At this point, dry January, when consumers give up alcohol for the month following the holidays, is old hat. However, the turning of the year is a time to take stock, reassess, and create resolutions to start on the right foot in the new year.
It’s no surprise, then, that the concept of “Healthy January” is taking off. January has been dubbed National Healthy Weight Awareness Month — a time for consumers to consider how to adopt healthier habits when it comes to eating and activity.
This begs the question, though, what constitutes a healthy diet? It seems like the definition is constantly shifting, leaving consumers with a moving target that can put a damper on motivation.
For those in the food industry, offering definitive solutions can draw new customers, increase sales, and help build a positive brand image and reputation. How can you get in on the healthy January trend with menu items or manufactured foods that align with a health-conscious attitude?
Healthy Diet Hallmarks
The human body is remarkably adept at turning food into life-sustaining energy, but we’re still discovering what constitutes a healthy diet. While certain general health guidelines apply to most adults, the particulars of healthy eating may vary slightly from one person to the next.
For example, whole grains are typically considered an important part of a healthy diet, but the growth of gluten intolerance has eliminated the most abundant grain, wheat, from many diets.
Still, research has shown that certain options, such as the Mediterranean diet, tend to result in better overall health outcomes. What are some of the hallmarks of a healthy diet?
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Fresh Produce
Healthy diets not only contribute to energy but also help to protect against non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like heart disease, diabetes, and cancers.
Processed foods high in sugar, fat, and sodium are not ideal. Adopting a healthy diet starts with the inclusion of fresh fruits, vegetables, and beans or legumes, which should make up the majority of daily food intake for adults.
Whole Grains
Refined grains are a common inclusion in flour, pasta, bread, and more. However, these grains are missing some vital parts. Whole grains include the bran, germ, and endosperm, whereas the bran and germ are removed during refining.
This means refined grains are missing the fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals found in these components. Whole grains contribute to a healthy diet and weight while helping control cholesterol and blood pressure, among other health benefits.
Related: Amplify the True Tastes of Nature
Unsaturated Fats
Everyone loves the taste of fats found in red meat and animal products like butter and cheese, but these saturated fats are not an ideal element in a healthy diet. Unsaturated fats found in soybeans, olives, nuts, avocados, and fish are a much better option.
Minimal Sugar and Salt
Sugar and salt are not only tasty, but they’re frequently used for the purposes of food preservation, which means they’re found in a lot of processed foods. A healthy diet should consist of no more than 10% sugars (both natural and added) and no more than about 5 grams of salt per day.
Promoting Healthy Eating Year-Round
Although a healthy diet is something of a nebulous concept, research over the years has led to the creation of agreed-upon guidelines that constitute healthy eating.
Whether you’re looking to get in on the healthy January trend or you want to provide healthy options to consumers year-round, understanding the importance of ingredients like fresh produce, whole grains, unsaturated fats, and minimal use of sugar and salt is a great place to start.
When you create good food that makes people feel great, you have the opportunity to cater to a health-conscious consumer public and grow your business and reputation as a result.
To learn more about our products and insights, get in touch with our team at Symrise today, Contact us here!
