Problems with "Sportswear"

Even for non-professional athletes, for everyday gym goers, sports apparel is relentlessly marketed, aiming to convince consumers that you're not actually working out unless you pay upwards of $100 to sweat in some kind of high-tech "performance" wear.  Of course this is nonsense, and it's perfectly possible to effectively exercise to exercise in any sort apparel -- physiologically speaking, you could be wearing a tuxedo, a full Victorian gown, or a powdered wig, and still partake in the process known as "exercise."

However, many still believe that sportswear is a necessity, and maybe to a certain degree it could be convenient to own a few items of it. But, recent studies have shown alarming amounts of potentially hazardous chemicals in sportswear, such as phthalates, PFCs, dimethylformamide, and nanoparticle silver (used as a anti-odor/anti-microbial agent). A Greenpeace report found unsafe levels of unsafe chemicals in the sports uniforms and far merchandise for the 2014 World Cup. In order to cope with this situation in the sportswear apparel market, in Shape, Jessica Teas includes the recommendations of buying organic fabrics, avoiding screenprinting/plastic prints (these often have phthalates), and "avoiding trademarked technical fabrics."

Smoothie Confusion

So 2015 was the year that mason jar manufacturers likely experienced wild amounts of sheer confused astonishment and joy due to the fact that Pinterest and consumer interest in a vaguely rustic style popularized the commonly used canning containers as your go-to all-purpose beverage holders.

Go on Pinterest now and there is actually a ~40% (estimated) chance that you'll see an image of some kind of smoothie in a mason jar.

In any case, it seems to me that 2016 is going to see less of these mason jar smoothies because (1) the novelty factor of mason jars as a drinking implement is probably waning, and people are remembering that actual cups and glasses are actually more convenient and ergonomic for consuming beverages, and (2) the very institution of the smoothie has been called into question by recent research.

In particular, on an episode of the BBC's Trust Me I'm a Doctor, the amount of antioxidants left in the body after smoothie consumption was tested, and contrary to some marking claims, the smoothies actually increased antioxidant levels. Additionally, according to Barry Popkin, it's better to eat whole fruit because crushing the fruit into a smoothie rids it of its natural fiber.

However, it is likely that smoothies are still healthier than Twinkies (TM) and as they are also quite delicious, it is likely that their day is not over.

However, this blog's 2016 trend forecast (more to come, stay tuned!) is predicting a definite decrease in mason jar smoothies on Pinterest and in the world in 2016.