In our fast-paced world, ultra-processed foods have become a staple in the diets of millions. Marketed for their convenience and often disguised under the guise of nutrition, these products have silently contributed to a health crisis that undermines the very essence of true well-being.
But there's a powerful movement underway, one that champions a return to whole foods—a movement that empowers individuals to reclaim their health and vitality. This blog explores the problem with processed foods and illustrates how breaking free from their grasp can unlock a path to true health.
The problem
It's staggering that 75% of the calories consumed worldwide are produced by just six corporations. This highlights the nature of our current food system, where the majority of what we eat is then extensively refined and processed by an additional 15-20 companies, including giants like Coca-Cola, Nestlé, Heinz, PepsiCo, and Unilever.
Common staples such as bread, cereals, soft drinks etc are engineered for addiction, not nutrition. By prioritising shelf life and profitability over health, the food industry has created a paradox where the more we eat, the less nourished we become.
The dominance of ultra-processed foods in modern diets has been linked to a myriad of health issues, from obesity and heart disease to diabetes and even mental health disorders. In the UK alone, almost 60% of the average diet comprises ultra-processed foods. This shift towards highly processed consumption is now recognised as the leading cause of death globally, surpassing even tobacco.
Unpacking the impact on health
The impact of ultra-processed foods on health is profound. These foods disrupt our natural metabolic processes, leading to weight gain and insulin resistance. The high caloric density and low nutritional value mean we're eating more calories but getting less of what our bodies actually need. The additives and preservatives in these foods can have toxic effects on our gut microbiome, exacerbating inflammation and contributing to a range of chronic diseases.
But perhaps the most insidious effect of ultra-processed foods is how they desensitise us to the natural flavours of real food. Over time, our palates become accustomed to the intense flavours of processed foods, making whole, nutrient-dense foods seem bland by comparison. This shift not only impacts our dietary choices but also our relationship with food itself.
The liberation of a whole-foods lifestyle
Swapping ultra-processed foods for a whole-foods diet is a conscious choice to nourish your body with foods that are as close to their natural state as possible. Whole foods—fruits, vegetables, honey, meat and dairy from grass-fed and pasture-raised animals. These provide the nutrients our bodies need in the forms they were designed to absorb.
Embracing a whole-foods lifestyle can lead to dramatic improvements in health, energy levels and overall vitality. It's not just about eliminating harmful substances from your diet; it's about reintroducing key nutrients that support every aspect of our health. From improved digestion and reduced inflammation to better mental clarity and emotional balance.
A call to action
Let this be your call to action. Start small, make informed choices, and gradually transform your diet. Explore local farmers' markets, connect with food producers, and rediscover the joy of cooking and eating real food. Remember, each meal is an opportunity to fuel your body and mind with what they truly need.
On average, people have about 5 core meals which make up 80% of their diet. This is one of the best places to focus when trying to have the biggest impact on your diet and overall health. By shifting the focus to whole foods, swapping out processed ingredients, seed oils, refined sugars, and artificial additives, opting instead for natural fats like grass-fed butter, fresh meats, organ meats, and seasonal fruit/veg. You not only cut out harmful ingredients but you enrich your body with essential, unprocessed nutrients, significantly boosting your diet, nutrition, and overall well-being.
Here are a few core meal go to’s:
1. Steak, eggs and avocado
This is one of the community’s most popular meals. An absolute classic, rich in iron, B12, creatine, healthy fats and other key nutrients to set up your day. Can work as your first meal of the day or last meal of the day.
Ingredients:
- Grass-fed steak
- 2 Pasture-raised eggs, fried
- Organic avocado, sliced
- Organic sourdough with grass-fed, raw butter
- Pinch of Celtic sea salt
Mash the avocado, add lemon juice, herbs and salt to make guacamole before spreading onto the toasted sourdough.
2. Beef liver pancakes
Only the most nutritional pancakes in existence. Great for getting in key micronutrients at breakfast without the taste of liver if it’s something you’re not keen on.
Ingredients:
- 60g raw liver
- 3 eggs
- 3 tbsp melted ghee (or butter)
- few dashes Celtic sea salt
Make sure to blend until smooth. When you heat up your pan, use a generous amount of ghee to stop any sticking. Top with your favourite fruits, ideally local, organic and seasonal.
3. Burger patties, carrots, cheese and kimchi
This is a great one for the gut and digestive system. Typically eaten at lunch or dinner, it’s a very simple dish but full of wholesome nutrition and healthy gut bacteria.
Ingredients:
- Grass-fed mince patties
- Carrots
- Parmigiano Reggiano
- Kimchi or sauerkraut
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Celtic sea salt
Directions:
Turn your grass-fed mince into patty shapes before grilling on the BBQ or frying in ghee on a pan. Starting on the side dish, using a potato peeler, grate the carrots and cheese into a bowl together. Add in some fermented veg, either kimchi or sauerkraut. Drizzle over some olive oil and a pinch of Celtic sea salt. Serve on the side of the grilled burger patties.
