As we say goodbye to 2019, it's fun to not only look back at what happened this year but also this decade. With 2020 on the horizon, we thought we'd take a trip down memory lane and remember the health and wellness trends that took over the 2010s.
To say much of the world went hard on wellness in the past decade seems like an understatement. It became an obsession, a lifestyle, a booming industry. And hey, we're not complaining. There were some great things about the rise of everything wellness: more honesty about certain topics like mental health; more awareness about health issues and taking care of ourselves; and exciting fitness trends and technology. Of course, there were also some head-scratching trends that we're still trying to make sense of—the Shake Weight, the yoni egg, teatoxes.
Now, we're not here to pass judgment on what went down wellness-wise in the 2010s. Mostly, we see this as a chance to look at how much the wellness world has changed in the past decade and think about what we learned and what we want to take with us in 2020 and beyond. Plus, isn't it fun to reminisce and also predict where wellness will be in the future?
So take a look at what we consider the biggest health and wellness trends of the past decade, by category. Did we miss one? Want to share your favorite or most-hated trends of the 2010s? Or do you have any predictions for what will be hot in wellness in the 2020s? Send us a DM or comment on Instagram at @thethirty.
Food
1. Cauliflower
Once upon a time, cauliflower played second fiddle to broccoli. Now, it's literally in every single dish. It's a stand-in ingredient for foods like pizza crust, rice, gnocchi, even General Tso's, and therefore, this cruciferous vegetable has proven to be so versatile.
2. Kale
Like cauliflower, kale got a glow-up in the 2010s. The healthy, leafy green was the base of many salads and smoothies. People even turned it into chips. We don't see this one going away anytime soon.
3. Teatoxes
You might have seen teatoxes in your Instagram feed, promising weight loss and a flatter stomach. The diet trend sparked a lot of controversy because it promised benefits that didn't really work and even contained some ingredients that could be harmful. We're okay with seeing this one off into the sunset and trying longer-term and more sustainable ways to eat healthier.
4. Keto, Whole30, Paleo
The '90s and '00s had Atkins and South Beach, and the 2010s saw the rise of Keto, Whole30, and Paleo diets, to name a few. We're still seeing so many recipes and trendy packaged foods that are approved for these diets, so we predict these aren't going anywhere.
5. Juice
Green juice, beet juice, celery juice… How many of these have you tried in the past decade? It became an easier way to get a helping of vitamins and nutrients on the go.
6. Meal Subscriptions
Meal kits and subscription services were everywhere this decade, and it's not hard to see why they were (and still are) so popular. Brands like Sakara Life made it convenient to eat healthier without having to spend so much time shopping, prepping, and cooking.
7. Bone Broth
A lot of people were sipping on bone broth in the 2010s for a boost of collagen and other nutrients.
8. Alternative Milks
The 2010s were good to people who were lactose intolerant, vegan, or just looking for something other than regular ol' milk. From almond to cashew to soy to oat, alternative milks reigned supreme. Now, you can go into most coffee shops and find at least one milk alternative.
9. Trendy Drinks
Our cups literally runneth over: The number of beverage options out there was overwhelming at times. From matcha to golden lattes to flavored seltzers to charcoal drinks to kombucha, we could go on and on with the most popular beverages of the decade.
10. Fake Meat
These aren't your parents' veggie burgers. Thanks to companies like Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat, it's easier to live a plant-based lifestyle but still enjoy a burger that tastes almost like the real thing. Who knows what other plant-based alternatives will pop up in the next decade…
Technology
1. Fitness Trackers
From the Fitbit to the Apple Watch and everything in between, we're now able to track our steps, heart rate, sleep, and even menstrual cycle with our fitness trackers and smartwatches. I have a love-hate relationship with my Apple Watch—I love knowing how active I am each day, but I also hate when it tells me to stand up or move more.
