Tag: trends

Health Hack? Eat an Entire Wedge of Parmesan Cheese

In the ever-evolving world of food trends, protein is still king. From powder-packed smoothies to protein-fortified pastas, the pursuit of gains — or just staying full — has led social media users down some interesting dietary paths. But the latest obsession? Full-on snacking on blocks of parmesan cheese.

Yes, you read that right.

Across TikTok, influencers and everyday users alike are posting videos of themselves gnawing on wedges of Parmigiano Reggiano like it’s a granola bar. One viral post shows a woman in her car unwrapping a hefty block of the aged Italian cheese, biting into it like an apple. Her caption? “I’m over protein bars. Switching to full blocks of parmesan.”

And she’s not alone. Multiple clips are floating around, racking up millions of views — and raising a few eyebrows.

The Appeal: Protein, Protein, Protein

To be fair, parmesan does have nutritional chops. A single ounce contains over 10 grams of protein, making it one of the highest-protein cheeses you can eat. It’s also lactose-free and packed with calcium, which gives it an added edge for health-conscious snackers.

But experts say moderation is key — and that doesn’t mean plowing through a wedge during your afternoon commute.

The Downside: Sodium and Saturated Fat

While it may be a protein powerhouse, parmesan is also dense in sodium and saturated fat. That means snacking on it in large quantities could do more harm than good if it becomes a daily habit.

Dietitians recommend enjoying parmesan in smaller amounts — perhaps shaved over vegetables or pasta — and pairing it with fiber-rich foods like fruit or whole grains to help balance your meal and support digestion.

The Verdict

There’s nothing wrong with loving parmesan — it’s a kitchen staple for a reason. But when it comes to protein trends, eating it like a candy bar probably isn’t the most balanced approach.

So sure, if you’re bored of your protein bar routine and want a savory switch-up, nibbling a few bites of high-quality cheese isn’t a nutritional crime. Just maybe leave the block-snacking for the cameras — and keep your heart health in mind while you’re at it.

Trends We’ll Seriously Regret in 10 Years

Trends come and go, but regret is forever. Just ask anyone who spent a chunk of the early 2010s planking in public for attention. Now social media is looking ahead and predicting which current trends will make us cringe the hardest a decade from now. This time, people took it way more seriously, and the list goes well beyond goofy challenges.

Here are the modern trends people are convinced we’ll all regret later.

  1. Putting your entire life on the internet
    Oversharing feels normal now, but people are already worried that the worst posts, arguments, and bad takes will resurface years later, often at the worst possible time.
  2. Filming kids’ worst moments for clout
    Tantrums, punishments, and embarrassing meltdowns might get views today, but many think those videos will come back to haunt both parents and kids.
  3. Bullying teachers out of the profession
    People fear we’re chasing educators away and then acting shocked when schools struggle to keep qualified teachers around.
  4. Devaluing craftsmanship
    Fast, cheap, and disposable has become the default, and many think we’ll regret losing appreciation for skill, quality, and things built to last.
  5. Getting advice from TikTok influencers
    From medical tips to legal advice, trusting viral videos over actual experts feels like a bad long-term plan.
  6. Cosmetic surgeries and procedures
    Buccal fat removal came up a lot, with people predicting it will age very poorly as faces naturally change over time.
  7. Face tattoos
    Enough said.
  8. Giving kids unlimited access to technology
    People worry we’ll look back and wonder why we handed over screens without limits and hoped for the best.
  9. Letting kids run the household
    A lot of commenters asked when parents got so soft and predicted this trend will backfire hard.
  10. Giving kids truly terrible names
    Unique is one thing. Unpronounceable or career limiting is another.
  11. Letting go of privacy
    Many feel we gave up personal privacy way too easily and won’t fully understand the consequences until it’s too late.
  12. Sending DNA to random companies
    Mailing off genetic info now feels casual, but people suspect future regret once that data spreads.
  13. Over-reliance on AI
    Using AI for letters, essays, and schoolwork worries people who think it could weaken real skills over time.
  14. Anti-intellectualism
    Dismissing expertise and education altogether feels like something future generations won’t be proud of.
  15. The explosion of sports betting
    Easy access and constant ads have people predicting serious long-term fallout.
  16. Having an OnlyFans
    Not judging, just predicting regret when digital footprints never disappear.
  17. The “Broccoli” haircut
    Every generation gets at least one hairstyle they swear they never had.
  18. Buying NFTs
    Enough time has passed that this one is already aging badly.
  19. Buying Cybertrucks
    People are not confident this one will hold up as well as promised.
  20. Painting every wall gray
    This one feels fixable with a paint roller, but apparently the internet has spoken.

