Food Fix

How to Save Our Health, Our Economy, Our Communities and Our Planet — One Bite at a Time

by Mark Hyman

4.5(1,808 ratings)

14 min read

Brief overview

This book examines how our industrial food landscape fuels chronic disease, environmental decline, and social injustice—and why urgent action is needed. It reveals how misguided policies and commercial interests shape the foods we eat daily, steering us toward poor health and a damaged planet. Ultimately, it proposes a blueprint for reimagining our food system so that it supports our well-being and the world we share.

Introduction: Why Our Food System Matters

We’re living in an age of industrially produced meals. Everywhere we turn, there’s an overwhelming supply of fast food and sugary snacks. Yet, amid this abundance, many families struggle with poor nutrition and long-term health risks. The tension between cheap, easy meals and hidden dangers sets the stage for this eye-opening journey.

In a warm, approachable way, the author invites us to question how we got here. Why are chronic diseases like obesity and type 2 diabetes more common than ever? Why do some communities lack access to fresh foods? And how did our diets become so disconnected from what our bodies truly need?

These questions matter because diet-related illnesses don’t just hurt individuals; they strain families, communities, and entire economies. The book also uncovers how large-scale farming and food production strain the environment, affecting soil, water, and climate in ways that threaten our planet’s future.

Yet, there is hope. Step by step, we’ll see that we each hold a measure of power when we choose what to eat and whom to support. If we understand how our system became broken, we can learn to fix it—one policy, one farm, and one meal at a time.

“Your zip code is a bigger determinant of your health outcomes than your genetic code.”

The Problem with Ultra-Processed Foods

Many of today’s staple foods are designed for taste and shelf life above all else. Think of snack chips or fast-food burgers. They’re made from hyper-processed ingredients like refined grains, cheap fats, and large amounts of sugar or salt. While delicious, these items provide minimal nutrients.

There’s an illusion that these products are cost-effective, especially for busy families. But the hidden costs run high: spiking rates of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and more. Over time, the expense of medications, doctor visits, and hospital stays far outweighs the few dollars saved at the grocery store.

On a personal level, these foods are often addictive because they’re engineered to trigger craving. Food companies invest heavily in formulations that play with our brain chemistry, making us reach for more even when we’re full. This pattern can lead to weight gain and metabolic issues.

It’s not about blaming ourselves for liking fries or sweets, but rather understanding the powerful forces at work behind these products. Once we see how processed foods dominate our supermarkets, it becomes easier to choose healthier options—and to push for broader change in how those shelves get stocked.

Taste is no accident: processed foods are deliberately engineered to keep you coming back for more.

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What is Food Fix about?

Food Fix: How to Save Our Health, Our Economy, Our Communities, and Our Planet—One Bite at a Time by Mark Hyman is a profound exploration of the intricate, often hidden connections between our global food systems and the health of our bodies, societies, and environments. With a keen eye for detail, the book navigates through the complex world of industrialized food production, shedding light on how our dinner plates are tied to far-reaching consequences, from health epidemics and climate change to socio-economic divides.

Dr. Hyman's work serves as both an exposé and a handbook, arguing for the urgent necessity to reform food policies and practices. By unveiling how current agricultural practices degrade our soils and bodies alike, he provides a compelling case for regenerative farming and mindful eating. His actionable insights empower readers to rethink their food choices and adopt strategies that nurture personal wellbeing and environmental health.

Food Fix is more than a manifesto; it's a call to action, encouraging readers to leverage their dining decisions to foster global change. Through vivid examples and grounded advice, Hyman illustrates the pervasive impact of our daily dietary habits, proposing a roadmap toward sustainable nourishment that benefits communities and the planet alike.

Review of Food Fix

Food Fix masterfully bridges the gap between complex global issues and everyday decision-making, making it a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the profound impact of our food choices. One of its key strengths lies in its ability to unravel the intricate web of connections that tie our daily meals to broader economic, environmental, and health challenges. Instead of overwhelming, it empowers, transforming complexities into clear paths for action.

The book's major achievement is in detailing practical applications, from promoting sustainable farming to advocating for policy changes that support nutrient-dense, whole foods over industrially produced alternatives. Through straightforward, accessible prose, Hyman's call for viewing food as medicine becomes a tangible, action-oriented strategy for personal and collective wellness.

Hyman's writing style is both engaging and deeply informative, stripping away jargon to communicate complex concepts in digestible terms. This makes the book accessible to a wide range of readers, from health professionals and policymakers to everyday consumers curious about sustainable living. In terms of relevance, Food Fix resonates broadly, offering insights to anyone grappling with the intersections of diet, wellness, and environmental stewardship.

This book is highly recommended for those eager to make informed food choices that posture health benefits and ecological sustainability, challenging readers to rethink the simple act of eating as a form of societal stewardship.

Who should read Food Fix?

Health Professionals seeking to incorporate dietary strategies as therapeutic practices will find actionable insights to improve patient outcomes.
Environmental Advocates who are passionate about reducing agriculture's carbon footprint and promoting sustainable farming practices.
Policy Makers interested in crafting legislation that encourages healthier food production and consumption patterns, advocating for systemic shifts.
Consumers keen to understand the real story behind everyday food items and who wish to make choices that better their health and the planet.
Educators and Students seeking a comprehensive guide to the interconnectedness of food systems and global issues, promoting informed dialogues.

About the author

Mark Hyman is a practicing family physician and an internationally recognized leader in the field of Functional Medicine. He is the founder and director of The UltraWellness Center and the Head of Strategy and Innovation at the Cleveland Clinic Center for Functional Medicine. He has written 11 New York Times best-selling books, including "Food Fix: How to Save Our Health, Our Economy, Our Communities and Our Planet — One Bite at a Time." He holds a medical degree from the University of Ottawa and completed his residency at the Community Hospital of Santa Rosa. He is also the Board President for Clinical Affairs for the Institute for Functional Medicine and hosts the popular health podcast "The Doctor’s Farmacy."