You know that moment when you question everything you thought you knew about healthy eating? I had it while cooking for a billionaire family in Aspen. They turned down whole grain pasta in favor of traditional stuff, and I was curious about this choice.
After over a decade as a private chef for some of the wealthiest families, I learned that their approach to food is different from what many of us think is healthy. And honestly? They might have the right idea.
In my experience, these families often avoid foods that middle-class families believe are healthy. It intrigued me. They have access to top nutritionists, yet they bypass many products in regular grocery stores labeled as “healthy.” So, what exactly do they avoid? Let’s take a look.
### 1. Margarine and “Heart-Healthy” Spreads
Remember when margarine was seen as a healthier option than butter? The wealthy never bought that. Every billionaire family I worked for preferred real butter, often European and grass-fed. One client summed it up simply: “Why eat something processed when you can have real food?”
Recent studies show that trans fats in margarine can be worse for your health than the saturated fats found in butter. So, maybe those billionaires are onto something.
### 2. Low-Fat and Fat-Free Products
You might think that health-conscious folks would favor low-fat products. But not these billionaires. Their fridges were stocked with full-fat yogurt and whole milk. One tech mogul told me, “When they remove the fat, they replace it with sugar and chemicals. I’d rather enjoy less of the real thing.”
This understanding has been reinforced by health experts, who now argue that fat isn’t the enemy—processed alternatives often are.
### 3. Protein Bars and Meal Replacement Shakes
Protein bars and meal replacement shakes are staples for many people today. But in all my years cooking for billionaires, not once did I hear someone request them. They think of these snacks as glorified candy bars.
Instead, they opt for whole foods: hard-boiled eggs, Greek yogurt with nuts, or salmon leftovers. Real food with real nutrition beats processed bars every time.
### 4. Agave Nectar and Artificial Sweeteners
Agave nectar is often marketed as a healthy sweetener, but the wealthy steer clear of it. One client stated, “It’s just high-fructose corn syrup with a better name.” They prefer small amounts of real sugars or simply eat less sweet food overall.
Similar logic applies to artificial sweeteners. They’ll choose one real dessert over several diet versions, valuing quality over quantity.
### 5. Conventional Granola and Cereals
It’s surprising, but none of my millionaire clients ate granola or cereal, even the expensive organic varieties. One said, “Cereal is dessert disguised as breakfast.” Most commercial granolas are loaded with sugar. Instead, they chose real meals: eggs, avocado toast, or steel-cut oats.
### 6. Sports Drinks and Vitamin Waters
Gatorade or Vitamin Water? Not seen in any billionaire’s home. Unless you’re an athlete, the consensus is that these drinks are just sugar water. They stick to water, coffee, tea, and occasionally fresh juice.
One family had a mantra: “Drinks shouldn’t have ingredients,” which clearly reflects a smart approach to hydration.
### 7. Anything Labeled “Diet” or “Skinny”
I noticed a common trend: items with “diet” or “skinny” on the label were a no-go. They prefer real desserts in moderation over diet versions, reinforcing their belief that real food is better.
The takeaway? They prioritize quality over quantity.
### Final Thoughts
Working with these families taught me that eating well is less about wealth and more about knowledge. While many of us chase after marketed “healthy” options, the ultra-rich keep it simple, sticking to whole foods.
You don’t need to be a billionaire to enjoy eating well. Skip the fancy health products and processed items. Opt for real foods instead: butter, whole milk, and fresh vegetables. Enjoy them in moderation, and you’ve already taken a step toward a healthier lifestyle.
It’s eye-opening how those with the best resources often embrace the simplest philosophy: eat real food without overthinking it.
Source link
