Ever since I lost 100 pounds over eight years ago, keeping it off has been something that I am very dedicated to. It was a huge struggle to get to where I am and it continues to be difficult to keep it off, but it's what I do in order to stay as healthy as I possibly can be. With every new year, it's a great time to reset my healthy goals and take another look at my habits. Sometimes, I make new resolutions about what I want to do and accomplish. For 2018, I want to embrace some new trends that are sure to help me continue on the road to being healthy and happy, always.
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According to Prevention, there are some hot new health trends that you should be on the lookout for in 2018. The top trend that you should really be considering right now is the flexitarian diet. This is the way I eat and it is by far the best thing I do for my body. Here's the gist: To do this diet, all you really need to be able to accomplish is focus on having mostly vegetarian and vegan-friendly meals, thus cutting down on your overall meat consumption.
The flexitarian way of eating (the word means flexible vegetarian, also known as a part-time vegetarian) is really easy because it doesn't mean that you have to give up all of your indulgences. All you have to do is give up some of the times you eat meat. I also would recommend that you indulge in as many vegetables as possible. From watermelon juice (yes, aguas frescas!) to veggie-full soups, here are the 10 must-try trends for a healthy 2018 that will surely be the year that you finally drop those annoying pounds. All you have to do is eat a little healthier, have some more veggies, and cut back on the meat sometimes. At least, that's my secret to keeping the weight off.
1. Try some granola for a healthy start to your day.
My favorite way to serve up granola is with some 0% fat Greek yogurt. It's a simple way to start your day, but a really healthy way too.
2. Drink more tea for more probiotic health.
You'll want to buy some heat-resistant probiotic strains of tea, but since it's such a powerful antioxidant, this is a great one to add to your routine.
3. Chocolate is also great for gut health (and for weight loss).
The newest trend in chocolate bars is the probiotic kind that will help with gut health. If that's not a good reason to have more chocolate, I don't know what is!
4. Drink more agua fresca by embracing watermelon juice.
No, really! Watermelon juice is the latest trend in workout recovery trends, thanks to them being rich in antioxidants and containing amino acids that help sore muscles.
5. Veggie-packed soups make for a great, weight loss-friendly lunch.
Forget juicing. Instead, go for a vegetable soup that has tons of nutrients and fiber. Just don't forget to add some beans for extra protein, too.
6. Coconut oil is out, but avocado oil is definitely in.
The new oil you'll want to be using ASAP is avocado oil, which is much lower in saturated fat than coconut. It's great for cooking and you'll likely see it popping up in more products too.
7. Embrace your South American side with cassava flour.
You are probably VERY familiar with cassava (aka yucca), which used in plenty of Latin dishes. Cassava flour is the new gluten-free, grain-free staple to buy.
8. Baby quinoa is totally a thing that you MUST be eating.
Yes, baby quinoa is a thing and it's totally a bit different than regular quinoa (which hails from Peru). It's tiny, crunchy, has all of the health benefits, and even a bit more protein.
9. Don't forget to eat plenty of root vegetables, all year long.
Some of our favorite root vegetables that you MUST be eating include vitamin A-rich sweet potatoes, squash and the aforementioned yucca.
10. Try the new non-dairy milk go-to, cashew milk.
Almond milk and soy are no longer the alternative milks we love. Instead, try the slightly sweet cashew milk, which is gaining popularity.
