147: What Are The 3 Main Food Groups

147: What Are The 3 Main Food Groups

Author: Dr. Steve Hughlett September 8, 2025 Duration: 41:07

In this episode, Dr. Steve breaks down the essential nutrients our bodies need and how to fuel ourselves the right way. He talks about the importance of amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and glucose, and why some food groups are crucial while others can actually do more harm than good. Tune in to learn about the true building blocks of our bodies and why understanding what we eat is so important for feeling good and staying healthy.

 

[00:01 - 15:57] The Essential Role of Protein and Fat

Protein provides amino acids that build muscles, bones, and organs.

Fat regulates body temperature, protects organs, and cushions joints.

Fat is essential for producing vital hormones like estrogen and testosterone.

Storing excess fat, especially around organs, can lead to diseases like diabetes and heart problems.

 

[15:58 - 29:57] The Role of Glucose and Fat in Energy Storage

Glucose is only used for quick energy, but it's not essential for survival.

The body stores glucose as glycogen in the liver and muscles, but it has limited capacity.

Excess glucose is converted into fat and stored around organs, leading to health risks.

Keeping insulin levels low by reducing glucose intake helps the body burn fat for energy instead of storing it.

 

[29:58 - 33:50] The Three Main Food Groups

Animal-based foods provide complete proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals.

Plant-based foods mainly provide carbohydrates, with some protein and vitamins.

Manmade foods are mostly chemicals with little nutritional value.

Animal-based foods offer all necessary nutrients, while plants require more quantity to meet needs.

 

[33:51 - 40:40] The Dangers of Manmade Foods

Manmade foods are loaded with chemicals, sugars, and processed grains.

These foods increase cravings and promote unhealthy carb intake.

Plant-based foods require large amounts and raise insulin levels.

Animal-based foods offer all essential nutrients without supplements or extra fiber.

.

Please LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW, like, share, and subscribe if you enjoyed my show.

If you'd like even more information on this topic, you can go to Amazon or Audible and pick up my book, Your Plate Is Your Fate.

Check out our website: drstevehughlett.com

You can also check us out on Youtube.

Sign up for a FREE 15 minute Weight-Loss Solutions Chat to help you decide if you would like our help on your weight-loss journey.

For more in-depth answers on how to lose weight the healthy way, how to decrease the need for medications, and how to eliminate diseases like type 2 diabetes, sign up for our FREE weekly Thrive Naturally Newsletter released every Thursday.

 

Tweetable Quotes:

"The only thing glucose is good for is energy." - Dr. Steve Hughlett

"Our bodies are supposed to be using our fat for energy source, not our glucose stores." - Dr. Steve Hughlett

"You do not need fiber. If you eat animal-based food."  - Dr. Steve Hughlett

"The way you keep your metabolic flexibility going is by keeping glucose out of your mouth." - Dr. Steve Hughlett

 

Disclaimer:  The information provided on this channel/podcast/publication is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine, or medications.


There’s a quiet revolution happening in how we think about health, one that questions whether a pill is always the answer. Nutrition Prescription: Wellness vs Medications explores that space where food and lifestyle intersect with conventional medicine. Hosted by Dr. Steve Hughlett, this podcast digs into real, practical strategies for building vitality that don’t rely on restrictive diets or costly supplement regimens. Each episode is built around actionable tips and genuine success stories from people who have navigated similar challenges. You’ll hear conversations focused on cultivating more natural energy and confidence, fundamentally shifting the approach from managing symptoms to fostering lasting health. It’s for anyone who feels stalled by their current routine, is curious about reducing reliance on medications under proper guidance, or simply wants a more balanced and informed relationship with food. The discussions steer clear of quick fixes, emphasizing instead sustainable habits and a deeper understanding of how nutrition acts as foundational medicine. Tune in for a grounded, evidence-informed perspective that makes holistic wellness feel accessible and practical, one meal and one mindful choice at a time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Nutrition Prescription: Wellness vs Medications
Podcast Episodes
149:  Cholesterol, The Good, The Bad and the Ugly [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:44
In this episode, I cut through the confusion around cholesterol and break down what you really need to know about HDL, LDL, and why they're not "good" or "bad" cholesterol. Cholesterol itself is vital for life—it helps b…
148: Southern Keto Secrets: Victor Prince's Holistic Health Tips [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:48
In this episode, Dr. Steve and his wife, Theresa, chat with Victor Prince of Southern Keto about his wake-up call in the corporate grind and how he rebuilt his health with real food. They break down Victor's "3 main food…
146: How Do You Lower Your Triglycerides Naturally [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:44
In this episode, Dr. Steve breaks down the process of triglyceride production and how you can naturally lower your triglycerides by making healthier food choices. He explains how glucose and insulin play a major role in…
144: Assessing Your Own Health to Discover Hidden Risks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:11
In this episode, Dr. Steve walks through simple but powerful steps for assessing your health and uncovering hidden risks. He highlights how you can take control of your health through mindful choices, debunking myths aro…
143: Discipline is NOT About Willpower [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:55
In this episode, Dr. Steve and his wife discuss the true meaning of discipline and why it's not about willpower or grit. They share how creating systems in your daily life can make healthy habits easier and more sustaina…
142: Having Type 2 Diabetes Is Your Choice [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:03
In this episode, Dr. Steve breaks down the real cause of type 2 diabetes and the power you have to reverse it. He explains how insulin and glucose levels affect your body and why your diet is the key to controlling diabe…
141: The ONE and ONLY Way to Gain Fat [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:51
In this episode, Dr. Steve talks about the one factor that controls both fat gain and fat loss, insulin. He explains how your insulin levels decide whether your body stores fat or burns it. Dr. Steve also uncovers why ca…
140: Quitters Always Win - Actions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:44
In this episode, Dr. Steve continues his "Quitters Always Win" series, focusing on the actions that might be holding you back from achieving your health goals. He emphasizes the importance of quitting unhealthy habits li…
139: Quitters Always Win - Thoughts [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:33
In this episode, Dr. Steve dives into the importance of quitting the things that hold you back from reaching your health goals. He challenges common food myths, explains the real role of exercise in fat loss, and uncover…