As this is the last nutrition column of 2021, it only makes sense to dive into food trend predictions for the New Year. This isn’t about trendy or fad diets, but the rising and shifting patterns in consumers’ food preferences, especially as they relate to health and wellness.
Collectively, we are becoming even more informed about the role of good nutrition in promoting a long and healthy life. Plus, folks are increasingly interested in transparency and authenticity when it comes to what they eat. These factors, among others, are shaping how we feed ourselves and our families.
Choosing healthy frozen foods
The pandemic has led to more cooking at home, which will likely continue in 2022. While there has been a resurgence in cooking and baking, folks are still short on time. The obvious benefits of home cooking include saving money and eating more balanced meals, but convenience remains a top priority. Health-conscious frozen foods from fiber-rich plant-based bowls and high-protein frozen entrées to whole grain waffles and cauliflower crust pizzas are both quick and nutritious.
The typical frozen meals from the early days of the microwave lacked in both variety and healthfulness. If you’ve perused the frozen foods aisle recently you’ve likely noticed a wide selection of foods for nearly all dietary needs and taste preferences. Innovative frozen products will continue to help us achieve our healthy home cooking goals.
Supporting mind and body
Burnout has been a hot topic lately. Mental health experts explain that this state of emotional, physical and mental exhaustion, caused by excessive and relentless stress, is more prevalent than ever. The political and economic climate, along with stressors due to the pandemic, are only the tip of the iceberg.
While common sources of stress are likely here to stay, folks are turning to nutrition to help combat the harmful effects of stress. There is a growing demand for both foods and supplements to help support stress reduction, improved mood and relaxation. Products with botanicals, herbs and adaptogenic ingredients like rhodiola and cordyceps mushrooms, ashwaganda and hemp extract are in demand to help battle burnout.
Handling alcohol consumption
Various studies have found an increase in alcoholic beverage consumption during the pandemic, including a rise in heavy drinking. Researchers are trying to assess how drinking patterns are changing as the pandemic drags on. Those who misuse alcohol have a greater risk of liver disease, heart disease, stroke, depression and certain cancers. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism has announced that alcohol misuse makes the body more susceptible to viral infections including COVID-19.
While alcohol consumption is up, non-alcoholic beverages are gaining in popularity too. Non-alcoholic spirits like Seedlip, Ritual Zero Proof and Amass mimic the taste of common spirits, but without the booze. These products are gaining traction because they offer an alternative for those looking to reduce or cut out alcohol as part of a healthier lifestyle. Mocktails, non-alcoholic beers, zero alcohol wines and seltzers are not just for those who want to fully abstain from drinking, but who are interested in changing their drinking habits.
Fighting food waste
Sustainable food trends are not new, but food brands are embracing sustainability in new and interesting ways. One trend to look out for is upcycled foods, which involves the process of adding value to food byproducts and surplus foods that would have otherwise gone to the landfill. While this might seem like a sneaky way for food companies to make money, this practice serves an important role considering at least 30 percent of the U.S. food supply is wasted.
Everything from bruised fruit and vegetables, edible stems, pulp leftover from juices, plant-based milk byproducts and much more can be turned into perfectly healthy and tasty food products. In addition to reducing food waste, upcycling helps to reduce food cost inflation.
LeeAnn Weintraub, MPH, RD is a registered dietitian, providing nutrition counseling and consulting to individuals, families and organizations. She can be reached by email at RD@halfacup.com.
