In the year of 2022, food has never been more of a focus. Lockdown has encouraged many to develop a passion for cooking (or eating!), and swathes have flocked to restaurants and diners since they reopened their doors post-pandemic. But, what are the most popular diet trends this year?
This guide discusses 3 of the trendiest or most popular diets of 2022, so what are you waiting for? Read on to discover more!
Vegan (or Plant Based)
One of the most popular diets that seems to be taking the world by storm this year is a vegan (or plant based) diet. A vegan diet is one that focuses around the non-consumption of animal products, meaning things like eggs, milk, meat and more are totally off the menu. This does still leave a whole host of other foods to chow down on, like fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, legumes and soya products, so it’s not as restrictive as you might first expect. However, it is a total diet change that requires a huge amount of time, planning and skill, as you’ll need to get the hang of reading ingredients lists in record time!
The main difference between a vegan diet and a plant based diet is the ethics behind them. A vegan diet is usually chosen out of respect for animals, meaning the participant will also avoid things like leather and wool. On the other hand, a plant based diet is used for it’s supposed health benefits instead – in which case, the rules are less strict and oftentimes honey is still consumed. No matter whether you choose vegan or plant based, you must ensure that you are still getting all of the vitamins and minerals you need from your diet. B12 is one of the most important vitamins that is usually lacking in a vegan or plant based diet, so consider a suitable supplement if you decide to follow this trend.
Gluten Free
Gluten free diets are also madly popular this year, with hundreds of thousands of people kicking gluten to the curb! With advances in food and allergy testing, it’s becoming more apparent that a large percentage of the population is sensitive to or even intolerant to gluten. It can cause digestive pain, bloating, acne and more for those who are gluten-sensitive, while it can cause severe allergic reactions and potentially even prove fatal for those with coeliac disease (an intolerance to gluten).
Gluten is found in three different types of cereals: barely, rye and wheat. This means that many common off-the-shelf food items are off the menu for those eating a gluten free diet, including things like pasta, bread, cakes and more. However, the market for gluten free alternatives is growing rapidly, and nowadays you can easily find a gluten free replacement for whatever snack or meal you once loved! For example, even the most delicious triple chocolate layer cake can be made without gluten when you know how.
Paleo
Last but by no means least, it’s time to talk about paleo. The paleo diet has been around for a while (a millenia, in fact), but in recent years it’s seen a huge revival. Paleo is essentially short for Palaeolithic, meaning the time period during which humans were hunter-gatherer cave dwellers. Those who eat a paleo diet aim to eat like a Paleolithic human, meaning all kinds of processed food are off limits, along with oils, sugar, grains, alcohol and even coffee. It’s a totally natural diet that focuses around the consumption of fruit and vegetables, meat, nuts and seeds.
Most people who indulge in a paleo diet do so for the supposed health benefits that it can bring. It has to be said that avoiding processed food will undoubtedly be good for your well-being, so it’s clear to see why it’s such a popular choice among those in the world of fitness. Some paleo dieters suggest avoiding dairy products, however this can lead to a calcium deficiency if green leafy vegetables aren’t eaten regularly to provide the necessary nutrients.
Final Thoughts
Whether you decide to get involved with a vegan or plant based diet, a gluten free diet or even a paleo cave man style diet, be sure to check with your healthcare professional before you start your food journey. Getting enough vitamins and minerals should always be a main priority no matter what type of diet you follow, so make the most of fruit and veggies during every meal time.
