The Top Trends Tipped for 2017
Another new year and with that brings a fresh new array of foods, fitness tips and must have gadgets to apparently help us slim down, feel great and achieve the body we have always wanted. However, before we become prey to the marketing predators, is there any truth behind all the hype? And do we get our monies worth pound for pound?
Let’s explore the popular trends tipped for 2017 and see if we get our bang for our buck.
Watermelon juice
2016 saw us sipping coconut water like there’s no tomorrow and this year, the hottest new rage is all about watermelon juice. It’s already starting to appear more on our shelves and throughout the filtered pictures of Instagram. But are there any benefits to slurping on the stuff?
Pros
Excellent source of vitamin C.
A great kidney cleanser as it flushes out ammonia and uric acid.
Many anti-inflammatory properties as it is rich in flavonoids, beta-carotene – all the good stuff that fights inflammation
Tastes great!
Cons
Although lower in sugar than orange juice, its’ content is still quite high and therefore shouldn’t be consumed on a regular basis.
Reasonably high in calories containing 30 calories per 100ml whereas Coca Cola has 43 calories per 100ml.
Pretty pricey, costing an average of $3 per 250ml.
Although it has many benefits, sipping on it all day can really raise your insulin and sugar levels similar to that of a sugary soft drink. Like any pure juice, it is best to be enjoyed in moderation or after a workout to replenish the energy lost, while providing other nutrients.
The Tiger nut
Despite the name, these so called ‘super foods’ are not actually nuts, but a small root vegetable cultivated in West Africa and Spain. This little ‘nut’ was very popular in the 1950’s and 60’s where they were a popular treat for children. In 2017, they have been brought back by the so called ‘goodness’ that they contain. So what exactly is all the hype about?
Pros
High in iron, potassium and magnesium.
High in vitamin C and E.
Said to act as an appetite suppressant due to a type of starch that they contain which resists digestion.
Gluten and nut free, so for some with intolerances they can make a great alternative.
Cons
Due to their comeback and being ‘on trend’ these little nuts come with a hefty price tag averaging $16 per kilo, compared to the humble almond which averages at $9.50 per kilo.
Overall these little nuts can be a great addition to a healthy diet and can either be eaten as a snack or added to a main meal. However, if the price tag turns you off then nuts like almonds, brazil and walnuts will do the trick! Remember to enjoy everything in a varied and balanced diet.
Fermented foods
2017 will see a lot of diet books focusing on the importance of gut bacteria and the fermented foods that are good for your gut.
Read more about the benefits of a healthy gut here.
Pros
Studies show that a healthier gut promotes quicker and more effective weight loss.
Studies have also shown that having a healthy gut boosts our immune system against common illnesses.
Most fermented foods, like natural yogurt or sauerkraut are cheap, easily attainable and can be made at home.
Cons
Some like kefir can take a while getting used to the taste!
Wearable Technology
Heart rate monitors, pedometers and fitness trackers have already seen a huge boom in the amount of people acquiring one and 2017 is tipped to continue this trend. However, some of them come with a hefty price tag and do we really need them to ensure our fitness goals are on track?
Pros
Real time data. Most can gather a variety of data from activity levels, heart rate, and sleeping patterns. This itself can be interesting and very useful to setting fitness goals and tracking them.
Motivate you by sending alerts telling you to get off the sofa and move your butt.
Some let you connect to your friends and loved ones and you are able to motivate each other by friendly competition.
Cons
The ones that provide accurate data are usually quite expensive.
They can become addictive and you might find yourself obsessed with tracking your steps, instead of having a balanced and mindful approach towards a healthy lifestyle.
HIIT
2017, will see the rise of ‘no gym, no problem’ as we sweat it out wherever we are to improve our fitness, health and looks. To get the most out of our workouts is this popular and effective workout style called HIIT. HIIT or high intensity interval training is all about giving it your all and working out at your maximum for short bursts. These are followed by small resting periods, allowing your body to recover before you go all out again. Wait…there’s more good news, HIIT also burns calories once you have finished exercising. This is because when you take part in any high intensity activity you are left in an oxygen deficit (the reason why you pant). In order for your body to regain the oxygen lost it works harder over the next 24 hours and woopie, you burn more calories!! Long gone are the days of slogging it out for hours on the elliptical trainer.
Pros
Effective for weight loss and fat burn.
Can be done anywhere.
Uses minimal time.
Increases your health and fitness.
Cons
You actually have to put the effort in to get the results you want.
It is clear that the benefits for the top trends in health and fitness this 2017 outweigh the cons. All of them make a great addition to a healthy and balanced diet and lifestyle. However, before we start to loosen those purse strings, it is also important to remember that no ‘trend’ should determine what your diet or lifestyle is based on. When maintaining good health and a healthy weight it is important to include a range of unprocessed and natural foods to ensure that you get everything that your body needs. Exercise because it makes your body strong, prevents disease and makes you feel good! Furthermore, while some of the top trending foods can be quite pricey there are always fantastic alternatives which offer similar benefits.
So, don’t be conned by what is in fashion, enjoy everything in moderation and what suits your price tag and lifestyle, for a healthier and happier you.
