There’s nothing quite like holiday reading, is there? Lazing under the sunshine, relaxed and ready to soak up knowledge that’s usually crowded out by daily life. This holiday, I dived into something a bit heavier than my usual reads, but honestly, I’m so glad I did.
The book was “Ultra-Processed People: Why Do We All Eat Stuff That Isn’t Food…and Why Can’t We Stop?” by Chris van Tulleken, and believe me, it was a fascinating, slightly terrifying, but utterly enlightening experience.
Why Did I Choose This Book?
I’ve always believed passionately in educating myself, my patients, and those around me about health, nutrition, and making informed choices. As a dentist and aesthetic practitioner, I spend my days promoting wellness, from the outside and within, but even I didn’t fully grasp the depth and complexity of the processed-food problem until this book came along.
Im always busy, I always buy Convenienve and Ive always in a way took my health and longevity for granted
Reading Chris van Tulleken’s insights opened my eyes, challenged my assumptions, and genuinely inspired me to rethink my approach to food—not just personally, but professionally.
What Exactly Are Ultra-Processed Foods?
To put it simply, ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are industrially produced products filled with artificial ingredients, additives, flavourings, colourings, sweeteners, and preservatives. Think about:
- Supermarket cereals
- Crisps and packaged snacks
- Sweets and chocolates
- Ready meals
- Fizzy drinks and even diet alternatives
- Most fast foods
It was shocking to realise just how prevalent these foods are in our daily lives. In the UK, more than 50% of calories consumed come from ultra-processed foods—a statistic that genuinely blew my mind.
Key Takeaway Points (What You Need to Know!)
Here’s a simplified breakdown of the book’s key messages, so you don’t have to spend your entire holiday tackling it (unless you want to—it’s also on Audible, making it easier to digest):
1. Ultra-Processed Foods Aren’t Really Food
- UPFs contain ingredients that we’d never cook with at home.
- They’re engineered in labs to be hyper-palatable (so tasty they’re addictive).
- Soft , tasty easy to eat and then you want more !!!
2. These Foods Rewire Our Brains
- They disrupt our natural hunger signals, making it harder to feel satisfied and easier to overeat.
- They activate similar brain pathways seen in addiction.
3. Health Risks Are Huge
Consuming too many UPFs regularly is strongly linked to:
- Obesity
- Type 2 diabetes
- Heart disease
- Poor gut health
- Increased risk of certain cancers
- Depression and anxiety
- Dementia
4. Children Are Particularly at Risk
- UPFs are heavily marketed towards children, setting them up for unhealthy dietary habits later in life.
- Early exposure shapes taste preferences and eating habits, often permanently.
- I thnk all my 6 were at risk
5. The Food Industry is Powerful
- Food corporations intentionally design products that are hard to resist.
- Advertising targets emotional and subconscious triggers to keep us hooked.
6. Changing Your Diet Can Transform Your Health
- Reducing ultra-processed foods improves overall health, mental clarity, mood, and energy levels.
- Simple swaps (fresh fruits, vegetables, home-cooked meals, minimally processed foods) have huge benefits.
My Personal Wake-Up Call
Reading this book wasn’t just informative—it was personal. It made me critically assess my own eating habits and realise how easily we fall into the convenience trap.
Im terrible and so is my Household but there is time for chane
As someone busy running a clinic, looking after family, and managing life, quick and easy options have sometimes taken priority.
But here’s the thing: knowledge is powerful. Once we know better, we really can do better.
Im glad I have MANDY our housekeeper , friend and everything else already shes cleared the cupboards and loves a mission !!!
Changes I’m Making (Thanks to This Book!)
Here’s what I plan to do personally and professionally:
- Cook More, Process Less: Prioritising fresh, whole foods wherever possible.
- Check Ingredients: If I don’t recognise ingredients or can’t pronounce them, they’ll be staying on the shelf.
- Educate My Patients: Spreading awareness in my clinic about UPFs and their risks to encourage healthier choices.
- Be Mindful, Not Perfect: Accepting that small, consistent changes are better than perfect, unrealistic diets.
- Stop visiting food outlets because its easy
- Consider why a lof of bread may cost 36p or £4.00 – the ingredients and the content think again
Why This Matters to You (and Me)
Whether it’s healthier skin, better teeth, improved mood, or clearer thinking—reducing ultra-processed food intake benefits everyone. As a practitioner and someone passionate about helping people live happier, healthier lives, I’m dedicated to promoting this important message.
I’ll be honest; this book challenged me. It wasn’t the easiest of reads, especially poolside when I normally prefer something lighter! But if you prefer listening over reading, the audiobook is brilliant and available on Audible (click here to access).
Final Thoughts (from the Sunbed!)
Education is everything. As we educate ourselves, we empower others to make better choices, and together we can transform our health, our family’s health, and our community’s health. If you’re up for a fascinating read that will genuinely change how you view food, I highly recommend “Ultra-Processed People.”
I’d love to hear your thoughts, experiences, or any changes you decide to make. Feel free to share—I’m always here to chat!
Here’s to healthier, happier, and less processed lives!
It sounds easy but lets see what challenges we meet
Tracey Bell
Posted link to original website of book.
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