Chef Credits Dietary Changes and "Make America Healthy Again" Movement for Overcoming Severe Health Issues
Andrew Gruel, owner of the American Gravy restaurant group, has publicly attributed his dramatic health turnaround to a shift in his diet and his embrace of the "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) movement. Gruel, who struggled with debilitating stomach problems for years, shared his personal journey and insights into the food industry on a recent episode of "My View with Lara Trump." He also expanded on his views in an interview with Fox News Digital, highlighting the need for significant changes in the food supply chain to promote healthier eating across the nation.
Gruel’s health struggles began in his late teenage years, manifesting as severe stomach issues that severely impacted his daily life. The symptoms were so intense that he found himself confined to classrooms or areas located near restrooms, drastically limiting his ability to participate in normal activities. The constant discomfort and unpredictability of his condition forced him to make significant life adjustments.
"Funny enough, that’s what got me into the kitchen," Gruel revealed to Fox News Digital. "I didn’t have to go anywhere." Unable to maintain a conventional college life, he ultimately dropped out and dedicated himself to working in restaurants. These establishments became his "place of safety," offering a predictable environment and a sense of control that he lacked elsewhere.
Despite finding solace in the restaurant world, Gruel’s health problems persisted for over a decade. He sought medical assistance, undergoing various treatments and pharmaceutical interventions, but none provided lasting relief. The symptoms continued to linger, forcing him to manage his condition rather than overcome it.
The turning point came when Gruel decided to radically alter his diet. He began systematically eliminating processed foods and seed oils, a move that he credits with finally resolving his long-standing health issues. "I was healed," he declared. "I mean, after medicine and pharmaceuticals and all these different drugs they were trying to put me on, it just never went away. I lived with it. I managed it. Changing my diet ultimately fixed that and changed it altogether."
This personal experience with the transformative power of healthy eating ignited Gruel’s passion for the MAHA movement. He became a vocal advocate for dietary reform and a proponent of the idea that individuals can take control of their health through conscious food choices.
During his appearance on "My View with Lara Trump," Gruel emphasized the accessibility of healthy eating, suggesting that preparing nutritious meals at home is "pretty easy." He demonstrated this point by preparing fresh scallops with an arugula and green apple salad, showcasing a simple yet delicious recipe that promotes fresh, wholesome ingredients.
Beyond individual dietary changes, Gruel believes that systemic changes within the food industry are crucial for making healthy eating more accessible to all Americans. He shared his vision for a healthier food landscape if Robert F. Kennedy Jr. were to assume the role of secretary of Health and Human Services during a potential second term for President Donald Trump.
Gruel’s primary focus is on deregulating the restaurant industry’s food supply chain, arguing that this would foster direct connections between restaurants and small farmers and independent fishermen. He envisions a system where these producers, who are "creating all those amazing products," can more easily supply restaurants with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Currently, many of these products are shipped overseas, while restaurants often rely on imported goods.
"It’s very difficult for small- and medium-sized farmers to get their food to restaurants and distributors," Gruel explained to Fox News Digital. He pointed to a limited number of processors and packers within the industry, creating a "cartel at the top of the food chain" that buys products from small farmers, repackages them, and then sells them to large distributors.
Gruel believes that bypassing these large packers and facilitating direct sales to smaller distributors would significantly improve access to healthy food for restaurants and wholesale distributors. He suggests that this can be achieved by streamlining the process for small businesses to obtain permits, licenses, and regulations necessary for interstate commerce. Expanding the infrastructure to support smaller distributors would "see a lot healthier food at the right price entering the food service sector," he argued.
In essence, Gruel is advocating for a decentralization of the food supply chain, breaking down the "consolidation at the top" and empowering smaller producers to compete with larger corporations. He believes that this would not only benefit consumers by providing access to healthier options but also support local farmers and independent fishermen.
The National Restaurant Association declined to comment on Gruel’s proposals, but his call for deregulation and increased support for small producers is likely to resonate with many within the industry who share his concerns about the current state of the food supply chain. His personal story of overcoming health challenges through dietary changes, coupled with his advocacy for broader systemic reforms, positions him as a prominent voice in the "Make America Healthy Again" movement. His vision for a healthier food future emphasizes individual responsibility, coupled with a more equitable and accessible food system that prioritizes fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
