In providing advice and counsel for health and fitness I find my clients run the gamut from individuals focused on a personal plan, to health industry companies teaming up with employers to create plans supporting the company healthcare benefit goals. Both groups are interested in the trends related to health and fitness for 2017. My list this year includes items from food to fashion; —here is a snapshot view of what’s hot in getting physical this year.

Wearable Technology

Fitbits and health-data tracking watches began the trend in wearables. Among the latest items in the market shown at the recent 2017 Consumer Electronics Show(CES) is the ‘The Welt”, which looks like a leather belt yet it tracks users’ waist sizes, eating habits and steps, as well as how much time per day they spend sitting down. The Welt works with an app that creates a customized health and weight loss plan based on the wearers’ own data.

You will also need the right shoes and the makers of Digitsoles hope you’ll opt for their products to stay on track. Digitsole’s products are another twist on fitness trackers with sensors built into insoles and shoes, which can monitor steps taken and calories burned. The company makes everyday-looking sneakers and insoles that users can hook up with their smartphones to monitor the workout and even heat up the shoe!

Food

When it comes to foods on the list eggs are moving from breakfast to meal occasions throughout the day. Spices and produce continue to rise in consumption as folks look to new food experiences and more flavorful dishes.

• Egg Yolks
  Though egg yolks have received a bad rap in the past for fat and cholesterol content, it appears the egg has been pardoned. The 2015-2020 U.S. Dietary Guidelines do not put a cap on egg consumption. Eggs can fit in a healthy diet—they are a good source of protein, and can be considered a meat substitute at a fraction of the cost. Eggs contain 13 essential vitamins and minerals including Vitamin D, critical for bone health and immune function. Eggs contain Choline, essential for normal functioning of all cells, but particularly important during pregnancy to support healthy brain development of the fetus. Eggs are also a good source of Lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants that are believed to reduce the risk of developing cataracts and slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration.

• Turmeric
  There has been a growing interest in spices to flavor and season foods. Turmeric a spice from the turmeric plant is yellow and often used in Asian dishes and curries. Google Trends 2016 indicates that this spice is a rising star and will continue to hold a place on the hot list. Turmeric provides 26 percent of what’s needed in manganese and 16 percent in iron, along with excellent amounts, vitamin B6, potassium, vitamin C and magnesium. The addition of turmeric as a spice in a recipe has been shown to help regulate blood fat levels after a meal. Each of these is a benefit for good health.

• Fruits and Vegetables
  Fruits and vegetables continue to be popular items on the trend list. Increased consumption of produce will boost the intake of needed vitamins, minerals and fiber in the diet. Vegetables in the spotlight for the upcoming year include colorful varieties of traditional veggies such as purple potatoes and asparagus. Cauliflower is also showing up in purple and bright yellow alongside the traditional creamy white variety. Jackfruit is getting a lot of buzz. This is the tropical fruit that enrobes a meaty, somewhat starchy fleshed fruit inside an oblong, oval-shaped, green pod. Jackfruit is versatile and can be part of the main dish or dessert. It is high in vitamin C, and B-complex vitamins. It is also high in dietary fiber and can have a laxative affect.

Though this list touches on a few of the trends that are in focus for moving forward with health goals in 2017, keep in mind that the key point is to choose what works for you and get moving for better health.

Take Away: There are a lot of options in health and fitness trends so try something new or sample one of the foods on the “hot list.” You may find that the new addition is a winner in helping you achieve your goals.