In or out? Get the scoop on 2023 health trends.

A lot has happened in 2023: Barbenheimer took the world by storm, the Matildas stole our hearts in the World Cup, and Rihanna (rightfully) owned the spotlight after her performance at the Superbowl. 

But what’s been trending in the health world? From the intensity of 75 Hard to the delightful chaos of Girl Dinner, we've got the inside scoop. Curious if they're in or out? Dive into the insights from our Healthylife Advisory Board.

Trend 1: 75 Hard

75 Hard is a popular fitness challenge described as a "transformative mental toughness program" lasting 75 consecutive days with no rest days. Participants must adhere to a daily routine that includes two 45-minute workouts (one outdoors), a specific diet with no ‘cheat’ days, reading 10 pages of a non-fiction book, and drinking 4.5 litres of water daily. Notably, there are no rest days, making it unique among health challenges.

What Simone says:

Examining your lifestyle and setting yourself some goals can be a good thing, but when it comes to trends like this it’s important to understand that health is not a ‘one size fits all’ approach and individual advice is needed. There is little self compassion shown in a program like this; one day off and you are back to the beginning. 

We all need rest days without punishment. An eating pattern should be developed for the long term and along with exercise you enjoy. 

The verdict?

The overall focus on improving your health, encouragement of reading and being outdoors daily in 75 Hard is in, however the intensity and ‘all or nothing’ approach is out!

Trend 2: Girl Dinner

'Girl dinner' is a trending food phenomenon on TikTok, sparked by a video where a user referred to mediaeval peasants' simple meals of bread and cheese as her "ideal meal." The concept embraces the idea of having a plate of anything one desires, whether it's chips, crackers with cheese, chopped fruits or vegetables with dips, bread, or leftovers. The appeal of 'girl dinner' lies in its flexibility, where people enjoy a variety of foods arranged on a plate or left in their original packaging.

What Stevie says:

This latest dining trend is about enjoying dinner without time-consuming cooking. Its not just for ‘girls’, it can cater to anyone, as its simply emphasising the swift assembly of meals tailored to what's available in your fridge. I recommend embracing the pleasure of curating quick meals using vibrant, nutritious ingredients by planning ahead and stocking up on healthy foods and snacks during your food shop. 

Assembling meals not only offers a respite from the mental load of cooking but also minimises food waste through creative use of tasty morsels from your fridge. Just remember to strive for balance! Aim for half the plate to be occupied with veggies, a quarter with a meat or alternative, and a quarter with whole grains.

The verdict?

In! Embrace the joy of curating quick, delicious dinners. Stock up on nutritious foods and enjoy a night off from cooking. Assembling meals not only eases the mental load but also champions minimising food waste.

Trend 3: Magnesium Glycinate

Magnesium glycinate has gained popularity on TikTok in recent months, with users claiming it helps alleviate anxiety. Magnesium is a mineral found in various foods, and magnesium glycinate is a form known for its high bioavailability. While there’s some research that suggests a potential link between magnesium and improved mental wellbeing, it shouldn’t be used as a ‘treatment’ for anxiety.

What Sarah says:

Magnesium is a nutrient that is important for many processes in your body. When it comes to mental wellbeing, magnesium helps the body manage the stress response, and is also involved with controlling chemical messengers in the brain that can impact your mood. 

While there is some evidence to show that a magnesium deficiency may contribute to anxiety, much more research is needed to determine if daily supplementation with magnesium will improve symptoms. The studies that do exist are often poorly designed and do not have clear positive results.  If you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety, visit your doctor and they can advise you on the best treatment for you. 

The verdict?

Using dietary supplements or treatments for anxiety under the care of a health professional is in, following TikTok trends not based on solid science is out. 

Trend 4: Sea Moss

The sea moss trend, propelled by TikTok, revolves around the consumption of this nutrient-rich edible sea vegetable. Packed with folate, vitamins, and minerals, enthusiasts advocate for its potential health benefits like improved gut health, skin clarity, and immune support. Despite claims, scientific evidence supporting these purported benefits remains limited.

What Dr Dinesh says:

Throughout history, since ancient times, dietary trends have come and gone. What has become clear through the centuries of fad diets though, is that there is no quick fix with a single food. Rather, it’s a balanced individualised diet over a lifetime that keeps us in optimal health.

The verdict?

Quick fixes and fads are out. Balanced individualised diets for the long term are in.

Trend 5: Mouth Tape for Sleeping

'Mouth taping' has become a trend on social media, particularly on TikTok, with users claiming various health benefits from improved energy and sharper jawlines to better skin, mood, and digestion. The practice involves gently placing skin-friendly tape over the lips during sleep to encourage nasal breathing. 

While nasal breathing is considered more efficient and can have benefits such as humidifying and filtering the air, promoting relaxation, and producing nitric oxide, the purported benefits of mouth taping lack extensive scientific backing.

What Dr Moira says:

Having regular and unrestricted breathing during sleep are important components of healthy sleep. Snoring and sleep apnoea are examples of when our airways have become partially or fully obstructed during sleep. If this occurs it’s best to have a sleep specialist advise you on the appropriate course of action and available treatments. 

There are many validated treatments for breathing-related sleep disturbance and mouth taping is not one of them. There are only a few studies on mouth taping, with small sample sizes, and the research to date has not yet been compared to a control group. It’s important to talk to a health care provider before taping one’s mouth during sleep.

The verdict?

Taking sleep seriously, and looking at ways of improving it, is in. However, taking advice from social media from non qualified people is out.

Trend 6: #ActYourWage

The #ActYourWage trend, primarily driven by TikTok, urges employees to align their work output with their pay rather than striving to exceed expectations. Content creators, like Sarai Soto, depict toxic workplace scenarios where individuals decline excessive demands beyond their job description, emphasising the correlation between pay and effort. 

The trend has sparked debate, with some viewing it as a way to safeguard workers' rights and encourage pay transparency, while critics, including business figures like Jack Delosa, condemn it as counterproductive and a hindrance to career growth. The movement reflects a broader conversation about work-life balance, rights, and salary expectations.

What Dr Rob says:

Work life balance is an important aspect of health. Employers and employees need to be mindful of the potential negative health impacts of excessive demands. However, it's a simplistic view that required or desired effort has a direct relationship to pay. This devalues experience and skill.  

Effort above and beyond job description requirements is also a genuine method of career growth. For example, taking on a project not necessarily in your role demonstrates capacity and can provide learning opportunities. Of course it's all about balance.

The verdict?

Managing healthy work life balance is in but taking a simplistic view that effort should only be equal to pay is out.

Reviewed by Healthylife health experts December 2023