2017 presents us with food trends set to give us newer and healthier options-making the most of our gastronomic experience worth every calorie without compromising our daily body requirements.
Chocolate for Breakfast
Studies in 2016 show that people who eat sweets at least once every week perform better in concentration and memory tests. A few trendsetters even suggested eating deserts together with the traditional breakfast meal. "The best breakfast is one that is a good mix of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats. If you want to toss a few dark chocolate chips into your oatmeal or yogurt, that's fine. But a chocolate doughnut or muffin isn't going to give you the nutrients you need," said Maxine Siegel, R.D., head of the CR food testing lab.
Jackfruit
2017 is set to be a year of veggie pulled-pork sandwiches, specifically of made of jackfruit. The texture of jackfruit is similar to shredded meat before ripening. This asian fruit is also low in sugar.
Jackfruit contains 2 grams per half cup of protein-not very high compared to other meat substitutes. A similar amount of chicken contains 32 grams while tofu contains 22 grams.
Experts have observed that most people do not get enough protein in their diets. It however not advisable to rely on jackfruit alone if no other animal products are taken as a supplement for protein source.
Plant Waters
The past years have promoted trends involving coconut water and maple water. 2017 will introduce the use of cactus, artichoke, and cucumber beverages. These plants serve as natural hydrators and as alternatives for sports drinks.
These plant waters are contain 25-30 calories for every 8 ounces. This calorie count is significantly low compared to the usual sports drinks with Gatorade containing 53 calories in the same quantity.
These plants do not contain any sweeteners. Some plant waters may have some sugars naturally present while some may have small amounts of added sugars.
Riced Cauliflower
The rice cauliflower craze started in response to Paleo dieters who are seeking for a lower carbohydrate substitute for pasta and potatoes.
Food manufacturers like birds Eye and Green Giant are not introducing frozen versions.
Riced cauliflower can also be made at home. Cauliflower can be chopped in a food processor or grated. Frozen versions are however easier to prepare with no difference in taste and nutrition with the the freshly prepared ones.
The three varieties of riced cauliflower contain 20 to 38 calories, 4 to 6 grams of carbs and 2 to 3 grams of fiber for every cup.
Bean Pasta
Aside from the gluten-free trend, people are now wanting more protein and lesser refined carbohydrates in their diets. These are the reasons why alternative pastas made from lentils, chickpeas and other legumes are now popular.
These alternative pasts contain the same amount of calories compared to the regular pasta- 200 per cup when cooked. The bean pastas also has higher finer and protein content.
Savory Yogurt
Savory Yogurts are now gaining popularity. People are opting to eat cumin instead of chocolate, beets instead of berries.
Savory Yogurts are great sources of calcium and protein. They are however low in calories and added sugars compared to fruit yogurts.
Fermented Foods
From 2014 to 2016, the fermented food trend has played a big trend especially to many health enthusiasts. Natural grocery stores have observed a 50 percent growth in the sale of prebiotics and probiotics supplements.
Fermented foods such as kimchi, kombucha, sauerkraut, yogurt and kefir are also good sources of fermented foods.
The food revolution has taken us to newer levels of food experience with emphasis on wiser choices- helping us live longer and healthier.
