The expert, who has collaborated with major food manufacturers like Kellogg’s and Coca-Cola, cut ultra-processed foods from his diet – and he lost weight without actually trying
UPFs are a major cause of weight gain(GETTY)
Professor Barry Smith, who’s previously worked with big names like Kellogg’s and Coca-Cola has spilled the beans on his accidental weight loss journey after ditching ultra-processed foods from his diet.
The expert from the University of London Institute of Philosophy confessed to Business Insider that a whopping 40 per cent of his scoff used to be UPFs during his time consulting for these food giants. Ultra-processed food is made up of stuff you wouldn’t normally find in your pantry, including preservatives, flavour-enhancers, thickening agents, and modified fats and sugars.
These include everything from biscuits, sweets and ready-to-bake chips to processed meats, breakfast cereals and fizzy pop. Back in 2020, Prof Smith decided to give UPFs the boot over worries about what they were doing to his health. He said: “I was consciously cutting out ultra-processed food because of the bad things it might do for my health. And then found the effects were so desirable.”
Eating UPFs can lead to a host of health problems, thanks to their artificial ingredients. Not only did Smith get a boost in energy and feel fuller for longer, but he also saw the pounds drop off once he cut out UPFs from his diet. He said: “You find yourself resorting to quite natural intake regulation where you don’t overeat.”
Professor Smith, an expert in sensory stimulation, has sounded the alarm on Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs), suggesting that these foods are designed to make us overeat, and it’s not just the high fat and sugar content that’s to blame, reports the Express. He warned: “They’re foods that we want and can’t seem to stop wanting.”
These tantalising treats are engineered to be addictive, packed with fats, sugars, and certain proteins that keep us coming back for more. Their allure lies not just in their taste but also in their texture, appearance, and smell, making them hard to resist even when they ‘aren’t food’.
Smith also highlighted that even seemingly innocent staples like canned beans and pulses might be hiding ultra-processed ingredients such as preservatives and thickeners. He advises consumers to be vigilant, always check food labels, and choose organic whenever possible.
