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20 Food Trends for 2020 - Part Two

20 Food Trends for 2020 - Part Two

2019-11-06

Welcome to part two of our foray into 20 food and dietary trends set to take centre stage in 2020!

In this post we’ll be tackling the often-tricky trends that most people get mixed up. From Low GI to Locavore, by the time you’re finished here you’ll be an expert on all 20 of the top trends on the tip of everyone’s tongues!

Let’s pick up where we left off...

If you missed our first ten food and diet trends then you can revisit them here: Part One of 20 Food Trends for 2020.

11. No sugar diet

What it is: A diet that completely eliminates sugar and sugar products.
What’s not allowed: Table sugar, soft drinks, cakes, muffins, baked goods, ice cream, milk, dried fruit, yoghurt, many fruits, many grains, breads and pastas.
Pros: Weight loss. Reduced risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, digestive disorders, high cholesterol, high blood pressure. Reduced inflammation in the body, increased energy levels, a more stable mood, better skin, increased focus.
Cons: While some foods have very obvious sugar levels, there are “hidden sugars” many aren’t aware of. Essentially, a low-sugar diet takes a lot of self-education to achieve and may also eliminate a lot of good, natural sugars, such as those found in fruits and vegetables.

12. Low GI diet

What it is: A diet that opts for “low GI” foods over “high GI” foods. “GI” stands for glycemic index.
What’s not allowed: White rice, white bread, potatoes, certain sugars, breakfast cereals, pasta, noodles, cakes and biscuits, sweets.
Pros: Scientifically backed, balanced diet that has been popular for many years. Easy to follow. Lowers your risk of diabetes, heart disease, cancer, obesity and hypertension. Weight loss and lower cholesterol levels.
Cons: Many low GI foods are in fact, mostly unhealthy, such as ice-cream, so this diet doesn’t provide a full nutritional picture.

The hardest parts of following a Low GI diet? Missing out on these glorious recipes: Huevos Rotos and Ensaladilla Rusa!

13. Macrobiotic diet

What it is: A pescetarian diet that draws inspiration from elements of Buddhism. Followers believe that food contains yin and yang elements that should be balanced.
What’s not allowed: Many animal products and items not allowed in the vegan diet.
Pros: It allows for a lot of locally-sourced fresh fruits and vegetables, fish and whole wheat grains. Weight loss. Many studies claim the macrobiotic diet is effective in treating some cancers and illnesses, but there is no confirmed research to support this.
Cons: Extremely restrictive diet with higher instances of scurvy, vitamin and nutrient deficiencies and early death. Many of the allowable products are difficult to source or are very expensive.

14. Organic diet

What it is: A diet and lifestyle that only allows for consumption of organic foods.
What’s not allowed: Any food or drink products that are not organically produced.
Pros: Less exposure to pesticides. Food is generally fresher and contains higher levels of vitamins and nutrients due to the removal of preservatives from the production process. Organic farming is also more eco-friendly.
Cons: Organic food is much more expensive than regular food and often more difficult to find in stores.

Psssst! Did you know that La Española lets you track your bottle of Extra Virgin Olive Oil back to its roots, from tree to table? We call it... Oliography!

15. Gluten-free diet

What it is: A diet that eliminates products that contain gluten.
What’s not allowed: Food products that contain gluten. These include wheat products, flour, bread, pasta, biscuits and crackers.
Pros: The only effective diet for those with coeliac disease (gluten intolerance). Gluten-free products are readily available now, both in stores and when eating out. A gluten-free diet is no longer restrictive and allows for lots of fresh produce, fish and meat. Lower levels of osteoporosis and inflammatory illnesses.
Cons: Side effects of a gluten-free diet, even if short-term include fatigue, depression, joint inflammation and mental fogginess.

16. Lactose-free diet

What it is: A diet that eliminates products that contain lactose.
What’s not allowed: Food and drinks that contain lactose.
Pros: Improved digestive health, clearer skin, weight loss, lower blood pressure, lower risk of diabetes. Lactose doesn’t alter the taste of the product, so you will feel better with little difference to your routine or the taste of your food or drink.
Cons: Lactose-free variations of many products are generally much more expensive than their regular counterparts.

17. Alkaline diet

What it is: A debunked diet that operates on the belief that different foods affect the PH levels of the body, and aim to balance them. An alternative medicine diet that is sometimes referred to as the “anti-inflammatory diet”.
What’s not allowed: Alcohol, caffeine, dairy products, meat, fruit, some grains, tomatoes, eggs, bread.
Pros: Practitioners claim that you will have increased energy and lower risk of heart disease, arthritis and cancer by following the alkaline diet.
Cons: Dieticians and nutritionists do not recommend following the alkaline diet as no studies can confirm what the diet claims to do. Nutrient and vitamin deficiencies are common and menu options are limited.

18. Locavore diet

What it is: A niche eco-friendly diet where followers only consume locally-produced products.
What’s not allowed: Consumption of any food or drink products that have been shipped in to your local area from somewhere else.
Pros: Fresher, less contaminated food with higher nutritional value. Locavores enjoy a clear chain of production they can trust, support local businesses and leave minimal impact on the environment. Locavores can eat any food products as long as it is grown, produced and prepared locally.
Cons: Food and produce options are limited in some remote areas.

19. FODMAP diet

What it is: A diet created by Monash University and designed to support the health of those suffering from digestive conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Promotes good gut health.
What’s not allowed: Many vegetables that are high in FODMAPS, including artichokes, mushrooms, cauliflower, beans and onions. Wheat products including bread, cereals and pasta, many fruits, cows milk, yogurt and fresh cheeses, beer, soft drink, fruit juice,
Pros: Relief from IBS symptoms, such as bloating, diarrhoea, constipation, gas and abdominal pain. Improved mood, mental health and quality of life as a result. A diet that is backed by science.
Cons: Slightly restrictive, but still allows for variations of many products.

20. Intermittent fasting

What it is: Intermittent fasting is a very popular lifestyle choice where participants abstain from food consumption for set periods of time. There is a range of intermittent fasting styles, including the 5:2 method, the 16:8 method, alternate day fasting or 24 hour fasts.
What’s not allowed: Any food products during your fast of choice. Water is generally allowed.
Pros: Some health professionals claim intermittent fasting is effective in aiding weight loss, stabilising blood sugar levels and improving brain function. They also claim it reduces the risk of certain cancers, heart disease and obesity.
Cons: Tiredness, mental fogginess, irritability, hunger, fatigue, dehydration, headaches.

Looking to make the most of your mealtimes! Cook up a delicious dish such as our Lentil, Chorizo and Vegetable Stew!

Wow! 20 diet trends in just two blog posts - that was quite a mouthful! If you enjoyed this list but missed part one of our breakdown of 20 of the latest and greatest food trends and diets, go check it out here!

Which diet or food trend are you? As usual we’d love to hear about your own food journey! Which food or diet trends have you tried? Did you find that one was particularly perfect for your lifestyle and nutritional needs?

Head on over to La Española on Facebook and Instagram and join the conversation!

Disclaimer: Aside from the healthy, safe and universally-applauded Mediterranean diet we love, La Española does not support or condone any one diet or lifestyle choice and does not claim to have any scientific research backing many of the diets listed here. We encourage our readers to do their own research and consult a medical professional before embarking on a new diet plan.