5 Health Trends That All We Need To Save Ourselves From ASAP

Everyone has that friend: the one who's the first to try out the latest wellness trend, is constantly swearing off her favorite foods in favor of the new, supposedly healthier versions, and is always signing up for that buzz-worthy (and sometimes painful-looking!) new workout class.

It's often tempting to follow in these health and wellness warriors' footsteps. They're just so committed to bettering themselves and trying new things — and if what they're doing makes them feel good, who is anyone to judge?

But before jumping onto the latest bandwagon yourself, it's a good idea to take a step back and ask yourself if it's right for you. Between the extremes of nonstop health crazes and indulging yourself at all times, there has to be an optimal balance where you're making good choices while not depriving yourself of things that make you happy.

That's why it's time for a revolt — a revolt against the idea that you have to hop onto whatever fad is trending at the moment. Before you drive yourself nuts with a diet that cuts out something you love, a superfood you genuinely don't like, or a pricey ingredient that everyone's currently talking about, ask yourself if it's a trend you really want to follow.

We teamed up with Chilly Cow to help with that question. Here are five popular health trends that may or may not work for you, but either way, aren't worth obsessing over!

1. The Kale Craze

Actual kale — the kale that looks like a leaf — is delicious and awesome to cook with. But crackers, chips, or pretty much anything that doesn't grow out of the ground kale-green? Just because you *can* eat kale-everything all day doesn't mean you have to!

2. Hardcore Protein Diets

No doubt about it: Protein is a vital part of a healthy diet. But when it comes to eating, balance is key, and driving yourself crazy by avoiding everything except protein sounds like no way to live.

So, even if you're a professional body builder, feel free to say no to diets that consist only of red meat, protein powder, and raw eggs.

3. Disappointing Ice Cream Alternatives

Let's get something straight: If you're going to treat yourself to some ice cream, it should actually taste good. Groundbreaking, huh?

But if that's such an obvious statement, why let yourself down with subpar, chalky substitutes?

Instead of those alternatives, try Chilly Cow, a protein-packed, lower-calorie, lower-sugar ice cream made with ultra-filtered milk that *actually* tastes delicious (not to mention smooth and creamy). Next time I'm craving a treat — which, let's be honest, is pretty much all the time — I'm reaching for the good stuff.

4. Juice Cleanses

Don't get me wrong, juice is awesome. But that doesn't mean you have to swear off solid foods and replace them with liquified versions of your favorite fruits and veggies.

There's nothing wrong with keeping most of your fruits and veggies in their original form and saving the juices as a complement to — not necessarily a replacement for — your meals.

5. Charcoal Everything

In simpler times, charcoal was something you used in art class or while firing up the backyard barbecue. Then something weird happened. It became super trendy to add activated charcoal to literally everything.

Seemingly overnight, charcoal made its way into everyday items, popping up in things like lemonade, burgers, toothpaste, and even desserts (don't even get me started on activated charcoal soft serve).

For now, I'll take a hard pass on charcoal in ice cream. Next time you want to indulge in a treat, try sticking with a half-pint of Chilly Cow, which doesn't need kale or charcoal to make it worth your time!

Photos: Keith Morrison; Prop Stylist: Liz Peters; Food Stylist: Maria del Mar Cuadra; Art Direction: Mary Blount/Bustle; Production Coordinator: Nancy Valev/Bustle.

This post is sponsored by Chilly Cow.