7 Biggest Health Trends Predicted for 2020

January 21, 2020

We’ve done the research to bring you the next hottest health and wellness trends for 2020—before they hit.

As the new decade nears, it seems as though we have already exhausted the endless possibilities in the health and wellness world. Just in this past year, we’ve witnessed the rise of non-dairy alternative milks such as that of oats, a new interactive gym mirror that you can follow along with in the comfort of your own home, IV drips for vitamins and minerals, cryo facials, the regularization of MCT oil, and so much more.

These innovations come at a time of increased attention to personal nutrition, exercise, beauty, and mental wellness. According to the Global Wellness Institute, the global wellness industry grew by 6.4% annually between 2015-2017, increasing from a $3.7 trillion to a $4.2 trillion market. The wellness industry also comprises 5.3% of global economic output, making it a significant and influential factor in current consumerist culture.

Recently, Whole Foods has capitalized on this increased interest in health, and they released their own curated list of predicted health food trends for 2020 for MindBodygreen, an online hub for all things science-based and holistic well-being. Other big brands and companies have similarly followed suit in trying to capture the attention of this growing audience. Keep reading below for a compilation of observations and predictions for what these popular companies will promote in 2020.

1. Fun Flours

Just like non-dairy milk alternatives, flour substitutes are also shining this year. Consumers looking for gluten-free and nut-free baking ingredients need not look any further. Additionally, many of these alternatives have added benefits such as greater protein and fiber content than the conventional variety. Some new flours shaking up the shelves include flours made from bananas, chickpeas, cauliflower, tiger-nuts, quinoa, and peas.

2. AI Consultants and Virtual Wellness

Technology seems to grow as the health industry does, and the next big wellness tool can be found in your own personal spa. This machine will offer programs that are designed to collect data on the user’s genetic, microbial, and bio-sensory information. It will allow for unique experiences and personalized treatments, all while using the futuristic VR system.

3. Sound bath healing

If you haven’t heard of this, it’s probably because it is only now starting to enter mainstream culture. Sound baths are a form of therapeutic meditation in which a practitioner sits and listens to sounds that are normally produced by crystal bowls and other instruments. They are tuned to specific frequencies to achieve alpha and theta brainwaves, which are said to increase creativity, overpower depression, and help cognitive function.

4. Sugar alternatives

While maple syrup, honey, and Stevia are commonly-used alternatives, 2020 is kicking it up a notch to include more niche sweetener swaps to use in your every day recipes. Conventional artificial sweeteners have been linked with autoimmune diseases, obesity, gut issues, and other health hazards. However, these new sugars are all-natural and derived from various fruits. They include sugar from monkfruit, pomegranate, coconut, and dates.

5. Instagram Influencers as Food Influencers

Nowadays, instead of just famous people having Instagram accounts, Instagram is making people famous. One example in the health food sphere is Kenzie Burke, a 20-something entrepreneur who is known for her endorsement of Food Combining. While this is an ancient Ayurvedic practice, Burke has popularized it through her personal Instagram, YouTube, blog, and e-books. Food Combining consists of general food “guidelines” in order to optimize digestion, such as eating fruit first in the morning and not eating meat and grains together. She has garnered a following of over 100,000 people on Instagram, and she regularly posts her followers’ transformation photos and stories.

6. Breathing Apps

Speaking to the key role that technology plays in our daily lives, breathing and meditation apps are also on the rise. This comes as result of a somewhat new public discourse on mental health awareness and burnout. Studies show that just 25 minutes of focused breathing can improve cognitive function and boost energy levels. Mobile apps make this healthy practice all the more convenient!

7. Micro-HIIT Workouts

2020 is all about maximizing time. That’s why workouts are getting shorter… and more intense. Equinox Health Advisory Board Member Pamela Peek, MD, at the University of Maryland predicts that micro-HIIT sessions will take off as a physical challenge and as a counter-balance to our increasingly sedentary lives. These stimulating 20-minute workouts trigger autophagy and the production of stem cells, or the regenerative cells in the body. They are also the perfect way to get in a good sweat during a lunch break! Boutique fitness studios such as PlateFit, a 27-minute HIIT workout in Los Angeles, are already supplying the demand for efficient exercise!

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Your Summer Exercise Playlist & Snacks List

June 15, 2018

The Songs

Have fun exercising during our four-month-long summer break with this playlist. These are a bunch of throwback songs, and are all perfect to run or silly-dance in front of the mirror to.

The Snacks

I just finished two quarters of an informative and practical "exercise nutrition & metabolism" sequence for Core Bio, and here are the snacks I recommend based on what I've learned. The takeaway from the course is, obviously, to look at the levels of sodium, saturated fat, trans fat, and sugar. The professor told us that if something is above 5% of the daily recommended value, that means it's a considerable contributor to your diet. In reality, so many common products exceed this value that it's hard to stick by this 5% rule, so just know it as a general reference and take it with a grain of salt.