Ten years from now, we may look back at all of this the same way we look at planking. With confusion, embarrassment, and a strong desire to pretend it never happened.

Whimsy Is In: Why Everyone’s Googling How to Be More Playful

If one of your 2026 resolutions is to loosen up and just have more fun, you picked a good year for it. According to Google, the internet is having a full-blown whimsy moment.

Searches for the word whimsy are at an all-time high, with phrases like “year of whimsy,” “whimsy goals,” and “how to add more whimsy to your life” climbing the charts.

What is “whimsy”?

The official definition? “Behavior that is unusual, playful, and unpredictable, rather than having any serious reason or purpose behind it.” Translation: doing stuff just because it sparks joy, not because it’s productive.

Social media is feeling very whimsical

TikTok and Instagram are bursting with creators and influencers showing off their most whimsical selves – think cottagecore aesthetics, bubble machines, skipping stones, and painting for no reason other than “it felt right.” One influencer described the lifestyle as a blend of “dilly-dallying” and “farting around.” If that’s not a vibe for 2026, what is?

Why is doing things on a whim so attractive?

The trend seems to be tapping into a broader cultural shift toward more analog living. People are actively spending less time online and more time doing real-life things that aren’t optimized for views or monetized. Whimsy is now being linked to slow living, mindfulness, and just letting yourself be a little weird on purpose.

It’s also giving serious “Word of the Year” energy. “The Huffington Post” is already predicting whimsy could take the crown. And honestly, after years of hustle culture and digital burnout, it makes sense that we’d swing in the opposite direction and romanticize things like twirling in a field or crafting with glitter.

So if you’re feeling the pull to embrace your inner child, go ahead and buy that kite, bake those rainbow cupcakes, or write a haiku about your cat. Whimsy isn’t about results – it’s about the random, delightful detours that make life more fun to live.

Call it silly. Call it impractical. But in 2026, whimsy might just be the sanest trend out there.

@katafairy

2026 is the year of whimsy 🌟🧚🩷 we are bringing back analogue and all the joy and playfulness this year 🙂 welcome to my 2026 ins and outs…and follow for pt 2 with the outs! 🫶 i wanna know how you are adding whimsy to your life in 2026!!! #analog #whimsy #whimsical #2026 #personalgrowth

♬ pretty isnt pretty speed up – lauren

Nine Things Gen Z Gets Right

Plenty of young people can begrudgingly admit when an older’s person’s take is spot-on. (You sure do like your parents’ old fashion choices anyway.)

So it’s only fair we take a break from badmouthing the kids to sing their praises every now and then.  Here are the top five things Gen Z gets right.

1. Answering the phone is stupid.

Why are you calling me like it’s 1998? Unless you’re on fire or delivering tacos, text first. Gen Z knows that phone calls are chaotic, unplanned, and emotionally aggressive. There’s no transcript, no emoji tone indicators, and zero time to prepare. If you “just wanted to talk,” please book a slot via Google Calendar like a civilized human.

2. Don’t smoke weed. Eat it.

Gen Z figured out how to get high without smelling like a burnt couch cushion. Edibles are discreet, longer-lasting, and way easier on your lungs. You get the chill vibes without coughing your face off or setting off the smoke alarm. Honestly, it’s wellness-adjacent at this point. Martha Stewart does gummies. That’s all the endorsement you need.

