Written by Catherine Saxelby
on Saturday, 26 September 2009.
Tagged: food trends, guides, health, healthy lifestyle, trends
Home cooking, sustainability, mini luxuries, food allergies, wholegrains, super foods and trans fats take centre stage for 2010. What's hot and on the rise in the world of diets, nutrition and healthy lifestyle? Here's my take on what's taking off based on what I've canvassed from industry publications, health magazines, conferences as well as websites and blogs.
More cooking from scratch at home using fresh ingredients with only minimal use of prepared sauces and bases. Many Australians are setting up a veggie patch and a chook yard for the kids. For some great recipes, check out the Foodwatch recipe section.
Australians are into clean and green. We're interested in how and where our food is grown - is it sustainable, locally-produced, slow food, fair trade, pure, organic or free-range?
Wraps, rolls, salads, yoghurt and juices have started to displace nuggets and fries from our menus.
It seems to have peaked but at 25 to 30 per cent of kids now overweight or obese, but there are still too many fat kids. Just about every one has made changes to accommodate this trend from makeovers for fast food outlets, healthier kids' menus, smaller portion sizes for junk foods, fit kids camps and a limit on screen time viewing.
"Free-from" foods are growing to help people steer clear of allergens like nuts, dairy, egg, fish and soy. Gluten-free and wheat-free are also on the increase but not always for medical reasons; sometimes we self-diagnose and take ourselves off wheat products. Checkout this list of allergy posts from the Foodwatch website.
Slow carbs for our bodies to help with type 2 diabetes, weight control and energy.
We are drinking in the kilojoules (Calories). Witness fresh juice bars, super smoothies, caramel chocolate frappucinos, boutique beers, cocktails, mocktails, alcopops not to mention meal-replacement drinks and liquid breakfasts.
They're in processed food wherever you see the words "partially-hydrogenated vegetable oil". Food companies are scrambling to replace them wherever they can.
Acai, goji, mangosteen, pomegranate - the list goes on and on. Are they really super food or super frauds? Check out the Super Food Section of my website.
Indulgent treats to brighten up our day and add pleasure eg dark chocolate with cherries, nougat, chocolate cafes (think Lindt café, Max Brenner chocolate bar, Guylian coffee shop), good wine, premium yoghurt, top-end gelato, quality tea leaves, organic yoghurt.
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