The new year is almost upon us, and with every new year comes new superfoods, different latte colours and someone always finds a new way to serve avocado on toast.
Fun-fact, there are actually professional experts that sit down and predict these health food trends from the new year (a bit more scientific than scrolling through Instagram). But we aren’t here to bore you with numbers on buying trends and global consumption. We are just here for the juicy deets on what’s going to be hot in 2018.
Root-to-Stem eating
We have all heard of nose-to-tail eating, the concept of eating the whole animal so that nothing is wasted. However, according to Wholefoods, 2018 will see the rise of root-to-stem eating. Much like nose-to-tail, it involves eating the whole vegetable. Yes, that’s right, we are talking carrot and cauliflower leaves, broccoli stems and beet greens. Even though these odd bits of veggies can be off putting at first, I think it is a great way to save some $$ and to make steps towards #zerowaste.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BY-urd_A_6u/?taken-by=thefitfoodieblog
Functional Mushrooms
One thing for sure is that stress isn’t going anywhere for 2018. This year we saw the start of studies showing the importance of de-stressing coming to the forefront in the mainstream media. And along with it came adaptogens. These super mushrooms aren’t just your good old supermarket varieties but rather include reishi, chaga, cordyceps, lion’s mane, maitake, shiitake and king oyster. Paired with cacao they make an epic hot chocolate that not only tastes good but also offers some health benefits. Want to learn more about functional mushrooms? Check out this recipe from Nutrition Stripped.
adaptogen : a natural substance that is considered to help the body adapt to stress
https://www.instagram.com/p/BWgs1B4gon0/?taken-by=leefromamerica
Hemp
Just to clarify here, we are not talking about the THC containing compound but rather a derivative known as hemp. Hemp has been featured a lot in the media in Australia recently as it was finally made legal for consumtion in November. Now Aussies can enjoy the health benefits from hemp including a complete amino acid profile and being rich polyunsaturated fats omega 3 and omega 6 (it sits at #1 next to walnuts). It’s also useful for making fabrics and even can be used as fuel. Expect to see a lot more from this little plant in 2018.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bb8Dy1tlCVg/?taken-by=hempfoodsaustralia
Edible flowers
We have become a society that can’t eat anything without taking a picture first. Not only does food have to taste good these days, it has to be 100% social media worthy as well. Whether its infusing drinks or adding a mini garden on top of your pancakes, edible flowers will be breaking into the scene in 2018. In addition to being seriously pretty, flowers like lavender, elderflower and rose can give you a little health boost on the side.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BbDBrjXncz4/?taken-by=thefitfoodieblog
Eating and exercising for your DNA
Science is always giving us new breakthroughs in diet and exercise. Unlike the thousands of pills that promise to make you lose weight without exercise or will stop you from feeling hungry, this new trend promises to enhance your health without the list of unknown side effects. DNA testing is the new forefront of hacking your health. It identifies certain genes that can determine what type of exercise suits you best and what diet will help you be your healthiest. If you want to test your DNA profile, check out My DNA Life.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bb2VbOFFg1B/?taken-by=mydnalife
Fermented Cabbage Juice
2017 was the year of gut health. Everything was about the gut, and it looks like kombucha and sauerkraut aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. I love a good sauerkraut but like most I tend to throw away any leftover brine. If you are like me, then stop right now because this cabbage juice may become a sought-after commodity in 2018. Why you ask? The juice is rich in probiotics and we all know how important good gut bacteria is for your health. And with society becoming more waste and health conscious, I say look out for this one.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BXIXB1DFnC0/?taken-by=farmhouseculture
