The 12 most popular health trends of 2018 – plus what to expect for 2019
In what seems like a flash, 2018 is about to be released. In just 365 days, so much has happened, so much has been eaten, so many workouts have taken place.
The 12 biggest health trends of 2018 fueled healthy living – from fitness to healthy eating and even beauty. As for 2019, who’s to say what will really shake up the healthcare world, but we have some predictions for what will reign supreme.
1. ALTERNATIVE MILKS
Sure, soy milk became popular in the United States in the 1970s, but many other dairy-free milks became popular in the decades that followed. In 2018, oat milk became a BIG thing, as did high-protein pea milk, and sesame milk came onto the scene for a nut-free option.
2019: The oat milk trend should continue to thrive, according to Delish.
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2. ACTIVITY TRACKING
Almost everyone’s wrist these days is adorned with some sort of smartwatch. Whether it’s a Fitbit, Apple Watch or GPS tracker, these fitness accessories allow people to track and quantify their fitness efforts by keeping track of calories burned, miles traveled and monitoring cardiac activity. Many of them can also track your sleep quality. With the recent launch of the ECG app, the Apple Watch Series 4 can generate a measurement similar to a single-lead electrocardiogram.
2019: The trend is expected to be one of the biggest trends next year as more and more people want to track their health metrics.
3. CAULIFLOWER
Phew, cauliflower was a big hit this year. This versatile vegetable is definitely deserving of the 2018 MVP award – it’s made its way into smoothies, pizza crusts, rice, and even pasta this year. And there’s no telling where this cruciferous vegetable will stop. People love its ability to make a typically high carb dish a little lighter.
4. CBD
There’s no denying that 2018 was the year of CBD, or cannabidiol. This non-psychoactive hemp derivative has made its way into a range of edibles, including sparkling water, ice cream, and even juice. Additionally, it appears in all sorts of pain-relieving ointments and tinctures.
5. OWN BEAUTY PRODUCTS
6. FOOD EXPLORATION
Of course, we know there’s no “perfect” diet for everyone, but 2018 has been filled with people trying to find the “perfect” diet. This has led to the popularity of two main ways to eat – the ketogenic diet and intermittent fasting – which many people swear by for weight loss. But less popular diets have popped up this year like the borderline mad carnivore and the solar cycle diet, which combines fasting with your sleep cycle.
2019: Whole Foods predicts that fake meats, like vegan jerky, will see some growth in consumption in 2019. Maybe this will lead to an increase in the vegan diet?
7. FROZEN FOODS (WHICH ARE REALLY HEALTHY)
This trend started with Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Pizza Crust and got ahead with their frozen cauliflower gnocchi. And so, healthy eaters began to realize that not all things in the frozen aisle are “unhealthy.” In fact, a stroll through the frozen food aisles at places like Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, and MOM’s Organic Market is living proof that frozen foods can fit 100% on the bill for an organic, healthy eater.
2019: Whole Foods’ 2019 trend projections highlight “innovative frozen treats,” including an expected influx of healthy frozen items like avocado ice cream and other plant-based creations.
8. INTESTINAL HEALTH
Sure, gut-enhancing kombucha has been in the spotlight for a while now, but 2018 has brought even more awareness and health-enhancing efforts to the microbiome, or bacteria and other “germs” that come together to form your digestive system. This year has seen the popularity of probiotic supplements as well as microbiome testing that can correct bacterial imbalances that could cause other health issues.
2019: Shelf-stable probiotic products such as granola, nut butters and soups are likely to arrive this year to quell our desire for better gut health.
9. GENETIC TESTING
Finding out about your ancestral history can lead to a better understanding of where your family comes from, but it can also test a person’s susceptibility to health problems such as cancer. But this year has also popularized genetic testing that will help determine the best diets and fitness regimens for your genetic makeup.
10. GROUP FORM
Studies have shown that the millennial mindset is one that has an affinity for the collective group — a philosophy that transcends fitness trends, namely group fitness. The rise of group fitness studios is on the rise across the country, providing spaces for people to work out under the guidance of a professional who, ideally, will guide them through an effective and challenging sweat session. . The best part? This method eliminates all the guesswork and wasted time wandering around the gym alone.
11. HEALTHY KITCHEN APPLIANCES
The InstantPot and air fryer have been the epitome of meal prep for many healthy consumers this year. From the InstantPot’s ability to cook chicken in less than 15 minutes, and its different chambers to allow rice and vegetables to be cooked at the same time, to the Air Fryer’s ability to make crispy, oil-free fried foods – these kitchen appliances just might be the health heroes of 2018.
2019: Eliminating plastic is a huge trend projected for 2019. To enable this effort in homes, the use of reusable bags, food wraps and more is set to become the norm next year.
12. WELLNESS DRINKS
While matcha lattes and kombucha have been the debut of wellness drinks over the past year, 2018 has brought new options. CBD plays a big role in the category with the creation of CBD-infused sparkling water and CBD-infused juice — but that’s not all. Celery juice – a vitamin-rich juice said to help with everything from digestion to inflammation – and ironclad coffee – or coffee with added oil or fat to improve mental clarity – it’s apparently very possible to drink to be healthy. This thought process has even made its way into alcohol consumption with the creation and canning of fruity bushes filled with apple cider vinegar, a low-alcohol fizzy drink.
