My 5 Steps To Make America Fit Again

The Dr. Tyna Show Episode 177

America is an unhealthy nation. Only a select few enjoy robust metabolic health. And I want to change that. While I admire any effort to buck the system, the recent Make America Healthy Again protests missed the mark. We don’t need fewer food colorants in cereal. If we want to create true, sustainable, metabolic health — we need an end to processed foods. And we need to create a culture that truly promotes fitness. 

Tune in for my plan to Make America Fit Again, including:

• How to read food labels
• Why you should ditch processed foods for your kids
• One big thing you’re probably missing when it comes to your food choices (it has NOTHING to do with shopping or cooking!)

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1. Educate Americans on Reading Food Labels

Learning how to read food labels is foundational to making healthier choices. This means going beyond simple nutrition facts and really understanding what ingredients are being consumed.

• Avoid ingredients you can’t pronounce: If an ingredient is unfamiliar or hard to pronounce, it likely doesn’t belong in a healthy diet.
• Focus on the first five ingredients: These make up the bulk of the product. If sugar or refined grains appear near the top, consider alternatives.
• Understand marketing tricks: Many packaged foods use misleading labels like “natural” or “fruit-flavored” that disguise unhealthy ingredients.
• Nutrition education should start young, encouraging parents to teach kids these basics. You can learn to make more informed choices.

2. Introduce Proper Nutrition Education for Children and Parents

We need comprehensive nutritional education, especially for kids, as they are most affected by the food choices made for them by parents and schools.

• Integrate nutrition education in schools: Schools should teach children the basics of real nutrition—what real whole foods look like and why they matter.
• Engage parents in health education: Since children rely on parents for meals, nutrition education should target parents as well. Informed parents are more likely to choose nutritious foods for their families.
• Educate kids on the effects of junk food: Kids should understand the consequences of eating sugary cereals, artificial dyes, and ultra-processed foods. I’ve had plenty of experiences where I explained to young patients how certain foods affected their behavior and mood, which empowered them to make better choices.

3. Promote Whole, Unprocessed Foods over Packaged ‘Health’ Snacks

We need to shift away from ultra-processed snack foods, even those marketed as “healthier” alternatives, like keto or paleo snacks.

• Encourage whole foods: Instead of packaged snacks, try fruits, vegetables, and simple snacks like nuts or homemade granola.
• Boycott ultra-processed foods entirely: We need a collective boycott of brands producing processed snacks with added sugars, artificial colors, and preservatives, as they contribute to insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction.
• Limit sugar and refined carbs: Refined sugar and carbohydrates drive obesity and blood sugar spikes, especially in children. Starting the day with high-protein foods, like eggs or leftover meats, is a healthier alternative to traditional cereals or pastries.
• Eliminating junk food from your diet doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Small steps, like avoiding certain brands or products, can have a big impact over time.

4. Emphasize Physical Fitness and Bring It Back to Schools

Physical fitness is a core element of fixing America’s health epidemic. Strength training, especially, is critical for metabolic health and resilience.

• Restore fitness programs in schools: We should institute programs like the Presidential Physical Fitness Awards, which fostered healthy competition and promoted fitness for all children.
• Encourage strength training for resilience: People with greater muscle mass generally heal faster and are more resilient than those with little muscle.
• Reframe fitness as essential, not optional: Let’s create fitness opportunities for children and adults alike, making physical activity an integral part of daily life rather than an afterthought.

Fitness has softened in recent years to be more inclusive, which isn’t a bad thing. However, this has created a generation that is less resilient and more prone to health issues as adults.

5. Reject Processed Food and Media Programming Promoting It

We need awareness about the impact of food marketing and media on health, particularly how it promotes unhealthy food choices.

• Question food advertising: Much of the advertising on traditional media and even on social media subtly encourages unhealthy eating by normalizing junk food. Opt for media programming that promotes healthier lifestyles and critical thinking.
• Demand educational programming: What could be possible if we had a return of public television that actively educates people on cooking, fitness, and wellness rather than prioritizing consumerism?
• Promote mindfulness around media consumption: By becoming aware of what you consume through TV and social media, you can resist being influenced by advertisements for junk foods and unhealthy habits.

You need to question the motives of food and pharmaceutical companies promoting unhealthy products and resist the culture of convenience that prioritizes profits over health.

Make America Fit Again

“Making America Healthy Again” requires a return to the basics: real food, physical fitness, and conscious consumer choices. Here’s a recap of the five key steps:

1. Teach kids and parents to read food labels and choose whole foods.
2. Implement effective nutrition education in schools and for parents.
3. Prioritize whole, unprocessed foods over so-called ‘healthy’ processed snacks.
4. Revive physical fitness programs in schools, focusing on strength and resilience.
5. Promote mindful media consumption and reject ads that glamorize junk food.

With a return to simplicity in diet, exercise, and media, we can not just tackle the obesity crisis — but cultivate a generation with the resilience, strength, and knowledge to lead healthier lives. 

Answering Your Top Questions: Make America Fit Again

Why is it essential to understand food labels for a healthy diet?

You have to know what ingredients to look out for on food labels and this knowledge helps people make healthier, more informed choices.

How can we address the obesity crisis?

We have to teach kids (and parents) about nutrition basics to create a lasting impact on health.

Why is processed food, including ‘healthier’ versions, still problematic?

Even “healthy” processed snacks often contain refined sugars, unhealthy fats, and other ingredients that can contribute to metabolic dysfunction.

How can physical fitness, especially strength training, improve overall health?

Strength training helps with physical resilience, metabolic health, and healing, especially as part of a school fitness curriculum.

How does food marketing and media consumption influence dietary choices?

Food advertisements and media programming on unhealthy food consumption is everywhere. Be mindful of the messages you absorb.

What steps can families take to foster a healthier home environment?

Avoid bringing junk into the home, and make whole foods a regular part of family meals.

How can we reduce reliance on processed foods and sugary snacks in children’s diets?

Satisfy kids' cravings with fruits, vegetables, and simple snacks. Educate children early about the effects of junk food on their health.

What public health policies or programs could support a healthier America?

We need a return to educational programming on health, similar to historical programs, to educate Americans on diet, fitness, and lifestyle.

What is the link between early dietary habits and lifelong health?

Dietary habits formed in childhood can influence metabolism, microbiome development, and overall health into adulthood.

Show Links:  

Ozempic Uncovered FREE 4-Part Video Series 

Ozempic Done Right University 

Metabolic Revamp Toolkit

FREE GUIDE: Assess Your Metabolic Health

Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product. Do not use the information provided in this podcast for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or other supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. Information provided in this blog/podcast and the use of any products or services related to this podcast by you does not create a doctor-patient relationship between you and Dr. Tyna Moore. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease.