2021 Nutrition & Wellness Trends To Try
Last year around this time, we were all wondering how the new decade would look. We were hopeful (daresay thrilled) about all the exciting things to come. Well, never in a million years would we have predicted what the year 2020 would be like. We went on a journey together, and we all learned something new. We baked (a lot) of banana bread. We learned new hobbies. We perfected the art of Zoom meetings (business on top, sweatpants on the bottom), and we felt a lot of feelings. For better or worse, 2020 taught us a lot. And, as the year comes to a close, health is top of mind for many. We need a fresh start—and that means prioritizing our mental and physical wellbeing. Each December, health, wellness, tech, and fashion companies alike report on what they predict we will all clamour for during the following year. Last year, it was CBD, kale, spiked seltzers, and the Keto diet. This year, mental health, immunity, and climate diets are at the top of the 2021 list. We’ve rounded up eight of the top trends we think will be big this year—with an added bonus. Our founder and expert RD, Keri Glassman, weighs in on just how effective they may be. Here’s to a fresh, healthy New Year! 2021 WELLNESS TRENDS Supercharged Wearables We love our fitness trackers (thanks to Apple Watch and Fitbit); but, in 2021 wearables are kicking it into high gear to track far beyond steps and sleep—i.e. respiratory rate and metabolic health. There are a couple companies who are making waves with their tech. Whoop, worn by athletes and olympians has been helping to track COVID-19 symptoms throughout the pandemic. Levels developed a bio-wearable, metabolic sensor that tells users how food is impacting their blood sugar levels. We are likely to see more companies getting on board with supercharging their devices as the year progresses. Keri’s Take: People like tracking things. The more information we have about our habits, the more we can change those habits. Most of us are used to using more tech—so if we can do it to take our health up a notch, even better! Postbiotics are the new Prebiotics We’ve all heard of probiotics, that “good” or “friendly” bacteria that keeps our microbiome healthy. Postbiotics (although they’ve been around forever) are new to the trend scene. A little bio of this important bacteria: postbiotics are leftovers of the fermentation process carried out by probiotics in the intestine. So, as probiotics feed on prebiotics, postbiotics are produced. Essentially, they are the “waste” of probiotics (I promise it’s not as gross as it sounds!) Postbiotics are found in any food which has been fermented by live bacteria such as kimchi, sauerkraut, tempeh, yogurt, and even pickles. Keri’s Take: We already know that the link between the gut and overall health is huge, and we are just at the beginning. I believe we’ve only learned a tiny fraction of what we’re going to learn in regards to the microbiome. Understanding postbiotics is another step in terms of understanding how our gut influences our health. Eat Your Microgreens We recently wrote about the benefits of starting an indoor herb garden, and microgreens were the #1 thing botanists and farmers were really excited about. While they aren’t new to the scene for nutritionists, they may be something others haven’t tried. Microgreens are basically baby plants that are loaded with nutrients. Studies have found they can help to boost immunity, aid in gut health, and can even lower cholesterol. You’ll see these microgreens in juices, smoothies, as garnishes, or on top of pasta or pizza! Keri’s Take: Microgreens are more nutrient dense than their more “mature” adult counterparts. This is a very simple way to add a mega dose of nutrient density to a meal along with a boost of flavor. Spice, Spice Baby According to Pinterest Predicts (its annual trend forecast), spicy foods are going to be taking over 2021—or as they put it, “bland is banned.” They’ve shared that searches for the “jalapeño pepper jelly recipe” and “hot honey recipe” have been on the rise which doesn’t surprise us (We’re putting Mike’s Hot Honey on basically everything!). This is a trend we can get behind. Not only has it been found to aid in weight loss, capsaicin, found in most hot spices works as an antioxidant, protecting cells from harmful free radicals that can cause cancer. Keri’s Take: I’m a huge fan of spices, in general. You get flavor which adds satiety; and, are virtually calorie free with the added bonus of antioxidants. So, whether it’s a hot and spicy kick like capsaicin adds or other spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg, I”m usually all for it. Your Morning Buzz Isn’t In the Cup Whole Foods’ annual trend report revealed that coffee isn’t just going to be enjoyed in your favorite mug. Java is going to be giving a “jolt” to a variety of foods. You’ll find it in granola bars, smoothie boosters, and even booze. Soon, you just may be enjoying a cup of coffee with some coffee yogurt parfait topped with coffee granola. Keri’s Take: I’m all for this trend if you don’t go overboard with it. Coffee is the #1 way Americans get their antioxidants. It often gets a bad wrap because so many of us add sugar and unhealthy creamers to our morning cups. But, in its whole form, coffee actually has a variety of health benefits. Mental Health Foods Otherwise known as the Brain Health Diet, experts have been studying how food impacts your mental health for years. After the year we’ve all had, our mental health is top on the list of priorities (finally!). While a proper self-care routine is necessary, what we eat has a huge affect on our mental health. Nutrition plays a critical role in helping to fight disease and activate our body’s defenses at every stage in our lives. And, even more, foods can actually
The Essential Guide to Plant-Based Protein
The good news: Our food supply is now filled with plant-based protein sources. We can now meet our needs without burgers or wings. Now, how can you do that in the healthiest way possible?
