10 mega-trends in healthy eating

Home cooking, sustainability, mini luxuries, food allergies, wholegrains, super foods and trans fats take centre stage for 2010. What's hot and on the rise in the world of diets, nutrition and healthy lifestyle? Here's my take on what's taking off based on what I've canvassed from industry publications, health magazines, conferences as well as websites and blogs.

 1. Back to basics

More cooking from scratch at home using fresh ingredients with only minimal use of prepared sauces and bases. Many Australians are setting up a veggie patch and a chook yard for the kids. For some great recipes, check out the Foodwatch recipe section.

2. Eco-foods

Australians are into clean and green. We're interested in how and where our food is grown - is it sustainable, locally-produced, slow food, fair trade, pure, organic or free-range? 

3. Fast food gets healthier

Wraps, rolls, salads, yoghurt and juices have started to displace nuggets and fries from our menus.

4. Childhood obesity

It seems to have peaked but at 25 to 30 per cent of kids now overweight or obese, but there are still too many fat kids. Just about every one has made changes to accommodate this trend from makeovers for fast food outlets, healthier kids' menus, smaller portion sizes for junk foods, fit kids camps and a limit on screen time viewing.

5. Allergies and intolerances

"Free-from" foods are growing to help people steer clear of allergens like nuts, dairy, egg, fish and soy. Gluten-free and wheat-free are also on the increase but not always for medical reasons; sometimes we self-diagnose and take ourselves off wheat products. Checkout this list of allergy posts from the Foodwatch website.

6. Low GI / Wholegrains

Slow carbs for our bodies to help with type 2 diabetes, weight control and energy.

7. Beverages become meals

We are drinking in the kilojoules (Calories). Witness fresh juice bars, super smoothies, caramel chocolate frappucinos, boutique beers, cocktails, mocktails, alcopops not to mention meal-replacement drinks and liquid breakfasts.

8. Trans fats

They're in processed food wherever you see the words "partially-hydrogenated vegetable oil". Food companies are scrambling to replace them wherever they can.

9. Super foods

Acai, goji, mangosteen, pomegranate - the list goes on and on.  Are they really super food or super frauds? Check out the Super Food Section of my website.

10. Little luxuries

Indulgent treats to brighten up our day and add pleasure eg dark chocolate with cherries, nougat, chocolate cafes (think Lindt café, Max Brenner chocolate bar, Guylian coffee shop), good wine, premium yoghurt, top-end gelato, quality tea leaves, organic yoghurt.