Ultra-Processed People

Why We Can't Stop Eating Food That Isn't Food

De: Chris van Tulleken

Narrado por: Chris van Tulleken, Dr. Xand van Tulleken

The Omnivore's Dilemma meets Fast Food Nation from a global perspective in this game-changing look at the science, economics, and history of ultra-processed food and the industry's effect on our health and planet.

It’s not you, it’s the food.

How much of our daily caloric intake comes from ingesting substances that, technically speaking, do not meet traditional definitions of “food”? Chances are, if you’re eating something that came wrapped in plastic and contains a funky ingredient you don’t have in your kitchen, it's most likely—almost definitely—ultra-processed food, or UPF. More than the principal obstacle to “eating right,” UPF has been linked to metabolic disease, depression, inflammation, anxiety, and cancer, while the production, distribution, and disposal of UPF and related products globally is known to cause devastating environmental damage. At the same time, UPF represents the dominant, nigh-unavoidable food culture for millions upon millions of eaters.

Medical doctor and broadcaster Chris van Tulleken has spent his career trying to reframe the conversation around eating right, balancing the hard (and sometimes shocking) facts about what we're putting into our bodies with empathy for the natural desire to keep eating what we like, have time for, and can afford. As he argues in this book, we are all participants in an experiment we didn't consent to, one to determine how to get us to buy as much ultra-processed food as possible. It’s not as simple as stumbling across the right diet trend, finding time to meal plan, or avoiding over-indulging in sugar, fat, or carbs or any other culprit. Nor is it a matter of individual will. It’s about learning to live in “the third age of eating”—defined by the overwhelming abundance of ultra-processed eating options—and arming yourself with the simple and not-so-simple facts that will help you make the choices that are right for you.

©2023 Chris van Tulleken (P)2023 Knopf Canada

Reseñas de la Crítica

#1 INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER

Longlisted for the 2023 Baillie Gifford Prize for Non-Fiction

"Unsettling and deeply important. . . . [Ultra-Processed People] integrate[s] concepts of detailed food science and global market forces, showing how these affect individual humans. Tulleken weaves these threads together in a way that is evidence-based, compelling and humane. . . . A tremendously important book that will help readers choose less processed, better food."—Vincent Lam, Toronto Star

“Chris van Tulleken bravely turns himself into a guinea pig to explore the ins and outs of ultra-processed food. . . . His account of what happens to our food during its trip to our gut, and the connection that bad food has to the epidemics of obesity and diabetes . . . is persuasive and scary.”—Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker

“A fearless investigation into how we have become hooked on ultra-processed food. . . . [van Tulleken’s] key message will have you scurrying to your cupboards. . . . And, if there is any justice, this gripping, well-evidenced exposé will shame policymakers and shake the food industry to its money-driven core. . . . [Ultra-Processed People] is more than just a great science book: it breaks down a complex issue of cultural, social, economic and political importance with clarity and sensitivity but without moralising; it competently evaluates the scientific literature; and it roams the globe in search of answers.”—Financial Times

a food expert who critiques our diet

i focus on the health of my body a lot. i love this book because i cook a lot in my home kitchen starting with raw ingredients. i may be healthier than everyone i know who is around my age (70.) now i know why that may be true - it’s my daily walking and the food i eat. modern convenience food is having an ill effect on our population and this book explains how we got this way. the author takes you on a journey of discovery that makes me skeptical of modern convenience food and makes me want to be a more knowledgeable cook in my home kitchen. homemade gluten-free buckwheat bread with 5 ingredients is my next project. the best healthcare is self-care

I never knew I was eating so badly

A Real simple solution, if the producers of the foods your eating belong to Wall Streets club of crooks “don’t eat it”

Incredible

I am a psychiatry resident and have a PhD in neuroscience. I studied the hypothalamic origins of hunger. This book taught me quite a bit and nailed it on the topics I was familiar with. I was touched by the discussion of journal club at the beginning, so reminiscent of my own experiences in lab :)

I loved this book. Please read it.

Great information.

This book was very well read and was much more enjoyable and interesting than I expected considering the topic. Definitely looking forward to a second audio book. The only negative was some of the audio in the interview was difficult to hear, but that was short.

Most important book to rrad if youre human

The very priceless information about what food that isnt food is doing to us and the world

Chapter 10

Apparently, there’s an interview in this chapter but you can’t hear the other participant well at all. Especially in the car or with headphones. Not really sure what the who is trying to accomplish. Otherwise great inflammation.

Fascinating but NOT Preachy

The author reads his own material. He is engaging and humorous. Lots of facts and data to get through, but they are convincing and well researched. Loved the raw interviews at ends of some chapters. His take on UPFs is simple: be informed and make your own choices. This is NOT a diet book-- it's a science and business story. Excellent!

Informative and Entertaining

Really helped me to take another step away from Ultra Processed Food. And really entertaining too. The readers had a great sense of humor. It was like learning about food and nutrition while smiling and laughing.

Extremely well researched

Audible was a great way to take in a lot of dense information that was read by the author in a classic British accent. The audible version includes several interviews with with author’s identical twin brother that are not in the print version.

An Improtant Book

I listened to it about a year ago. A year after, I have lost weight, lowered my borderline A1C and all without having to focus on what I am eating as long as it is not ultra processed. Well balanced and informative. The author recognizes the problems in our food supply while also acknowledging the challenges of creating a system that can be applied more broadly. I think the most important concept you'll get out of this book is to question. What appears to be food sometimes just isn't even close to real food.