2023 is almost here, and fitness and nutrition experts have started thinking about the wellness trends that will be popping up in the next year. Try out some of these expected trends (as long as they suit your needs and goals!) and get ahead of the curve! Here are 10 wellness trends to try in 2023:
1. Plant-Based Diet
A plant-based diet involves increasing the amount of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in one’s daily diet while reducing or eliminating animal products and processed foods.
Research has shown that a plant-based diet can reduce the risk of diabetes, heart disease, obesity, cancer and other chronic health conditions. This wellness trend has really taken off lately, mainly due to recipe videos on TikTok and Instagram, and expanded beyond vegan communities.
Bonus Tip: SkinnyMint detox teas and herbal supplements are all plant-based and made using clinically proven natural ingredients that are good for you and your gut! Try our Tropic Tone Up or Detox Cherry Bomb to take your plant-based diet up a notch.
2. Virtual Fitness Classes
Due to the pandemic, virtual fitness classes gained massive traction in 2020 and 2021 (remember when the entire world had a Chloe Ting phase?). There was a slight dip in 2022 as people began to head out again, but in 2023, we expect virtual fitness classes to be back on the rise due to how customizable, judgment-free, and accessible they are. And don't forget, "shy girl workouts" have been trending on TikTok for a reason!
The convenience of online classes (or even follow-along videos) makes them a great option if you’re looking for workout ideas from the comfort of your own home. You can easily watch YouTube videos or join live streams about anything from HIIT training to Pilates to yoga. Join any class from your cozy bedroom, at any time that fits your schedule, without worrying about your clothes or if others are judging you.
All in all, virtual fitness and nutrition classes are perfect for those who feel intimidated by the gym (yes, we're talking about the very common phenomenon of "gymtimidation"!) — they can follow along with a video at their own pace and customize the exercises to fit their needs. Plus, there's no need to invest in expensive equipment or fancy-looking gym clothes! All you need is your phone or laptop and an internet connection.
3. Incline Walking
Incline walking saw a meteoric rise in popularity in 2022, and it's likely that in 2023 it will continue to be a go-to way to get fit. It’s great for toning your legs and glutes, as well as burning calories. The incline also helps work your core muscles and stimulate blood circulation; plus, it's easy to fit into your daily routine.
The best part about incline walking is that you don't need any special equipment to do it. You can use a treadmill at the gym (or at home, if you're dealing with "gymtimidation") or simply go for a walk outdoors, either up a hill or staircase. The steeper the incline, the greater the challenge; however, if you're just starting out, try to start with a mild incline and then gradually increase it as you become stronger. The TikTok challenge in 2022 focused on a 12 incline for 30 minutes at 3.0 speed, so you can always just use these settings as the default.
Incline walking can also be used to supplement other forms of exercise, such as running or cycling (but you can just stick to walking if you want! No pressure). In 2023, expect to see people getting creative with their incline walking workouts — changing the speed, duration, and incline levels to keep themselves motivated or even creating circuits that combine incline walking with other exercises. So why not give it a try?
4. Intermittent Fasting
Intermittent fasting is a popular dieting trend that encourages people to reduce their calorie intake by only eating during specific windows throughout the day. This eating pattern has been around for a while but continues to grow in popularity. By creating periods of “fasting” and “feasting,” adherents can experience numerous health benefits, including improved blood sugar levels and weight loss.
5. Mindfulness Meditation
Mindfulness meditation is a form of meditation that involves focusing one’s attention on the present moment while acknowledging and accepting feelings and thoughts. Research has found that mindfulness meditation can reduce stress, improve physical health, increase focus and productivity, and even help people become more compassionate.
Pro Tip: You can introduce mindfulness in every aspect of your life — it doesn't have to be limited to just meditation! Meal prepping? Pay attention to the present experience without evaluation, notice the textures, smells, and sounds, and don't let your mind wander off. Doing your skincare routine? Be mindful of how each step feels and notice how your skin responds to your touch.
6. Taking Herbal Supplements
Taking herbal supplements support your overall well-being, especially if you have specific dietary needs or tend to miss out on a lot of nutrients in your daily meals. They are generally made from natural ingredients like plants, herbs, and minerals that provide essential nutrients and benefits. In 2023, we expect that drink based herbal supplements will become even more popular, because of how easy they are to consume on the go.
