Home/Blog/2024's Wellness Trends: Beauty, Food, Supplements, Fitness and Mental Health

2024's Wellness Trends: Beauty, Food, Supplements, Fitness and Mental Health

By Jill Levy

September 9, 2024

We're over halfway 2024. What is trending in health and wellness? Let’s look below at the types of foods, supplements, personal care products, fitness equipment, and mental health practices that many people are spending their time and money on in 2024.

Food Trends

1. A2 milk

Originally, all cow's milk contained only A2 beta-casein, but over time a genetic mutation introduced the A1 variant. Most cow's milk available on the market today is a mix of A1 and A2 proteins, but A1 can be harder to digest for some individuals.

Now A2 milk — which is also exclusively used in Ancient Nutrition's new whey protein supplements — is becoming popular as a high-protein, nutrition-rich, less allergenic dairy beverage. It also features good amounts of calcium and vitamin B12. A2 milk protein comes from cows that produce only the A2 type of beta-casein, which is the same primary protein found in human milk and is often easier for humans to digest.

2. Canned fish

We all want to benefit from healthy fats in our diets, including omega-3s, which are known to support healthy responses to inflammation, heart health and cognitive health. The problem is that omega-3 fats aren’t always easy to come by, considering they’re mostly found in oily fish like salmon, mackerel and sardines. 

If you’re not one to cook fresh fish at home several times per week, consider buying wild-caught, sustainable canned fish instead. Canned fish is usually just as healthy as fresh fish but a lot more convenient. For example, try canned salmon in salmon patties or in place of tuna, or canned sardines in pasta sauces.

3. Eating more protein 

As women and men get older, we find it harder to stay slimmer. One great cheat and way to lose weight or manage a healthy weight is to eat more protein.

By aiming to get at least 20 percent of your total calories from protein, you’ll typically experience a decrease in hunger, support for lean muscle growth and help with healthy weight management. Try upping your protein intake by focusing on protein foods such as eggs, sustainably raised meats, sustainably caught fish, tofu and tempeh, beans and legumes, algae and sea vegetables, and organic dairy products.

You can also up your protein content easily with Whey Protein, Bone Broth Protein, Plant Protein or Multi Collagen Advanced Lean.

4. Reducetarianism

Vegan diets, climatarian diets and similar vegetarian spin-offs are easier to follow than ever before, thanks to the growing market of plant-based options, including meat alternatives, nut and seed-based milks, and plant-based protein powders. But not everyone is ready to go full plant.

Reducetarianism is essentially reducing one's intake of meat, particularly red and processed meats — both of which are more damaging to our health and the planet's.

Rather than becoming a full-throated plant-based eater or vegan, a reducetarian is more quiet about it and still eats meat from time to time. Plant-based proteins like tempeh, beans and tofu make more frequent appearances in main dishes, and animal-based proteins are consumed in smaller quantities, such as the vegetables in a ground meat dish tripling the meat content.

5. Sipping broths 

Now that we're getting into colder weather, sipping broths are picking up steam again. Sipping broths are a great way to reap the benefits of bone broth. Ancient Nutrition's Bone Broth Protein “sipping broths” incliude savory flavors such as Chicken Soup, Tomato Basil and Butternut Squash.

As a nutritional powerhouse and great source of collagen, protein and minerals, sipping broths support an overall healthy metabolism and a healthy gut. Sipping broths can also be useful for those embarking on the fasting trend.

6. Under-used superfoods

Superfoods do more than just help you meet your nutrient needs or aid in shedding a few extra pounds when it comes time for swimsuit season. These foods can help you maximize health and help boost the way you feel day in and day out.

For these reasons superfoods have never been more popular, but what about the under-used superfoods that have either been forgotten or not used much in the first place?

Check out our list that includes alfalfa sprouts, beef liver, nutritional yeast, ceylon cinnamon and hemp seeds, plus ways to use these superfoods.

Supplements

1. Collagen with extra benefits

From the company that brought you the groundbreaking collagen powder with the proprietary fermented eggshell membrane collagen ingredient backed by human clinical trials that supported skin, joint and gut health comes Ancient Nutrition's Multi Collagen Advanced.

Previously those who gravitated towards collagen used it primarily for beauty, joint or gut support. These new collagen formulas invites nearly everyone to the party.

We’re talking about four major goals that many of us have: getting lean, gaining muscle, boosting hydration and detoxifying.

