a look into my crystal ball…

Soon it will be time to toast this year goodbye – and say hello to 2013. The time has arrived to reflect on what has passed and look forward to all that lies ahead. With the clean slate of a year ahead, my mind has been focusing on goals and resolutions – but I’ve also been thinking about the health, food, and wellness trends that will be gaining steam and making their debuts at restaurants, grocery stores, and your kitchens in the months ahead.

1- Veggie Royalty: 2012 definitely kept it real. Kale continued its reign as the ‘queen of greens’ and showed up in salads, chips, juices – and even cupcakes. I think we’ll be seeing plenty more of this leafy superstar in the year ahead, and if you’re not already a kale convert, be sure to add it to your grocery list! It’s loaded with fiber, calcium, magnesium and jam packed with antioxidant goodness.

While kale is here to stay, it may have to share the spotlight with cauliflower. This cruciferous veggie is super versatile; beyond steamed and roasted, it makes for a lightened up steak, rice, or mash. Not to mention, cauliflower is a great source of B vitamins, fiber, and anti-oxidants.

2- Coo-Coo for Coconuts: Coconut water has been a staple at yoga studios and health food stores for years. And in 2013 – you will be coconut products in every section of the grocery store. You can now find coconut varieties of milk, oil, flour, butter, yogurt, sugar, and even vinegar.

If you want to dabble in the coconut trend, be sure to stock up on coconut oil and coconut palm sugar. Coconut oil is rich in medium-chain fatty acids, which means its burns as energy quickly, rather than being stored as fat. It makes a great butter alternative in baking and cooking. I also love it as a deep conditioning oil for hair and body moisturizer. Coconut sugar also is a staple in my baking pantry. It’s low glycemic, nutrient dense, and a great natural alternative to sweeten up your life. While agave nectar will continue to lose popularity, coconut sugar is certain to pick up plenty of fans.

3-Sprouted Sensations: Health enthusiasts have been sprouting grains, seeds, beans, nuts, and legumes for decades… but for everyone else, this health-promoting process will soon be done FOR you, and available to purchase at the grocery store. Sprouting allows for easier digestion and maximum nutritional absorption.

For those that have a tough time digesting wheat, sprouted wheat may be a better alternative. Sprouted grain breads have been popular for a while, and I’ve just started seeing sprouted wheat and spelt flours at the store. I also love to buy sprouted quinoa, lentils, and seeds to have stocked in my pantry.

4- So Long, Starvation: Extreme cleanses and detoxes have been pretty popular the last few years. If the master cleanse or restrictive liquid diets have never appealed to you, you’re in luck! 2013 will be less about deprivation and more about balance. Quality fats, protein, and carbohydrates will be essential elements of a healthy eating plan. With gimmicky, quick fix diets (that never work!) behind us, the shift will be towards lasting lifestyle changes.

As far as dietary trends are concerned, I think the popular Paleo diet will continue to gain fans. This gluten and grain free plan promotes eating ‘real’ food – loading up on plenty of vegetables – and ditching processed foods and refined sugar.

What do you think of my predictions?? Anything your particularly happy or sad to see go? What are some of your thoughts for the year ahead? Please share in the comments section! 

Wishing you an amazing New Year filled with health and happiness!