As we are fast approaching the end of 2022, our physical and mental health is more important than ever. It has been a rough few years for everyone, but one thing is for certain: health is taking the front seat, with technology helping to change the way fitness and workouts are performed.

Stay with me as I share information about current diet and fitness trends in this two-part series.

Diet And Nutrition

When it comes to dieting, there are always trends that stick around, trends that are new, and trends that simply shift in perspective or science.

For 2022, there seems to have been a mix of all three. You can expect some people to give up “dieting” altogether and choose a more intuitive approach to their nutrition, while others might look at completely new ways of eating, like plant-based. Or maybe adding supplements to their daily diet.

Intuitive Eating and Anti-Dieting

While not everyone will identify their eating habits as “intuitive eating,” this trend is becoming more popular.

What is Intuitive Eating?

Intuitive eating is a dynamic integration between mind and body. The principles work by either cultivating or removing obstacles to body awareness, a process known as interoceptive awareness.

Intuitive eating is a personal process of honouring health by listening and responding to the direct messages of the body in order to meet your physical and psychological needs.

What is NOT Intuitive Eating?

Quite simply put…Intuitive Eating is NOT a food plan or a diet!

There is absolutely no right or wrong, but rather a journey of self-discovery and connection to your body and mind’s needs.

With that being said, there is absolutely nothing to count! No points, carbs, calories, or macros! Personally…this is exactly how I prefer to eat…NO RESTRICTIONS WHATSOEVER! I do not follow any strict diet, and I don’t cut out anything. Just a healthy balance and pure enjoyment! I love food!

In the last few years, people have become more aware of diet culture and certain ways of eating that were doing more harm than good. One of the noticeable trends this year is more people are listening to their bodies, and not restricting foods unless they truly just are not interested in them or can’t eat them because of a food allergy.

Even celebrities and other influential people are talking about how they are trying to heal their relationship with food, and learn how to listen to their body’s cues a little more.

Ultimately, you are the expert of your own body. Only you know when you’re full, you know when you’re satisfied, and you know when you’re hungry. Intuitive Eating is an empowerment tool – It’s time to unleash it and set yourself free from the prison of weight obsession and diet culture!

Greens Powder

One of the nutrition-related trends that started in 2020 and have become rather popular since then is greens. Greens powder is a type of powder that includes a powdered version of vitamins and supplements intended to help you get your veggies.

Many nutritionists and dieticians have mentioned it should not be used to replace eating vegetables completely, but it can be a good supplement.

While they vary, your greens powder might have the following:

• Vegetables like leafy greens, broccoli, carrots, or tomatoes
• Wheatgrass and alfalfa grass
• Fruits like acai berries and blueberries
• Spirulina, seaweed, and kelp
• And various other nutrients include probiotics, green tea extract, and ginkgo Biloba. Some greens powders are also sweetened with monk fruit or Stevia.

Plant-Based

Going plant-based or switching to a vegan diet isn’t new by any means, but they are definitely becoming more and more popular. It has also taken on many different forms, including being more plant-forward, where you still eat some animal products but far less. Many people still choose to eat plant-based 90% of the time, and others go full vegan.

Another reason why it has been popular and has continued to be a diet trend in 2022 is because of how accessible plant-based alternative foods are. This includes the rising popularity of plant milk like oat milk, almond milk, and cashew milk, as well as dairy-free cheeses and butter and many foods that taste just like the meat alternative but are still vegan.

Foods for Specific Uses

Continuing on to other diet trends this year, you have food categories that are meant to help with specific issues. These include foods catering to people who want to improve their beauty, foods to boost immunity, and foods for gut health.

You might see elimination diets related to these categories or simply advertising of select foods to add to your current diet.

Some foods that are good for boosting your immunity are:

• Yogurt
• Elderberry
• Citrus fruit
• Oysters
• Wheat germ
• Red bell peppers
• Broccoli
• Ginger
• Leafy greens

Bottled Alcoholic Drinks

We aren’t talking about traditional beer or liquor that comes in bottles, but pre-mixed cocktails and spiked seltzers. In 2021, there was a drastic rise in the popularity of spiked sparkling waters and seltzer drinks like White Claw and Truly, but that is starting to shift slightly.

Although they are still popular, we are also seeing more pre-mixed cocktails that come in cans and bottles. The benefit of these is similar to the seltzers. Not only are they mixed for you, but they are often included with lower sugar and calories thanks to the ingredients being used. They are ideal for people who are watching what they consume or are trying to lose weight.

So, it seems that the diet and nutrition trends we have seen through 2022 will continue to be similar to what you have seen over the past couple of years, but with a few adjustments.

Keep a look out for more plant-based foods, anti-dieting trends, and nutrient-dense options.

All bodies deserve dignity and respect. Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let me know if you’d like guidance in putting together healthy, balanced meals for you and your loved ones.