Before we’re hit with new fads and trends for the year ahead, we want to take a moment to look back at our most popular blog topics from 2018. We’re always interested in learning what the IIN community enjoyed reading the most, and some of these trendy topics may not surprise you. From the keto diet and celery juice to healthy eating on a budget – here’s a breakdown of our top 10 posts from last year!
What Happens to Your Body on the Ketogenic Diet
This post received the most views in 2018, and we’re not surprised! The keto diet gained popularity for weight loss last year, and we think it will continue to attract new followers well into 2019. This high-fat, moderate-protein, and low-carb diet is known to put your body in a state of ketosis – where ketones created in the liver help break down fat for energy.
How to Detox Your Body of Heavy Metal
Exposure to heavy metals, like lead, chromium, cadmium, and arsenic, can be found almost everywhere – in the air we breathe, the foods we eat, and the water we drink. Having high levels of heavy metals in your body can be damaging, so detoxification is a great way to reduce exposure! Cilantro, chlorella, and infrared saunas are a few of our favorite methods to support detoxification.
Should I Be Drinking Celery Juice?
Celery juice is one of our favorite fads of 2018 thanks to the Medical Medium and IIN grad Melissa Wood-Tepperberg. Benefits of drinking a glass each day include a healthy gut, improved sleep patterns, hydrated skin, and even weight loss. We even included directions for juicing celery so you can see what all the hype is about at home!
Caffeine and Your Body
While we all love the energy boost we get from our matcha lattes and cold brew coffee, we were also interested in its other effects on the body. The takeaway? Small amounts of caffeine might actually be beneficial, but too much might increase feelings of anxiety, disrupt sleep, and irritate the stomach. Opt for more natural forms, like coffee and tea, and avoid sugary energy drinks!
Foods to Create Glowing Skin
Who doesn’t want flawless skin? While the price of a youthful glow can get expensive – from facial treatments and serums to collagen masks – what we eat can also impact our skin! Some of our favorite skin-supporting foods include grapefruit, green tea, and walnuts.
Natural Ways to Reduce Anxiety
We’ve heard it many times before: We’re overworked and stressed out! Many of us are affected by anxiety and other emotions that interfere with everyday life, so it makes sense that we look to the Internet for help! Healthy eating, exercise, fresh air, meditation, aromatherapy, and chamomile tea are a few ways to ease both body and mind when you feel tension rising.
How Sitting Can Affect Health
Many of us spend the majority of our days sitting at work. Over time, all this sitting can significantly impact health! Common issues include metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and varicose veins. Our recommendation? Get moving as much as you can, even if that means taking small breaks throughout the day or squeezing in some movement before or after work.
Everything You Need to Know About the Grapefruit Diet
Whole30, keto, and alkaline diets weren’t the only ones to pick up steam in 2018. The Grapefruit Diet is known to burn fat and support weight loss thanks to the highly nutritious fruit packed with vitamins A and C. However, because this diet also encourages calorie restriction, we advise incorporating more grapefruit into your everyday diet instead of cutting out other foods altogether.
Healthy Eating on a Budget
Because more and more people are catching on to how important it is to eat clean and buy organic, we think any conversation about budget-friendly food shopping is worth having! Some of our favorite strategies include making your list ahead of time, purchasing seasonal fruits and veggies, buying only what you need, and embracing leftovers.
Collagen 101: Here’s What You Need to Know
Collagen was everywhere last year, which is why it’s included in our roundup of our favorite health trends of 2018. Recognized for a variety of perks, including antiaging, skin elasticity, and joint pain reduction, collagen can be digested and used for cosmetic purposes. While it’s not for everyone (hello, vegans), including a small amount of collagen in your daily regimen might have its benefits. You can also opt to support the natural collagen in your body by eating a balanced diet, choosing not to smoke, and if you drink alcohol, enjoying it in moderation.
Are you surprised by any of the blog posts that made our top 10? We always hope to keep you informed and up-to-date on topics that are trending in the health and wellness world!