These Are the Nutrition Trends Coming Your Way in 2019
Here's how we'll all be staying healthy in the future.
marilyna
The biggest nutrition conference of the year was just in Washington DC. Registered Dietitians from all over the world came together to discuss the latest nutrition trends and research. Here’s a recap of some of the hottest topics presented at the 2018 Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo.
Fighting Food Waste
According to a recent report 1.3 billion tons of food is tossed each year but you can help cut back on this waste. Plan meals ahead and coordinate with an itemized shopping list. A little pre-planning is a great way to cut back on buying food unnecessarily. Once the food comes home, utilize your refrigerator and freezer to help that food last longer. Finally, always consider donating food extra food in your kitchen to a local food pantry or shelter.
Cannabis
Medical cannabis is everywhere, even the nutrition world. Cannabis use may be beneficial for the management of everything from chronic pain to insomnia to gastrointestinal disorders and more. Since nutrition professionals are often important members of care teams involved in treating these conditions, brushing up on the ins and outs of cannabis might be a good idea to help take care of their patients.
Lutein
This lesser known plant-based compound ( aka “carotenoid”) plays a major role in the health of your eyes and more recent research is also looking at lutein’s relationship to cognitive function and brain health. Get more lutein in your diet from leafy green vegetables like spinach, kale and collards as well as pumpkin, peas, eggs and broccoli.
Plant-Based Snacking
Snacks are getting a healthy upgrade. Throughout the expo hall were better-for-you versions of snack foods made from beans, coconut, nuts, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. These sweet and salty goodies offer ways to curb snack cravings with a hefty dose of nutrients along for the ride!
Potatoes For Performance
The easily digestible and nutrient rich carbs in potatoes can help athletes fuel performance before, during and after workouts. Use potatoes in breakfast burritos, rice bowls and even muffins to help fire up muscles for exercise and aid in recovery post activity.
Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC, is a registered dietitian, certified athletic trainer and owner of Dana White Nutrition, which specializes in culinary and sports nutrition.
*This article was written and/or reviewed by an independent registered dietitian nutritionist.
Related Links:
