The Paleo Diet has been dismissed as a trend and a fad. In reality, when looking at how people are now choosing what and how to eat, and what truly is trending in the food world, Paleo principles have been ahead of the curve, setting the trend, for many (thousands) of years.
A few current food trends that have been part of a Paleo lifestyle include:
Organic And Local
In people’s quests for how to eat healthily, they are looking to start with quality ingredients. People are becoming more aware and concerned about what is in their food and they want to know where the food came from and how it was grown. There is now a large emphasis on local and sustainably-sourced foods because of their positive impacts on both health and the environment. Local food does not travel as far to get to your plate, which reduces vehicle emissions and delivers a healthier piece of food. Furthermore, the sooner the food is eaten after it has been picked, the higher its nutrients content.
Pesticide and herbicide use are also important and the demand for Organic foods, naturally raised produce is going strong and demand is only increasing.
Pasture-Raised Animals
Naturally grown and raised is not only for your fruits and vegetables. Grass-fed and finished has become important for beef as well as other sources of protein. In the interest of animal welfare, protecting the environment, and personal nutritional benefits, people are turning to grass-fed and pasture-raised animals for many animal products, including eggs, milk, butter, and cheese, in addition to meat.
Healthy Fats
The concept of 'healthy fats' is definitely trending upwards and includes old favorites such as avocado, olives, and walnuts as well as a new understanding of previously vilified saturated fats including coconut oil and ghee. In addition to their health benefits, they also assist in keeping you fuller for longer, helping you to snack less support fat loss goals. People beginning to catch on that naturally ocurring fat is not the enemy.
Gut/Microbiome Health
As more research comes out on the vast array of functions your gut is involved in, gut health and supporting microbiome diversity (your probiotics) are becoming hotter and more popular topics. Your gut is responsible for many of your body’s processes from mood to energy and even immunity. Figuring out how to keep your microbiome in balance is of huge interest now and is definitely important. Foods that contain probiotics have been all the rage and fermented foods are one of the most popular types of condiments in the refrigerated section of your local health food store. These include everything from sauerkraut and kimchi to naturally fermented pickles, fruits, vegetables, hot sauces and salsas, not to mention the plethora of kombucha brands popping up.
Detox Foods
Juice cleanses and week-long fasts are losing popularity due to their short lived, difficult to sustain results. Instead of doing a detox week once every few months or so to ‘clear out toxins’, people are looking to fill their daily diets with more ‘cleansing foods’ that support and facilitate the body's natural detox processes. Sulfur, vitamins C and E, selenium, and zinc are all credited with detoxifying powers, so a few of these popular ‘detox foods’ are broccoli, Brussels sprouts, green tea, and arugula. The Paleo diet has always been a proponent of including a variety of plant matter in the diet to maintain optimal functioning.
Collagen And Bone Broth
You may have noticed all your favorite wellness bloggers have been adding powdered collagen to their coffee lately and are sipping on collagen rich bone broth to support looking and feeling their best. Collagen is the most plentiful protein in the human body and is what makes skin look smooth and supple. People have been applying it topically and trying to boost their bodies' production of it for decades in an attempt to make their skin look younger.
Now collagen and bone broth (which has even more health benefits) have moved over from the cosmetics aisle and your grandmother’s kitchen and become the trendiest new superfoods. You can buy collagen capsules to take as vitamins, or powders to add to food and high-quality bone broth is easy to make and readily available.
Have you tried the best tasting bone broth on the market? Order your Pete’s Paleo Broth today – no simmering required.
Vegetables Replacing Grains
You have probably already seen zoodles, cauliflower rice, and sweet potato toast posted all over social media and in the fresh or frozen foods section of your local grocery store. This health trend is only going to continue to grow. These nutrient-rich substitutions are a great way to eat more vegetables and less refined carbohydrates and swapping out vegetables always increases the nutrients and antioxidants in your diet. The Paleo Diet got it right a while ago…
Dairy-Free Milks
Nut-based milks are definitely becoming more and more popular. Many people are interested in new flavors and dairy alternatives, especially with the growing awareness around modern dairy practices and the increase of dairy intolerances. Not all dairy-free products, are created equal and it is important to look at labels to determine the best choice for you. Making your own is simple and always your best bet!
Food Bowls
Although not a food trend per-se, the popularity of serving food in a bowl is a concept that fits perfectly into you Paleo lifestyle.
Bowls have become extremely popular on menus, more bowl-centric restaurants have been popping up.
The various bowl recipes, whose ingredients are prepared separately and then combined according to a set of rules regarding colour, calories, compatible and incompatible foods, special diets, allowances for food intolerances and so on, are practically infinite. What they all have in common, however, is the bowl itself.
Of various widths, hand-made by artists and craftsmen or industrially produced, they can either be held in the palm of the hand in street food style or appear on the table cloth at a high-end restaurant. The bowl trend is a decidedly oriental one, since this vessel is perfect for certain dishes such as exotic rice varieties or ramen, noodles or vegetable soups, but as the trendsetters of international fine dining assure us, people have succumbed to it worldwide.
It has also been noted that if you hold a bowl Buddha-like while eating, you are psychologically more prone to mindfulness about your meal. You are also more likely to appreciate all the flavors and textures with every bite as well as feel full and satisfied quicker. Â
Whether you are dining out or cooking at home, the current food bowl trend should not be missed. Food bowls can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and suit a variety of dietary preferences because there are so many options to choose from.
At Pete’s Paleo we pride ourselves on delivering the highest quality, most delicious Paleo food that is always ahead of the trend. Check out our take on tasty Paleo bowls, perfect for home and on-the-go, no cooking required!
The current trend in food bowls means that more food bowls are popping up on menus at restaurants and we have combined some of the latest, seasonal flavor trends for home delivery.
Why We Love Food Bowls
Focus On Nutrition
Each ingredient in a food bowl offers some form of nutritional benefit such as nutrients, vitamins, minerals, proteins, and healthy fats with the final product being a bowl of balanced goodness.
Are Easy To Make
All you need is a base, toppings and optional seasonings. The bowl could include riced cauliflower, zucchini noodles, or any other vegetables for the base. Also, it can contain sliced up toppings such as vegetables, herbs, and protein (. If you want extra zest in your bowl, add garlic, lemon juice, and/or apple cider vinegar, or opt for food bowls with a broth.
Are A Simple Lunch Option
You can eat satisfying food bowls for lunch every day. All you have to do is prepare them ahead of time or order them early in the week. Fill reusable food storage containers with any ingredients you’d like, pop them in the fridge, and you are all set with lunch for the week. If freshness is a concern, make two or three ahead of time and more in the middle of the week.
Plenty Of Options For Low-Carb Meals
Food bowls can be crafted using only low-carb ingredients. For a low-carb food bowl, consider using alternatives to the traditional rice and noodles, such as riced cauliflower, zucchini noodles, and non-starchy vegetables.
Whether you are dining out or cooking at home, the current food bowl trend should not be missed.
If cooking a meal is not an option, try Pete’s Paleo meal bowls and enjoy all the goodness with no apron required.
Check out our local, seasonal offerings
Food bowls can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and suit a variety of dietary preferences because there are so many options to choose from. Consider cooking up some healthy food bowl recipes for a new take on your old and new favorite Paleo meals.