19/02/2026

LYFE THURSDAY | FEB 19, 2026 24 Living well, eating healthy N UTRITION is entering a new chapter. As consumers rethink how they fuel their bodies, they are moving o Six wellness themes that will fuel 2026 Dietary Guidelines 2020 emphasise consuming more dietary fibre and whole grains is a crucial strategy to combat non-communicable diseases. 2. Mind and stress support Malaysians are increasingly eating and supplementing to manage stress, improve focus and stay grounded throughout the day. Foods rich in omega-3s, magnesium, B vitamins, choline and antioxidants are gaining attention – and many people are also reducing alcohol to support clearer mornings and more consistent energy.

towards habits that feel intentional, personalised and rooted in practical science. This shift is showing up everywhere – from shopping habits and meal prep videos to conversations about training, recovery and everyday well-being. In Malaysia, this momentum is measurable as Herbalife’s recent Asia Pacific Health and Economic Empowerment Survey 2025 found among the 1,000 Malaysians respondents, 57% expect their health and overall well-being to improve in the next 12 months – with 55% planning to increase exercise time and 48% intending to give up unhealthy habits. Year 2026 will be guided by choices that support digestion, stress relief, strength, clarity and a better understanding of what the body needs. Here are the six wellness themes that will influence how people eat, train and recover this year. 1. Gut health comes first Gut health is becoming the starting point for daily nutrition. More people are adding fibre-rich foods and supplements such as oats, beans, vegetables, berries and simple fibre blends to support digestion, fullness and steady energy throughout the day. This return to foundational nutrition reflects a broader interest in foods that improve regularity, help manage appetite and support overall digestive balance. The Malaysian

Alongside nutrition, stress-relief activities such as yoga, walking, meditation and gentle exercise are becoming everyday tools. In 2026, supporting mental clarity through diet and routine will shift fully into mainstream practice. 3. Transparency and ingredient confidence Malaysians are moving away from rigid food rules and towards wanting clarity about what is in their products. Instead of chasing obscure label claims, people are looking for straightforward ingredient lists, purposeful formulations and brands they can trust. There is also a growing interest, especially among younger people, in foods that feel less heavily processed, use recognisable ingredients and support a more whole-food, plant-forward approach when possible. This applies not only to packaged products but also to meals eaten out, as people are increasingly paying attention to what goes into takeout, restaurant dishes and meal delivery options too. It is less about perfection and more about understanding how products are made and feeling

Everyday activity and stress support build clearer minds and lasting wel-being.

confident in their quality.

4. Personalised nutrition rises Nutrition is becoming more tailored. People are customising their diets and supplement habits to support hormonal balance, bone strength, metabolic health and recovery – adjusting their routines as their bodies and life stages change. This shift reflects a move towards nutrition that works with the body, not against it. Personalisation is no longer a niche idea – it is a practical way for people to feel better day-to-day. 5. Tech-driven habits Technology is transforming how people understand and optimise their health. Consumers are turning to nutrition apps, sleep trackers and smart recovery tools to personalise their eating habits, training plans and daily routines. These tools give clearer insight into how the body responds to food, stress and movement, making it easier to build habits that work. AI-powered assessments, home

Fibre-rich, balanced meals are fuelling the 2026 approach to healthier living.

active. This year, creatine will continue to grow as one of the most reliable and well-researched supplements for people looking to build consistency and feel stronger. Bottom line The nutrition landscape of 2026 is defined by personalisation, practicality and a desire for long term well-being. Whether someone wants to improve digestion, manage stress, make more intentional food choices or enhance training and recovery, small everyday habits remain the most effective path to meaningful progress. These themes are not fleeting trends but long-term shifts in how people understand and care for their bodies. And the most promising part? These habits are accessible to everyone.

biomarker tests and personalised supplement tools are expanding access to information that once lived only in clinical settings. As a result, people can adjust their protein, hydration, micronutrients and recovery strategies based on real-time feedback instead of guesswork. In 2026, tech-enabled personalisation will continue to reshape everyday wellness, helping consumers make more informed decisions and create routines that fit their unique needs, preferences and performance goals. 6. Creatine continues momentum Creatine has officially entered the chat – and it is here to stay. Once used mostly by strength athletes, it is now recognised as an effective tool for improving power, training quality and muscle recovery. Its rapid adoption among active women has been especially notable, as more people incorporate creatine into daily routines to support strength and stay

This article is contributed by Herbalife director of sports performance, nutrition and education Dr Krissy Ladner.

Fitness in 2026 is about consistency and science-backed nutrition.