NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
In today’s health-conscious world, many products such as protein bars, plant-based meats, and low-fat snacks dominate grocery store aisles. However, private chefs reveal that their affluent clients often steer clear of some foods that are marketed as “healthy.”
Chefs and nutrition experts catering to high-profile athletes and entertainers told Fox News Digital that many items labeled as healthy are frequently avoided in exclusive kitchens. They assert that these foods can detract from energy, digestion, or performance objectives.
“Most people eat for health optics, but those focused on performance and longevity prioritize biological outcomes,” said Richard Ingraham, a personal chef to NBA star Dwyane Wade.
FOODS THAT AMERICANS WERE TOLD TO AVOID FOR DECADES ARE BACK UNDER TRUMP’S NEW NUTRITION RULES
Ingraham continued, “They avoid foods that can disrupt clarity, energy stability, recovery, or digestion—even if they’re heavily marketed as ‘healthy.’
This mindset illustrates a notable shift among some high-achieving clients regarding their nutritional habits. Celebrity chef and nutritionist Serena Poon, who has advised stars like Tom Brady and Sofía Vergara, echoes this sentiment.
NBA legend Dwyane Wade is shown above. Wade’s personal chef, Richard Ingraham, said many foods marketed as “healthy” are often avoided by high-performing clients.
(Victor Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
“There’s a noticeable trend away from foods that are marketed as ‘healthy’ but are still highly processed, moving towards a more holistic approach to eating,” Poon shared.
Instead of being swayed by trends or flashy “superfoods,” affluent clients are gravitating towards fundamental choices—simple, whole foods that nurture consistent energy, digestion, and long-term health, as noted by private chefs.
FORMER DIETITIAN SAYS HOMEGROWN FOOD HELPS FAMILY’S HEALTH AFTER CUTTING GROCERY TRIPS
Ingraham adds that typical ingredients in elite kitchens often consist of oats and bone broth, which might surprise those who expect protein bars and diet-label snacks.
Here are some of the foods private chefs say their clients tend to exclude from their diets:
Sofía Vergara is pictured above. Serena Poon, a longevity adviser who has worked with Vergara, warned that many foods marketed as “healthy” are heavily processed.
(Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Women’s Cancer Research Fund)
1. Plant-based ‘meats’
Ingraham notes that clients are turning away from trendy diets that include certain plant-based meat substitutes.
Poon explains that many of these marketed “healthy” products undergo extensive engineering.
COMMON KITCHEN STAPLES COULD TRANSFORM YOUR HEALTH IN UNEXPECTED WAYS, STUDIES SHOW
“One major myth is that terms like ‘low-fat,’ ‘diet,’ or ‘high-protein’ automatically equate to health,” she stated.
Instead, many items are stripped of their natural structure and rebuilt with additives to meet marketing ideals, she emphasizes.
2. Protein bars and packaged ‘high-protein’ foods
While protein is essential, Ingraham notes that many clients prefer whole food sources over packaged bars.
Nutrition experts encourage prioritizing whole, colorful fruits and vegetables over heavily processed products marketed as healthy.
(iStock)
Many affluent clients consider numerous processed, high-protein items as “junk food with clever marketing,” noted former private chef Adam Kelton in VegOut Magazine.
While some studies indicate that protein powders might be absorbed quicker than whole foods, the latter release amino acids more gradually and provide additional nutrients that enhance the body’s overall protein utilization.
3. Low-fat and ‘diet’ foods
Foods labeled “fat-free” or “reduced-fat” raise alarms for Ingraham.
Experts advise prioritizing whole foods, including full-fat dairy and yogurt.
(iStock)
“Removing fat often results in the addition of starches and sweeteners,” he noted.
Kelton echoes this view, sharing a story about a tech billionaire who remarked, “When they take out the fat, they usually add sugar and chemicals to improve the flavor. I’d prefer to consume less of something real than more of something fake.”
CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES
Kelton stated that clients’ refrigerators often contain full-fat yogurt, whole milk, and regular cheese.
4. Granola and store-bought cereals
Many affluent clients even forgo organic, high-priced granolas and cereals, according to experts.
Whole foods like oats and bone broth are common staples in elite kitchens, according to private chefs.
(iStock)
Ingraham adds, “I often prepared protein bars and granola from scratch to ensure my clients received the nutrients and fiber necessary for peak performance.”
TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ
A client once remarked to Kelton that their store-bought granola resembled a dessert disguised as breakfast.
5. Excessive smoothies and cleanses
Common liquid meals are seldom part of wealthy clients’ diets; Ingraham confirmed.
Clients typically consume water, coffee, tea, and occasionally fresh-pressed juice, according to Kelton.
Experts advise prioritizing whole foods made from recognizable ingredients.
(iStock)
For lasting wellness, consistency is more important than any individual food choice, Poon advised. She encourages prioritizing colorful plant-based foods, adequate fiber, clean protein sources, and healthy fats while minimizing items with lengthy ingredient lists.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
“Quick-fix health foods often result in energy crashes and cravings, whereas whole foods foster consistency, clarity, and sustained energy,” she explained.
