> There are, of course, tons of “processed” foods that people have eaten for a very long time without getting sick. The French Paradox is just one example, people used to eat white flour, white sugar, butter, heavy cream, and fatty meat, and combine them all.

> If you can’t explain why those people were thin & healthy, there’s a hole in your theory.

Because they don't eat a lot? Sure a croissant is just butter and white flour, but if you eat only one with a bit more butter and a black coffee that's like 250 calories for breakfast.

Despite the (frankly approximative) "excess" section, in my opinion that's truly the crux of the issue. If you eat smaller portions you get fewer calories. I never tried it but I would bet that you can eat fries every day as long as it's in the McDonald "small" format.