Introduction
Vlogging hasn’t just survived—it’s adapted. In a web world where trends cycle in and out faster than a TikTok swipe, vlogging has managed to stay relevant by evolving with the platforms it relies on. Creators are no longer just filming what they ate or sharing day-in-the-life edits; they’re running smart, scalable content operations that meet the moment.
Heading into 2024, the rules are shifting again. Algorithms are being retooled. Audiences are hungry for tighter formats, realness, and community. The content that connects now is less about going viral and more about showing up—in niche spaces, with genuine voice, and at a steady clip.
Why should creators pay attention? Because this year, what worked last year won’t cut it. Understanding the incoming trends—what’s being pushed, what’s being punished—could be the difference between a growing channel and a ghost town.
Fats
When it comes to fats, the source makes a difference. Animal-based fats lean heavily on saturated fat and come packaged with cholesterol—think butter, lard, fatty cuts of meat. These can raise LDL (the “bad”) cholesterol when overconsumed, potentially ramping up risk for cardiovascular issues.
On the flip side, plant-based fats are more heart-friendly. Foods like avocado, nuts, seeds, and oils (olive, flaxseed) offer unsaturated fats that support healthy cholesterol profiles. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a plant-based omega-3 found in sources like chia, flaxseed, and hemp, adds another layer of benefit, especially for folks not eating fish.
In simple terms: animal fats can be part of the plan but need moderation. Plant fats? They’re doing more of the heavy lifting when it comes to long-term heart health.
When it comes to nutrients, not all diets deliver the same way. Vitamin B12 is a prime example—plentiful in meat, dairy, and eggs, but basically absent in plants. That’s why most plant-based eaters turn to fortified foods or supplements to close the gap. It’s not optional. It’s preventative maintenance.
Iron needs a closer look too. Heme iron from animal sources gets absorbed easily by the body. The non-heme kind found in plants? You absorb less of it, and it’s more affected by other foods you eat—like vitamin C, which helps, or calcium, which hinders. Smart plant-based eaters plan around that.
As for calcium, zinc, and iodine—they’re all in the mix, but again, animal products tend to deliver more efficiently. Plant-based diets can meet the mark, but it takes a little effort: leafy greens for calcium, legumes and seeds for zinc, seaweed and iodized salt for iodine. Not hard, just not automatic.
And then there’s the big win for plants: antioxidants and phytonutrients. These aren’t just bonus points for health; they pack a punch when it comes to reducing inflammation, supporting immunity, and potentially lowering disease risk. You’ll find them in colorful produce, herbs, and whole grains—the kind of stuff that does more than just fill you up. In short, both sides bring something to the table. But knowing where each shines helps you build the plate smarter.
Plant-based diets continue to stack up strong research-backed benefits—lower risks of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some forms of cancer. The high fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats common in these meal plans keep inflammation and blood sugar in check, which adds up to real long-term wins.
But cutting animal products entirely isn’t a golden ticket, either. Nutrients like B12, iron, omega-3s, and quality protein—found more readily in animal-based foods—play critical roles in maintaining muscle mass, bone strength, and cognitive function as we age. This is especially true for people with high activity levels or increased nutritional needs.
Bottom line? Both plants and animals have a seat at the table. Balanced, well-planned diets from either camp can fuel strong health outcomes. The key isn’t choosing sides—it’s choosing whole, minimally processed foods with purpose.
Related read: The Ultimate Guide to Anti-Inflammatory Foods
Animal agriculture is one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions globally, particularly methane. It also takes up massive amounts of land—either for grazing or for growing feed crops—and it’s thirsty, with beef production alone using thousands of liters of water per kilogram of meat. None of this is breaking news, but it’s becoming harder to ignore in an era of climate urgency.
On the flip side, plant-based farming generally leaves a smaller carbon footprint. It uses less water, emits fewer greenhouse gases, and requires less land. But it’s not a perfect solution. Monocropping—relying on single crops like soy or almonds—can wreck soil health, reduce biodiversity, and strain local ecosystems if not managed sustainably.
The smarter move? Make better choices on both sides. Regenerative grazing, mixed-use farms, crop rotation, and embracing local food systems all reduce harm while keeping options open. Whether you’re eating animals or avoiding them, sustainability depends on method—not just the menu.
Balanced Choices: Keto vs. Plant-Based
When it comes to popular diets, both ketogenic and plant-based eating offer distinct advantages—and distinct challenges. Ultimately, the key to long-term health and sustainability lies not in strict adherence, but in smart, informed decision-making.
Strengths and Limitations
Each diet brings something valuable to the table, depending on your lifestyle, goals, and nutritional needs.
Ketogenic Diet
- Strengths: Promotes fat loss, boosts mental clarity, and stabilizes blood sugar
- Limitations: Can be restrictive, nutrient gaps if not well planned, and difficult to maintain socially
Plant-Based Diet
- Strengths: High in fiber, great for heart health, lower carbon footprint
- Limitations: Risk of nutrient deficiencies (like B12, iron, omega-3), may require more planning to meet protein needs
The Power of Smart Planning
Neither approach works by default—it depends on how well it’s executed. With the right planning, both keto and plant-based diets can be:
- Nutritionally balanced
- Aligned with your fitness and wellness goals
- Sustainable in the long term
Informed Eating Over Trendy Labels
Fads fade, but smart choices last. Instead of sticking rigidly to a label, nutrition success comes from:
- Understanding your body’s needs
- Monitoring how foods make you feel
- Adjusting your diet according to your health, not social media hype or trends
The takeaway? Educate yourself, seek balance, and personalize your diet to work for you—not the other way around.
Food trends may come and go, but the foundation doesn’t shift: nutrient density, food variety, and quality win every time. Whether you’re plant-based, paleo, or somewhere in between, what matters most is what’s on your plate, not the label you stick on it. Whole, minimally processed foods—lean proteins, fiber-rich carbs, healthy fats—should form the base, period.
For those who don’t love strict labels, hybrid eating styles are stepping into the spotlight. Mediterranean diets bring heart-healthy fats and balanced portions. Flexitarian approaches offer more wiggle room—mostly plants, with space for quality animal products. These aren’t fads; they’re frameworks that adapt to real life.
Bottom line: there’s no one-size-fits-all eating plan. Health goals, activity levels, medical needs—these should steer your choices. Find what fuels you, keeps you consistent, and doesn’t make eating feel like a chore. That’s the real diet hack.