3. Why pay for Netflix when you can steal it?

They tried to make password-sharing a crime. Gen Z turned it into a resistance movement. Let’s be real: If you’re gonna keep raising prices, making shows that are two seasons long, and forcing us to scroll past 17 versions of “Love Is Blind,” then yeah, we’re gonna hop on Aunt Linda’s login. It’s not theft, it’s digital resourcefulness. (Related news: Capitalism is slipping in the polls.)

4. Don’t judge people by the color of their skin. Judge them by the content of their old tweets.

Gen Z didn’t invent cancel culture, they just optimized it. Accountability isn’t about dragging people for sport. It’s about saying, “Hey, maybe you shouldn’t have tweeted that in 2011.” Skin tone has never been a sign of someone’s character, but your digital paper trail might be. Delete wisely.

5. If you have mental health issues, seek help.

It’s way better than marrying a Kardashian and becoming antisemitic. Therapy is not taboo anymore. Gen Z normalized talking about mental health like it’s just part of basic hygiene, because it is. Instead of spiraling in public and blaming fame, they’re journaling, meditating, and booking that BetterHelp session. Way cheaper than a Twitter apology tour.

6. That’s not skin. It’s a giant blank canvas.

Every Boomer said, “You’ll regret that when you’re older.” And Gen Z replied, “I’d rather regret art than regret being boring.” Tattoos aren’t rebellion anymore. They’re fashion, therapy, and identity, all rolled into one. Also, they’re way easier to commit to than a career or a mortgage. So ink up.

7. Bisexuality increases your odds of getting laid.

Gen Z is more open about who they are. And statistically speaking, it’s a solid move. Twice the attraction radius, double the romantic possibilities, and way more dating app matches. They’re just not so stressed about rigid labels. It’s less about shocking grandma and more about being real with yourself. If it works, it works!

8. Forget the office grind.

The 9-to-5 was never sacred. It was just the only option. Now? You can side hustle, protect your work/life balance… and post a few pics on OnlyFans if you’re so inclined – no meetings required! Gen Z figured out how to monetize what Boomers were too shy to even acknowledge. Capitalism gave them lemons, so they sold tasteful thirst traps and bought the lemonade factory. Now the only question is can they earn enough to pay the mortgage on that factory.

9. Marriage is pointless.

Gen Z isn’t anti-love, they’re just not pretending rings equal happiness. When half of marriages end in divorce and most people can’t afford a wedding or a house, maybe committing to yourself first isn’t so selfish after all. They’re rewriting what partnership looks like, and spoiler: it doesn’t always involve a courthouse or matching towels.

So if you’re not too sore from your latest tattoo (or too high from that second edible), give yourselves a pat on the back, Gen Z.

Like Gen X and Millennial babies before you, the freshest generation always gets hated on. (When Gen Alpha shows up and starts using “skibidi” and “67” in work meetings, you’ll understand.)

Keep being you, Gen Z. We like your style… except for those JNCO jeans. They were whack even in ’99.

Everyone Is Doing It: “The Great Lock-In”

You know that thing where you decide you’re going to “make a big healthy change,” but then you purposely stall until January 1st so you can call it a New Year’s Resolution? And then, like clockwork, you bail on it three weeks later, usually right after you buy the yoga mat, but before you ever take the tags off?

Well, good news: now you don’t have to wait until January to disappoint yourself!

There’s a new trend on TikTok called “The Great Lock-In.”

The premise: pick a goal now, and commit to it through the end of 2025. Basically, it’s like New Year’s Resolutions, but with less champagne and more “why did I agree to this?” energy.

It doesn’t even have to be fitness. You can lock in on literally anything: some side-project at work, reading more, finally learning how to cook something besides pasta, or just promising yourself you’ll delete DoorDash for at least one week.

