Every year we get bombarded with new information about what is healthy and what isn’t. Since healthy living is my area of interest I try to keep up with what’s happening on the health horizon and so I want share my top health trends for 2018 with you.
1. Avocado oil
Just about everyone loves avocados, it’s the food of choice for millennials (or so I have been told) and the good news is that in 2018 avocado is not just for topping your toast any more. Avocado oil is bursting onto the health trends for 2018 scene, sitting alongside it’s contemporaries – olive and coconut oil. Avocado oil has a very mild flavour and is also heat stable, making it perfect for cooking. It’s also stuffed full of nutrients like vitamin E, monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. Avocado oil can help improve your skin and gum health and even ease joint pain. So this year ditch the sunflower oil and give avo oil a go instead.
2. Cottage cheese
I’ve always been a big fan of cottage cheese. It’s a low fat and mild flavoured cheese that can be used in a range of dishes (such as my take on a caprese styled crudite) and this year you will be seeing a lot more cottage cheese recipes popping up. Just because cottage cheese is low in fat doesn’t mean that it’s not still packed with nutritious goodies like protein and calcium. Studies have shown that a diet that includes cottage cheese can be highly effective for achieving and maintaining weight loss The high protein content also helps those with metabolic syndrome. So step aside Greek yogurt, cottage cheese is the new dairy in town.
3. Probiotic eating
This might be one of my favourite health trends for 2018. If you have ever had digestive trouble or have been prescribed antibiotic, chances are good you’ve already heard about probiotics. These good bacteria’s are naturally found yogurt, pickles and fermented foods like kimchi and in 2018 probiotic eating for guy health looks like it’s about to take off. Probiotics help crowd out bad bacteria in the gut and have been shown to play a role in healthy immunity by helping us to digest food and absorb nutrients. This year will show a rising interest in fermented foods and all round tummy health. So now you have the perfect excuse to get down to your local Dim Sum eatery to treat yourself with some kimchi.
4. Spiralized vegetables
I always go on about cutting down on processed carbohydrates, as we all know that processed carbs are bad news for weight loss and for maintaining a healthy metabolism. Substitution for pasta can be tricky but not any more with spiralized veggies. This is a really fun way to cut out the pasta and add in some veg instead. You’ll get the look and texture of pasta while saving about 150 calories and 40 grams of carbohydrates per one cup serving and gaining about 5 grams of fiber. I have seen some supermarkets that offer veggie noodles but you should definitely consider investing in a spiralizer to do it at home. This a great tool to own and it’s easy to use, so you can churn out your homemade veggie pasta and keep that diet plan on track.
5. Protein-rich grains and seeds
I’m sure you’ve already heard of quinoa by now (though pronouncing it is trickier!) and protein-rich grain and seeds aren’t going anywhere this year. These are the perfect accompaniment for those that are health conscious or trying to lose weight as proteins tell your body when you are full. By replacing carbs and fat with protein, you reduce the hunger hormones, feel fuller and are more easily able to resist the urge to keep eating. Keep an eye out for chia, quinoa, freekeh, and flax this year.
There you have my top 5 health trends for 2018. I wish you all a healthy and fulfilling year in 2018 and I hope you find some new and yummy ways to use these exciting ingredients in your dinner. I’d love to hear about what you made in the comments.
