Do you want to find out what nutrition trends to look out for? This article explores everything from homemade meals to superfoods, sustainable eating, and even growing your own food. Read to find out what the nutrition landscape will look like in 2021!
Introduction
If there’s one thing that’s come out of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s definitely the heightened awareness about our health and wellbeing. From paying attention to our hand washing routine to scrutinizing our diet and nutrition, one thing is sure: the way we approach our wellbeing will never be the same. Now, having entered 2021 with the pandemic still raging, it would be wise to keep up with current trends in nutrition to enhance our wellness and boost our health in the process.
In this article, we’re going to discuss the nutrition trends 2021, going through the most important ones and highlighting the reasons behind their popularity. So, if you want to be among the first to know the latest nutrition trends, keep scrolling to find them out!
• Getting Enough Vitamin D
Vitamin D is vital for many essential functions in the human body, including, but not limited to, nerve function, bone growth and integrity, and more. Now, since vitamin D production is dependent upon exposure to sunlight, you can understand how the prolonged quarantining and sheltering-in-place that happened during 2020 might have led to a decrease in your vitamin D deposits. So, it is important that you ensure that you are eating enough vitamin D-rich foods, such as milk products, oily fish, and some fortified foods like breakfast cereals or spreads. You can also opt for vitamin D supplements – after consulting with your doctor, of course.
• Immune Support
Well, all things point to the pandemic still being a reality during 2021, and that’s why some of the most popular “nutrition trends health” searches have to do with how food can help naturally boost immunity. Herbs like echinacea have gained household name status while getting enough Vitamin C, either via foods like oranges or Vitamin C supplements, has become a reality for many across the globe. However, Vitamin C products have proliferated the market during the past year, and some may come without any appropriate certification. Exercise caution and do your due diligence before adding any supplementation regimen to your daily life!
• All about the veg
Gone are the days where eating vegetables was considered a chore. In fact, turning to a more plant-based diet is one of those nutrition trends that are here to stay, seeing as there is an increasing awareness behind its health benefits and its reduced environmental impact. Vegetables are plentiful, and there are several options in terms of texture and taste. That is to say, should you not be a “veggie person,” we encourage you to try to expand your palate by trying out a variety of choices to see what you like best – yes, including things like Brussel sprouts and asparagus! Be sure to eat your five servings a day, and look into popular veggie superfoods such as kale to turbo-boost your smoothies and veggie-based meals!
• Cutting out the alcohol
Quarantine drinking was more than just a meme. From prosecco to white wine and other alcoholic drinks, retailers across the world reported increased alcohol sales, and alcohol consumption increased throughout the past year. Well, while a little red wine might be an amazing source of antioxidants, too much of anything is no good. Getting back on track with alcohol consumption is one of the top nutrition and wellness trends for the New Year, and it’s bound to gain traction by many who look to not only shed the “quarantine 15” but also those who wish to be more conscious about their drinking habits in general. Stay conscious of how much alcohol you consume weekly, and make it a point to keep it within a range recommended by the healthcare professionals.
• Homemade meals are making a comeback
After 2020, you likely have at least one food delivery app installed on your phone. Despite being confined at home, ordering takeout has never been more appealing than it was in 2020. Entering 2021, this trend does not appear to wane since food delivery companies project record earnings to continue. However, as many begin to see the impact that takeout food has had on their diet's overall quality and budget, homemade meals are coming back at the forefront of everyone's minds. Seeing as restrictions have eased in many areas, and grocery shopping is now easier, a return to the kitchen is imminent. Try to find the joy of cooking by challenging yourself to try out new dishes and decompress by preparing healthy, nutritious food that aims to nourish both the body and soul. You’ll definitely feel better after each cooking session!
• Sustainability first
Have you ever given thought as to how your food reaches your table? Or how much plastic or non-recyclable packaging it comes in? Are you looking to minimize your environmental impact and don't know where to start? Well, one of the top nutrition trends of 2021 is prioritizing food sustainability. Buying local, supporting farmers' markets and small growers are among the top trends this coming year. What's more, there's a growing interest in micro-farming and home gardens, which allow full control of food production and enjoy the true meaning of "from farm to table." No matter how much space you have available, you can always try to grow some herbs like rosemary and basil so that you can add them fresh to your homemade dishes!
Conclusion
It’s always great to keep up with nutrition trends and keep yourself informed about all the advancements made in nutrition science. Many supplements and food products are coming out each year, and, perhaps, in 2020 and 2021, we’ve seen a significant increase in the former category. Regardless of how you plan on approaching your diet in 2021, our advice is to evaluate any choices you make, keep the good, and take out the bad. Trends are only suggestions, so you make the most out of what suits your lifestyle and budget!
Let us know in the comments: what nutrition trends are you most excited about? Have you tried some of them already, and, if so, which?
Author’s Bio:
Kevin has been writing content for about 3 years. He really wants to share his experiences and advice with anyone who cares about health and fitness. He enjoys helping people achieve their fitness goals with simple instructions and overcoming any obstacles on the way.
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