CalorieLab didn’t even exist at the turn of the last decade, but we couldn’t resist a look back at some of the things that seem so important today in the world of health, dieting and nutrition that weren’t even on the radar back before the aughts.
Topics we weren’t thinking about
All this was inspired by a great article on 10 nutrition topics that are in the news now but weren’t to be found anywhere in 1999. Some of the highlights:
- Vitamin D: Yes, we knew the vitamin was great, but now it’s everywhere, linked to everything from arthritis to swine flu to weight loss success and cold prevention. And most of us, particularly kids, don’t get enough.
- Trans fats: Back in 1999, no one was worried about partially hydrogenated oil. We all thought margarine was better than butter. These days trans fat is listed on labels and are sometimes even replaced by healthier fats in processed foods.
- Organics: Sure, some people were already keyed into the organic movement at the turn of the last decade, but now a lot more people are considering organic foods, even though the benefits are not always clear. Some people also became more interested in the problems associated with genetically modified foods and the prospect of cloned meat.
- Superfoods: In the 1990s, we all ate regular food, silly fools that we were. These days we’re tempted by superfoods like pomegranate juice, acai and broccoli, and the American Dietetic Association says such foods are potentially beneficial. This was also the decade of functional foods and nutraceuticals, supplements containing components of foods expected to aid in good health (see Omega 3s, below).
- Omega 3s: One particular superfood, or at least super supplement, that was everywhere in the ’00s was omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish, walnuts and other foods and considered a boon for heart health. But there was also worry about mercury and sustainability when it came to choosing fish to eat.
- Energy drinks: It seemed like everyone was drinking Red Bull over the past decade, even people who didn’t need the extra calories and caffeine boost to fuel their workouts. There were even caffeinated alcoholic beverages inspired by the Red Bull and vodka trend, which some saw as dangerous and in need of regulation.
A few more greatest hits
I wasn’t really paying attention back then, but I don’t think anyone in the 1990s was worrying about charging obese people more when they fly on an airplane or the need for wider seats to accommodate larger passengers.
Some ambulance services are also charging obese people more to be transported to the hospital because of the extra time, crew and specialized equipment needed to get them where they need to go.
We also weren’t talking about one of the biggest nutrition trends in the past few years: putting nutritional information on restaurant menus. This started in New York City after legal challenges and spread to Philly, California and many other places across the country.
Studies have found menu labels may help people make healthier choices but that’s not really clear. Still, a nationwide calorie count law is part of the healthcare bill being debated in Congress.
What will the next decade hold in diet and health news? We hope you’ll stay with us to find out. Here’s wishing you a happy and healthy new year.
(By Sarah E. White for CalorieLab Calorie Counter News)
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Stories of the decade: What we weren’t worried about in 1999