Healthy Food Trends of the Flexitarian Diet

The flexitarian diet—one that comprises far more plant-based foods that in a traditional omnivore diet—has been a big trend on the food scene over the past couple of years, and top sites and publications such as Delish and Food and Wine predict that it will continue to be big in the near future. Current global concerns and consumer interest in backing like-minded companies in everything from fashion to food are very much in line with a growing interest in healthy cuisine. If you believe that food fuels body, mind, and spirit and you'd like to hop on the latest health food trends, include one or more of the following in your weekly food list.

Pickled and Fermented Produce

Recent studies have shown that building a healthy gut microbiome is key not only for one's physical health but also for one's mental health. A 2019 study by researchers at the Flanders Institute of Biotechnology, for instance, found that low levels of specific bacteria are linked to depression. Pickled and fermented produce can help gut bacteria to thrive. Just a few popular choices that can add a kick to your meal include kimchi, tempeh, and sauerkraut.

International Cuisine

Platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok have done plenty to foster an interest in dishes from Korea, Peru, and China—as is evidenced by the popularity of cooking/mukbang channels like Quang Tran and Hyunee Eats. This trend is easy to hop on, particularly if you select 15-minute sautéed dishes such as stir-fried rice with kimchi, dak galbi (chicken stir fry), or japchae (a Korean noodle stir fry). You need little equipment to make these dishes, and only a handful of ingredients. A sauté pan with a large surface is the usual choice for cooking, as this enables the quick browning of meat and vegetables, and its straight sides help to minimize sloshing. Opt for stainless steel or cast iron if you plan on sautéing frequently. Sautéing is a good way to bring your fat content down, since a typical dish requires no more than a tablespoon or two of oil.

Healthier Comfort Foods

Fast foods and deliveries have been real lifesavers for those who don't want to miss out on the joy of their favorite comfort foods, but tough economic times and the long-term effects of eating too much junk foods mean that people will be cooking more comfort foods at home. Doing so will enable them to choose healthier options including lean meat burgers without too much cheese or commercial sauce, grilled steak in lieu of fried, homemade pizzas with ingredients such as fresh mozzarella and grilled zucchini, and healthy Vietnamese salads with vermicelli and a tangy sauce made of fish sauce, lime, ginger, and garlic.

In addition to sustainability, healthy dining will continue to dominate the food scene, particularly for those who are more confident about their home-cooking skills. From fermented foods to healthy versions of revered fast foods, there is a huge range of dishes that marry flavor, texture, and optimal gut health. Don't forget to go plant-based as often as you can, ensuring your gut has plenty of fiber-rich foods to grow and thrive on.