And of course, people are posting their Lock-Ins on social media… because in 2025, if you don’t announce your personal growth online, does it even count?

If this all sounds familiar, that’s because it is. People are already pointing out it’s basically a reboot of last year’s “Winter Arc”, or “75 Hard”, or every other challenge where you go too hard for a few weeks and then reward yourself with tacos.

But hey… maybe that’s the point. Why fail in January when you can fail right now? At least you’ll be ahead of schedule.

Butter Candles Are Back, and They’re Still Weird

Just when you thought TikTok had finally moved on to new ways of wasting food for visual presentation, the butter candle trend has returned. Yes, the internet is once again telling us to freeze a stick of butter with a wick in it, jam it into a loaf of bread, light it on fire, and call it “entertaining.”

It is what it sounds like: You cut a hole in a sourdough loaf, drop in your frozen butter candle, light it, and watch the butter drip down onto your bread like some kind of greasy, dairy-based volcano. Supposedly it’s “fancy” for dinner parties. In reality, it’s just one wick away from setting off your smoke alarm.

Couple quick pro tips, because people always freak out about this:

  • You need a food-grade wick… the kind made from things like hemp coated in beeswax. You can grab them on Amazon. And no, you’re not supposed to chew on the wick like it’s beef jerky.
  • Despite looking amazing on TikTok, the eating part is… underwhelming. Think less “classy charcuterie experience” and more “your bread is crying butter tears all over the table.”

Naturally, the comments are better than the trend itself. One person said, “Maybe I’ll try this instead of drugs.” Another added, “You never know what someone’s doing in their house, bruh.” (Imagine explaining to your neighbors why your kitchen smells like scorched bread and melted Land O’Lakes.)

So if you’re looking for a fall centerpiece that’s equal parts quirky, messy, and vaguely heart-clogging, the butter candle is back on the menu. Just don’t be shocked when your guests say, “Cool… so do you also have chips and salsa?”

(If you’re still not getting it, here’s a video of this “butter candle.” And here’s a recipe to make it.)

@erin_dittmer

🧈🕯️#tistheseason #butterclub

♬ original sound – whimsigothiic

Four 2025 Trends That May Already Be Fizzling

Remember when everyone wanted a Labubu doll? Kids, celebs, grown men named Dave – they all desperately needed one. But now Dave couldn’t care less, and he’s not alone. He’s just moving on with the rest of us.

According to Google, those viral Labubus that had people scrambling in the first half of the year already have some of those same people yawning.

Fresh Google Trends data shows that the dolls – and several other big trends that saw massive spikes this year – have started to nosedive just as quickly.

They released stats on what’s fading fast, and spoiler: that sweater with a crustacean on it might not be the wardrobe staple you thought it was.

Let’s break down four trends that had their moment in 2025, but are on pace to fully fade by the time we ring in 2026.

Labubu Dolls

https://www.tiktok.com/@sikaba5012/video/7520630050455096582

These oddball collectible figures hit their peak in June and held steady through July, but are now free-falling in search interest. They were everywhere for a hot minute – especially on TikTok and resale sites – but like many toy crazes before them (Beanie Babies, anyone?), the buzz likely won’t stick.

Whether it was the quirky design or the exclusivity, Labubus had a grip on the internet… then didn’t. Sure, they might stick around a while longer. (Expect plenty of kids and Kardashian wannabes to get them for Christmas.) But it’s looking like the Labubu craze may have already reached its pinnacle.

Lobster Sweaters

@lillian_harriss

My hair kept getting stuck in my lipgloss 💄 😒 I got a size medium and it’s on sale!!! #coastalstyle #lobstersweater #eastcoaststyle #eastcoastsummeraesthetic #tiktokshopsummersale #tiktokshopcreatorpicks #tiktokdealsforyoudays

♬ original sound – Country Sayings

“Fishermancore” gave us cozy cable-knit sweaters with a nautical twist, like lobsters. The trend had Gen Z’ers in Wisconsin looking like they spent their summers in Nantucket. But interest spiked in early spring and started sliding downhill by May. Maybe next year we’ll pivot to clambake chic?

