Healthy Eats – Food Network Healthy Living Blog: Food Network's Healthy Eats: Healthy Recipes, Weight Loss Tips & Nutrition Information

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 »