As that is the final vitamin column of 2021, it solely is sensible to dive into meals pattern predictions for the New Yr. This isn’t about fashionable or fad diets, however the rising and shifting patterns in customers’ meals preferences, particularly as they relate to well being and wellness.
Collectively, we have gotten much more knowledgeable in regards to the position of fine vitamin in selling a protracted and wholesome life. Plus, people are more and more keen on transparency and authenticity with regards to what they eat. These elements, amongst others, are shaping how we feed ourselves and our households.
Selecting wholesome frozen meals
The pandemic has led to extra cooking at house, which can doubtless proceed in 2022. Whereas there was a resurgence in cooking and baking, people are nonetheless quick on time. The apparent advantages of house cooking embody saving cash and consuming extra balanced meals, however comfort stays a high precedence. Well being-conscious frozen meals from fiber-rich plant-based bowls and high-protein frozen entrées to entire grain waffles and cauliflower crust pizzas are each fast and nutritious.
The standard frozen meals from the early days of the microwave lacked in each selection and healthfulness. When you’ve perused the frozen meals aisle lately you’ve doubtless seen a big selection of meals for almost all dietary wants and style preferences. Revolutionary frozen merchandise will proceed to assist us obtain our wholesome house cooking targets.
Supporting thoughts and physique
Burnout has been a scorching subject currently. Psychological well being consultants clarify that this state of emotional, bodily and psychological exhaustion, brought on by extreme and relentless stress, is extra prevalent than ever. The political and financial local weather, together with stressors as a result of pandemic, are solely the tip of the iceberg.
Whereas frequent sources of stress are doubtless right here to remain, people are turning to vitamin to assist fight the dangerous results of stress. There’s a rising demand for each meals and dietary supplements to assist help stress discount, improved temper and rest. Merchandise with botanicals, herbs and adaptogenic components like rhodiola and cordyceps mushrooms, ashwaganda and hemp extract are in demand to assist battle burnout.
Dealing with alcohol consumption
Numerous research have discovered a rise in alcoholic beverage consumption throughout the pandemic, together with an increase in heavy consuming. Researchers try to evaluate how consuming patterns are altering because the pandemic drags on. Those that misuse alcohol have a larger threat of liver illness, coronary heart illness, stroke, despair and sure cancers. The Nationwide Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism has introduced that alcohol misuse makes the physique extra inclined to viral infections together with COVID-19.
Whereas alcohol consumption is up, non-alcoholic drinks are gaining in recognition too. Non-alcoholic spirits like Seedlip, Ritual Zero Proof and Amass mimic the style of frequent spirits, however with out the booze. These merchandise are gaining traction as a result of they provide an alternate for these trying to cut back or lower out alcohol as a part of a more healthy life-style. Mocktails, non-alcoholic beers, zero alcohol wines and seltzers aren’t simply for many who need to totally abstain from consuming, however who’re keen on altering their consuming habits.
Combating meals waste
Sustainable meals developments aren’t new, however meals manufacturers are embracing sustainability in new and fascinating methods. One pattern to look out for is upcycled meals, which entails the method of including worth to meals byproducts and surplus meals that might have in any other case gone to the landfill. Whereas this would possibly appear to be a sneaky manner for meals corporations to generate income, this apply serves an vital position contemplating not less than 30 p.c of the U.S. meals provide is wasted.
Every little thing from bruised fruit and greens, edible stems, pulp leftover from juices, plant-based milk byproducts and rather more could be changed into completely wholesome and engaging meals merchandise. Along with decreasing meals waste, upcycling helps to scale back meals price inflation.
LeeAnn Weintraub, MPH, RD is a registered dietitian, offering vitamin counseling and consulting to people, households and organizations. She could be reached by e-mail at RD@halfacup.com.
