QUICK! Here Are Top 10 Nutrition Trends For The Summer
Have you been a matcha or gut health person this year? This is definitely not to blame on TikTok, is it now?
Both social media and the current economy are now influencing nutrition trends more than ever. We’re talking more than zero-calorie supplements and plant-based diets. Leave that behind for a minute and get on track with the hottest nutrition trends for your beach-perfect summer bod!
Wanna learn from my mistakes and save yourself some hassle? I should’ve known about number 8 earlier! Switch it up and avoid nutrition myths and traps with the following scientifically sound foodie trends.
1. Anti-inflammatory Foods
Anti-inflammatory diets are on the rise. Summer is just around the corner, so anti-inflammatory foods are incredibly needed and helpful for weight loss in a time of chronic pain and sedentary lifestyle.
Normally found in drugstore medication, anti-inflammatory active substances promote better bone health and delay brain disease. If you’re trying to lose a few pounds before summer, regularly consuming anti-inflammatory foods will actually control sugar levels and help your metabolism burn more calories in your daily activities.
My go-to anti-inflammatory treat is blueberries. I would have a pack of them every day, especially in the summer. They check my boxes for snacking and reducing my knee pain drug-free.
You will also want to opt for any other berries, like strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries. Fresh or frozen, they’re good to go!
Other summer foods with anti-inflammatory properties include nuts, cherries, kale, spinach, avocado, sweet potato, beets, broccoli, ginger, and chickpeas. Feel free to combine some of these miracle ingredients and enjoy summer-fresh meals.
2. Lots of Tea
You mustn’t be too much of a Brit to have a proper tea time.
While it keeps us warm in the wintertime, tea has resurfaced as a summer nutrition trend as well. You can serve it at room temperature or iced. It is known to support your immune system, reduce cancer risks, and keep you well hydrated.
Nutritional tea is Whole Foods approved and comes in a few summer-ready flavors like Heritage Kulfi Cardamom Chai Ice Cream (available in select stores) and Kola Goodies Sri Lankan Milk Tea Latte.
You can also opt for other teas this summer and adjust it to your needs. Just a few examples are chamomile for anxiety and digestion, peppermint for bloating and headaches, and hibiscus for high blood pressure and liver health.
There is not much to not love about tea time, to be fair. It’s the perfect versatile hydration solution for the summer.
3. Tropical Fruit
Looks like summer’s bringing tropical goodies. More and more cool summer people have discovered the endless benefits of tropical fruits, and you’re invited to the party as well!
Packed with essential nutrients and vitamins, tropical fruit are both ideal to enjoy out in the sun and healthy snack alternatives. We’re thinking guava, mango, passion fruit, coconut, papaya, and pineapple.
What I do love the most about these wonder fruits is that sweet doesn’t mean much sugar. I usually enjoy tropical fruit in smoothies and occasionally I slice and eat it fresh. That’s more than enough for me!
You can go wild and pair tropical fruits like pineapple and mango with savory dishes like summer salads.
4. More Dates, Less Sugar
Dates are an ancient sugary treat. It hasn’t been until very recently that people started to rely on their caramel-like taste. We think this can be your greatest summer hit, too!
Yes, dates still have sugar. But it’s an entirely different and better type of sugar that keeps your cravings low and sustains your energy throughout the day.
Did you know that store-bought refined sugar is considered empty calories (so is alcohol, by the way)? Switch to dates for added fiber, potassium, magnesium, and antioxidants.
I usually enjoy 2-3 dates before my hybrid run for extra carb energy. However, dates are super popularly integrated into granola energy bars and were even made into a delicious syrup.
5. Honey Mustard
History repeats itself, and honestly I’m not complaining! More nostalgic ’90s foods are once again hot, and we are utterly convinced that honey mustard can be one of your favorite hit or miss this summer.
Not only is it more than sauce, it brings diverse ingredients together with a bit of sweetness. Replace mayonnaise and ranch with honey mustard for almost 10 times fewer calories per serving. Unlike 98% of other dressings, honey mustard has virtually NO FAT!
Always available in multiple flavors, it comes in handy for summer salads and dips, but I have also used honey mustard for simple chicken marinades. You know the drill – be creative with it!
6. High-Protein Foods
We’ve known that for a long time, but health-conscious people are only now becoming more aware of protein food benefits.
All-time studies have majorly agreed that protein-rich diets help brain and muscle aging and keep you full throughout the day more than sugar does.
The new summer trend is somewhat an extension of the 2024 plant-based diet trends. However, we do encourage you to adjust protein sources based on your taste and preference. From Greek yogurt and red meat to hard-boiled eggs and tofu, there are more than a few high-protein foods for everyone’s yum.
If you know me, I’m super conscious of my protein intake and use a few effortless tricks to make sure that I get enough of it. I can gladly recommend you throw cottage cheese, extra eggs, or chickpeas into summer dishes without second-guessing yourself!
Are you motivated yet? You’ve made it here, so do make sure you prep for those girly summer brunches with a good ol’ reliable cast iron pan.
7. Canned Foods
This one was a surprise. Now that I’m thinking, it’s no wonder people are turning to more affordable alternatives with what is even going on in this country right now!
Non-perishable options of fruits, veggies, and proteins are more accessible and last longer than fresh products. Contrary to common belief, canned food is not worse for your health. In fact, it was demonstrated that the canning process leads to more antioxidants compared to the fresh product.
I am a strong advocate for cans of black beans and chickpeas. I always stock up on canned fruit as well in case I get midnight cravings.
8. Brain Foods
I’ve saved this precious one for the bottom of the list on purpose!
Foods that support brain health and cognition are probably top 3 summer nutrition trends by far. No matter your age, your best bet against cognitive decline, dementia, and Alzheimer’s is prevention. Coincidence is, the brain-recommended foods are super compatible with our summer vibes.
In large, look for Mediterranean diet options. Nuts, veggies, and low fat protein options are a great starting point.
1-on-1 tip: Mediterranean diets plus physical activity halve brain disease risks.
9. Prescription-Free Supplements
Ozempic this, Ozempic that… But prescription-free supplements are all natural and only require a bit of consistency!
If you’re tackling weight loss for the summer, dietitians recommend a few basics. No need to get stacked on pseudo capsules and powders, but you may want to look into low calorie protein for hunger, L-carnitine for metabolism, and probiotics for the gut.
Keep in mind supplements are more than safe when moderately used!
10. Nutritive Mocktails
Last but not least, more and more people go sober. If you’re one of them, this tip is here to help you for the summer.
No need to resist temptations when you’ve got a super healthy mocktail in your hand. Mostly known for their sugary sparkling juice taste, mocktails can be a great source of nutrients if you pick the right ingredients.
Your sobriety is key, and you’re doing a good job! Check a few ideas below.
- Berry Antioxidant Spritzer
- Turmeric Ginger Fizz
- Watermelon Cucumber Cooler
- Coconut Matcha Refresher
Do you have any hot takes on the list? We’d like to hear them. Make sure you let us know in the comments down below and always stay updated with the latest nutrition news by signing up for our free newsletter here.
Have you found this useful? Continue reading Transform Your Meals With These 7 Easy Nutrition Tips!
