Top Nutritionist Predicts 5 Extreme Diets To Look Out For In 2020

Just as fitness and food resolutions kick in, nutritionist Jessica Sepel lays out top 5 fads that will have a major moment in 2020. But, here’s the catch. While the popularity of these fads in question only seems to soar, here are a few things you will need to factor in before signing up for them…

1) Veganism: Given the number of vegan cafes and fine dining that are mushrooming across the country, it is no surprise to find that the lure of veganism is not going to fizzle anytime soon. But, before jumping onto the vegan bandwagon, Sepel suggests asking yourself if this way of eating suits your body. If you’re someone who functions and feels better when animal proteins are included in your diet, you might need to give this plant-based diet a second thought.

2) Keto: A lot has been written about the Ketogenic diet, which is essentially high on fats and low on carbs. Kim and Kourtney Kardashians have vouched for its myriad benefits in the recent past. On the other hand, Gwyneth Paltrow too is a fan of this diet. Planning to give the Ketogenic diet a try? Ensure your meals are rich in fish, meat, low-carb vegetables like spinach or sprouts, cheese, avocados, eggs, yogurt, nuts, and dark chocolate.

On the other hand, cut out rice, sweet potatoes, most fruits and vegetables entirely from your diet. Sepel highly advises against the keto diet as she believes that it is extremely restrictive. “Carbs are essential to provide your body with energy, and I think keto is far, far too restrictive. It even encourages you to monitor the fruit and vegetables you're eating,” said Sepel in a recent report.

“It's nearly impossible to get enough fiber and nutrients on the keto diet. You should be eating the rainbow, focusing on whole foods and packing in as many vegetables as you can. The keto diet just doesn't allow this,” she added.

3) Intermittent fasting: This form of diet involves restricting what you eat during different times of the day or week. While intermittent fasting has proven to bring forth quick results, the nutritionist believes that people must be aware of the “short-term” or “temporary” nature of this form of fasting. “The body and mind rebel, so as soon as you stop fasting, the weight comes right back,” Sepel said. “Again, I think it's far too restrictive, so would encourage you to listen to your body and eat when you're hungry,” she added.

4) CBD oil: Despite being derived from a cannabis plant, it is non-psychotropic. Which in turn means that one does not get “high” on its consumption. The oil is said to have myriad benefits—reduces anxiety, helps combat depression, promotes effective sleep, improves skin’s health and is known to significantly reduce the pain of seizures. Despite a lot of benefits, there needs to be adequate research surrounding the benefits of regularly consuming CBD oil.

5) Cortisol conscious workouts: Simply put, Cortisol-conscious workouts revolve around working out rather intensively for 30 to 40 minutes without triggering the body's stress response. This workout form equates to doing two days of intensive workouts while going easy with the exercises on the other days of the week.

Sepel is personally in awe of this form of workout, as working out with a balance helps maintain cortisol levels without energy and sleep levels suffering. Sepel also believes that the emphasis on shorter, fewer workouts will provide amazing benefits in the long haul.