If your algorithm has convinced you that your body is better off cutting carbs, living off beans, or standing on a vibrating plate counts as “health,” you’re not alone. We’re already in the first month of the new year and already wellness culture is moving fast; but not always in the right direction. This season, we’re pressing pause on the trends that promise everything and deliver confusion.
To separate what’s actually helpful from what’s just highly aesthetic, we brought in nutritionist Zahwa Farouk to break down the wellness myths currently dominating your feed; and what you should actually know before hopping on the bandwagon.
THE KETO DIET: NOT FOR EVERYONE AND THAT’S THE POINT
The keto diet has long been marketed as a universal solution for weight loss and energy, but according to Farouk, that’s where the problem begins. “Keto was originally designed for very specific medical conditions,” she explains. “For the average person, it’s not only unnecessary, it can actually be harmful.”
By drastically cutting carbohydrates, the body is forced into ketosis, a metabolic state where fat becomes the primary energy source. But here’s the catch, the brain’s preferred fuel is glucose, which comes directly from carbohydrates. “If you don’t medically need to enter ketosis, you’re essentially putting stress on your body for no reason,” Farouk says. Over time, this can slow metabolism, disrupt energy levels, and work against long-term health rather than support it.
BEANS EVERYWHERE: SUPERFOOD OR TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING?
Beans Tok have become the internet’s latest obsession, hailed as the ultimate food for gut health and weight loss; and the hype isn’t entirely misplaced. “Beans are rich in fiber, protein, and micronutrients that support digestion and overall health,” Farouk explains. “They’re especially beneficial when consumed with adequate water.”
However, balance is key. While beans can absolutely be part of a healthy diet, eating them at every single meal isn’t ideal for everyone. “Too much fiber without enough variety can cause bloating, gas, constipation, and even uncomfortable sleep due to slower digestion,” she notes.
For vegetarians, beans can work well as a meal twice a day. For those with a more flexible diet, pairing beans with fish, chicken, or beef offers a better balance and easier digestion. As with most wellness trends, it’s not about excess, it’s about balance.
VIBRATIONAL PLATES
Vibrational plates have gone viral as a shortcut to fitness, promising everything from weight loss to toned muscles. The reality? They do offer benefits, just not the ones the internet loves to exaggerate.
“Any vibration to the body improves blood circulation and supports lymphatic drainage,” Farouk explains. “That’s why people often feel energised after a 30-minute session and why they’re commonly paired with saunas or red light therapy.”
That said, vibrational plates are not a replacement for exercise. “Standing on a vibrating platform doesn’t activate your heart, lungs, or muscles the way cardio or resistance training does,” she adds. If you’re using it to reduce bloating, support circulation, or gently wake up your body, it can be a great addition. But it won’t build strength or endurance on its own.
HOJICHA VS. MATCHA: WHICH ONE’S ACTUALLY BETTER?
Matcha has dominated the wellness scene for years, praised for its antioxidants and energy-boosting properties. But recently Hojicha, a roasted Japanese green tea, has been quietly stealing the spotlight.
Matcha is high in caffeine and L-theanine, making it great for focus and sustained energy but not ideal for everyone. Hojicha, on the other hand, is much lower in caffeine due to the roasting process, making it gentler on the nervous system and digestion. Hojicha still contains antioxidants, supports digestion, and is less likely to cause jitters or cortisol spikes.
THE TAKEAWAY
Wellness trends aren’t inherently bad but blindly following them can be. “Health isn’t one-size-fits-all,” Farouk emphasizes. “What works for one person can easily work against another.”
The real gain? Understanding your body, questioning viral advice, and choosing balance over extremes. Because true wellness isn’t about chasing the loudest trend it’s about sustainability, intention, and feeling good long after the hype fades.
