What is commonly referred to as healthy eating has drastically changed in the past few decades. From lemon juice-maple syrup cleanses to fat-free diets, people have tried a wide variety of trendy approaches to health. In the past few months, a select few foods have risen in popularity for their aesthetics, social media presence and nutritional value.

Smoothie bowl

Convenient, colorful and tasty, this dish stands out for its versatility. These bowls start with a smoothie base, with possible ingredients ranging from leafy greens to dark chocolate. To finish, add toppings for flavor, color and crunch. Consider granola, pumpkin seeds or coconut flakes as delicious additions to this dish. Smoothie bowls make ideal breakfasts or snack items. Swap out your usual cereal and milk for this healthier option. All one needs to begin are a blender and an open mind.

avocado toast

The origins of this dish can be traced back to the Los Angeles cafe, Sqirl, in 2011. Since then, the avocado toast has gained popularity through social media and become as infamous as pumpkin spice lattes. As the name suggests, the dish is comprised of sliced or smashed avocados on top of toasted bread. The toast is usually topped with tomatoes, flaky salt or an egg, fried or poached. Avocados are packed with potassium, fiber and healthy fats. Adding them to toast creates a unique, delicious lunch or afternoon snack.

pancakes

Although this dish makes an iconic breakfast, pancakes are not usually touted as a health food. However, the nostalgic taste does not have to be sacrificed to make this stacked meal more nutritious. One alternative for a healthier batter includes adding grated carrots, which also brings a sweeter flavor to the dish. Seeds such as flax or poppy also increase protein intake without altering the flavor. Swap out eggs with chia seeds (pre-soaked in water) to reduce cholesterol intake. There are endless ways to indulge in this childhood favorite.

Ice cream

An excess of dairy is unnecessary to get the same nostalgic creamy texture and taste of an ice cream pint. New plant-based ice creams meet and surpass these standards. Based on healthy ingredients like coconut cream, nut milk, bananas or even avocados, non-dairy ice creams are now widely available in local grocery stores. The variety of different bases provide both new and classic ice cream flavors. With a broad spectrum of flavors to choose from, finding one’s personal favorite is a simple task.

plant milks

Popularized online by social influencers such as Emma Chamberlain, nut milks remains a staple for healthy diets. Compared to standard milk, nut milks have fewer calories and are a great substitute for the lactose-intolerant community. These alternatives can be found in any grocery store. Walnut, cashew, hazelnut, peanut, almond and macadamia milks can all be found easily in the dairy aisle. The next time you make or order coffee, try using a plant milk and swap regular milk with plant-based ones in almost all your cooking and baking adventures.