Starting the day right with a hearty, healthy meal doesn’t just keep diners satisfied, it helps prepare them for the day ahead – whether it’s for a corporate convention or exploring a new city. Incorporating dishes that have evolved with diet trends into your buffet offerings can do that.
With 4 out of 10 diners across the globe prefer food with healthy ingredients like fruits and vegetables, use this guide to learn more about the various diet trends and be inspired to create tasty dishes for a nourishing first meal of the day!
Diet trends list
What is it?
Paelo is based on the eating habits of our ancestors, hence it has often been called the “caveman” diet. Meat and seafood are staples, while carbs and grains are excluded. Non-starchy fruit and vegetables are allowed.
Healthy Asian options
- Stir fries are a no-fail option. Pack dishes with beef or chicken and a mélange of vegetables like chinese cabbage, bok choy, broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots.
- Replace noodles with shirataki – traditional, fibre-rich Japanese noodles made from konjac yams.
- Replace bread with nori (Japanese seaweed) to create delicious veggie wraps.
What is it?
A gluten-free diet excludes the protein gluten that’s found in grains such as wheat, barley and rye. This diet is primarily used to treat celiac disease, and has recently also been used by diners looking to stay healthy.
Healthy Asian options
- Lettuce wraps with vermicelli and pork – popular in Thailand and Vietnam – are a healthy staple.
- Opt for gluten-free hoisin and soy sauce for Asian dishes.
- Rice flour-based dishes like Chinese steamed buns and Korean rice cakes are traditional gluten-free options.
What is it?
Nutrient-dense ingredients that are considered to be especially beneficial for health and well-being.
Healthy Asian options
- Add goji berries to salads for a tart twist or add kale to eggs for extra fibre and antioxidants.
- Blend breakfast smoothies with almond milk and chia seeds for a boost in omega-3 fatty acids.
What is it?
A low-carb diet limits carbohydrates – such as those found in grains, starchy vegetables and fruit – and emphasises foods high in protein and fat.
Healthy Asian options
- Incorporate low-carb local ingredients like black bean sauce and steamed tofu.
- Upgrade traditional Chinese fried rice by using cauliflower rice.
