What are the forecasted nutrition trends for 2016?

There is nothing more frustrating than thinking that you have it all together with your nutritional choices, and then the game changes. I totally get the frustration. New information comes out about certain foods every day, what was once good for you, now becomes detrimental to your health.

Are eggs in or out? What about caffeine? What is the best oil to use? And the list goes on and on. Keep in mind that the world of wellness is ever evolving. We are learning new things each and every day. New technology coupled with extensive research brings us information at lightning speed.

This new information based on detailed research and findings can guide us to a healthier lifestyle. So do not get frustrated, try and stay on the cutting edge of wellness information and do the best you can to eat whole foods that are full of vital nutrients, avoiding foods that are processed full of sugar, sodium, preservatives and artificial everything.

One good rule of thumb to remember … if it came from a plant eat it, if it was made in a plant do not eat it. The other rule is totally my philosophy it’s the 80/20 rule. Do your best to eat clean and healthy 8 percent of the time but allow yourself some grace 2 percent of the time.

I read a great article the other day, “Four Nutrition Trends to Look Out For in 2016,” (https://www.acefitness.org/blog/5772/4-nutrition-trends-to-look-out-for-in-2016) written by two registered dieticians, Tammy Lakatos Shames and Elysse Lakatos, The Nutrition Twins. I wanted to share some of it with you today.

>> Probiotics here to stay: It is all about the gut. The human gastrointestinal tract house constitutes about 70 percent of the immune system. The Nutrition Twins had the following to say about probiotics. “Mounting evidence stacks in favor of probiotics, the good-for-you bacteria that keep our gastrointestinal (GI) system functioning in tip-top shape. Probiotics help to increase the ratio of good-to-bad bacteria in your digestive tract, assist in digesting food and protect against harmful bacteria and toxins. In turn, a healthy GI tract helps to keep the brain, immune system, behavior, mood, appetite and metabolism healthy and in good working order. In the past, to get probiotics, you’d have to eat yogurt, kefir, tempeh or fermented foods. If you’re not a fan of these foods, you can still get probiotics because foods with probiotics will be turning up everywhere. You’ll be able to improve the health of your digestive tract by getting your dose of probiotics in products like smoothies, powdered fiber packets and flavored waters.”

>> Pursue Pulses: A pulse is an edible seed that grows in a pod. They are composed of dry peas, lentils and chickpeas. A pulse, is sometimes called a “grain legume.” Pulses pack a power punch of fiber and protein. They can be used in many different ways and are extremely sustainable.

>> GMO has to go: I have written several articles on this subject so it was nice to see the following written by registered dieticians. “GMOs (genetically modified organisms) are getting attention by both consumers and consumer watchdog agencies, largely because animal studies have suggested that GMOs damage the immune system, liver and kidneys (others argue that more studies are needed to determine long-term risks). Regardless, the demand for non-GMOfoods has had manufacturers scrambling to develop non-GMO products, as most corn and soy these days contain GMOs, and corn and soy are found in everything from candy and cereal to veggie burgers and energy bars. You’ll continue to see more GMO-free labels on foods, as well as GMO-free restaurants popping up everywhere.”

>> Seeds are Spectacular: You will definitely see more hype about seeds in 2016. After all they are full of fiber, protein, heart healthy fats and phytonutrients. Many contain healthy omegas too. Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds and hemp seeds will be on the nutrition radar screen, according to the Nutrition Twins.

Check their website out, https://nutritiontwins.com. You’ll find recipes and more information.

See you in the gym!

Linda Stollings is owner of fitPrescriptions, a corporate wellness health coaching company. Email her at lstollings@fitprescriptions.com.