The boundary between beauty and wellness is delicate. Often, a trend falls on one side or the other, promising better skin or improved health. Sometimes, a trend offers benefits for both, making it appealing to fully embrace. The wellness food boom is often seen as a passing fad. However, striving to enhance your health from the inside out with a nutritious diet and regular exercise is far from a passing trend, if done correctly. There are numerous wellness-related food trends circulating on social media, with new ones emerging almost daily. So, how do you differentiate between what’s beneficial and what’s just a passing trend? The key lies in starting with the basics. Understanding the trend, your goals, and what you aim to achieve by trying the trend will help you sift through the noise to find what aligns best with your needs. In this article, we have consulted with four experts to provide insights on the current wellness food trends before you jump on the bandwagon.
Featured experts
- Amy Davis is a dietitian and nutrition consultant for Live Conscious
- Nicole Langone is a nutrition expert and the founder of Langone Wellness
- Naomi Whittel is a nutrition expert and the founder of Reserveage Nutrition
- Tanya Kormeili MD FAAD is a board-certified dermatologist in Santa Monica, CA
Where to start
Before diving into a trend, whether related to hair care or body care, conducting thorough research is essential. According to Amy Davis, a nutrition consultant for Live Conscious, the first step is to consider the credibility of the source. “Some trends, like the Mediterranean diet, are backed by decades of research,” she explains. However, she points out that trends endorsed by unqualified creators and influencers, rather than scientific research, are gaining popularity. Santa Monica-based board-certified dermatologist Tanya Kormeil highlights that the enduring popularity of the Mediterranean Diet is due to its solid research foundation and emphasis on a wholesome, balanced diet comprising vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean protein.
Green juices and cleanses are other prevalent wellness trends that can offer benefits if approached correctly. “There’s a lot of buzz around detox juices and superfoods, but many of them lack substantial research or clear definitions,” notes Dr. Kormeili. A similar sentiment surrounds adaptogens like ashwagandha and maca. While these can be beneficial, understanding is crucial when incorporating them into your diet. When considering such trends, experts recommend starting with research to ensure safety and consulting health professionals for recommendations.
Benefits of wellness food trends
“Constructing a wellness-focused diet around natural foods, adaptogenic herbs, fresh juices, and mindful eating practices establishes a strong foundation for optimal health,” states nutrition expert Nicole Langone. In addition to providing essential nutrients, the right foods supply your body with what it needs to enhance overall health, including skin and hair—such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, polyphenols, and fiber. Whittel elucidates that a proper diet also aids in fine-tuning metabolism, maintaining balanced blood sugar and insulin levels, and naturally boosting GLP1 hormones. Apart from these advantages, a nutritious diet helps reduce the toxic load from pesticides and artificial additives.
Incorporating wellness trends into your diet
Adopting a well-rounded diet doesn’t have to be complicated. “The most impactful wellness foods are often the most fundamental: vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and high-quality proteins. These foods don’t require flashy marketing campaigns because their benefits are evident through years of research,” Langone emphasizes. Dr. Kormeili suggests replacing processed foods with those rich in essential nutrients like omega-3s, B vitamins, magnesium, calcium, and iron to optimize cellular health. Instead of fixating on trends, she advises focusing on the nutritional value of food and avoiding drastic diets. Consistency is another crucial element in any regimen. “Building a diet of nutritious meals is more about regularity than perfection,” Langone points out. This approach ensures that you’re not confined by the trend but are establishing lasting healthy habits.
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