Body Weight Training

People need to get over the Gym fad and get back to the basics of simple exercises and working with body by not usingweights and gym equipment.Alterate forms like Yoga, and Oriental therapies are suggested for better mental and physical health.

Flexitarianism

Many of us will go ‘flexitarian’ this year, according to the British Dietetic Association (BDA). ‘Someone who follows a flexitarian diet tends to follow a vegetarian diet for most of the time but will eat meat on occasion,’ says BDA’s Sioned Quirke. ‘With this, and an apparent increase in public awareness about meat production,’ says Quirke, ‘it is fair to say we will see a marked rise in the number of people following a flexitarian diet.

Technology for  Fitness

David Stalker, CEO of UK Active, (www.ukactive.com), says the health and fitness sectors will find new ways to get people engaged with exercise this year. ‘This includes wearable technology, mobile phone apps and videogames,’ he says. ‘For those looking to measure all facets of their lifestyle, from their calorie intake to their sleep patterns, wristbands can measure your habits and point out where you’re going wrong. ‘The key thing about these devices is the way they are designed to link up with your mobile phone via apps.’ Stalker says this will make measuring progress easier and means people will be able to share their achievements, or failures, with friends on social media. ‘Microsoft’s next-gen gaming console, the Xbox One, is another revolutionary way to help you break a sweat,’ he says. ‘The console has made great strides in virtual technology. Studies have shown that games such as Kinect Sports Boxing can boost heart rates by 194 per cent compared to traditional, controller-held games, and the game can increase energy expenditure by 263 per cent on resting values, comparable to light cycling.’ These types of technology are accessible to everyone and are an alternative for those too daunted to go to the gym.

Eating Sprouts

No, this isn’t about existing on a diet of Brussels sprouts. Sprouted seeds, pulses and beans are collectively known as ‘sprouts’ and they’re going to be big in 2014.
‘Nutritionist Vicki Edgson (www.vickiedgson.com) says ‘Sprouts are effectively living foods and one of the richest forms of nutrients known.’ Edgson says people are becoming more anxious and inquisitive about the origins of their food and health blogs are all talking about ‘real’ (ie unprocessed) and sprouted foods.‘And they have gained the name “sprouts” from the fact that, when soaked in water, rinsed, drained and placed in a dark space, they produce a shoot.

Green Juices

We saw a surge in people opting for healthy green juices last year but in 2014, market research company Mintel says there will be a big move towards ‘functional green vegetable juices’ over caffeinated energy drinks. ‘In late 2014, new EU food and drink labelling legislation will see drinks containing more than 150mg of caffeine per litre having to change the labelling to show a more explicit warning,’ says Mintel’s Richard Cope. ‘It will also require additional labelling for high-caffeine drinks and foods where caffeine is added.’ Cope says it will affect brands such as Rockstar, which is 32.1mg of caffeine per 100ml, and energy shots that are more concentrated doses of caffeine.