These popular supplements include:

• Multi Collagen Advanced Lean Capsules

• Multi Collagen Advanced Lean Powder

• Multi Collagen Advanced Muscle Capsules

• Multi Collagen Advanced Detox Powder

• Multi Collagen Advanced Hydrate Powder (lemon lime or mixed berry flavor)

2. Fiber powder that tastes good and is more gentle

Most fiber supplements taste awful and turn into goop quickly. Ancient Nutrition listed and created a gentle-acting, certified organic fiber powder that uses soluble fiber sources alongside soil-based organism (SBO) probiotics for digestive health.

Ancient Nutrition’s new Organic Fiber supplement powder(available in pineapple mango and raspberry lemonade flavors) features a Fiber Blend of konjac root, acacia fiber and probiotics.

Containing four grams of fiber per serving, Organic Fiber contains a long list of benefits. It reduces occasional constipation, gas and bloating, in addition to occasional abdominal discomfort. It promotes proper digestion and intestinal well-being. It supports regularity, healthy digestive function, colon health and immune system health. It even promotes a feeling of fullness, which can help you reach your healthy weight management goals (in addition to a healthy diet and lifestyle, including regular exercise).

3. Whey protein with new benefits

Whey protein is one of the most popular sports supplements, but it typically relies on A1 milk (see above) rather than A2 milk … and it's limited in its benefit list.

Check out Ancient Nutrition's new Whey Protein, which also includes collagen for additional body-wide benefits. Build muscle and promote joint recovery all in one with this unique combination of high-quality whey protein, organic regenerative A2/A2 milk protein and clinically studied collagen. It comes in vanilla bean and milk chocolate flavors.

4. Supergreens with more flavor

As said above, most of us can afford to get more “superfoods,” including greens, herbs, berries and algae, into our diets consistently. Even if you regularly eat salads and other veggies, taking an Organic Supergreens supplement is a super convenient way to boost your antioxidant and other nutrient intake each day, helping to make “getting your greens” easy.

Now Ancient Nutrition includes Mango Supergreens and Berry Supergreens as new flavors that have gone over big with customers. Simply stir a scoop into water or smoothie every day, and you’ll be on your way to meeting your fruit and veggie goals.

5. Regenerative foods and supplements

More than just being organic, regenerative foods refer to those that help give back to the planet — and they include climate-friendly supplements. When foods such as herbs, greens, fruits, and root veggies are grown on regenerative farms, they’re done so in a way that limits the use of resources, helps to build healthy topsoil, and pulls CO2 out of the atmosphere. This fights climate change, plus it produces foods and supplements that are brimming with essential nutrients. 

To know if a food or supplement was grown on a regenerative farm, look for the label on the package. You can also do your homework about companies’ standards and practices. FYI, many of Ancient Nutrition’s products are sustainably produced on our own regenerative farms. 

Now, Ancient Nutrition has launched our own Regenerative Organic Certified® products (with ingredients in part sourced from our founder-owned ROC™ regenerative farms) that aren’t just great for the planet but also are grown in more nutrient-dense soil than some similar products. They include Regenerative Organic Certified® SuperFruits and Regenerative Organic Certified® SuperVeggies.

Beauty Trends

1. Taking care of your “skin barrier”

Your skin barrier includes the top layers of your skin. It serves as the first line of defense from environmental threats such as pollution and more. A healthy skin barrier will also determine how your skin looks, including how even, glowy and hydrated it appears. 

To build and maintain a healthy skin barrier in 2024, there are several products to include in your daily skincare routine. Look for gentle cleansers and exfoliants that remove dirt, extra oil and dead skin cells, and then apply moisturizers and serums regularly. Seek out those that contain nourishing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and ceramides to hydrate and smooth your skin.

Another way to practice skincare from the inside out: Take collagen supplements daily, which help promote healthy connective tissues, including your skin, contributing to healthy skin elasticity, less obvious crow's feet and a more even texture.

2. Chemical/acid exfoliants

Exfoliation is important because it helps slough off dead cells, opens up your pores and makes other beneficial products more absorbable. It’s beneficial to exfoliate during the winter and colder months of the year before applying serums, creams and lotions since this allows your skin to soak up other products better. 

If your skin responds well to sugar or salt scrubs, keep using those 1–2 times per week. But also consider adding trendy “facial acids” to your routine that chemically exfoliate your skin. Examples include glycolic acid and lactic acid, which work by cleaning out pores.