Herbal supplements can also be used in combination with a healthy diet and lifestyle to help ensure you’re getting all the nutrition your body needs. For example, if you have a tendency to snack often but wish to achieve a calorie deficit, try our Super Lean Shots which contain Glucomannan, Gingko Biloba extract, and Korean Ginseng to help you feel fuller faster and thus curb cravings. If you constantly get bloated and want to shed those stubborn pounds, go for our 28 Day Teatox which contains Green Tea, Nettle Leaves, and Yerba Mate to cleanse your body and boost your metabolism.
7. Journaling
Journaling is a practice that involves writing down your thoughts, feelings and reflections in order to gain clarity and insight. Regular journaling can help you stay mindful of your goals and progress (related to your fitness regimen, your diet, your profession, or your personal life) while providing an outlet for expressing emotions. It can also help cultivate self-awareness and improve problem-solving skills.
Journaling continues to grow in popularity, and we expect that it will co-exist with other wellness trends in 2023. For example, you can journal while practicing mindfulness meditation. Writing down what you’re feeling before and after meditating or drinking a healthy smoothie can help deepen your understanding of the effects of each activity and enable you to make subtle changes to maximize their benefits for your overall health. Plus, you get to buy cute notebooks and pens — what’s not to love!?
8. Prioritizing Muscle Flexibility and Strength Over Weight Loss
In 2023, we expect that people will continue to prioritize muscle flexibility and strength over weight loss as a way to improve their overall health. This involves focusing on exercises that build strength, mobility and flexibility in all the major muscle groups, rather than just concentrating on cardio or weight lifting.
Stretching and yoga can help lengthen muscles and improve posture, while strength training can help build lean muscle mass and increase metabolism. The best part is that focusing on muscle flexibility and strength will encourage you to stay more active daily, which will actually help with weight loss, getting a flat tummy, and weight maintenance.
9. Prioritizing Immunity Boosting Over Calorie Counting
We witnessed in 2022 a shift from calorie counting to immunity boosting — this is expected to become the norm in 2023. With the ongoing pandemic, people are more aware of their immune systems and recognize the importance of nourishing them with healthy foods and lifestyle choices.
This means prioritizing whole, nutrient-rich foods that provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for overall health (a plant-based diet would fit perfectly here!). Eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats will support your immune system and help fight illnesses. The goal here will be to eat whatever boosts the immune system, instead of just going by calories. Additionally, reducing sugar intake has been found to improve immunity as well. Finally, getting enough sleep is key for maintaining a strong immune system!
Pro Tip: If you're trying to increase your consumption of immunity-boosting greens, consider our Green Cleansing Elixir which contains 22 superfoods and probiotics to support your immunity and boost your gut health. And if you need a way to sleep better, try our Night Cleanse blend which encourages better sleep, reduces bloating, and cleanses the body.
10. Growing Herbs at Home
This one is for the green thumbs in all of us! Growing herbs at home was immensely popular in 2022, and we expect this trend to continue in 2023. Not only do homegrown herbs provide a fresh supply of immunity-boosting ingredients (we love it when wellness trends coincide!) for your cooking needs, but they also look great as part of an indoor garden.
You don't need a ton of space or gardening knowledge to get started — all you really need is some soil, seeds (or small plants), and some basic tools like trowels and watering cans. All herbs are relatively easy to grow indoors, but popular choices include basil, mint, rosemary, thyme, oregano, and chives. You can add these herbs to not only your meals but also your immunity-boosting drinks!
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced gardener, growing herbs at home is a great way to cultivate mindfulness and get some exercise (all that bending down and watering and digging!). Plus, it's rewarding to watch your little herb babies grow over time.
Main Takeaway
2023 will be an exciting year for health and wellness trends — we can already see a shift towards prioritising muscle flexibility, strength, and immunity over weight loss, as well as the growing popularity of home herb gardens. Whether you're interested in mindfulness, trying "shy girl workouts," or taking out time to incline walk 30 minutes a day, there will be plenty of new trends to explore in the new year!
Take the time to find what works for you, and don't forget to have fun with it. Health and wellness are all about finding balance, not just restriction. Good luck, and here's to a happy new you in 2023!