Health is wealth, as they say. That must be why health and wellness trends cycle as much as fashion trends do. From acai berries to Zumba class, we have no shortage of health/weight loss/fitness programs that promise to give us energy, burn fat or generally improve our health.
So what’s cooking in the health and wellness realm? Some trends are new, some are recycled and some are evolved. Here are our picks for the most interesting. And please, check with your physician before making any big changes to your diet and exercise program.
1. Moringa: The drumstick tree
The moringa tree has been popping up in health food stores over the last couple years. Sometimes called the drumstick tree, Moringa is known as a superfood in The Philippines, Ethiopia, India, and some parts of Europe. It’s packed with vitamins A, C, B6, plus magnesium, riboflavin, iron, and protein. Proponents say moringa is the next matcha in that it promises a sweeping array of health benefits: It’s said to have anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, among other things.
You can buy moringa powder and add it to your salad dressings, soups, breads, and even your drinks.
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2. The social media diet
Dieting isn’t just about the body, it’s also about the mind — how we think and make decisions, identify with ourselves and others, socialize, empathize, and spend our time.
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Studies have linked social media use with depression and anxiety. And that’s exactly why the social media diet — a measured reduction in time spent social media sites and apps — is gaining popularity.
Facebook and Instagram have picked up on the tide, adding activity monitors to help you track and limit your social media time. And bloggers are on board too, with droves of them documenting their social media diet tips and strategies.
Proponents say a social media diet will improve your productivity, lower your stress level, improve your mood and calm your competitive streak.
3. Ayurvedic everything
Ayurveda is a natural healing system that originated in India about 5,000 years ago. According to Ayurvedic medicine, good health is achieved through balance of mind, body and spirit, along with a connection to nature.
Practitioners of Ayurveda take a holistic approach to health. Lifestyle changes might include a change in diet, sleeping and even removing stressors from your life. There is no handbook, however. An Ayurvedic practitioner designs a custom program for the patient, with the aim of addressing the root causes of that person’s imbalance.
That all sounds pretty mysterious, but this is a health system that’s passed the test of time. It’s been popular and successful for thousands of years in Eastern cultures. Perhaps it is the modern age of over-stimulation in Western cultures that’s piqued interest in Ayurveda’s promise of mind-body balance.
4. Responsible keto diet
No doubt you’ve heard of the keto diet, which involves eating low-carb, high-fat meals to send your body into fat-burning mode. Celebrities like Jenna Jameson swear by the keto diet, while the medical community questions keto’s long-term impacts.
Even before that debate is settled, the keto diet is evolving. The latest iteration is called Eco-Keto, which focuses on sustainability. Eco-Keto still follows the low-carb, high-fat menu plan, but it’s done with locally sourced and cruelty-free ingredients. That means avoidance of mass-produced animal products like milk and cheese.
5. Getting high on health
Cannabidiol or CBD, is a hemp or cannabis compound that is non-intoxicating, but effective at reducing addiction, inflammation, pain, anxiety, and stress. CBD made rounds in 2018, being infused into food, skincare and more. In the years ahead, expect to this compound showing up in vaporizers, patches, and even make-up.
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6. Non-invasive body contouring
As with fashion, health and fitness trends often contradict themselves. In one season, we might see bold patterns as popular as subtle neutrals. And in this era of holistic wellness and all-natural diets, we’re also seeing a rise in outpatient treatments to achieve the look you want.
Specifically, the field of body contouring has blown up recently. A rash of cleverly named, non-invasive techniques are cropping up — from CoolSculpting to Strawberry Laser to Venus Freeze. They aim to address stubborn areas that don’t respond to diet and exercise.
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Wellness trends come and go
The wellness world is always evolving. Some trends fade as quickly as they arrive, while others reshape the way we think about health for years to come. Whether you’re intrigued by nutrient-packed moringa, curious about Ayurveda, considering a digital detox, or simply looking for new ways to support your well-being, there’s no shortage of ideas to explore.
The trick is to approach every trend with equal parts curiosity and common sense. Look for approaches backed by credible research, consider whether they’ll fit your lifestyle, and remember that lasting health rarely comes from one miracle product or quick fix. A balanced diet, regular movement, quality sleep, stress management, and guidance from your healthcare provider will always be the foundation of feeling your best.
If one of these trends inspires you to make a positive change, that’s a win. Just remember: the healthiest lifestyle is the one you can happily maintain long after the trend has passed.