Estimates as to the size of the global wellness market vary, but the consensus is that it’s around $4 trillion – which is a bit more than the GDP of Germany. It’s no surprise, then, that everyone from one-man start-ups to thriving multinationals wants a piece of the action. There’s a lot of money in feeling good.

For the average bloated, stressed-out consumer, the returns are just as tempting. Promises made by the wellness industry include work-life balance in blissed-out equilibrium, boundless energy and a six-pack to go with it. Who doesn’t want that kind of self-love?

Yes, there’s hokum out there, but there are also habits and ‘movements’ that can make a genuinely positive impact on your life. These are the wellness trends we’re jumping on this year.

The Rise Of Pseudo Meat

Much has been written about American company Beyond Meat, whose meat-free burger patty “bleeds” onto the plate in a thrilling impression of an undercooked Whopper. The burger’s launch was a headline grabbing moment for the fast-rising, vegan-friendly, plant-based faux-meats movement, which is built upon tasty products made entirely from things that grew as opposed to things that were born.

The market is set to expand – so much so that genuine purveyors of meat are getting worried. The BBC reported recently that French lawmakers have been busy passing legislation to prevent fake-meat brands from using certain ‘meaty’ terms in their advertising and descriptions.

The reason for the mild panic is that faux meats can be really good. And in 2019, we’ll see more carnivore imposters enter the mainstream with such delicacies as plant-based prawns, vegan tuna and even ersatz salmon appearing on the shelves. One of the names to watch is American start-up Good Catch Foods, whose stated goal is “to preserve the ocean’s natural resources while introducing awesomely delicious ‘seafood’ choices that benefit you and the world.”