The Covid-19 pandemic has changed almost every aspect of our lives, including diet.
There was a shift to home cooking. I became more creative in the kitchen. And quite a few of us have actually increased the consumption of unhealthy snacks, desserts and sweet drinks.
So what’s ahead in 2022, especially if you’re looking for a healthier diet?
This is what I think will be some of the biggest health food trends of the new year:
Water lily seeds
For the first time in the Americas, water lily seeds have been in India for centuries. A light and fluffy, mild-tasting mauser with a cheese curl-like texture and plenty of nutrients. These seeds, sweet or tasty, are a great way to add spices, as they have little taste on their own. An excellent plant source of essential amino acid proteins, it is gluten-free and rich in vitamins. Gentle on the waistline, a handful with about 100 calories.
Omnivore diet
The battle between plant-based and animal-based diets is intensifying, but as with most parts of nature, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the best diet can be somewhere in between. !! As a result, more and more people are seeking balance by returning to their diet like human-designed “omnivorous animals.” As omnivores, we can digest both plant and animal proteins physically equally, and their diversity supports optimal health.
Incorporating food into both the animal and plant worlds is the basis of a diet called “semi-vegetarianism,” but it’s up to you to balance it. And related concepts have emerged in this area. A “reduced diet” means a deliberate shift to a plant-based diet, but still includes animal foods.
mushroom
Mushrooms are becoming very popular with continued interest in plant-based foods, especially meat substitutes. All types of mushrooms have a meaty texture and taste and serve as a real meat replacement. Think of grilled Portobello mushrooms instead of toasted bread burgers. “Umami” is the mainstream of mushrooms, and it is a flavorful and flavorful treat by itself or as part of soups, stews and jerky.
Southeast Asian taste
Asian cuisine spans several regions, but the traditional tastes of Southeast Asia such as Vietnam, Singapore and the Philippines hold the daily diet stronger. Many of the basic ingredients widely used include jasmine rice, garlic, ginger, sesame seeds, chili peppers, dried onions, and soy protein (tofu, tempeh). Foods are often steamed, boiled or stir-fried.
The uniqueness of Southeast Asian flavors lies in the combination that creates complex flavors. Think of citrus and basil, or lime and coriander. More rare specialty ingredients such as tamarind and lemongrass are readily available in most supermarkets.
It’s a healthy cooking and eating method that requires just a few new ingredients to refresh your daily diet.
Ingredients that boost immunity
Our immune system is the foundation of health and there are several ways to strengthen it. One is a trip to a local supermarket. Food supports a healthy immune system as part of a healthy lifestyle, but the positive effects are the result of long-term dietary patterns. That is what brings “life” to your lifestyle! And these benefits come from real food. There is no shortcut to supplements that cannot replace a healthy diet and can only be supported. Whether eaten standalone or used in recipes, the best foods to mix and combine to support a healthy immune system are:
- Berry (fresh, frozen or dried)
- Fermented foods (yogurt, kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut)
- Spices (ginger, turmeric, cinnamon)
- Brassicaceae vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cabbage)
- Nuts and seeds (almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds)
- Citrus fruits (orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit, kiwi)
Alcohol-free cocktails
The popularity and availability of canned, bottled, or freshly made alcohol-free alternatives is increasing. It has a complex taste and a taste similar to a classic cocktail. Great for anyone looking for more than a selzer or juice splash. As people reduce or eliminate alcohol, these creative options create a comfortable option, whether at a restaurant, bar, or at home.
Simplified food preparation
Soaring food prices and supply chain issues affecting supermarkets across the country will shift home cooking to a smaller and more streamlined approach. The recipe is simplified with more limited basic ingredients obtained locally. Easy-to-cook fresh foods shine with optimal nutrient content and visual appeal, extending to healthier versions of comfort food (think macaroni and cheese or chicken pot pies).
Madelyn Fernstrom is a health editor for NBC News. Follow her on Twitter @ drfernstrom.
