Drinking green juice is no longer cool, as bone broth seems to be the new kale smoothie. Goat yoga is taking over, and regular gym memberships are a thing of the past. Here, your guide to staying relevant with your wellness.
Bulletproof Coffee. From the French Press to pour over and cold brew, new coffee trends rise up weekly. Now, check out Bulletproof Coffee - the trend of brewing coffee with grass-fed butter and MCT oils - that is, oils and fats that are naturally found in coconut and palm kernel oil. Some say it tastes like a latte despite it being black coffee. Drinking bulletproof coffee instead of regular brewed helps with weight loss, boosts energy and is proven to be beneficial for the brain.
IV Bars. People are trading in cocktail bars for IV bars this year. Or hitting IV bars after a night of many cocktails. What started as a popular trend in New York City and Los Angeles has made its way to Fort Worth with locations like Revive Therapy Center on Bluebonnet Circle and Replenish IV Hydration & Vitamin Therapy on West Magnolia. Most IV bars offer different types of IVs ranging from a hangover cure to anti-aging and weight loss. "There are numerous benefits from giving energy to protecting organs. It depends on your lifestyle for the type of IV you want," said Chris Chapple, registered nurse and owner of HydroPros, another IV site in southwest Fort Worth. "IV Hydration is the fastest and most effective way to hydrate yourself. When you go to the hospital, they don't give you a glass of water; you get a full IV." Administered by nurse practitioners and paramedics, the IV bags often contain vitamin C, B12 and biotin.
Breathwork. Breathing and "work" seem like they don't go hand in hand, but breathwork has proven to help many people with sleeping and restoring their mental and physical health. Breathwork, focusing on the patterns of breathing, can range from long meditation sessions to a quick 90-second exercise that can be practiced anywhere by anyone.
Intermittent Fasting. If you believe breakfast is the most important meal of the day and need to eat a hearty meal in the morning, then intermittent fasting is not for you. Not to be confused with a diet, intermittent fasting is an eating pattern that helps with fat loss and making your body more lean. The only restrictions you have are the timing of your meals. Eating your first meal at 1 p.m. and last meal before 9 p.m. positively affects the fed- versus fasted-state your body goes through throughout the day. The fed state occurs up to four hours after eating and is when your body absorbs and converts the digested nutrients for glucose. During the fasted state, insulin levels are low and fat is the main source of energy.
Activated Charcoal. What some hospitals use as a last-minute treatment to emergency poisoning is now becoming a household trend. Not to be confused with the charcoal used to light a fire, this health-minded substance is activated by being processed at a high temperature that changes its internal structure. Activated charcoal is being used to create face masks to cleanse pores, in toothpaste to whiten teeth, and can be taken in a similar form of a vitamin to help with digestion, lower cholesterol and flush out toxins.
Forest Bathing. Don't let the name fool you - there is no actual bathing in forest bathing. Those who forest bathe are clearing their minds by getting back in touch with their surroundings and nature. The idea of forest bathing originally came from Japan in the 1980s and is now becoming popular in the U.S. Just like a yoga instructor or personal trainer, people are accompanied by a "forest guide" to help lead them on their journey through nature. Forest bathing has been shown to help with lowering blood pressure, stress and anxiety.
Earthing. Similar to forest bathing, earthing requires you to kick off your shoes and connect directly to the earth to receive a charge from our planet's energy. The "barefoot healing" is said to help you "look better, feel better and sleep better." Don't live near nature? Buy an earthing mat that plugs into the wall to receive energy from the earth.
Entomophagy. Entomophagy, the consumption of insects as food, has proven to have many health benefits. Insects are very high in natural nutrients. Angelina Jolie has even said that crispy crickets is a favorite snack among her kids - just don't be eating the bugs you find in your backyard.
Moringa. In 2016 there was kale, in 2017 there was kombucha, now in 2018 there is moringa. Moringa is a "super-green" natural supplement found in trees in India, South America and Africa. High in protein, iron, calcium, potassium and vitamin A, the supplement is being put in juices, added to protein powder and also chips. Moringa chips and salsa anyone?
Home Furnishing. Athleisure wear companies are teaming up with home furnishing stores to make homes more zen and harmonious. Lululemon and PB Teen even collaborated on youth brand, ivivva - a 40-piece home collection "inspired by active girls" that includes a ballet full-length mirror and pinboards with inspirational messages.