A doctor highlights a concerning trend: many Americans consume foods marketed as “healthy,” which might actually harm their well-being. Dr. Mark Hyman, a physician and co-founder of Functional Health in California, expresses his alarm at the prevalence of unhealthy ingredients in daily diets.
“The amount of refined starch and sugar that’s out there is just astounding to me, given what we know about how harmful refined starches and sugars are,” he noted during an interview. “I don’t think people really understand.”
In his recent book, ‘Food Fix Uncensored’, Hyman shares insights that surprised him about breakfast choices. He points out that many people opt for sugary foods. “People just eat sugar for breakfast,” he remarks, citing items like muffins, bagels, and other pastries, often paired with sweetened coffee or tea.
Interestingly, some cereals and breakfast products are now emphasizing “protein-rich” options to align with health trends promoting higher protein intake. But Hyman warns that many protein smoothies are, in fact, “loaded with sugar.” He humorously adds, “My joke is that if there’s a health claim on the label, it’s definitely bad for you.”
Rather than resorting to processed or quick-fix breakfasts, Hyman recommends whole proteins and healthy fats. While it’s okay to include some carbs, he emphasizes that breakfast should not resemble dessert. This approach could help combat rising obesity rates; alarmingly, one in three teenagers now faces diabetes or pre-diabetes.
For a healthier lifestyle, Hyman suggests focusing on how various foods affect one’s body rather than simply counting calories. “Given how different types of calories affect your biology, you just have to choose what you eat and don’t worry about how much,” he advised.
He believes that eating a diet low in starch and sugar, while being higher in protein and healthy fats, can stabilize blood sugar levels and curb unnecessary hunger. “Ultra-processed foods, junk foods—they’re not really food,” he concludes, emphasizing their detrimental effects on health.
