7 Diet Trends of 2022: Benefits And Drawbacks

When it comes to diet trends the list is endless. Every year we get a new diet fad that takes over our Insta feed and makes us wonder if this is THE diet that will help us reach our weight goals or put us on the path to healthier living. But while some are beneficial for overall health, there are those that may pose a threat to the body. This is especially true if you are dealing with any underlying health issues. 

We are already 5 months into 2022 (Yes, it's unbelievable to even type it out) and we've got a new list of upcoming diet trends that are bound to catch your eye. But which one is worth following?

We've collated 7 diet trends for 2022 along with their benefits and drawbacks. Why? 'Coz every person is different, so you get to decide what is good for your body. Scroll on down to find out 2022's up-and-coming diet trends. 

1. MIND Food

If these past two years have taught us anything, it is that mental health is as important as physical health. This is why the MIND diet is gaining momentum all around the world. This diet is designed to reduce the chances of dementia as you get older by enhancing brain function. It was created by combining the Mediterranean diet with the DASH diet. According to research, this hybrid diet can substantially slow cognitive decline with age. 

Benefits: Improving brain health is not all this diet can do for you! Research suggests that it can even help lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and several other diseases.

Drawbacks: While it has fewer risks, you can't just try it for a month and expect results. Just like the criteria for a great partner, in the same way for diets, consistency is key! 

2. The Pegan Diet

Seems like 2022 diets are all about mixing it up. Just like the MIND Diet, the Pegan Diet is a combination of paleo and vegan diets. This means your plate should have 75% plant-based foods and 25% sustainable meats, eggs, poultry, and eggs. You will also need to exclude products like bread, dairy, most grains, processed foods, and oils. This diet is based on the notion that eating only nutrient-dense whole foods can promote optimal health. 

Benefits: Since it’s all about nutrient-rich fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats, research suggests that it may help prevent disease, promote heart health, and reduce inflammation.

Drawbacks: According to studies, it unnecessarily excludes necessary proteins which could lead to nutrient deficiencies.

3. Mediterranean Diet

"We're going to Ibiza '' --- well, only our taste buds. Inspired by the eating habits of people who live near the Mediterranean sea, the Mediterranean Diet mainly includes vegetables, fruits, legumes, beans, cereals, nuts, olive oil, and seafood.

Benefits: The diet can also decrease the chances of heart disease apart from promoting weight loss.

4. Tom Brady's Diet (TB12)

Inspired by American football quarterback Tom Brady's own personal diet plan, this trend made headway in 2020. And now it seems like it's circling back into our lives. Popularly known as the TB12 diet, it consists of eating only anti-inflammatory and alkaline foods like 20% protein-rich diet (red meat and seafood) and 80% plant-based diet (whole grains, fruits seeds, and vegetables).

It doesn't encourage the consumption of gluten, dairy, corn, soy, coffee, alcohol, sugar, trans fats, and highly processed foods.

Benefits: Due to its strict food consumption rules, it may help with weight management. 

Drawbacks: It is not backed by research so the risks are still unknown. 

5. GOLO Diet

Having a deja-vu moment reading this? Well, you might remember this name from 2016 during its inception and it seems like the GOLO diet is making a comeback. The GOLO Diet focuses on eating only whole foods and increasing exercise. This diet is said to manage insulin levels and help promote weight loss by increasing your  metabolism rate.

Benefits: It is focused on balancing hormone levels and managing insulin levels.

Drawbacks: Unbiased research on the GOLO Diet is lacking and it’s very expensive to follow.

6. The Carnivore Diet 

Yup, it's exactly as the name suggests. The Carnivore Diet includes eating foods that come from animals and/or birds. What is this supposed to do for your body? Well, it is said to aid in weight loss, improve mood, as well as regulate blood sugar levels.

Benefits: It claims to aid in weight loss, reduce brain fog and improve blood sugar levels. 

Drawbacks: Since it leaves out other nutritious food groups, studies show that it is extremely restrictive and could lead to loss of necessary vitamins. It is not recommended for people with chronic conditions, like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, history of stroke or other cardiovascular diseases

7. SirtFood Diet 

This unique diet is based on the group of 7 proteins that exists in the body. These specific proteins are known to regulate a variety of bodily functions. This includes metabolism, inflammation, lifespan, and weight management.

The diet combines healthy foods and calorie restriction. Both these factors may help the body produce higher levels of sirtuins (a protein that's responsible for regulating metabolism). 

Benefits: This diet trend is aimed at burning fat, building muscle, and preventing diseases.

Drawbacks: There are no substantial published studies that investigate how the diet affects weight loss, signs of ageing, or disease prevention.

Now that you have all the necessary info, we hope that it'll be easier for you to weed through the hype.