Giant food is out this year.
Each year new nutrition fads appear and old ones head out the door. Here’s a look at what’s hot for 2012 and what’s fizzled out.
Out: “Toning” shoes
The makers of the shoes that claimed to help tone the lower body, agreed to pay $25 million settlement for making false claims.
In: Fun exercise classes
Zumba, kickboxing, boot camp, pilates and spin classes are just some of the ways Americans have been getting in shape.
Out: Organic
With the economy in shambles, going full out organic is just way too costly. The clean 15 and dirty dozen lists tell us where it’s best to invest our organic dollar.
In: Going local
Many local farmers follow organic practices, but getting that official organic seal from the USDA is just too costly for them. Many folks also want to support their local economy and farmers.
Out: Processed low calorie foods
Processed junk foods that tout themselves as being low in calories or low in fat like cookies and cakes are a thing of the past. Who needs a long list of preservatives and chemicals in their food?
In: Whole foods naturally low in calories
Fruit, veggies, whole grains, beans and lentils are just some of the foods that are all-natural and low in calories, low in fat or high in fiber without all the preservatives. The Clean Eating movement is all about this trend.
Out: Artificial sweeteners
Say goodbye to those chemical-based artificial sweeteners made from saccharin, aspartame, and sucralose.
In: Natural sweeteners
From coconut sugar to agave nectar, natural sweeteners are taking the market by storm.
Out: Frequently dining out
To save money and eat healthier, folks are cutting back on their trips to restaurants.
In: Cooking at home
More people are taking control of their food ingredients by cooking at home. You’ll see more dads spending time in the kitchen as well.
Out: Oversized portions
Outlandish portions are a thing of the past. Folks are starting to understand how many calories these oversized portions dishes can have.
In: Mini sizes
Many places are offering “mini” portions. Starbucks has mini doughnuts and cake pops while California Pizza Kitchen has their Small Cravings menu.
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Toby Amidor, MS, RD, CDN, is a registered dietitian and consultant who specializes in food safety and culinary nutrition. See Toby’s full bio »
No one is overweight without permission from themselves. I had three children and breast fed them for 7 1/2 months, I cook almost every day – leaving no food out. We had my yummy apple cobbler (no need for two crusts!) with our coffee for a treat this morning for breakfast with a chunk of cheddar cheese, and eat wonderful food almost always. I trim all fat from lean strip steaks, "fry" floured pork chops with just enough oil to keep from sticking, make pancakes, waffles, popovers, and biscuits usually with all WW, but at least half. The list can go on and on, but unless someone has a thyroid issue that affects weight or is handicapped in some way that prevents movement, becoming overweight is by choice. Get a full length mirror and look at yourself every day! By the way, I am almost 70, and weight more now than I ever have, even after babies. That is around seven lbs. over, and am just getting over plantar faciitis. So, back to the Nordic Track.
[...] Food Network’s “What’s Out, What’s In for 2012″ [...]