5 Hottest Food Trends 2015

photo via Four Sigma Foods

Every week, as clients come in for sessions they glance over at our office store and ask, “so what’s new?” And so I thought I’d share a piece I wrote for Fitbit on food trends for 2015.

I’m conflicted on the topic of food trends. On one hand I live, breathe and sometimes dream (pathetic I know) nutrition. I love to scope out what’s new or innovative, even fringe. On the other hand, I roll my eyes over kale’s overexposure as the “it” vegetable. I’ve called it Kardashian like- enough, right? If I am forced to pick sides food trends or same old/same old I’m going with the latest and the greatest… and so I bring you five hot foods on the scene for 2015.

Legumes

 So there’s nothing new about legumes (beans, chickpeas and lentils). What’s new is how they are used and why certain legumes are sought out.

Beans are being used in pastas by brands such as Banza(chickpea pasta) and Explore Asian (black bean or mung bean pastas).Speaking of mung beans, the biggest “issue” facing legumes or beans in general is…. gassiness. Mung beans  are “the gas free legume” and they also don’t need to be soaked like other beans. So whether it’s for the protein content, gluten free or gas free it’s beans, beans…

Teatails

Green tea is widely celebrated and last year matcha (a powedered green tea) popped on the radar. What we’re seeing now (and a little excited about) is tea in cocktails. Tea forte is making tea bags especially for cocktails and Owl’s brew makes tea mixers. Cheers!

Magic Mushrooms

So let me explain, mushrooms are popping up in all sorts of applications. They’re sort of magic but in a legit, legal way. Mushroom Matrix is using organic, medicinal mushrooms for applications varying from immunity to skin and hair health (yes please in the winter.) Four sigma has mushroom based beverages even mushroom-laced hot chocolate for stress reduction and weight loss.

Charcoal

I know, I know charcoal isn’t what we think of when we think about deliciousness but it certainly is a big player when it comes to detox. Although I’m suggesting charcoal is trendy, it’s certainly not new. Activated charcoal was used in ancient Egypt and by Hippocrates in Greece. The appeal of activated charcoal is that it’s like a sponge for chemicals and poisons; they adhere to it. Charcoal can be used for hangover prevention, for stomach issues and we’re seeing charcoal pop up at juice shops with “dark detox shots” and charcoal lemonade.

The new pomegranate

In terms of fruit, Forbes points to these grapefruits “sweet scarletts” as the it fruit for 2015. It doesn’t hurt that Pom who made pomegranates “wonderful” are the company behind these grapefruits (that I’m sure are delicious).

So whether you’re a pasta person or a stressed out hot chocolate lover, branch out in the 2015 and know there’s nothing wrong with your old standby foods broccoli or apples.

What foods have you been hearing more about? Any of these I mentioned you’re curious to try?

Charcoal: Yay or Step Away

Black Burger featured in Time magazine, more on this later

If you’re thinking there’s always something “new” in nutrition we’re supposed to take or use, it can certainly seem that way. I roll my eyes at some most things that come our way. I am reassured though when what’s old is new or there’s a long history behind an ingredient. Enter charcoal.

I was excited when CBS suggested this segment because charcoal had just come into my life. you see, I’ve been brushing my teeth with a charcoal powder. We’re also seeing charcoal pop up at juice shops with “dark detox shots” and charcoal lemonade.

So you know, I’m not suggesting you eat your BBQ charcoal. Activated charcoal is made when charcoal (from wood or even coconut shells) is heated with a gas to expand its surface area. It is this surface area (1tsp has 10,000 feet surface area) that’s responsible for its  “detox” action. Activated charcoal was used in ancient Egypt and by Hippocrates in Greece. The appeal of activated charcoal is that it’s like a sponge for chemicals and poisons; they adhere to it. ERs use charcoal because it creates a “prison” for drugs such as cocaine. The debate, if there is one, is whether activated charcoal should be used for less severe situations or every day use

Activated charcoal comes in powder or capsules. I love this one made from coconut shells for capsules and also this tooth powder. Charcoal doesn’t discriminate will adsorb meds (such as anti depressants) and vitamins too if you take it within an hour of taking them

Why would you use activated charcoal if you don’t have to cocaine in your system? First, as I mentioned you can brush your teeth with it. I would advise you to use a little and know that it’s messy.

Gas

Charcoal can also “adsorb”  (adsorb means bind) intestinal gas. A study found that activated charcoal reduces the amount of gas produced by eating beans and other gas-forming foods. If you’re feeling especially gassy try two charcoal tablets three times a day can help absorb the offending gases and help give your stomach a flatter appearance.

Water filtration and air filtration

Carolyn gave me this cool water filter as a holiday gift last year (yes we joked I got coal in my stocking hmn).The charcoal is from tree branches. It absorbs impurities such as chlorine and other water impurities In exchange, the charcoal sends its nutrients (calcium, iron and magnesium) back into the water And It also neutralizes the water's pH levels. Our office Ovopur filter  (may look familiar to some of you) is also charcoal-based.

Diarrhea

Charcoal is great to travel with. It relieves symptoms of nervous diarrhea or traveler’s diarrhea 1 tablespoon of powdered activated charcoal up to 2-3 times a day between meals.  Swirl the charcoal in a glass of water and then drink it down; or mix it with olive oil and spoon it into your mouth.

I’m often asked what helps with hangovers. If you feel you’re likely to have one, try popping a couple of charcoal caps before bed. For any of these remedies I wouldn’t take charcoal too often or it can constipate you (and make your poop black). In terms of “yay or step away” or #YOSA I’d say yay but not every day.

And yes, the black burger pictured above is made with cheese infused with bamboo charcoal; I’d “stay away”.

Do you use charcoal? Do you take it internally or use it topically? Have you been hearing about it lately?