A dietician has shared her experience of consuming mostly ultra-processed foods for an entire month.
Dietician Jessica Wilson questioned why society demonises ultra-processed foods and decided to make 80% of her daily calorie intake from these foods for a month. She aimed to understand the reasons behind the negative perceptions.
Wilson responded to Dr. Christoffer van Tulleken’s similar experiment, highlighting the issue is often about race, class, and access. She pointed out ultra-processed foods are typically low-cost and easily accessible items like soda, sugary cereals, and microwaveable meals, and that the criteria for what makes a food ‘ultra-processed’ are confusing.
To challenge the guidelines and the stigma, Wilson, with the help of a food engineer, embarked on a diet where over 80% of her calories came from ultra-processed foods.
Throughout the month, she replaced eggs with soy chorizo for breakfast, grabbed ready-to-eat tamales for lunch, and snacked on cashew-nut yogurt with jam. Dinners included chicken sausages with vegetables and Tater-Tots or Costco pupusas.
Wilson reported feeling surprisingly better after just two weeks. She noted she felt less hungry between meals and realised she might not have been eating enough before. Contrary to studies linking ultra-processed foods to anxiety and depression, Wilson felt less anxious and more energetic, reducing her coffee intake.
Wilson emphasised that the definition of ‘ultra-processed food’ is still unclear, questioning how the entire category can be labelled as ‘bad’. She urged people to consider the potential benefits of a high ultra-processed food diet in the context of modern economic realities.
Kendra Chow, a registered dietitian and policy manager at the World Cancer Research Fund International, agreed that stigmatising a broad category of foods without providing alternatives or improving access to healthy options is not helpful. Van Tulleken also noted that banning ultra-processed foods would not be practical for those with lower socio-economic status.
Wilson concluded by stating that the public deserves more nuanced information about ultra-processed foods, rather than just fear-inducing stories.
What Other Media Are Saying
- CNBC explores the ultra-processed food consumption habits of a registered dietitian, Jinan Banna, who avoids foods like soda due to their lack of nutritional value and advocates for healthier alternatives. (read more)
- BBC Food explores Dr Chris van Tulleken’s documentary on ultra-processed foods, examining their prevalence, addictive qualities, and health impacts, highlighting the need for dietary change. (read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What are ultra-processed foods?
Ultra-processed foods are low-cost, easy-to-make items like soda, sugary cereals, and microwaveable meals.
Why did the dietician eat ultra-processed foods for a month?
She wanted to explore if demonising ultra-processed foods is valid and highlight issues of race, class, and access.
How did the dietician feel after eating mostly ultra-processed foods?
Surprisingly, she felt better, less anxious, and more energetic after two weeks on the diet.
What is the dietician’s view on ultra-processed foods?
She believes the criteria for ultra-processed foods is unclear and the public deserves more balanced information.
What do experts think about banning ultra-processed foods?
Experts like Kendra Chow and Dr. van Tulleken do not think banning ultra-processed foods is practical.
