So it’s the New Year. A time for resolutions, snowstorms, and looking forward. It’s also a time where people like to reflect on the good, the bad and the ugly of the past year. We’re talking #selfies, Frozen, Taylor Swift, First Kiss, the ice bucket challenge, Ariana Grande’s face, and everything else you don’t want to forget. But lets not forget all of the food trends of 2014. And let me tell you, there are plenty. In no particular order, here are the best food trends of 2014:
Photo by Katherine Carroll
1. Local
We’re talking farm to table, no pesticides, all organic, you know exactly what you’re eating. It’s definitely great knowing where all of your food came from and that people care so much about it. But, come Winter, it’s pretty hard to come by, unless you happen to live in a super crunchy little town (thank you Ithaca). Check out the Eat Well Guide or Local Harvest for more info on Winter CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) shares. May the fresh produce ever be in your favor.
Photo by Lauren Thiersch
2. G-free
Aka gluten free. The trend sort of speaks for itself in the fact that all you have to do is avoid gluten…which seems sort of impossible in my opinion. But it really isn’t as hard as you would expect. With growing popularity, there are new and old food brands making an effort to cater to the needs of those who don’t eat gluten. Don’t believe there’s such a thing as tasty, wheat-free baked goods? Make this pumpkin muffin recipe and get back to me.
Photo by Daisy Dolan
3. Kale
This leafy green really had its moment after Beyonce happened to wear a Kale sweater, but Kale was already on our minds (and in our mouths) from the start of 2014, even though many of us had no idea WTF it was. Whether you want it in a smoothie, as a chip, or some other, non-awful variety, Kale was definitely one of your best friends this year.
Photo by Anna Hsu from Spoon University-Michigan
4. Cleanses
These juicy little numbers are either something you’re completely on board with or you don’t know what the hell they actually are. Ridding your body of all of the bad toxins by drinking fluids with high nutritional value seems like a good idea, but in reality it’s difficult to do. Not to mention that, as students, it’s very hard to keep up with such a demanding, low energy diet. But if you’re feeling a little detox this holiday season, we have a few ideas for you.
Photo by Lauren Kaplan
5. Paleo
The Paleo diet is another trend that is hard to understand if you’re not doing it. Channeling your inner caveman might not seem like a great idea to you, but it really is an amazing way to cut down on the “unnatural” foods that we consume on a daily basis. It’s easier than you think, and definitely worth the benefits if you’re willing to put in the effort. Happy hunting.