Bubble Skirts

@digitalstylelab

Elevate your look with the bubble skirt—playful volume meets polished elegance😍✨ #BubbleSkirt #FashionTrend #OOTD #SummerStyle #outfitinspo #outfitinspiration #StyleInspo #SummerTrend #FashionInspo #balloonskirt

♬ origineel geluid – Digital_style_lab

Ah yes, the puffed-up fashion comeback no one saw coming (again). Bubble skirts have made the rounds across decades, and 2025 was their latest revival.

With brands bringing them back for spring, and major fashion mags declaring them officially “back,” search interest spiked in April and May.

But by summer, the internet had moved on to any TikTok video that included a “Jet2 Holiday” V.O. (Can we please kill that trend next?)

Beaded Bags

@aprilsundayy

My beaded bag collection 😍 I love them so much!! 🥰 @TJ Maxx @Marshalls @JCPenney #tjmaxxbeadedbag#marshallsbeadedbags#jcpenneybeadedbags#beadedbagcollection#fyp

♬ original sound – Sunday

These brightly colored, internet-famous purses were the accessory of early 2025, with “InStyle” claiming they were in “every cool girl’s closet.”

But by July, search trends had dipped hard, and it turned out not everyone wanted to carry a purse that doubled as a third-grade art project. Now they’re quickly starting to take up space in those same closets.

As Google points out, “trends” are called that for a reason – they never last. Past fads that got the same fast-burn treatment? Barbie pink in 2023, and the “mob wife aesthetic” that flared up and fizzled in 2024.

Moral of the story: Buy what you love, not what’s trending. Or maybe just keep the receipts.

The Latest Fitness Trend: Running Around on All Fours

Apparently, treadmills and dumbbells are out, and the hot new fitness craze is… pretending you’re a golden retriever.

The New York Post says people are now working out by “running and jumping on all fours like animals.” It’s called quadrobics, which sounds less like exercise and more like something your toddler invented in the backyard.

Clips are blowing up on social media, with people doing bear crawls and cat leaps… and yes, sometimes while wearing masks and tails. (The Post swears this has “nothing to do with furries.” Which, let’s be honest, is exactly the kind of disclaimer you give when it has everything to do with furries.)

One quadrobics fan says, “It’s definitely a full-body workout. I’ve lost a lot of weight and even got a six-pack.”

She’s been at it for a year and admits she’s still “not very good,” which makes sense because there’s no elegant way to gallop across a field on all fours unless you were literally born a horse.

A trainer explains that quadrobics overlaps with “primal movement,” and that people are craving “functional, holistic, playful ways to move.” Translation: jogging is boring, so let’s get on the ground and look like a family of raccoons fighting over a trash can.

If you’re tempted to try it, experts suggest starting small with bear crawls, leopard crawls, or crab reaches. Don’t just leap straight into cat jumps unless you’re excited about explaining to an ER nurse that you dislocated your shoulder while “panthering.”

So, if you see someone in the park galloping across the grass on all fours this fall, don’t panic… it’s not a feral human. It’s just fitness. And probably also content for TikTok.

@wild.soleil

I just want to share the beauty of the world with you :3🌿 #therian #therianlife #therianthropy #theriantiktok #theriantok #theriancommunity #quadrobics #cougartherian #otherkin #alterhuman

♬ original sound – 🍌

Whatever Happened to Cereal Box Prizes? And Other Stuff That Quietly Vanished

Some things disappear with a bang. Others just slip out the back door while no one’s looking… like your old Tamagotchi or Kevin Costner’s reputation as a box office draw.

A viral internet post recently asked, “What’s something that used to be everywhere, and now it’s just… gone?” The answers were a nostalgic gut-punch… and also kinda hilarious. Here are a few of the best:

1. Heelys
Those shoes with the hidden wheels? If you weren’t flying down the school hallway on a pair of Heelys in 2004, were you even alive? They’re technically still around, but these days you’re more likely to see a grown man on a Bird scooter than a kid on Heelys.

