Evidence shows that the U.S. has some of the poorest health outcomes among high-income and developed nations, despite outspending all of them.
The U.S. spends more on healthcare than any other country — around 17 to 18% of GDP and over $13,000 per person in 2023 — nearly double the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) average. But despite this spending, Americans have:
The obesity rate of 43% in the U.S. is nearly double the OECD average of 26%. Obesity fuels chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. More than 30% of U.S. adults have two or more chronic conditions, compared to around 17% in France.
Further, Americans spend on average 12.4 years of their life living with illness, the highest burden of disease among 183 countries studied.
We can't talk about poor health in America without talking about food. What we eat — and how we eat — is one of the biggest drivers of chronic disease.
The lab-made food that companies are pushing comes in slick packaging. Corporations are convincing many consumers that cooking is unnecessary — that the food industry can do it for you.
Even solutions created to help — like the Yuka app, which is used to scan products and find the healthiest options — still guide consumers to a package, not produce.
In countries with better health — like France and Italy — food is still connected to pleasure, family, and tradition. In the U.S., it's often tied to speed, stress, and shame. Eating on the go, snacking in place of real meals, and crash dieting to undo the damage have become common patterns — replacing the simple act of sitting down to enjoy satisfying, nourishing food.
We can't prescribe supplements or medications to heal a broken food culture. What we need is a solid foundation and daily routine of:
This lifestyle isn't just about preventing disease. It's also about enjoying food again. Feeling well. Living well. Sharing meals. Teaching our kids to cook. Finding flavor in simple, fresh ingredients.
And let's not forget that the healthiest countries in the world eat cheese, pasta, chocolate, and bread — but they choose quality, eat sensible portions, and take their time to savor.
Real food, real meals, real joy. That's the recipe for better health.
If it's time to make a few changes to the way you cook and eat, start here.
Explore these related blog posts for practical tips on making meals more manageable and meaningful — cooking with fresh ingredients and creating a simple, satisfying routine around food. You can also sign up here to be the first to know when my new book is released — it's your guide to making real meals with joy. Each small step brings you closer to feeling well, living well, and sharing meals that nourish both body and soul.
A great home-cooked meal can be as simple as gathering leftovers and a little of this and that — without much cooking!