2. Health Apps
The world of wellness is at arm's reach on our phones. There's an app for pretty much everything now. Track your fertility or menstrual cycle with one. Meditate with a click. Know how many calories a food contains with a scan of a barcode.
3. DNA and Ancestry Tests
Access to information about our DNA and genetic makeup got a lot easier this past decade. With kits like 23andMe and AncestryDNA, all you have to do is send in a sample, and you'll get more insight into who you are in a matter of weeks. And now, there are even tests for your dogs, too.
Fitness
1. At-Home Workouts
With apps like Daily Burn and equipment like Peloton bikes, it's so easy to stay active without leaving the comfort of your own home. Now there's really no excuse for not being able to squeeze a workout in, which is both fortunate and unfortunate (when we're feeling ultra lazy).
2. Boutique Fitness
There's SoulCycle for indoor cycling, Barry's Bootcamp for HIIT enthusiasts, Y7 for yogis, and Rumble for amateur boxers—and that's just to name a few. There's a fitness studio for every kind of workout now, and we're not complaining.
3. Shake Weights
By 2010, the Shake Weight was the most-buzzed-about fitness trend. And there were two reasons: Some people believed it actually produced amazing results, and others mocked its sexually suggestive movement. Either way, it was one of the most memorable trends of the decade.
4. High-Intensity Workouts
With workouts like CrossFit and competitions like Tough Mudders and Spartan Races, people really pushed themselves physically this decade.
5. Athleisure
Gym wear got so much more stylish, and we started wearing our leggings and tank tops and pullovers not just to the gym but to brunch, on errands, even in the workplace.
Self-Care
1. CBD
The past couple of years have seen a rise in CBD everything, from lotions to beverages to oils and tinctures. While the FDA still has to do research on products' safety and efficacy, that's not stopping brands from launching items in the marketplace. This trend is definitely not going anywhere.
2. Mystic Wellness
This decade, we explored more forms of mystic or spiritual wellness. Many of us bought crystals, saged our homes, and turned to tarot or astrology for clarity.
3. Essential Oils
Sure, essential oils have been used for years, but this decade they became even more commonplace. Many people used blends for stress relief and anxiety, digestion, and mood.
4. Wellness Therapies
We explored more forms of both alternative and newer therapies like cupping, acupuncture, Reiki healing, breath work, infrared saunas, and cryotherapy—to name a few. We're excited to try even more in 2020.
5. Meditation
A focus on mindfulness and mental health was one of the most important developments in the health and wellness space this decade. The practice of meditation became more mainstream, helping many people around the world feel more centered, relaxed, and self-aware.
6. Wellness Retreats
Yes, wellness retreats weren't just invented in the 2010s, but there were a whole lot more options in the past decade. Wellness vacations and destinations became even more popular, and now many hotels and resorts offer wellness packages as amenities.
Health
1. Supplements
The supplement market might have become a tad oversaturated, but it's still exciting nonetheless. From adaptogens to nootropics to personalized vitamins, there is something out there for everyone. Just clear any new ones with a healthcare professional first.
2. Prebiotics and Probiotics
Gut health was a big conversation this decade, and we see it being an even bigger topic in the 2020s. While experts have mixed opinions about prebiotics and probiotics, we're excited to see what the research finds in the future.
3. KonMari
It seems like the 2010s were also when we realized that the state of our homes affects our well-being. Marie Kondo has helped thousands of people get organized and live better lives through her effective KonMari method. This trend really did "spark joy" for us.
4. Organic, Clean Products
A lot of us said goodbye to toxic chemicals and ingredients in the 2010s. We swapped our household cleaning supplies, feminine care products, and makeup and skincare. The natural, green, clean offerings seem endless these days, and that's definitely a good thing.
Next up: Sorry, These 11 Wellness Trends Are Out (and These 4 Are Officially In)
This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used in the place of advice of your physician or other medical professionals. You should always consult with your doctor or healthcare provider first with any health-related questions.
