If there’s one thing we can always count on, it’s that health trends evolve faster than our ability to pronounce the latest superfood. One minute we’re all eating bacon fat as a side dish because some influencer with six-pack abs said to, and the next we are sipping on celery juice like it’s a magic elixir, hoping to counteract the bacon.
So, what’s hot in 2025? And, more importantly, what’s not? Let’s cut through the nonsense and get straight to the good (and the very, very bad).
THE GOOD
1. Sleep syncing: because sleep is the new status symbol
Gone are the days when bragging about your all-nighters made you sound ambitious. In 2025, sleep is the new hustle. Enter sleep syncing — the art of aligning your sleep cycle with your circadian rhythm for maximum energy, focus and mood stability. Thanks to wearable sleep trackers and bedtime routines powered by artificial intelligence, optimizing your rest has never been easier. The goal? To wake up feeling like a Disney princess instead of a caffeine-dependent zombie. And with studies linking poor sleep to everything from weight gain to early aging, this is one bandwagon worth jumping on.
2. Functional chocolate: guilt-free indulgence? Yes, please!
Chocolate is officially rebranding itself as a health food, and I couldn’t be happier. This year, I’ve been seeing the rise of functional chocolate, infused with adaptogens, probiotics and even CBD to help with everything from stress relief to gut health. Picture this: You’re “taking your vitamins,” except your vitamins are a delicious square of ashwagandha-infused dark chocolate that claims to lower cortisol levels. Does it sound too good to be true? Maybe. But will I be first in line to test it? Absolutely. Stay tuned as I taste-test my way through the new healthy chocolate aisle.
3. Prioritizing mental health like physical health: what a concept
Prioritizing mental health in 2025 means it is as essential as physical fitness, with daily practices that support emotional resilience and well-being. A.I.-driven wellness apps now provide real-time stress management; workplaces are embracing mental health days and flexible schedules; and therapy — whether traditional, telehealth, or even psychedelic-assisted — is becoming a routine part of self-care. Breath work, meditation and nervous system regulation techniques are integrated into daily life, while social connection is actively nurtured through community events and digital detoxes. In short, mental fitness is no longer an afterthought — it’s a core part of a balanced, healthy lifestyle.
THE BAD (seriously, don’t even think about it)
1. Raw meat diets: Are we cave people, or just confused?
For reasons I may never understand, some people have decided that cooking food is so last century and are now consuming raw meat in the name of “optimal health.” From raw liver smoothies to beef tartare breakfasts, this trend is not only questionable, it’s downright dangerous. Sure, some claim that eating raw meat increases nutrient absorption, but what they don’t tell you is that it also increases your chances of playing Russian roulette with foodborne illnesses. Salmonella and E. coli don’t care about your macros, folks. Let’s leave the raw diets to sushi and stick to properly cooked meals, shall we?
2. Staring at the sun won’t make you healthier — just blinder.
Somewhere along the line, someone decided that directly staring at the sun would boost energy, regulate hormones and supercharge the body. News flash: The only thing this is supercharging is your risk of permanent eye damage. Yes, sunlight exposure is essential for vitamin D production, but there’s a line between soaking up some rays and frying your retinas. If you’re desperate for a morning health ritual, try a gentle sunrise walk instead. Your corneas will thank you.
3. 48-Hour dry fasting: because dehydration isn’t a wellness hack.
Intermittent fasting? Meh. Skipping water for two full days? Absolutely not. Despite what the internet’s most questionable health gurus might tell you, dry fasting — which involves going without food and water for extended periods — is not the secret to longevity. It’s the fast track to dizziness, kidney strain and a very bad time. Your body is approximately 60% water for a reason. Dehydrating yourself in the name of wellness is like trying to run a car without fuel. If you want to detox, start with cutting back on processed junk, not the one thing your body literally needs to survive.
Health trends come and go, but common sense should always stick around. If a trend sounds too good to be true, requires extreme suffering or just feels wrong, it probably is. So, in 2025, let’s be smart about what we try. Embrace better sleep, eat the functional chocolate, and enjoy journaling. But as for raw meat diets, sun-gazing, and ditching water? Hard pass. Your health (and your taste buds) will thank you.
