The Sunday Daily: To Save His Life, Our Food Critic Reset His Appetite - The Daily Recap

Podcast: The Daily

Published: 2026-03-15

Duration: 2234

Guests: Pete Wells

What Happened

Pete Wells, who spent 12 years as the chief restaurant critic for The New York Times, faced a health crisis that led him to reassess his lifestyle. On New Year's Day 2024, a doctor's warning about his pre-diabetic status and high cholesterol prompted him to quit his role. This decision marked the beginning of a journey towards healthier eating habits and a new relationship with food.

Wells undertook significant changes to his diet, cutting out simple carbohydrates such as sugar, white flour, and white rice. He embraced a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, beans, and lentils while reducing animal product consumption. His approach to grocery shopping also shifted, preferring a food co-op for high-quality produce, and he organized his kitchen to make healthier foods more accessible.

The transformation extended to his drinking habits, as Wells drastically reduced his alcohol intake. This lifestyle overhaul resulted in significant health improvements: he was no longer considered pre-diabetic or obese. This change also had a positive impact on his mental well-being, alleviating feelings of grogginess and confusion.

Wells discovered a new joy in mindful eating and home cooking, emphasizing the active engagement in preparing meals over the passive experience of dining out. He practiced mindfulness exercises, such as the 'raisin meditation,' which helped him appreciate the simplicity and presence of eating. Cooking became a form of physical activity providing relief from his previously verbal and logical job.

Despite the success of his lifestyle changes, Wells remains aware of the common challenge of maintaining weight loss and healthy habits over time. He acknowledges the complexities of dieting, expressing an understanding that weight regain might happen. However, the knowledge and behavioral adjustments he acquired are seen as long-term changes, offering a more grounded relationship with food.

In his new life, Wells applies his deep understanding of flavors and spices to create interesting and healthy dishes, such as those centered around chickpeas. This shift has allowed him to channel his expertise into personal culinary adventures, finding satisfaction in the process of cooking and the immediate experience of eating.

Key Insights

• Pete Wells's health crisis in early 2024 was a wake-up call that led him to leave his role as a restaurant critic. His doctor's warning about being pre-diabetic with high cholesterol was pivotal in this decision.
• Wells's dietary changes included cutting out simple carbohydrates and embracing more plant-based foods. This shift helped him improve his overall health, including reversing his pre-diabetic status.
• Mindfulness and home cooking became instrumental in Wells's new lifestyle, with activities like 'raisin meditation' helping him focus on the sensory experience of eating.
• Despite his success in transforming his habits, Wells remains cautious about the potential for weight regain, acknowledging the common cycle of dieting and weight fluctuation.