What HT readers read in 2025: The year of chia seeds, high‑protein south Indian meals and gym‑free weight loss

2025 saw the popularity of chia seeds and other gut health-friendly foods, as well as home workouts. Here are some of the most-read health topics of the year.

As 2025 draws to a close, the data is in: health consciousness has shifted from grueling marathon sessions on the treadmill to the quiet power of the kitchen and smart habits. This year, Hindustan Times readers shifted their focus toward sustainable wellness, abandoning the 'no pain, no gain' mantra for a more holistic, gut-centric approach to living.

HT readers sought ways to weave wellness into their busy lives by adopting a sustainable diet and workout routine. (Made using Gemini AI)

The 2025 readers were more informed than ever. They weren't looking for a magic pill; they were looking for ways to integrate wellness into their existing culture and hectic schedules. From the tiny but mighty chia seed to the reimagining of traditional south Indian foods, here is a look at the health trends that dominated in 2025.

Should you eat chia seeds daily? From overnight puddings to gut‑health links, the tiny seed became the go‑to hack for weight management and digestive health. (Unsplash)

1. The superfood reign: chia seeds and gut health

If 2024 was about protein powder, 2025 was the year of the chia seed. Some of our most-read lifestyle features focused on how these fibre-packed seeds became the ultimate 'hack' for weight management and digestive health.

Readers were particularly drawn to expert advice on:

Overnight chia puddings: The ultimate high-protein, low-effort breakfast. Click here to read more.

Gut health: Articles linking a healthy microbiome to mental clarity and skin health also saw engagement. Click here to read more.

Expert tips: Nutritionists and doctors debunked myths, teaching readers how to properly hydrate seeds to maximise nutrient absorption. Click here to read more.

Simple moves like walking can be helpful in staying fit, and many HT stories focused on that.(Unsplash)

2. Weight loss without the gym

In a surprising shift, the most-searched fitness articles weren't about gym workouts, but rather how to lose weight at home. With busy urban schedules, HT readers looked for efficiency.

Strength training: High-intensity bodyweight routines replaced heavy lifting for many. Click here to read more.

NEAT (non-exercise activity thermogenesis): Articles explaining how simple movements — like walking during calls or taking the stairs — contribute to fat loss were among the top performers. Click here to read more.

Celebrity secrets: Readers flocked to interviews where stars revealed that their toned physiques were often the result of consistent fitness routines and clean eating, rather than hours spent in the gym. Click here to read more.

Traditional dishes can be reimagined with high‑protein, high‑fibre twists, showing that weight loss doesn’t mean giving up familiar flavours.(Freepik)

3. The 'healthy' south Indian diet

Traditional wisdom met modern nutrition in 2025. South Indian cuisine — long a staple — was reimagined through a high-protein lens. Readers loved to read about 'high-protein, high-fibre' versions of comfort food (think chef Sanjeev Kapoor's 5 high protein veg recipes for fitness enthusiasts inclduing south Indian beetroot quinoa pachadi), proving that weight loss doesn't have to mean giving up the flavours of home. Click here to read more.

Readers turned to skincare experts and dermatologists for transparent advice.(Pexel)

4. Expert-led wellness and beauty

Beyond just diet, 2025 was a year of clinical transparency. HT readers moved away from 'influencer fads' and toward advice from certified dermatologists and beauty experts like Shahnaz Husain.

Beauty from within: Articles linking high-protein diets to hair growth and skin elasticity were well-received. Click here to read more.

Doctor-backed hacks: Simple lifestyle adjustments, such as the '10-minute post-meal walk' to manage blood sugar, became a daily mantra for our audience. Click here to read more.

In 2025, people finally stopped taking the heart for granted. For the HT reader, heart health was no longer confined to the walls of a hospital. (Twitter/WebMD)

5. Focus on ‘lifestyle as medicine’ for the heart

In 2025, heart health finally stepped out of the hospital and into everyday life for HT readers. It was lived and managed every day — tracked by the data on your wrist, fueled by the food in your kitchen, and strengthened by the simple habit of a 30-minute daily walk. Click here to read more.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.