2. Cereal Box Prizes
Once the highlight of any kid’s morning, cereal prizes are now mostly just QR codes that send you to an app you’ll forget about in 10 minutes. Digging through sugary flakes for a plastic toy was a core childhood memory. Now? Just sadness and fiber.

3. Picture-in-Picture TV
It used to be a very big deal to watch two shows at once. Now we’re watching TV while scrolling TikTok and responding to emails. Modern multitasking made this feature irrelevant… R.I.P. to the little box in the corner.

4. Voiceovers in Movie Trailers
“In a world…” used to open every epic trailer. But gravel-voiced narrators have all but vanished, replaced by ominous piano music and vague text like “From the studio that brought you… something you forgot.”

5. Paid Lunch Breaks
The “lunch hour” used to be part of your shift. Somewhere along the line, it became a “take it if you dare” unpaid thing, and we just collectively shrugged and said okay.

There’s a lot of this kind of stuff. Here are a few things that DIDN’T make the list, but should’ve:

  • Eye contact.
  • Sears.
  • Justin Timberlake fans.
  • The prestige of an Ivy League degree.
  • MTV.
  • Voicemails.
  • Unopinionated people on Facebook.

Modern Trends We’ll Soon Be Regretting

Trends come and go, but some age like milk. Think back to the early 2010s when people were planking on countertops and filing cabinets for internet glory—what felt edgy and hilarious then now looks… a little embarrassing.

Reddit users recently chimed in on which current trends people are most likely to regret a decade from now, and their answers were more thought-provoking than meme-worthy. Here’s a snapshot of what we might look back on with a mix of regret, confusion, and disbelief:

1. Oversharing Online
Documenting every detail of life may come back to haunt you. “The worst parts will resurface,” one commenter warned.

2. Exploiting Kids for Content
Filming children during meltdowns or punishments for likes? Nope.

3. Bullying Educators Out of the Classroom
Teacher shortages are growing—and this trend may only accelerate it.

4. Devaluing Skilled Work
Fast and cheap has replaced handcrafted and long-lasting. But at what cost?

5. Taking TikTok Over Trusted Advice
Influencers are not medical professionals, no matter how many followers they have.

6. Cosmetic Surgery Fads
Procedures like buccal fat removal may not age gracefully, and reversing them isn’t always simple.

7. Face Tattoos
While tattoos are more accepted than ever, some placements still carry long-term baggage.

8. Unrestricted Tech Access for Kids
Unlimited screen time might be easier now, but could lead to developmental issues later.

9. Child-Led Households
Letting kids make all the rules? Some worry we’re raising tiny tyrants.

10. Cringe-Worthy Baby Names
Creative? Sure. But your child might not thank you later.

11. Letting Go of Privacy
We’re voluntarily giving up personal data—and some believe the trade-off isn’t worth it.

12. Sending DNA to Corporations
Curious about your ancestry? So is the insurance industry.

13. AI as a Crutch
Students and professionals alike are leaning heavily on AI tools—at the risk of losing foundational skills.

14. Anti-Intellectualism
Distrust in science, experts, and institutions is on the rise—and many think that trend is dangerous.

15. Sports Betting Normalization
Gambling has gone mainstream, but its addictive potential remains.

16. Having an OnlyFans
Some users worry their content might follow them long after they’ve logged off.

17. The “Broccoli” Haircut
Trendy today. Awkward high school yearbook photo tomorrow.

18. Buying NFTs
Good luck with that $300 pixelated monkey.

19. Cybertrucks
Don’t we already regret these?

20. All-Gray Home Décor
A full-gray palette might feel sleek today—but throw some color in there! Spice it up.

Whether it’s digital footprints or questionable purchases, the internet never forgets. Should we all try to “touch grass?”

Exit mobile version