From fake meat to air fryers and feel-good fitness, 2021 is shaping as the year we take nutrition and wellbeing to new levels.
After a torrid year, experts believe nourishing both body and soul will be a key trend of health and fitness for 2021.
Here’s their predicted must-haves and must-dos.
Mock meat
Plant-based proteins look set to leave the food-fad category to become a 2021 pantry staple, with nearly 2.5 million Australians now enjoying diets that are all, or almost all, vegetarian.
Vegetarian and vegan alternatives come in many forms, such as Quorn (a microprotein made from fungus), tofu, lentils and vegetables.
According to product identification company Matthews Intelligent Identification, the fake-meat sector is forecast to contribute $3 billion to the economy by 2030.1
The Fit Foodie blogger Sally O’Neil predicts 2021 will bring a health focus into our kitchens.
“We’ll see more high-protein, low-calorie food products flood the market. Think Konjac-based fake meats and seafood,” the food stylist says.
Konjac is a plant grown in parts of Asia, from which the starchy root is used as a gelatine substitute to thicken foods.
Monk fruit
Look out for the small green melon (lo han guo) native to southern China and named after the monks who first cultivated it centuries ago.
“Low-calorie, naturally sweetened products using stevia and monk fruit will soar as we all try to cut back on our sugar and artificial sweetener intake,” says Sally.
Monk fruit extract is 150-250 times sweeter than table sugar and is promoted as having zero calories or carbs, and with no unhealthy impact on blood glucose levels.
- Try this: Luke Hines’ Macadamia and Coconut Cookie Dough Slice
Alternative flours
Made from the pods of the mesquite tree, mesquite flour has been dubbed nature’s caramel.
It is used to add a caramel, cocoa-type flavour to breads, cakes and biscuits and can be used in smoothies.
As more people adopt wheat-free or gluten-free eating, alternative flours are tipped to become even more popular, and diverse, with mesquite set to shine.
Chickpea, rice, almond or buckwheat and high-protein nut flours are also among the growing band of non-traditional flours.
“Almond will be one of my pantry staples in 2021,” says Sally.
“I love the taste. It’s packed with protein. When water is added it makes a delicious butter, is delicious in smoothies, on top of oats, in baking, and thickens sauces and soups.”
Air fryers
The egg-shaped appliance has been around for 10 years but Sally foresees its coming of age next year, with its convenience and health factor making it the must-have kitchen gadget of 2021.
“Even though most of us have more time in the kitchen, convenience is key,” she says.
Source: The House Of Wellness