n 2008, expect the emphasis to be on naturally-grown ingredients and simple dishes in controlled portions. You'll also need to educate yourself about healthy bacteria being added to your food. Sound dry? Then read on for a Coles Notes version of what to look out for, what to avoid, and why you truly are what you eat.


1) Bevies of Bacteria

That’s right, bacteria will be entering foodstuffs and many of your favourite drinks this year, in the form of gut-friendly probiotics such as Lactobacillus. They’ve already been added to many brands of yogurt (think Activia), as well as many bottled smoothies, but it looks like these tasteless germs will be finding their way onto the ingredient lists of more products soon. Germophobes, fear not; these helpful bacteria improve digestion, reduce risks of colon cancer and improve mineral absorption.

2) Super Healthy Spices

While it was technically the Year of the Dolphin, it could also be argued that it was an annum full of exotic, antioxidant-rich “superfruits.” The pomegranate took centre stage, but newcomers like the açaí berry fared well as folks stocked up on these anti-carcinogenic foods that have a long list of alleged medical benefits. Now, experts predict that spices will overshadow their seed-bearing brethren, as folks turn to seasonings like garlic, ginger and tumeric (which are a whole lot easier to add to a meal than it is to prepare a messy pomegranate.) Prepare for tangier dishes with a powerful punch, and don’t forget your breath mints.

3) Snack It Up!

Expect smaller portions of your favourite foods, at both restaurants and fast-food outlets. Plates will shrink, portions will decrease, and menus will continue to favour an emphasis on tapas, so expect less of the appetizer-plus-main routine. Fast-food retailers will continue to roll out more snack-sized options for those who want to quickly satiate themselves between meals. Meanwhile, more brands of your favourite guilty-pleasures (like cookies and chips) will continue to be packaged into convenient, 100-calorie packages. Trust me, your waist –and taste buds– will thank you.

4) Less Is More

As folks begin to fear ingredients like acesulfame potassium, chefs everywhere will be going back to basics and emphasizing locally-grown, whole foods. Complicated dishes will be pared down to basics of protein, produce, and simple sauces. Naturally produced and chemical-free will be the way to go, which should grant you peace of mind and much better health. Remember the wise words of my health professor, who said, “don’t ingest anything you can’t pronounce.”

5) Tea Continues to Battle Coffee for #1 Spot

Expect less java and more tea, as folks cut down on the cream-loaded caffeinated drinks in favour of a variety of tea. With more health benefits and an equal boost to get you going in the morning, tea is rising in popularity at cafes and in malls, where specialty stores like Teaopia are encouraging folks to embrace loose-leafed varieties. While green tea dominates the market, white and herbal teas are quickly rising in popularity as well. From classic Earl Grey to calming chamomile, teas are a great way to hydrate the body and strengthen the immune system.