Exercise Scientist Says UFC Boss Dana White Is “Wrong” to Advise Cutting Out Carbs and Sugar

Renowned fitness expert Dr. Mike Israetel has built a reputation for delivering evidence-based fitness advice. Recently, he took on UFC President Dana White’s controversial stance on cutting out carbs and sugar.

Israetel shared a clip of White’s interview where he advised, “You just got to cut out carbs and sugar.” The professor’s immediate response was a firm, “Wrong.” In a YouTube video, the exercise scientist elaborated, “It turns out that carbs and sugar can be totally part of a healthy diet, even in really high quantities.”

Dr. Mike Israetel emphasized that a healthy diet can include carbohydrates and sugars, provided certain conditions are met. Moreover, he stressed eating enough protein, get carbs from vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Stay active with exercise. Don’t eat too many calories.

In addition, Dr. Israetel made a point and said, “Everything in excess, specifically calories, is bad for you.” However, he stressed that if calorie intake is balanced, there’s no harm in consuming carbs and sugars. Furthermore, in a candid remark, Israetel added, “How do you know that? Are you a fat mother f***er that weighs too much? You’re eating too much. Are you nice and lean? You’re good to go. Have all the carbs and sugars that you like.”

Earlier, the 40-year-old advised, “For a great fat loss diet, focus on four food groups,” Dr. Israetel explained the four essential food categories that one must consider. These include lean proteins as the most important, followed by veggies. Fruits and grains come next as one category and healthy fats are the least crucial. This hierarchy ensures a balanced diet even if some foods aren’t available for a meal. Nonetheless, let’s hear White’s perspective on diet and healthy lifestyle.

Dana White’s practical approach to health and longevity

In 2023, during an interview with Gary Brecka, UFC CEO Dana White shared his thoughts on aging and health. He emphasized that feeling good at any age is possible with the right approach to diet. According to White, reaching 45 or 50 shouldn’t mean feeling old. Although he emphasized a diet that can make you feel great about yourself, his priorities lie in whole foods such as meat, fish, chicken, eggs, avocados, and oils like coconut and olive.

White explained, “It’s easy, especially when you can still go out to restaurants and live a normal life.” His secret? “You just gotta cut out carbs and sugar, that’s it.” By sticking to this whole food diet and reducing carbs and sugar, White believes anyone can improve their health and feel better. White also praised his interviewer, Brecka, for his open-mindedness. “One of the things that I respect the most about you…is when I talk to you about other doctors or other systems, you’re not closed-minded.” He commended Brecka for being willing to learn from other experts and adapt his views accordingly.

Dana White’s approach to health revolves around simplicity and practicality. He thinks eating whole foods and reducing carbs and sugar can keep you healthy as you get older. However, Dr. Mike believes in balancing your diet and exercising regularly, not cutting out certain foods.