From fatty steaks to daily espressos, and even (wait for it) microdoses of nicotine, a group of rogue health professionals is challenging decades of mainstream wellness advice and pushing what can only be considered extreme wellness trends. The UK’s Sunday Times recently pulled back the curtain on this quietly growing movement, and what they uncovered might just change how you think about “healthy choices.”

The Rise of the Carnivore Diet

Leading the meat march is Dr Anthony Chaffee, a neurosurgeon-turned-carnivore diet evangelist who claims you don’t need to touch a treadmill to build muscle or lose fat—just eat fatty meat. That’s it.

He argues that animal products are not only sufficient but superior fuel for the human body. “[Humans] are carnivores, and we’ve been eating this way for millions of years,” Chaffee claims. The theory? Cut plants. Eat meat. Watch your body sort itself out.

Of course, the science is still up for debate, and most nutritionists will throw a kale leaf at you for ditching fibre. But it’s not just meat that’s making a comeback…

Coffee Is the New Superfood

Coffee, long loved but often guilt-tripped, is now enjoying its moment in the wellness sun.

Professor Tim Spector, a leading researcher in gut health, is one of many experts hailing coffee as a gut-friendly, brain-boosting beverage. “Two or three cups a day lowers the risk of stroke and vascular dementia,” he says. Studies back him up. So if your morning brew feels like a lifesaver, it might actually be one.

Just don’t drown it in sugar or those caramel abominations from the drive-thru.

Moderate Alcohol… Might Be OK?

Yep, you read that right. According to Professor Barbara Sahakian from Cambridge University, a glass of wine here and there could help more than hurt, especially when it comes to social connection.

“Social interaction is protective,” she told The Times. “[Moderate alcohol use] may have some benefits in terms of cognition and well-being.”

Don’t start chugging wine like it’s Gatorade, though. The emphasis is on moderate—as in one or two drinks, not “I lost a shoe and woke up in Byron buck naked.”

The Nicotine Curveball

Here’s the eyebrow-raiser: Some biohackers and cognitive performance enthusiasts are now experimenting with microdosing nicotine. Think low-dose lozenges or patches, not cigarettes.

The idea? Nicotine (in small, controlled doses) may enhance memory and mental sharpness. Research shows it can increase focus, especially in those with cognitive decline.

But it’s a slippery slope. Even the experts admit the risks: “It’s incredibly addictive and easy to misuse,” warns Professor Spector. So don’t even think about sparking up a dart at the gym.

The Bigger Picture: Wellness is Getting Personal

What all these trends share is a pushback against one-size-fits-all health advice. The new mantra? Do what works for you—whether that’s lifting weights on ribeye, ditching the guilt over a cappuccino, or prioritising your social life alongside your six-pack goals.

None of this means traditional advice goes out the window. But it does mean the conversation around health is getting a lot more nuanced—and, dare we say, enjoyable.

Bottom line: Don’t blindly follow trends, but don’t fear rethinking the rules either. If nothing else, this new breed of wellness is a reminder that health isn’t about punishment. It’s about what actually works for you—body, brain and life.

FAQ: Extreme Wellness Trends

Is the carnivore diet healthy?

The carnivore diet focuses exclusively on animal-based foods like meat, eggs, and organ meats, cutting out all plant foods. Supporters claim it helps with fat loss, muscle gain, and even inflammation. Critics argue it lacks fibre and essential micronutrients. Bottom line? It works for some, but long-term effects are still being studied.

Can coffee really be good for your health?

Yes—multiple studies, including one published in the BMJ, have linked regular coffee consumption (2–4 cups a day) to a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, and even early death. Just skip the sugary extras and stick to black or low-calorie versions.

Is moderate alcohol consumption actually beneficial?

Some experts suggest that drinking alcohol in moderation (one or two standard drinks) may offer social and mental health benefits, particularly when shared in positive environments. But it’s a fine line—excessive drinking still carries serious health risks.

What is microdosing nicotine, and is it safe?

Microdosing nicotine involves using very small amounts—typically through gum, lozenges, or patches—to potentially enhance focus and cognitive performance. While some biohackers report benefits, nicotine is addictive and can be habit-forming. This one’s best left to researchers and professionals, not DIY experimentation.

What are the top wellness trends in 2025?

The wellness world is embracing extremes—from all-meat diets and cold plunges to wearable tech and mindfulness microdosing. The focus is shifting from generic advice to personalised, performance-driven wellness, where biofeedback, mental clarity, and lifestyle freedom are the new success metrics.