decades researching the benefits of fasting on health. From anti-ageing cellular regeneration through to reducing belly fat and its associated risk of type two diabetes, the benefits of fasting appear never-ending.
But because it is hard and people’s ability to stick to it is low, the researchers turned their attention to developing a sophisticated five-day ‘fast-mimicking diet’ (FMD) called ProLon. The world’s first diet of this type, it is made up of special, plant-based mini meals such as vegetable soups, nut bars and kale crackers, specifically formulated not to trigger our nutrient-sensing pathways. Unlike water-only fasts, ProLon provides essential nutrients and enables you to take advantage of the benefits of fasting without needing to starve yourself.
2. Bowl foods
From Instagram favourite Acai berries to Hawaiian Poke and Korean Bibimbap, the trend for so-called ‘bowl foods’ is on the rise. Freshly prepared and easy to eat as they typically only require one utensil, they are perfect for people who are keen to stay healthy despite their busy lives. So expect to be swapping plates for bowls during 2018.
3. Low alcohol, no alcohol and healthier drinks
Statistics show that Generation Z are drinking less than previous generations - but that is not to say they are necessarily any less sociable. Cue demand for a wider choice of alcohol-free and low alcohol drinks.
The alcohol market is also being shaken up with the arrival of a wider variety of healthier alcohol-rich beverages too. Californian drinks lists routinely offer organic wines, gluten-free beers and low-sugar cocktails based on healthy ingredients. Kale-and-apple mimosa, anyone?
4. Local, seasonal superfoods
Until kale came along, superfoods were generally thought to originate from far, exotic climes. But these days, Beyonce is such a huge fan of the brassica that she even wears clothes advertising its leafy, green goodness – and she is not the only one embracing local, seasonal fruit and veg as not only a healthy, but also an environmentally-friendly choice too.
5. Artisan gluten-free alternatives
In the past, gluten-free foods were typically highly processed and filled with undesirable ingredients. But as demand has risen, the dry, sliced loaves of old are starting to fall by the wayside as healthier, artisanal alternatives become more and more available. In 2018, it will be easier than ever to be ‘free from’ and not miss out.
6. Healthy breakfasts
Traditional breakfasts are now being ditched in favour of freshly made, healthier alternatives ranging from porridge pots to savoury scrambles. But over the year ahead, expect to see smoothie bowls, breakfast salads, matcha green tea pancakes and coconut yoghurt parfaits join them on the menu of your favourite brunch spot.
7. Plant-based diets
Far from a passing fad, the move towards a plant-based diet is becoming increasingly popular. Whether for health, environmental or ethical reasons, growing numbers of people are turning vegetarian, vegan or gravitating towards a ‘flexitarian’ diet - eating a primarily vegetarian diet, with meat and fish making an appearance only as an occasional treat.
Conclusion
While I do not encourage people to indulge in fads or to eat foods just because they are in vogue, trying out new trends can be a fun way to revamp your diet. Many of us makes New Year’s resolutions to eat, and live, more healthily, but rather than count calories or deprive yourself, why not focus on healthy fare that you can enjoy instead? You never know – it might be the start of something big.
Kim Pearson, who qualified as a nutritionist at London’s Institute for Optimum Nutrition in 2008, takes an individualised approach to nutrition. Her areas of speciality comprise weight loss, skin health and healthy ageing. Kim is the UK brand ambassador for ProLon.
