5 Weird and Wacky Fitness Trends to Turn Your Head (or Stomach)

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It’s a new year, and that means a whole lot of new weird and wacky trends popping up online promising you new ways to lose weight and get fit and healthy. Some of them aren’t too bad, but others are way out in left field.

Here are five of the most outlandish, which are sure to gain some serious popularity in the coming year.

Diets based on DNA

A new study published in the November issue of “Cell” found that how people metabolize food, and how it affects their blood sugar levels, differs dramatically from person-to-person.

For example, one person may experience a spike in blood sugar from eating a tomato — a common “healthy” food — while another may metabolize it normally.

It’s studies like this that are giving rise to nutritional genomics — personalized dietary recommendations based on your specific DNA profile.

That’s right — simply send in a DNA sample, and there are companies out there that will analyze it and tell you exactly what you should eat to lose or maintain weight. (Side note: They’re pricey).

Luckily, if the idea of sending your DNA to a lab somewhere weirds you out (or makes you paranoid about the Big Brother implications), Diet-to-Go’s four meal plans will likely have the perfect fit for you (especially given that they’re customizable).

Foods that jump (like really jump)

In the last five years, there has been a surge of superfoods — chia seeds, bone broth, kale, you name it.

But let’s face it, many of them are a … shall we say ... acquired taste. (The first time I popped a kale chip in my mouth, I’m pretty sure my face matched its color).

It takes some doing, but eventually it’s possible to add things like quinoa to your favorite-foods-list.

But on the menu for this year? Protein...in the form of crickets. Yes, you heard me right...crickets. The kind that jump around, that you feed to snakes, that keep you awake chirping at night. Those crickets.

According to the Institute of Food Technologies, crickets are a low-cost alternative to animal protein, are rich in nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and are easily digested.

Cricket powders and protein bars are already hitting the market, and if you’ve got the guts (no pun intended), I say go for it. But I’m going to hang back on this one — permanently.

Very virtual fitness

Being one of those people who works out better in groups is all fine and dandy...unless of course the classes are super pricey....or your life is overly busy.

Or, maybe the idea of working out in a group or spin class appeals to you — but you can’t stomach the idea of exercising in front of other people.

Or maybe you’d rather work out alone.

Whatever your cup of tea, apps and online communities that give you a way to work out on your own time but with the extra motivation and support only found in group fitness classes are spiking.

There’s a lot of great examples of these apps and online communities, but one of our favorites for runners of all levels is Run the Edge’s online expo that includes things like nutrition and fitness tips, personalized training plans, even an online “hall” where you can interact virtually with other people and vendors. Run the Edge also just launched its annual “Run the Year 2016” race, where groups or individuals sign up and pledge to run 2,016 miles in 2016 (not all your own, that would be pretty tough — but as a group of 2 to 4).

Another is CycleCast, an app that tosses training tips and motivational music to you while you exercise in 20, 40 or 60-minute intervals. All you need is the bike (stationary or residential).

Running Astern

Have you ever seen anyone do this? (I did at the gym the other day, and it was probably 5 minutes of staring awkwardly before the guy nearby tapped me and asked if I was actually going use the machine.)

It’s running...backwards. It’s wicked hard and not recommended for those of us who are coordination-challenged.

BUT some science says it requires 30 percent more energy — meaning you can get the same benefits in way less time.

AND it places less impact on the knees, reducing the risk of injury.

So if not being able to see where you’re going isn’t enough to deter you (it is me, but hey, to each his own) — it may be worth giving a try.

Ketogenics

Ketogenics were originally created as way to treat epilepsy (particularly in children). It’s basically a diet that consists of high-fat, adequate-protein and low carbs, forcing the body to burn fat instead of carbs.

The diet is tough. On top of intermittent fasting, it calls for intermittent meals loaded with fat (butter, heavy cream, the works), dinners of nothing more than salads and lunches of canned chicken.

A more moderate version is to go the low-carb route, which we here at Diet-to-Go are more than happy to provide.

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Hey, if you want to give one of these methods a go as you work towards a healthy you this year, be my guest.

The other option is to sign up for a food plan with us — where we focus on common sense healthy eating. That means eating good food that’s convenient for your lifestyle, with the support of an online community and experts along the way.

Either way, keep going and enjoy 2016.


Photos courtesy of: 
https://www.flickr.com/photos/53416677@N08/4973532326
http://www.offthegridnews.com/extreme-survival/3-bugs-you-could-and-should-be-eating/
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1389790/Want-fitter-Running-backwards-way-forward.html
 

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Author: Caitlin H
Diet-to-Go Community Manager

Caitlin is the Diet-to-Go community manager and an avid runner. She is passionate about engaging with others online and maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle. She believes moderation is key, and people will have the most weight loss success if they engage in common-sense healthy eating and fitness.

 

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