Food and pets figure in greatly in the
top 10 trends for family and health in the United States, as predicted by
Better Homes and Gardens magazine. If you are a small business owner, consultant, solo entrepreneur, author, home-based business or franchise owner, you may just find a promising new business opportunity among these trends -- not to mention improving your health and well-being:
- Grain of Truth
OK, it's not exactly a low-carb diet, but whole grains are less fattening and more nutritious than refined white flour. Whole grains lower cravings for carbs -- and keep the weight off -- as a result.
- Express Workouts
Express circuit workouts, like those offered at Curves, the fast-growing women's gym chain, are hot. They combine strength training with fast-paced stations like jumping rope so you get a total-body workout that includes the cardiovascular exercise.
- Pet Adoption
We all know that pets can be therapeutic, right? Pet adoption options are a growing trend. More people are choosing to adopt pets from shelters, meaning fewer healthy dogs and cats are being euthanized. Web sites like Petfinder.com are making it easier for people to adopt pets and find rescue dogs.
- Baby Name Trends
Biblical names and classic names continue to be popular for babies. For boys it is Michael, Joshua and Matthew. For girls it is Emma, Elizabeth and Hannah.
- See the USA
Family vacations that involve staying close to home are very popular. Camping is the most popular outdoor activity. Small towns, beaches and historical sites are also hot.
- Specialty Pet Food
Take a walk through the pet food aisle at the supermarket, and it's likely to boggle your mind. There is pet food for overweight cats and aging dogs. In 2005 organic pet foods will grow in popularity as well as natural pet foods designed for pets with allergies.
- Crafting Goes High Tech
The Internet is now being used by crafters to trade embroidery designs. Sewing machines now have more computing power than the Apollo spacecraft! Computerized embroidery machines can create incredibly complex patterns. Who would have thought something as low tech as crafting would end up growing in popularity due to technology?
- Wireless is All the Rage
Wireless networks are popping up in commercial spaces everywhere -- coffee shops, restaurants and airports. Even city-wide wireless clouds are in the works.
- Pharmaceutical Drugs Come Under Fire
It started when the widely-prescribed arthritis medicine Vioxx was taken off the market. Rumors that other FDA-approved drugs may be questioned are cause for concern.
- Trans-Fats Under Fire
When hydrogen is added to vegetable oil, it stabilizes the shelf life -- and clogs our arteries. Expect everything under the sun to be trans-fat free by 2006.
Editor's Note: This is the twelfth in our series of articles on 2005 trends predictions. We are comparing and contrasting trends predictions from different sources that will impact the small business market in 2005 and beyond. Here is our running list of trend prediction posts: Anti-Trending and Other Trends for 2005
Entrepreneur's Top Trends for 2005
Small Business is Itself a Trend
Top Technology Trends for 2005
Top Global Consumer Trends
Inc.'s Trends for Entrepreneurs in 2005
Top Travel Trends for 2005
More Top Trends for 2005
The Small Business Advocate's 2005 Predictions
Top 2005 eBusiness Trends
Entrepreneurship Trends for 2005
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