If you haven’t visited my site since the new year, HAPPY 2018! I wanted to touch on some emerging trends that seem to be here to stay for the new year – and we couldn’t be happier about it! 

Probiotics and Gut Health

I am so excited that this topic is becoming more mainstream, as it is personally one of my favorite topics as a registered dietitian. There is so much emerging evidence regarding the microbiome in our digestive tracts that it integral to the gut-brain axis (a.k.a. influencing our moods and brain health), immunity, and plays a key role in our hunger, satiety, and cravings depending on the food that we eat. Fermented foods such as kombucha, miso, tempeh, kimchi, sauerkraut as well as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds all have a beneficial impact on our gut health by improving the health-promoting bacteria in the gut. Foods such as sugar, processed foods and refined carbohydrates negatively impact bacteria and encourage bacteria to crave more of these foods! Expect to see a rise in fermented foods as well as plant based foods to encourage a healthy microbiome. 

Healthy Fast Casual Dining

Healthy food on the go is becoming more available to everyone and it’s a dietitian’s dream! Many companies are succumbing to popular demand for more accessible healthy and fresh foods across the country. For myself and many others, having more options like this on the go can make a huge impact on our daily nutrition. Some companies are also using technology to their advantage and creating user friendly ordering online with a quick pick up in store (i.e. Dig Inn). I’m hoping the healthy fast casual dining trend only continues to grow!

Essential Oils & Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is becoming a widespread and holistic way to help the body return to balance. True essential oils are naturally extracted from a plant or flower without the use of chemicals, either steamed or or mechanically pressed. They have been used for stress relief, sleep aid, and even for chronic pain. Aromatherapy is becoming more prominent as people turn to more alternative ways to deal with stress, anxiety, better sleep, and overall wellness. 

Plant Based Diet and Sustainability

No matter what type of diet people associate with (vegan, paleo, carnivore, etc.), plant based diets are becoming all the rage. A plant based diet means that the diet is vegetable centric regardless of a person’s choice to eat meat or dairy or if they’re vegan. Many restaurants are joining on this bandwagon as consumers are becoming more health and environmentally conscious, as a reduction in animal products has a great impact on our health and our planet. Plant based diets make for a more sustainable way of life for ourselves and future generations. 

Reducing Food and Plastic Waste

Becoming more aware of food waste and plastic waste is also an emerging 2018 trend. Did you know that 1/3 of the food produced every year in the world gets thrown away? That’s A LOT of wasted food. Produce such as fruits and vegetables are the most wasted foods on the planet. One way to individually reduce food waste is to be a more conscious consumer by grocery shopping based on meals you intend to prepare. I love MindBodyGreen – a health and wellness social site that promotes excellent ways to reduce food waste. Many are also becoming more conscious of plastic use and there are many #plasticfree movements. I love using glass containers and jars for food storage and carry utensils, cups and straws with me to refrain from plastic use. 

Self Care

Self care is not a luxury but a necessity for a well balanced lifestyle. In 2018, we will unapologetically unplug from our busy lives to carve out more time for relaxation and things that make us happy and fulfilled. It may seem that self care only consists of face masks and posting it on Instagram, but it’s more about making your healthy habits a priority such as sleeping 8 hours each night and nourishing yourself with healthy foods. Taking a bath when you want to relax and moving your body in ways that make you feel energized and strong are great self care practices. Expect to hear more on this topic as people look for more accessible ways to incorporate more self care into everyday life. 

What other trends do you hope to see in 2018?
Are there any that you are particularly excited about? 

xo Samantha