3. Healthy hair growth

Hair oils and hair masks can help take care of your scalp and protect your strands. Look for those made with antioxidants and hydrating ingredients such as: coconut oil, avocado oil, aloe vera, argan oil, rice water, rose hip, honey and pomegranate extract.

You can also support healthy hair growth by supplementing with biotin and collagen protein, which are needed to build hair strands. 

4. Microneedling

You can think of microneedling much like acupuncture, only for your skin. It involves inserting tiny needles into the surface of the skin, which isn’t very painful at all, in order to stimulate fibroblasts and a small amount of inflammation. This causes the skin to repair itself, growing back stronger naturally.

Microneedling is typically done at dermatologists’ offices and can help treat fine lines, discoloration, and scarring.

5. Sunscreen year-round

The sun doesn’t stop shining once the summer is over, so for the best protection against sun damage and signs of aging, use sunscreen all year long — including for your winter skincare routine.

Opt for mineral sunscreens, such as those made with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which doesn’t seep into your pores, but rather sits on top, forming a protective barrier. Apply sunscreen in the morning over other skincare products and reapply after several hours if you’re spending lots of time in direct sunlight. 

Fitness Trends

1. Heading back to the gym

Did you pause or cancel your gym membership over the last couple of years? You’re not alone. But in recent months, many people are heading back to gyms and fitness studios for reasons including greater accountability and variety.

Now’s a great time to score deals on new memberships, so shop around and try something new such as group circuit classes, personal training, yoga or Pilates.

When at that gym, try our toning workout that includes 10 key exercises.

2. Walking as a workout

There's nothing quite like walking outdoors when it comes to providing both physical and mental health benefits. Outdoor walks are free, can be done just about anywhere, are suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels, and don’t require any equipment (besides good sneakers!).

Not only does taking walks regularly for exercise help to tone your legs and back, but it’s also been shown to lift your mood, and even boost problem-solving and creativity. 

3. Booty bands

There are lots of ways to build your glutes and earn a butt that you’re proud of, such as doing squats, lifting weights or using a stair climber at the gym. But one of the most effective and simplest ways is to purchase “booty bands,” which you wrap around your thighs and use in conjunction with other lower-body exercises. 

Wear booty bands to help maintain proper form when doing bodyweight movements or when lifting heavy. By adding extra resistance to your glutes, they help target and tone the muscles that give your butt a lift. Find them online for as little as $10.

4. “Exercise snacking”

Knowing that any and all types of exercise counts towards meeting one’s daily fitness goals, some are opting to squeeze short bursts of activity into their days instead of one longer workout.

Exercise snacking can look like: taking a couple of short walks outside, biking to work and doing some bodyweight exercises at home. Not only does this approach seem less overwhelming than traditional workouts, but it’s also a good way to add variety to your fitness routine.

Mental Health Trends

1. Return to in-person therapy

What is the future of the wellness industry? Some would argue that taking care of your mental health is the foundation of your entire well-being. Online therapy gained a big following over the past couple of years when therapists’ offices were closed and when more people were struggling with their mental health. 

Now that offices are open and Zoom appointments are becoming less popular, more patients are returning to in-office visits, which may be more effective since face-to-face interactions tend to be most powerful. If you’re struggling with issues such as anxiety or depression, consider seeing a mental health specialist, especially before diagnosing yourself that has unfortunately become more common due to internet use and technology.

2. Forest bathing

Nature has many healing effects, including the ability to make us feel calmer, centered and connected. In Japan, the power of nature has been appreciated for centuries, which is why “forest bathing” has long been encouraged to maintain people’s mental well-being. 

As the name implies, forest bathing involves spending time in green spaces and nature. The point is to be quiet and still in a serene setting without doing much besides observing and thinking. You can try de-stressing with help from nature by lying in a park or on the beach, meditating outdoors or walking outside.

3. “Sensehacking”

Tuning into your senses is one of the best ways to practice mindfulness; hence, why sensual experiences and products are taking center stage in the self-care space. From specific types of beats that you listen to in order to focus better or fall asleep more easily to specially crafted candles that provoke certain feelings, we’re paying closer attention to what we taste, smell, hear and touch. 

Being more attuned to our senses can help improve our cognitive and emotional well-being; therefore products like oil diffusers, room and pillow sprays, noise-canceling headphones, and weighted blankets are selling in record numbers. 

Of course, for any wellness trends you follow or are considering following, you should always consult with your healthcare professional prior to making any dietary or lifestyle changes.