Finding the right balance of healthy foods that will sufficiently fuel your body can be difficult, especially when the shelves are stocked with protein bars, plant-based meats, and low-fat snacks.
While they may seem “healthy,” many private chefs stray away from these labels, as they are avoided by their wealthy clients, such as Tom Brady and Sofía Vergara, and may cause more harm than good.
“Healthy” Foods Being Avoided
Chefs and nutrition experts who team up with athletes, entertainers, and other high-profile clients interviewed with Fox News about how some “healthy” foods in stores are “quietly avoided” in their kitchens.
While they may be labeled as beneficial, many of these foods can interfere with energy, digestion, or performance goals for certain people.
“Most people are taught to eat for health optics, whereas performance- and longevity-focused people eat for biological outcomes,” commented Richard Ingraham, personal chef to NBA legend Dwayne Wade.
Ingraham added, “They avoid foods that interfere with clarity, energy stability, recovery or digestion — even if those foods are heavily marketed as ‘healthy.'”
A Holistic Shift
This idea of fueling your body with select foods reflects a broader shift in how high-performing clients are taking on their nutrition.
This feeling is seconded by Serena Poon, a Los Angeles-based celebrity chef, nutritionist, and adviser, who has worked with all-stars like Super Bowl champion Tom Brady and actress Sofía Vergara.
“I’m seeing a meaningful shift away from foods that are marketed as ‘healthy’ but are still highly processed — and toward a holistic way of eating that prioritizes how food actually communicates with the body over time,” Poon said to Fox.
These clients focus on the fundamentals, with simple, whole foods that support energy, digestion, and long-term health. Below are some of the foods these private chefs are keeping out of their clients’ pantries.
1. Plant-Based “Meats”
Clients often avoid trends when it comes to food and diets, including some plant-based meat alternatives. Poon added that many foods labeled as healthy are in reality heavily engineered.
“One of the biggest misconceptions is that labels like ‘low-fat,’ ‘diet’ or ‘high-protein‘ automatically make a food supportive of health,” she said.
Instead of being all-natural, they are stripped and rebuilt with additives.
2. Protein-Bars and Packaged “High-Protein” Options
Protein is a huge part of our diet, and this has been reflected in the growing trend of high-protein products. However, Ingraham says many clients avoid those packaged bars and other products, choosing recognized sources instead.
Some even call the packaged products “junk food with good marketing,” according to former private chef Adam Kelton.
While protein powders may absorb more quickly than whole foods, the latter releases amino acids more steadily and provides more nutrients.
3. Low-Fat and “Diet” Foods
Ingraham warns against those foods labeled “fat-free” or “reduced-fat,” as it is a big red flag.
“Removing fat usually means adding starches and sweeteners,” he added.
This mentality is not just for athletes. When working with billionaire clients, Kelton said they would rather “eat less of the real thing than more of the fake thing.”
Instead, clients fill their fridge with full-fat yogurt, whole milk, and regular cheese.
4. Granola and Store-Bought Cereal
There are so many types and brands of granola and cereal in the store that it can become confusing as to which one is the best for your health. In reality, many wealthy clients skip all the granola and cereals, no matter if they are organic or not.
“I often made protein bars and granola in-house for my clients to ensure they were getting the necessary nutrients and fiber needed to help their bodies perform at the highest level,” Ingraham commented.
Many of the granola and cereal brands are packed with additives and sugars, defeating the purpose of grabbing a pricey “organic” bag.
5. Frequent Smoothies and Cleanses
When you see diet trends, they often come with complex smoothie blends and various “7-day” cleanses that are supposed to reset your system.
However, many of these options don’t come close to wealthy clients’ menus. Instead, they focused on water, coffee, tea, and the occasional fresh-pressed juice, according to Kelton. The biggest factor is consistency, agrees Poon.
Switch from “chasing labels” to “eat[ing] the rainbow,” centering your diet around colorful plant foods, fiber, protein, and healthy fats, she added.
“Quick-fix foods often lead to energy crashes, cravings and dysregulation, while whole foods promote consistency, clarity and sustained energy,” Poon said to Fox.
Ideally, if you’re trying to create your own healthy meal plan at home, focus on simple whole foods and balanced meals that contain fiber, protein, and healthy fats to not only support your health, but your energy and digestion, too.