Ultra-Processed Foods: Are You Eating More Than You Think?

Ultra-processed foods are ever-present in the American diet: they make up about 60% of what adults eat and nearly 70% of what children eat. These foods (and beverages!) are delicious and affordable by design, and they’re everywhere — gas stations, grocery stores, big-box retailers. And while they’re easy on the palate and pocketbook, they’re linked to more than 30 health conditions, including type 2 diabetes and heart disease. In this episode, we explore the entire spectrum of food processing, so you're able to spot ultra-processed foods and make better choices when you can.  Expert: Amanda Beaver, Senior Registered Dietitian  Interviewer: Zach Moore Notable topics covered: The processing continuum between whole foods and ultra-processed foods   What research says about eating a diet heavy in ultra-processed foods How your body responds to ultra-processed foods vs. minimally processed foods The reasons ultra-processed foods have come to dominate the American diet How to shift your diet away from ultra-processed foods Minimally processed meal options that are as fast as the drive-thru How to spot ultra-processed food wherever you shop If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.