5 Things I Learned From 25,000 Patients
KenDBerryMDPublished on September 4, 2026
Summary authored by editor@wellifi.com
TLDR Summary
In this article, I share five key lessons learned from caring for over 25,000 patients, emphasizing the importance of early detection of chronic diseases, the power of hunger over willpower, and the benefits of a simple, proper human diet for achieving metabolic health.
Key Points
- Chronic diseases can often be detected years before symptoms appear through proper blood tests.
- Hunger is a biological drive that can overpower willpower; a satisfying diet helps curb hunger.
- Logical and actionable dietary recommendations are more likely to be followed by patients.
- Weight is not the only indicator of health; body measurements and fasting insulin levels can provide better insights.
- A simple, monotonous diet can be beneficial for resetting metabolic health.
5 Key Lessons Learned from 25,000 Patients on Health and Nutrition
As a healthcare professional who has cared for over 25,000 patients throughout my career, I've gathered invaluable insights into diet, nutrition, and metabolic health. In this blog post, I’ll share five significant lessons that can help you understand the importance of a proper human diet and the underlying factors that contribute to chronic diseases.
1. Chronic Diseases Are Often Detectable Early
One of the most crucial lessons I've learned is that many chronic diseases do not appear suddenly; they are often detectable years in advance. For instance, conditions like type 2 diabetes can be identified in pre-diabetic stages through proper testing. Checking fasting insulin levels can provide a glimpse into an individual’s future health, revealing potential risks for type 2 diabetes and other metabolic disorders. Understanding these early indicators can empower patients to make necessary lifestyle changes before the onset of disease.
2. Hunger Trumps Willpower
Another important takeaway is that hunger will always overpower willpower. Many individuals set out to lose weight or improve their health with sheer determination, but if they choose an unsustainable diet, their hunger will inevitably lead them to abandon their goals. A proper human diet, rich in healthy animal fats and proteins, helps regulate hunger and satiety hormones, making it easier to stick to a healthy eating plan without constantly battling cravings.
3. Practical Dietary Recommendations Matter
Patients are more likely to follow dietary advice that is logical and actionable. Unfortunately, many doctors often provide outdated guidance like "eat less and move more," which may exacerbate hunger and make it difficult for patients to adhere to their diet plans. It is essential for healthcare providers to recommend diets that are both satisfying and nutritionally adequate, enabling patients to achieve their health goals effectively.
4. Weight Is Not the Only Measure of Success
Many people, especially women, often fixate on the bathroom scale as the ultimate measure of progress. However, significant changes in body composition and metabolic health can occur before the scale reflects these changes. Regularly checking fasting insulin levels and taking body measurements can offer more reliable indicators of health improvement and help maintain motivation during the weight loss journey.
5. Simplicity Over Complexity
Simplicity often trumps complexity when it comes to dietary changes. A monotonous and straightforward diet, such as one consisting of beef, butter, bacon, and eggs for a period of 30 to 90 days, can help reset metabolic health. While this approach may seem boring, it helps individuals focus on nutrition as fuel rather than a source of pleasure, allowing them to build healthier habits that can last a lifetime.
Conclusion
These five lessons highlight the importance of understanding metabolic health, choosing the right dietary approach, and recognizing that long-term success often requires a simple, sustainable plan. By focusing on a proper human diet and addressing underlying health issues early, individuals can take charge of their health and well-being.
For more insights and support on your health journey, consider joining the proper human diet community, where you can connect with others and access resources to help you succeed.