My 9 Trend Predictions for 2024 in the Health & Wellness Space
📈 It's time we pivot from short-lived health fads to embracing sustainable health practices that resonate with our deeper needs.
As a health coach for over 13 years, I've witnessed a myriad of trends in the health and wellness space. Some have come and gone, while others have left indelible marks on our approach to well-being. Here are 9 trends you’ll see in 2024…
I believe that 2024 is poised to mark a significant transformation in the health and wellness landscape.
My real-life experience in this space and health coaching practice make me excited for 2024! It will be a year that promises not just trends but transformative shifts in how we view and manage our health.
It's time we pivot from short-lived health fads to embracing sustainable health practices that resonate with our deeper needs.
Today, I'm sharing my predictions of key trends redefining our journey towards a healthier, more vibrant living in 2024.
I’ll be sharing continued support for your health journey all throughout 2024 with my email list, and I want to thank you for being here! If you want to share this information with a friend, you can do that right here:
Here are my 2024 Health & Wellness Trends predictions in no particular order...
Trend #1: Longevity as Quality of Life
In recent years, the idea of longevity has transitioned from a buzzword to a central focus in health and wellness, especially in 2024.
This year, longevity transcends the idea of merely extending life; it's about enhancing the quality of life, maintaining vitality, and promoting optimal health as we age.
There is burgeoning research underscoring the potential of specific supplements, exercises, and lifestyle alterations that contribute to improved longevity. This trend signifies a paradigm shift in our approach to aging, emphasizing a proactive, holistic approach to staying healthy and vibrant throughout our lives.
It's not just about adding years to life, but life to years, ensuring that every stage of our journey is lived to its fullest potential.
Trend #2: Nourishment Over Restriction
The narrative around food is changing.
Gone are the days of restrictive diet culture (thank Goodness!).
In 2024, we're embracing a more inclusive approach to nutrition, highlighting the importance of protein for building stronger bodies and promoting overall wellness.
Additionally, foods like dairy, previously demonized, are making a comeback, celebrated for their full-fat, probiotic-rich benefits.
Speaking of…
Trend #3: Dairy Is Making a Nuanced Comeback
In 2024, we're witnessing a significant resurgence of dairy in the health and wellness sphere, driven by a deeper understanding that not all dairy is created equal.
There is a growing recognition of the health benefits of certain types of dairy, particularly those rich in probiotics and essential nutrients.
For years, dairy faced scrutiny and was often excluded from many diets due to concerns about fat content, lactose intolerance, casein questions, and other health issues. I myself went dairy-free for a few years, and noticed health benefits! Now, I incorporate limited high-quality dairy without issues. In hindsight, I can see that the highly processed dairy caused the problems.
I recall listening to a podcast a few years ago where a scientist discussed research on the gut microbiome. He mentioned that individuals who completely eliminated dairy from their diets had a less diverse and potentially less healthy gut microbiome. One study shows that "some types of dairy modulate the gut microbiota composition in a manner that may benefit the host [person]." (1). This finding is crucial, as a robust gut microbiome is linked to improved digestion, stronger immunity, and overall health.
However, studies also show that a High-Dairy Diet (HDD) can reduce beneficial bacteria (2). For me, this says that a Low-Dairy Diet (LDD) may be beneficial. It's ok to have a little high-quality dairy, but we all need to be mindful of our specific bodies.
This evolving perspective recognizes that dairy products, especially those that are minimally processed and come from well-cared-for animals, can be a valuable part of a healthy diet. Full-fat dairy, for instance, is being reevaluated for its nutrient density and ability to provide satiety. Products like yogurt and kefir, rich in probiotics, are celebrated for supporting gut health and improving digestive function.
Moreover, the "one-size-fits-all" approach to dairy is being replaced with a more nuanced understanding. The health impact of dairy can vary greatly depending on individual factors like genetics, dietary needs, and gut health. This has led to a more personalized approach in dietary recommendations, acknowledging that some people may thrive on certain types of dairy, while others might need to avoid it.
The comeback of dairy in 2024 is not about reverting to old habits but about embracing a more informed and balanced view of nutrition. It's a recognition that dairy, when chosen wisely and consumed in moderation, can be part of a diverse and healthful diet. As we move forward, the emphasis is on quality, variety, and listening to our bodies to determine what works best for our unique health needs.
Click here to keep reading here for trends 4-9, including a lot of great news for women, a focus on mobility, and more…
Happy Friday!
Elizabeth
Recipes to Make This Week
This feels like a great weekend for either Ground Turkey Tacos, Turkey Chili, or Turkey Stuffed Peppers
I made this Pesto Pasta with Cilantro and Corn for my in-laws a few nights ago, and everyone loved it! I generally make it in the summer, but we needed to refresh from holiday food. The only change I made was sauteeing the red peppers and green onions with the corn for about 3 minutes and leaving the feta and chicken on the side for my vegetarian FIL. It was awesome. I wish I had a better photo, but this is all I got ;) It’s a one-pot-wonder that’s loaded with fiber and good nutrition.
And I’ll be making a big pot of chili on Monday night when we watch the National Football Championship (Go Huskies!)
Ready for More?
Complicated diets, eliminating entire food groups, and unsustainable eating habits are SO pre-pandemic. In 2024, we're moving away from the era of strict dieting and focusing on enjoyable habits.
Paid subscribers have access to my new 30-minute workshop “Nourish to Flourish: High-Protein, High-Fiber Eating for Everyday Health,” a refreshing approach to eating well without the constraints of traditional dieting.
It's time to say goodbye to food shame and the craziness of dieting.
We all know dieting doesn’t work. While some people can white-knuckle it through a few months (if even!), dieting is not sustainable. For anyone.
Instead, we're embracing a new era focused on small, healthy changes that allow us to savor and appreciate the foods we love.
In this workshop, you’ll transform how you think about food and wellness and understand why you never have to go on a strict diet again.
Thanks for sharing the message of sustainable well-being!
Thank you Elizabeth. I’ve been following your work since my own health coaching studies 6 years ago. And I appreciate the “considered” and “thoughtful” approach you bring to the health and wellbeing space. For this reason I always enjoy reading your updates. Take care, and again, thank you.