A growing diabetes epidemic in America may be fueled by seemingly healthy breakfast choices, according to physician Dr. Mark Hyman. Hyman, co-founder of Function Health, warns that many Americans consume refined starches and sugars daily, often disguised as nutritious options.
"People just eat sugar for breakfast," Hyman stated, citing common culprits like muffins, bagels, croissants, and sugar-sweetened coffees. He expressed concern that even "protein-packed" items, such as protein smoothies and certain cereals, can be laden with sugar.
Dr. Mark Hyman is the author of the new book "Food Fix Uncensored." (Function Health; Little, Brown Spark)
Hyman advocates for prioritizing whole sources of protein and fat for breakfast, suggesting options like a protein shake with avocado and berries, or eggs and avocados. He emphasizes that breakfast should not resemble dessert, as this contributes to a cycle of obesity and type 2 diabetes, particularly alarming among teenagers.
More products marketed as "high protein" have cropped up on supermarket shelves. (iStock)
Instead of calorie counting, Hyman recommends focusing on how foods impact the body, particularly blood sugar and insulin levels. He asserts that diets low in starch and sugar, and higher in protein and fat, help break the cycle of unhealthy eating and weight gain. Hyman concludes that ultra-processed foods do not support well-being and can bypass natural satiety mechanisms, leading to overconsumption.