Embracing Nourishing Food Trends in 2017
As we reflect on the food trends that shaped 2017, it’s heartening to see a shift towards more nourishing, compassionate, and mindful eating habits. Rather than focusing solely on the latest fads, many people embraced food trends that supported overall wellbeing – for themselves, their communities, and the planet. Let’s explore some of the most inspiring food movements from 2017 that continue to positively impact how we approach nutrition and culinary experiences.
Plant-Based Eating Goes Mainstream
One of the most significant trends of 2017 was the rise of plant-based eating. More people began incorporating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes as the stars of their meals. This shift wasn’t just about following a diet – it represented a growing awareness of how our food choices affect our health and the environment. Plant-based eating became accessible and appealing to a wider audience, with creative meat alternatives, dairy-free options, and veggie-centric restaurant menus popping up everywhere.
The beauty of this trend is its flexibility. Whether someone chose to go fully vegan or simply add more Meatless Mondays to their routine, any increase in plant-based eating was seen as a positive step. This inclusive approach allowed more people to explore the benefits of a plant-rich diet without feeling pressured to make drastic changes overnight.
Rediscovering Ancient Wisdom
2017 saw a renewed interest in ancient grains, healing spices, and traditional food preparation methods. People began turning to time-tested ingredients like quinoa, amaranth, turmeric, and adaptogenic herbs to boost nutrition and support wellbeing. This trend wasn’t about blindly following the “next big superfood” – instead, it encouraged a thoughtful exploration of diverse food cultures and ancestral wisdom.
Fermented foods like kimchi, kombucha, and kefir also gained popularity as people recognized the importance of gut health. These probiotic-rich foods not only added complex flavors to meals but also supported digestive health and immunity. The fermentation trend fostered a deeper appreciation for the art of food preservation and the symbiotic relationship between humans and beneficial microorganisms.
Mindful Eating and Food as Medicine
In 2017, many people embraced the concept of food as medicine, recognizing the profound impact of diet on overall health and wellbeing. This shift went beyond simply counting calories or following strict diets. Instead, it encouraged a more holistic and compassionate approach to nourishing our bodies.
Mindful eating practices gained traction, with more individuals paying attention to hunger cues, savoring each bite, and cultivating gratitude for their meals. This trend promoted a healthier relationship with food, reducing stress around eating and fostering a deeper connection to the nourishment process.
Additionally, functional foods and adaptogens became more mainstream, with people seeking out ingredients that could support specific health goals, from reducing inflammation to managing stress. This trend empowered individuals to take an active role in their health through informed food choices.
Sustainable and Ethical Food Choices
The year 2017 marked a growing awareness of the environmental and ethical implications of our food choices. Consumers became more conscious of issues like food waste, animal welfare, and the carbon footprint of their diets. This led to several positive trends:
- Increased demand for locally sourced, seasonal ingredients
- Growing interest in regenerative agriculture and sustainable fishing practices
- Creative solutions for reducing food waste, such as “ugly” produce delivery services
- Greater transparency in food labeling and sourcing
These trends reflected a desire to make food choices that not only nourished our bodies but also supported the wellbeing of farmers, animals, and ecosystems. It encouraged a more compassionate and interconnected view of our food system.
Celebrating Diversity in Cuisine
2017 saw a beautiful celebration of diverse cuisines and fusion foods. Rather than appropriating or oversimplifying traditional dishes, there was a trend towards authentic exploration and respectful cultural exchange through food. People became more interested in learning about the stories, ingredients, and techniques behind various global cuisines.
This trend fostered greater cultural understanding and appreciation. It also introduced many people to new flavors, ingredients, and cooking methods that could enhance their culinary repertoire and nutritional diversity. From Korean bibimbap to Middle Eastern shakshuka, global flavors became more accessible and celebrated.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What was the most significant food trend of 2017?
While there were many important trends, the rise of plant-based eating was arguably the most impactful. It represented a shift towards more sustainable, health-conscious, and compassionate food choices.
2. How did the concept of “food as medicine” manifest in 2017?
People began seeking out functional foods, adaptogens, and anti-inflammatory ingredients to support specific health goals. There was also a greater emphasis on understanding how different foods affect our bodies and overall wellbeing.
3. What were some popular ancient grains that gained attention in 2017?
Quinoa, amaranth, teff, and freekeh were among the ancient grains that became more mainstream. These nutrient-dense grains offered alternatives to conventional wheat and rice.
4. How did sustainable food trends impact consumer behavior?
Consumers became more interested in locally sourced foods, reduced food waste, and ethically produced ingredients. This led to changes in shopping habits and increased demand for transparency in food production and labeling.
5. What was the significance of the global cuisine trend in 2017?
The celebration of diverse cuisines promoted cultural understanding, introduced people to new nutritious ingredients, and encouraged a more varied and flavorful approach to healthy eating.
As we look back on these 2017 food trends, it’s clear that they were about much more than just fleeting fads. They represented a collective shift towards more mindful, compassionate, and nourishing approaches to food. These trends laid the groundwork for ongoing positive changes in how we think about nutrition, sustainability, and the joy of eating. By embracing these wholesome food movements, we can continue to nurture our bodies, our communities, and our planet with every meal we share.
