The truth about 2016’s hot new health food trends

What will you be eating this year? Dietitian Kathryn Hawkins reveals all about 2016’s hot food trends.

The truth about 2016’s new foodie fads

CAN’T stand coconuts? Quinoa sending you cuckoo? Not to worry — a new year brings a new batch of health food trends.

After a good few years in the spotlight, kale is officially old news. Kohlrabi, a German turnip, will be the veg of 2016.

“It has a taste and texture similar to broccoli stem or cabbage heart and can be eaten raw as well as cooked,” Sydney dietitian Kathryn Hawkins said.

Move over kale — kohlrabi is the super veg of 2016. Picture: iStock

“I think its popularity will soar because people will like the fact it has only 27 calories per 100g.”

Kohlrabi is rich in vitamins and phytochemicals, but that doesn’t mean it should replace other vegies.

“The trick when it comes to consuming vegies is to get a variety — all different colours, textures and tastes — to ensure a balanced intake of vitamins, minerals and fibre,” Ms Hawkins said.

“It will keep you and your family interested in vegetables and avoiding taste fatigue.”

Zoodles — aka zucchini noodles — are a great way to get more veg into your diet. Picture: iStock

The same principle applied to grains.

Teff may be the new quinoa (the grain is gluten-free and rich in resistant starch, which can help manage blood sugar and weight), but it is important to eat a range of complex carbohydrates.

“Healthy eaters enjoy a variety of grains, from wholegrain bread to wild rice and quinoa,” Ms Hawkins said.

One of the world's smallest cereal seeds, Teff is the quinoa of 2016

As for the outrageous health claims made by birch water converts (it supposedly treats everything from liver disease to eczema), Ms Hawkins advised consumers not to buy in to the hype.

“With very little research — certainly no robust studies — about birch water, I would be a bit dubious about running out and spending a fortune on it,” she said.

While home-delivered meal kits are all the rage, Ms Hawkins said they shouldn’t be an every-night habit.

Add a serving of veggies to ready-made or home-delivered meals. Picture:iStock

“There is a place for these a couple of times a week but some of the meals delivered are low in vegetables so add a cup of steamed veg on the side,” she said.

The best option was to avoid extremes and consume foods in the least processed form possible.

MYTH BUSTERS

Fantastic fats? Choose unsaturated sources such as avocado, nuts and oily fish. Consume bacon, lard, coconut oil and butter in moderation

Superfoods? Don’t get caught up in trends. Everyday foods such as yoghurt, oats, fruit, eggs and nuts are very nutritious

All about calories? Food is also about enjoyment — treat yourself occasionally