At this time of year, everyone is thinking about how they can start making changes to their diet and exercise routines. We have emerged from the season of comfort eating and staying indoors, and now it’s time to make the most of the sunshine and get in shape. It seems like every year there is a new diet trend or new exercise routine that everyone gets into, and this is always particularly true around the summertime. However, there is a clear difference between the fads that are going to disappear after a few weeks and the genuine advances that can really help.
With each passing year we are learning more and more about nutrition and exercise, and the changes that we can make are becoming more and more accessible. For example, there is a clear gap between the health shakes of a couple of decades ago and the nutrition drinks we are seeing today. Here are a few of the most popular diet and exercise trends that you need to know about this summer.
Meat-Free Is Everywhere
Let’s start with one of the most discussed diet and fitness trends of the last couple of years. We have all been looking for ways that we can reduce our carbon footprint, and the farming of animals for meat has been shown to have an enormous impact on the environment. But that is only one reason why meat-free diets have become so popular recently. It is also hard to ignore the impact that red and processed meats have on our health. Given all that we know about heart disease, cancer, and other illnesses, it makes a lot of sense that we would be switching to veggie options. There are so many more plant-based meat replacements on the market, and consumers clearly enjoy having the choice.
Protein Products Are Getting Better
We know that protein is a core element of any healthy diet, especially if you are looking to get into better shape. But there are so many different protein supplements out there, ranging from shakes to tablets, and there is no denying that they are not all created equal when it comes to quality and flavor. These days, we have become a lot savvier about researching the products we buy, especially when they are related to our bodies and our health. We know good quality when we see it, and we want to see the science behind those big, bold claims. When it comes to plant protein, the science is coming on in leaps and bounds, and this plant protein selection from Ingredient Optimized is used as a core component in some of the best protein products out there. ioProtein contains no third-party ingredients, and it has a proven higher absorption than Whey Protein Isolate.
Mental Health And Diet And Exercise Are Connected
Over the last couple of years, we have all learned a lot about mental health. We have been there for our friends and family members who have been struggling, and many of us have experienced burnout and depression firsthand. With this better understanding, we are seeing how diet and exercise play a big part in good mental health. For example, getting out into the sunlight for a brisk walk or jog can be so important to boosting your mood. We also know that a lot of the foods that we associate with comfort, especially those that are high in sugar or fat, can leave us feeling sluggish. Sugar and caffeine may give us a boost in the short term, but the crash can be pretty brutal. Sugar, caffeine, and alcohol can also lead to sleepless nights as they disrupt our rest, which brings us to our next point.
More And More People Are Giving Up Alcohol
Earlier this year, you will have seen a lot of stories about “Dry January.” Taking a step back from the excesses of the holiday season is always a popular choice, but it certainly seemed like there were far more people taking part in a month of sobriety than we had seen in previous years. Part of this is probably because many of us have over-indulged in alcohol over the last couple of years. But it is also because we are learning more and more about how booze can impact our physical and mental health. Alcohol is full of empty calories, so anyone looking to shed some pounds in the months ahead should seriously consider at least cutting way back on their drinking. But it can also have long-term effects on your physical health too, with issues ranging from liver problems to cancer. Don’t be surprised if you see a lot of your friends opting for zero-alcohol options this summer.
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