We’re just about half-way through 2019, and we’ve already been introduced to several new wellness trends. But, there’s always something new and exciting popping up in the health and wellness industry, and this summer will be no different. From a new emphasis on self-care to ditching your smartphone for better sleep, this summer promises to offer several interesting new trends we’ll all be talking about.
1. Ditch Your Devices
One of the most fascinating trends gaining traction this summer is a sharp turn toward digital detoxing, also known as disconnecting to reconnect for better sleep. New apps and practices that help us ditch our devices and calm our minds so that we can get restful, quality sleep is rapidly gaining popularity. One of the leading voices in this movement is Thrive Global. The venture is backed by Arianna Huffington, and their message is all about the fundamental health value of high-quality sleep on emotional and physical health. This trend is expected to really take off in 2019 as people are finally beginning to take the message to heart and companies are jumping on board with innovative products to optimize and track the quality of the user’s sleep.
2. MCT Oil
The keto trend of the past year shows no sign of slowing down any time soon. And, thanks to keto lovers everywhere, it’s going to be a lot easier to get your hands on MCT oil and MCT oil-containing products in the summer of 2019 and beyond. Big companies like Nestle are jumping on the bandwagon, and everything from lattes to smoothie-ready gels and powders containing the oil is set for release this year. And that’s not all… The oil is breaking away from its longstanding reputation as a coffee add-in and finding its way into snack foods and energy bars. MCT oil is big in the biohacking community for its possible mental focus and energy boosting effects, and who couldn’t use a little more of that!
3. Sparkling Water
Sparkling water has been around forever, but we’re expecting a dramatic rise in the popularity of this healthy alternative to plain water during the summer of 2019. Staying hydrated is crucial in the hot summer months, and people are looking for ways to add some flavor and fizz without sugar, sodium, and artificial sweeteners. Swapping out soda for sparkling water is a great way to boost your health and support your weight loss efforts. Be on the lookout for new flavors and packaging as this trend hits the ground running over the summer.
4. Self-Care
Isn’t it about time self-care became trendy? Fitness and healthy eating are always going to be popular, but in the summer of 2019, we’re beginning to see a dramatic trend shift towards holistic health. People are becoming more interested in feeling good and having lots of energy rather than big muscles, and there’s an emphasis on balancing the body and the mind. In major metropolitan areas such as New York City, acupuncture studios like The Yinova Center in Manhattan, are becoming increasingly more popular – as are functional medicine clinics, cryotherapy spots, drop-in meditation centers, and even infrared saunas. We’re expecting to see a new focus on optimizing energy, overall well-being, and mindfulness. Don’t live in a big city? Check out apps like Inscape, Yoga Download, and Meditation Studio.
5. Plant-Based Meat Replacements
Plant-based meat substitutes are not new, but they’re new found popularity should bring us some tastier options this summer. There’s increasing concern about the environmental impact of large-scale food production and the mistreatment of animals by factory times, so it’s really not a surprise that meat replacements are showing a surge in popularity. Even big chains like Burger King are jumping on the bandwagon. They’ll be introducing the plant-based Impossible burger in St. Louis this summer, and if the launch is successful, we’ll see it in restaurants all over the country. Supposedly, this new burger tastes so much like real meat that even dedicated carnivores can’t tell the difference. It could be a win-win for healthy eating, the environment, and animals everywhere!
6. Nurturing Your Microbiome
There’s been an increasing interest in gut health recently, but this trend is really gaining traction this summer as we are learning more about nurturing your microbiome (the healthy bacteria in your digestive tract). According to recent studies, everything from our immune system to our weight is tied to our digestive system health. The microbiome is the core of your overall health, and it’s responsible for the hormones that influence sex drive, hunger, sleep patterns, mood, and even how your body responds to stress. At the same time, a healthy microbiome reduces your risk of several types of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. The secret to a healthy gut is to avoid processed foods, cut back on stress, and eat a diet high in fiber, complex carbs, and high-quality protein. You should also try to include a serving of fermented foods each day while steering clear of inflammatory foods such as dairy and sugar
7. Workout Smarter, Not Harder
Fitness experts are beginning to realize that exhausting, punishing workouts might not be the best thing for your body… mainly because they trigger the release of the stress hormone, cortisol. Cortisol is the hormone that’s responsible for the fight-or-flight response, and when released, it temporarily slows down specific body functions, such as metabolism. It turns out that digging deep to get in those last few reps might actually be slowing down your fitness progress. Look for a trend shift this summer headed toward a more moderate, cortisol conscious workout.
8. Got Milk? Camel Milk That Is!
Did you say camel milk? Yep, it’s a real thing! We’ve all tried oat milk, almond milk, rice milk, and of course cow’s milk… but camel’s milk is the trendy new milk alternative this summer. You might be surprised to learn that camel’s milk offers a host of benefits for those suffering from diabetes, including decreasing insulin resistance, improving cholesterol levels, and lowering blood sugar. And, you don’t have to have diabetes to reap the benefits of camel’s milk. It also has free-radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory effects that can be helpful to just about anyone.
It looks like the summer of 2019 is going to be an exciting time for health and wellness enthusiasts. Which trend are you most interested in?
