Each new year, chefs come up with their predictions for what will be hot in the foodie world in that year. It’s fun and exciting. And just reading about these trends makes my mouth water. I’m a sucker for food information.

Some of these trends catch on year after year and some don’t. That’s true about any predictions. But food, well, it’s just more fun!

So what are some of this year’s food trend predictions? Are there new steak trends? A new steak recipe to try? Okay, I’m a bit obsessed. I’m a steak enthusiast, remember? All things come back to steak to me.

One thing chefs predict will be hot this year are savory snacks. People are snacking more and looking for healthy snacking alternatives – without sacrificing taste. Snacks are not just for preschool anymore and I love it!

Exotic spices are apparently going to be hot also (pun intended? Maybe). Perhaps we’ll be eating Moroccan spice steaks in 2016. That would be on-trend and it sounds delicious!

Sugary sweet tastes will be replaced with sour and savory flavors this year. Even previously sacred sugar-based items will take on a savory flavor – like artisan ice cream and yogurt in savory flavors. Interesting!

Higher quality ingredients are also coming to the forefront this year. People want healthier, less processed ingredients and that will be a major player this year, chefs say.

Now that’s a trend we can all get behind, I bet.

Convenience is another big trend that’s coming. But not the fast food convenience of the past. This trend focuses on ready-to-eat meals and heat and serve dishes. Not necessarily drive-thru. More at-home convenience. I love it!

So what do you think will be popular this year in the food world? Do any of these chef-predicted trends sound interesting to you?

It’s a new year! Time to open our minds to new things, new tastes and new opportunities. That’s one reason I love January. It’s a fresh start. And it’s exciting!

I mean, what are New Year’s Resolutions for? To push us. To better ourselves. To challenge us. That applies to the food world as well.

Okay, EVERYTHING applies to the food world to me. But that’s just how I see the world.

So tell me, did you start the year with some black-eyed peas? Or did you have a fancy prix fixe menu for the new year?

Any way you slice it, food plays a big part in ALL of our celebrations (and it’s not just me) – and throughout the year.

This year, why not try some new foods? Haven’t tasted steak tartare yet? Make 2016 the time when you at least TRY. It’s a delicacy, right? You might really like it!

Or how about some beef and red bean chili? Ever tried it? It’s ground chuck slow-cooked, fresh, flavorful tomatoes and a three-chili blend. Delicious!

Want to go the chicken route? Test out some chicken and white bean chili. This dish combines slow-kettle-cooked chicken with peppers and a Southwest seasoning. Yee-haw!

Maybe you can make this year the year you try a fantastic Ribeye sandwich steak. Such a perfect cut to create a tender, tasty sandwich. Believe it or not, some people have never put a steak on a sandwich. Are you one of them? If so, change that this year! It’s so satisfying!

There are so many ways to expand your mind and test your palate. Have fun trying new foods and new tastes. There are so many things to try!

So what foodie things will you challenge yourself with in 2016? Let me know in the comments below!

Is one of your New Year’s resolutions to eat healthier? Maybe lose some weight?

That seems to be mine just about every year. Sometimes I stick to it and sometimes I mess up – more often than not.

One bona fide way to do the right way is good old portion control. Too many times we overeat and consume way more than we need. Because, well, eating is fun. It just is. So cutting portion size is key to a healthier way of eating for many of us.

And slowing down while we eat those smaller portions makes the meal last longer.

And small portions are easy to control when we are mindful about it. That’s why Steak Bites – Tenderloin Tips, Strips and Medallions – are helpful. They’re pre-cut into small bite-size pieces. Just measure out what you need and you’re set.

In the same way Steak Bites are pre-cut, you can also try a Petite Boneless Ribeye. It’s a smaller cut and you’ll be less tempted to over-indulge. It’s all measured for you! (And when I say “you,” I mean “me”).

On the healthy eating front, Grass Fed Steaks are a staple of many diet plans – Paleo, low-carb, etc. Grass fed is the way to eat responsibly. Your body will thank you for it.

And there are so many cuts to choose from in the grass fed category:  Prime Rib roast, Tenderloin, Filet Mignon, Kansas City Strip Steaks, Ribeyes – Bone-in and Boneless, Top Sirloin, T-bones and so much more!

With all this variety and the option of pre-cut portions in a smaller size, there are so many ways to help ourselves eat healthier in the New Year.

We all just have to be deliberate about it and make it a priority. But healthy eating is possible if we put our minds to it. We can do it!