Healthy food trends you should be following in 2017
HOUSTON (KTRK) -- So many people make the New Year's resolution of a healthy diet. For some, it's cutting carbs, and others, it's counting calories, but Nourishing Your Whole Self: Cookbook with Feelings author and yoga instructor Marci Izard believes that eating whole foods -- namely lots of fruits and veggies -- is the best way to keep a balanced life.
"While in the past couple of years kale and spinach have been stealing the show, we'll see some new ones coming up. For example, green chard -- it's a neutral green and flavor," Izard explained.
Snow pea leaves are another green vegetable worth trying. Izard likes to sauté them with green chard and some oil, garlic and a sprinkle of salt.
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A fruit she loves this year is a longan. You've got to peel it, but it's high in vitamin C and great for your skin.
And look out, edamame! There's a new bite-sized snack on the menu -- green chick peas are all the rage. Toss them with olive oil and salt and roast them.
"As we move forward, I think some foods from the past will pick up steam and be on people's radar," Izard said.
Boil some water with fresh ginger and drink it daily. Ginger helps with nausea and motion sickness and fights colds. Izard also recommends stocking up on lemons.
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"Lemon is cleansing and revitalizing. I start the morning every day with a cup of warm water and a quarter to half lemon squeezed in there. It helps you start your day with a zing," Izard added.
Skipping the ice in your water will help with digestion, and you're likely to drink more, Izard said.
The final buzzworthy food trend is actually a cooking craze.
"I read that on Pinterest, there's been a spike in their searches for veggies in comfort foods," explained Izard. She recommends adding veggies into your favorite sweet treats, like zucchini into brownies.
