People need to eat whole food plant foods, primarily... whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. That diet supports our lives. We ought to live to be 90 or 100 without getting any diseases.

In this quote, John Mackey advocates for a diet centered around whole, plant-based foods as a foundation for long-term health and wellness. He emphasizes the importance of eating whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds—foods that are rich in nutrients and support overall well-being. Mackey’s message is rooted in the belief that consuming these whole foods provides the body with the essential nutrients needed for optimal functioning and can help prevent disease.

Mackey suggests that by adopting this type of diet, individuals can live long, healthy lives—90 or 100 years—without developing common chronic diseases. This reflects his belief in the power of nutrition to prevent disease and promote longevity. The focus is on a holistic approach to health, where diet plays a crucial role in achieving both physical vitality and disease prevention as people age.

As the co-founder of Whole Foods Market, Mackey has been a vocal proponent of healthy, sustainable eating, particularly through the consumption of natural, minimally processed foods. His quote emphasizes the broader message of promoting whole food, plant-based eating as a way to improve public health. It suggests that a diet consisting of nutrient-dense foods can reduce the risk of developing many modern diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.

Ultimately, Mackey’s quote encourages a shift toward whole food, plant-based diets as a pathway to achieving longevity and a disease-free life. It highlights the belief that the foods we choose to eat have a direct impact on our long-term health and our ability to live a vibrant, disease-free life well into old age.