Health Trends That Are Being Shaped by Millennials

Today’s youth has already made itself known on a number of fronts, almost always being put under the millennial tag. Well, despite what one might think about this specific part of society, the changes that they propelled forward cannot be ignored. One of the most-prominent is the putting being healthy in the limelight, making it mainstream. Another would be the popularization of healthy food in the world, pulling in not only peers but other generations as well. As the old Dylan song goes, well, the times they are a changin’, might as well see if it’s for the better or for the worst.

Doctors are seen as a second stop

With the popularization of the internet and younger individuals considering it as an everyday part of their lives, medical information has become more accessible than ever before. The truth of the matter is, with the rise in concern for personal health, an increasing number of millennials are admitting to first looking up any problems they might have online and only then considering heading out to see a doctor. Some even explained that they prefer to self-medicate and try to solve the problem themselves before actually consulting a professional. While the additional concern is more than welcome, self-medication can be dangerous turf.

Flexibility has become a thing

As with the flexibility that the internet provides when trying to find out what’s wrong with our bodies, millennials have shown the same infatuation with eating outside of their homes. While they do keep food at home and cook every now and then, the sheer convenience of eating out while doing something else has become all too popular. When home options are considered, they are usually single-serving packages or fresh cut produce that is fast and easy to make. This has led to a rise to more impulsive eating habits and the new-found popularity of said “snackable” produce items.

Healthy food is becoming popular

Another aspect that has slowly crept up into the spotlight is healthy food. With the almost obsessive approach to health, millennials have managed to do the impossible and make healthy food appealing to the masses. As a result, whole restaurant chains and cafés have popped up boasting an exclusively healthy menu. From veggie drinks to several course meals, the kitchen of today is experiencing a steady shift from the fast food heavyweights of yesteryear for a more green approach. As a result, more and more people have started to shift their diet and lead a healthier lifestyle.

You are what you eat

The point mentioned above leads to the old phrase “You are what you eat”. When looking at today’s health trends, it’s almost too on the nose. With the internet readily available, people have started becoming more and more aware of what goes into their food. As such, millennials have started to express themselves through their eating habits, considering that to be a crucial part of their identity. Nutrition is still considered very important, but you can’t help but ask whether some are eating healthily to prove something to themselves or to the people around them.

Upped food costs

With this new focus on expressing ourselves through food, companies have, naturally, adapted to the shift. With the statement a meal makes almost becoming more important than what the actual food is. This has led to an increase of costs across the board, as the “image” being sold has been attached to the name tag. To cope with these costs, many have taken up food supplements like maltodextrin and true protein to help them maintain their physique without going broke.

Food photography has seen a boom

With this added popularity and food being considered as an extension of one’s self, the photography of said food has exploded. Taking photographs for commercial purposes is nothing new, but this is the first time it has happened to such an extent and the roles have been reversed. Nowadays, it is healthy food that is being sold as desirable whereas anything else is seen pushed to the side or simply portrayed in a negative fashion. Glamour pics have become a staple of healthy food, now not only appealing to our senses of taste and smell, but also our eyes and sense of self.

Exercise caution

Millennials have certainly done their fair share of work, they might not have been born in rougher times like some of us, but they have still managed to accomplish something we haven’t for heaven knows how long. They’ve managed to completely reshape the public perception of health and eating healthy as something that is not just desirable, but almost mandatory. Granted, these changes have their quirks, but that doesn’t? The important thing here is that they might have not participated in any wars, but they’ve won a battle we never could.