2020 has started with a strong force; we are nearly at the end of the first month which is a little crazy as I know in my life, that I haven’t even begun this year completely!
So let’s get started now together!
Over the last few weeks, I have been having a think about what I can see as being some of the biggest health trends for 2020: What’s on my radar, what I will be focusing on and also what is gaining in popularity in the community and also in the Health and Wellbeing industry.
So let’s get into it!
1. Plant-based or Vegan Diet.
This trend is following on from 2019, brought to many people’s attention thanks to the documentary GameChangers on Netflix.
As a naturopath, I am always recommending that people consume more plants so this is a trend that sits well with me. In regards to the vegan aspect, I am more than happy to work with people transitioning to a vegan diet as a diet change always needs some assessment to see if you are meeting nutritional requirements.
The issues that I see with people transitioning to a vegan diet is: nutritional deficiencies long term, fatigue and energy levels, and what I like to call a Junk Food Vegan diet.
Eating more plant based foods is something I encourage with most of my clients but it also requires some planning and knowing your nutritional requirements. Eating vegan packaged foods unfortunately is not going to hit those requirements so...
- If you are considering eating more plants - then I applaud you!
- If you are considering transitioning to a vegan diet, please do this with the support of a professional to avoid long term nutritional deficiencies.
In regards to the environment and sustainability, I think we are going to be hearing a lot more about plant based diets this year.
2. Mindfulness and Meditation.
This is another trend I fully embrace and cannot wait to see where it goes. Mindfulness and meditation are not going anywhere!
For those who know me, you know how much I promote mindful activities and also meditation - I am a strong follower of meditation and practice it myself and feel better because of it. As an over thinker, meditation makes it easier to prioritise what is important and what is just noise in my mind.
Meditation and mindfulness have been around for a while but are going to further boom in 2020!
3. Exercising at home.
Finding ways to exercise within your home, on your own schedule is going to continue to increase in popularity in 2020 especially our lives get busier and busier!
From a naturopathic perspective, exercise is beneficial for improving your health and maintaining good health and these apps and programs are only going to make exercise easier and more convenient.
But don’t forget gyms and sporting groups - personally I find that I work harder in a group environment!
4. Nutrigenomics.
This is something I cannot wait to investigate more and look at offering in 2020!
Nutrigenomics is defined as the scientific study of the interaction of nutrition and genes, especially with regard to the prevention or treatment of disease.
So put simply, using your genetic information to base an individualised diet.
For example, if you genetically are more susceptible to cardiovascular issues than a diet can be created to support your cardiovascular function and system to reduce your chances of suffering from cardiovascular conditions in the future.
This is going to take nutrition to a whole new level and I am really excited about where this could go! So stay tuned!
5. Less supplements and more whole foods.
I personally hate taking medication and supplements. I try with my own clients to reduce the amount of supplements I give out as I didn’t study naturopathy to dispense supplements. Supplements are needed however to support a system or to teach the body or restore nutritional deficiencies but are not for long term use in majority of cases.
Using food as medicine is one of my biggest passions and is something I want to utilise further this year with my clients, which means really specific nutritional plans with specific ingredients to meet nutritional requirements, support symptoms and prevent disease.
If you like the sound of these any of these sound interesting and you want to know more, please be in touch! Alternatively you can book a consult with me through the Book Now button above!