Nutritious Life, Life’s Abundance and the Best Supplements
My mission in life is to help as many people as possible take their nutrition up as many notches as possible, so they can live their most Nutritious Lives. It’s really that simple. Everyday I seek opportunities to help me accomplish my mission, and weigh opportunities that are presented to me to help me do this. When the opportunity arose to partner with Life’s Abundance to create a line of the best supplements you can find that were organic (when necessary), completely GMO free, at a cost that’s accessible to most people, and that I could be 100% involved in choosing the ingredients for, it was a no-brainer. Yep, you read that right. I helped choose every single ingredient that went into these supplements. I’m so ridiculously excited about this, and I know you will be too once you finish reading this! In over a decade of counseling clients in my private practice in NYC, thousands of people have come to me because they’re tired, stressed, overweight, unfocused, unmotivated, and feeling like they aren’t the best version of themselves. We live in an age with amazing medical breakthroughs that save people’s lives, except we’re sicker, fatter and unhealthier than ever. We’re overfed and undernourished because we choose convenience over wellness and our habits are shot! I believe that having a solid nutritional foundation (and this doesn’t have to compromise convenience or taste!) combined with the other pillars of a Nutritious Life can help anyone attain and sustain a healthy body, mind and life. Each of the products I created with Life’s Abundance contributes to building that solid foundation in some way. So, if you or someone you know is trying to take their nutrition up a notch, I’m glad you’re here. Why I Partnered on a Line of the Best Supplements We all know we should eat better and increase the nutritional value we get from food on a daily basis, but many of us either don’t know how or we simply can’t make it happen. Sometimes, it’s just not realistic to get all the vitamins and minerals we need from the food we eat, especially with issues of depleted soil, eating processed and overcooked food, and not eating enough fruits and vegetables. This is why I’ve been recommending supplements for years – because they supplement what is hopefully a healthy diet to begin with. Think of them like insurance for your body – they won’t replace solid nutrition, but when your body needs a little extra help, you’ve got it. There are a handful of supplements that I’ve always recommended to my clients because I think they’re the most important ones for optimal health, so naturally they were the first products we developed, and we focused on formulating them in an easy to digest way. Fish Oil Liquid Fish Oil Capsules Plant Protein Powder Greens Blend Multivitamin Probiotic Minerals & Antioxidants We carefully handpicked each and every ingredient – if it’s in there, it’s in there for a reason – and left out any that posed a health concern or just flat out didn’t need to be included. Supplements aren’t for everyone, especially those that are already eating an incredibly clean diet or are following a plan that guarantees they’re getting in all the vitamins and minerals they need. But they’re great for anyone that doesn’t fit those categories, no matter how close or far from that end of the healthy eating spectrum they are. By adding supplements to your daily routine, you may start to feel a little healthier and more motivated, which can slowly make you become more mindful of what you eat. When you learn to make better food choices and feel better in your body, it’s a game changer for your whole your life. Feeling good comes from the inside (mentally and physically), and creating change in your wellness routine can happen without deprivation. These products are not a diet – they’re intended to be incorporated into your diet and your life to support your overall health, not just for 30 days, but for a lifetime. This is why I’ve incorporated them into my pillars of a Nutritious Life philosophy. Why I Partnered with Life’s Abundance I’ve had many opportunities to get involved with other companies before, but I never wanted to work with a company that I didn’t believe in or that didn’t share my same values and goals. When I met the team at Life’s Abundance it was clear we shared the same beliefs about health and wellness and our goals were in sync. They’re an employee-owned company and they take a great deal of pride in doing solid work. They’ve been providing top quality products for pets since the 90s and a select group of dietary supplements for people since 2003. The introduction of these new products we worked on together represents a significant expansion of their dietary supplement line. Life’s Abundance is known for making top notch products, having awesome customer service, and taking care of their people. And by people, I mean their employees, distributors, and customers. Pretty much everyone. Distributors? Yep. They give people an opportunity to help support themselves and/or their families, have a little more freedom and a lot more fun by welcoming passionate people like you and me to become independent distributors for their products. What’s better than helping people live more nutritious lives and earning a great income while doing it?! Why You Should Partner With Me I love, as in L-O-V-E what I do. In over 10 years of counseling clients one on one in my private practice and reaching millions of others via national TV, I know how incredibly difficult it can be to make healthy choices and to change your diet and lifestyle. This is why I lovvvvvve making it easier for people! I also know that I’m very lucky to earn a living and support my family doing something that I am so uber passionate about. And I
