Nutrition trends 2014: gluten-free, chia seeds and health blogs

While Google has already revealed that 2013's most-searched diets were the Paleo diet (also known as the Caveman Diet) as well as the juice cleanse diet, what's in store for this year? Nutritionists make their predictions.

While Google has already revealed that 2013's most-searched diets were the Paleo diet (also known as the Caveman Diet) as well as the juice cleanse diet, what's in store for this year? Nutritionists make their predictions.

A US nutrition trade magazine Today's Dietitian released a survey of more than 500 dietitians on their predictions for rising nutrition trends, citing 2014's biggest trend as gluten-free.

The gluten-free Paleo diet falls into this category, as does the "wheat belly" diet, created by cardiologist William R Davis and based on his bestselling book. The principle: wheat is toxic, addictive, and makes you want to eat more junk foods.

"Despite the lack of evidence to support wheat- or gluten-elimination diets for weight loss or health -- not associated with a clinical disorder or disease -- consumers are still looking for ways to control their weight," says Jenna A Bell, senior vice president and director of food and wellness at Pollock Communications, a New York City-based health and wellness public relations firm.

Other popular trends include serving up ancient grains, such as spelt, amaranth, quinoa, millet, and kamut. Also people will eat more kale (served hot or cold), coconut oil and omega-3 ALA-rich chia seeds.

Also more doctors, nutritionists and health-focussed chefs will be watching more televised programs promoting health and nutrition, according to the survey. Also, consumers are expected to turn to diet and health blogs for advice, with more bloggers -- whether they write about being a parent or lifestyle -- focusing on health issues.