1. Avocado Tortilla Wrap

I jumped on the avocado bandwagon a long time ago, and have already converted everyone in my family to an avocado fan. Because the avocado is creamy and rich in monounsaturated fat, it's literally a ball of cholesterol-lowering green butter. The more you think about that, the better the messy wrap tastes. Pret a Manger in Reynolds Club sells a variation of this wrap, with tomatoes, cucumbers, pine nuts, cheese, and spinach added.

2. Microwavable Frozen Man Tou & Steamed Buns

These are delicious, less-greasy alternatives to other microwavable carbohydrate goods, like frozen pizza. They're my cheat snacks, because manufacturers like to add too much sodium to preserve freshness and prolong shelf life. But the upside is they contain negligible added sugars, and the saturated fat and low cholesterol levels come from the meat filling. On the other hand, the Chinese steamed bun man tou has no filling, and is absolutely delicious eaten plain, spread with sesame paste, or even peanut butter.

Man tou: Lam Sheng Kee Frozen Whole Wheat Bread. (0g saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol, sodium 1% of Daily Value, added sugars 2%)

Steamed bun: Wei-Chuan Pork and Chinese Spinach Steamed Bun, sold at Chinatown Market.(Saturated fat 13% of DV, trans fat 0g, cholesterol 3%, sodium 11%, added sugars 4%)

3. Oatmeal

I couldn't stand the slimy, chunky gruel texture of oatmeal the first time I tried it, but lately it's become a breakfast staple. I've come to like this simple meal, topped with raisins, banana chips, or brown sugar, with fruits on the side.

If you're expecting early mornings and a slightly longer commute to your summer job, consider whipping up a batch of overnight oats for a healthy breakfast on the go. Try your hand at making overnight oats with this innovative recipe list.

Quakers Instant Oatmeal, Original (0g trans fat and sugars, saturated fat 2%, sodium 3%)

4. Sugar-Roasted Chestnuts

These snacks are so addictive. You crack open the shells with your fingernails, and pop out the warm brown chestnut that's mushy and leaves a light, sweet aftertaste. Best enjoyed hot from the microwave!

JINBAO Organic Roasted Chestnut, freshly roasted and usually delivered within 2 days.

5. Protein Bars

I saw someone who I know is very fit and health-conscious munching on a chocolaty protein bar once, and I was curious so I asked what brand it was. It turned out to be a Quest Bar, which has less sugar than other brands, like Luna Bars and Cliff Bars. While we were on the topic of healthy diets, she divulged her weight-making tips, which were too intense for me, but if you aren't looking to mess around, snack on egg whites and raw spinach.

Quest Bar, Vanilla Almond Crunch (20g protein, 0g trans fat and cholesterol, saturated fat 3%, sodium 10%, 1g added sugars)

Before & After

Carbohydrate Loading: before exercise, eat lots of carbohydrates to stock up on muscle glycogen stores. Glycogen is your primary source of energy during exercise.

Post-exercise Protein Intake: consume protein within 30-60 minutes of exercise to grow muscle. Muscle synthesis slows after this window of time, despite protein intake. The Naked protein smoothie sold on campus marts are less healthy than assumed: 60% DV protein (soy protein isolate, whey protein concentrate), 0g added sugars, 9% DV saturated fat, 18% cholesterol, 12% sodium. In comparison, egg albumin and tofu soy are excellent vegetarian sources of complete protein.

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Tired of Ratner? Chicago Fitness

May 6, 2017

Tired of Ratner? Look no farther as MODA has collected a Chicago Fitness Guide! Ranging from cycling to rock climbing, get out of campus and try adding a new type of fitness to your daily routine! Many of these places offer a first free class, so definitely try all of them if you can.

Corepower

Looking for a close alternative near campus? Corepower is your answer. Located right on 53rd, Corepower offers a variety of classes ranging from a complete beginner to more advanced. Recommend classes are Sculpt and C2!

Address: 1539 E 53rd St #2n

Title Boxing

If p-sets and midterms stress you out, let out that extra steam through boxing or kickboxing! Title is a great gym that offers classes daily. Also, your first class is free, so definitely an incentive to try out!

Address: 1136 S Delano Ct W, #E203

FlyWheel

If you have a class pass, take advantage of FlyWheel! Similar to SoulCycle, this cycling class will work your quads. Also, they have a personal performance tracker that lets you compare your performance to the rest of the class.

Address: 710 N State St

AIR- Aerial Fitness

Flying yoga is now a huge trend! If you're looking for something completely out of the box, AIR is where you should go. It'll challenge you to push your bodies in different forms and stretch you out to your fullest potential.

Address: 1317 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605

Brooklyn Boulders

If you want to go with a group of friends, I would recommend rock climbing. Although it's an individual workout, you can challenge your friends on the same course, encourage them on the way up, and go back to childhood while still pushing your body.

Address: 100 S Morgan St

Hopefully this guide gave you some new ideas and definitely check out Class Pass that will give you access to fitness facilities across the city!

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