Wellness In 2019: How You'll Be Looking After Your Health This Year

We round up some of the wellness trends that look set to be big in 2019

A new year is often the time when many of us aim to set new healthy resolutions. As looking after our wellbeing is becoming an increasingly holistic experience, including not only diet and fitness but also mental health, use of natural and eco-friendly products, and time for rest and relaxation.

Above Image: Courtesy of Sylvie Tittel

1. Making the switch from plastic to eco-friendly options

As we become more aware of the dangers of plastic for the environment, going plastic-free will be one of the main trends of 2019. And it could also benefit our health as well as that of the planet, with many studies published in the past year linking exposure to phthalates, which are found in plastic packaging and containers, with fertility problems, pregnancy complications and other health issues due to their hormone-disrupting properties. Some of us have already started to switch from plastic bottles to reusable options, with companies such as Whole Foods announcing that next year, a main focus will be to reduce their plastic packaging in store in preference of more eco—friendly options. The UK is also planning to ban plastic straws, cotton buds, and single-use plastic across the country from as early as 2019.

Above Image: Courtesy of Dose Juice

2. Increasing consumption of more sustainable alternatives to meat

Plant-based eating has been one of the biggest diet trends for the last couple of years, and it shows no signs of slowing down. While many continue to give up meat due to animal cruelty, this year has also seen many studies showing that plant-based diets can not only boost our health but possibly even help the worrying problem of climate change, driving the trend even further. Next year it looks more likely that not only will we avoid meat as we know it in favor of more plant—based alternatives, but we also might be ready to try other alternative sources such as lab-grown faux meat.

The Impossible Burger is made entirely from plant-based ingredients and designed to cook, smell, and taste like real beef, and is now available in restaurants throughout the US, while another brand's meatless patties, Beyond Burger arrived recently in UK Tesco supermarkets. Meanwhile creepy crawlies may also work their way into our daily diets, with UK supermarket Sainsbury's becoming the country's first to start selling edible insects, which are being touted as a more sustainable and protein—packed meat.

Above Photo: Courtesy of Pixabay

3. An even deeper focus on nutrients

Diet is an all-important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle but it looks like tracking what you eat on apps like MyFitnessPal and MyFoodDiary aren't going to cut it anymore. The latest trend for the super health-conscious? Mesonutrients. You might already be familiar with macronutrients (carbohydrates, fats, and proteins) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals), but what mesonutrients does is consider the active ingredients or antioxidants that are present in your food. Some examples include lycopene in tomatoes, tannins in green tea, or curcumin in turmeric.

Additional reporting by Elizabeth Lee

Topics

health trends 2019 wellness trends 2019 sustainability eco-friendly options wellness health

Tatler Asia

Wellness In 2019: How You'll Be Looking After Your Health This Year

1. Making the switch from plastic to eco-friendly options

2. Increasing consumption of more sustainable alternatives to meat

3. An even deeper focus on nutrients