The Biggest Wellness Trends Of The Last Decade

The last decade saw many lifestyle changes happen around the world that sparked viral wellness trends that many people latched onto. Trends that included everything from fad diets to the best ways to exercise and recover from your workouts were put into action in the 2010s. Let’s put it all on the table and discuss all of the major wellness trends that everyone from regular Joes and Janes to fitness fanatics tried out in the last decade.

The Massive Growth of The Wellness Industry

In 2018, a report came out that said that the global wellness industry was booming, having grown 12.8% from 2015–2017, was valued at $4.2 trillion. The Health and Wellness industry encompasses all activities which promote physical and mental wellbeing: from yoga to healthy eating, personal care and beauty, nutrition and weight-loss, meditation, spa retreats, workplace wellness, and wellness tourism.

What we witnessed in the 2010s was the evolution of wellness from being a luxury to a dominant lifestyle value. As people incorporate more of the wellness values into their lifestyle, their interaction with the wellness economy is also becoming less episodic and more intentional and holistic.

Superfoods, Kale and Avocado Toast

We can’t talk about the 2010s without first discussing the elephant in the room: avocado toast. Although the nutritional value of avocado toast isn’t incredibly fantastic, it does make for a good Instagram photo. Kale was also another diet staple that hopped on the Superfoods train last decade and reached superstar status as everyone and their mother scarfed down this nutritious treat on practically everything.

Superfoods such as berries, legumes, and nuts that were high in nutrients, antioxidants, and fiber were also a big deal in the 2010s. These mostly plant-based foods were super nutrient-dense and gave people who were constantly on the run the ability to get all of their daily nutrients on the go in a smoothie while still limiting their caloric intake.

Plant-Based Milk Products

The 2000s saw a huge drive in non-dairy options available to consumers as soy took over the dairy aisle due to concern driven by animal rights movements. The 2010s saw a shift in the narrative from non-dairy to plant-based milk products such as almond, coconut or rice milk. This trend took off like wildfire as it was just in time for the vegan diet trend that called for more focus on consuming plant-based proteins.

Strong Not Skinny

One of the first big wellness trends that we witnessed to begin the 2010s was the pivot of focus from a thin female body to a more healthy female figure. For decades, women of all ages were made to feel that they needed to be stick thin in order to be attractive. These women would go on crazy yo-yo diets that left them losing all of their strength because of their low body weight.

The 2010s saw both genders welcoming the new trend of being strong, not skinny. Social media-fueled this trend behind the #StrongNotSkinny hashtag which was the lightning rod for women to become a healthier version of themselves that didn’t constantly focus on weight loss. The aim of this trend was to be strong, toned and powerful which opened up a lot of important conversations about unrealistic body expectations and unsustainable fitness habits.

Which Wellness Trends Should You Follow?

Wellness trends are popping up left and right all the time. It’s tough to keep track of what trend is hot right now and what is best for you. If you are in search of a wellness routine that you can stick to then make sure that you select one that makes you feel good inside and out because if you’re happy with how you look but not with how you feel then you may not be able to turn that trend into a healthy lifestyle in the future.