Trends That Are Destined to go Mainstream This Year

Do you want to know what’ll be all the rage in 2011? You don’t need to ask a fortune teller or conduct your own focus group. Here is a list of the top products and trends experts predict will go mainstream this year. Here we go:

• First: Kiss your TV set goodbye. Last year was the first time in history that cable TV subscriptions dropped, because more and more people are plugged into smart phones and iPads, and watching mobile TVon the subway and on buses as they commute to work. Experts say the numbers will continue to plummet because people don’t need to be tied to a TV or cable connection to watch their favorite shows anymore.


• Another trend destined to go mainstream this year: Black rice. It’s the new superfood hitting grocery store shelves. It’s packed with enough protein and fiber to fight heart disease and lowers cholesterol, and it’s loaded with more antioxidants than blueberries. Then, veganism is all the rage right now for die-hard healthy eaters.


• The next healthy diet craze is: Clean eating. In other words, you only eat foods as close to their original state as possible, like fresh fruits, whole grains, and raw almonds. It’s been a popular diet with body builders, but experts say the trend is spreading like wildfire. There are seminars and a TV show about the strict lifestyle in the works.


• The final trend destined to go mainstream this year: Houses run by gadgets. Experts say this is the year of home automation technology. It uses your home’s electric system and satellites to link your home appliances with Wi-Fi and smart phone apps. So, whether you’re at the office or your kid’s soccer game, a press of a button on your smart phone can cue up the vacuum or turn on the oven. That way, when you get home, your house would be spotless and dinner would be ready.