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Episode 62 · 1 hr 18 min
Hey {{first_name|there}},
82% of the average child's lunchbox is ultra-processed food.
57% of all calories consumed in the UK. 66% among teenagers.
I knew it was bad. I didn't know it was that bad.
This week I sat down with one of the most forensic researchers I've come across when it comes to what's actually inside the products lining supermarket shelves. Someone who's spent years pulling apart food labels, ingredient lists, and the marketing tricks that make ultra-processed food look like the healthy choice.
We talked about fish fingers that contain just 48% fish. White chocolate that may no longer contain cocoa. Shrinking products, rising prices, and the gap between what a label says and what's actually in the packet.
What hit me hardest: before we spend more money trying to optimise our health, we need to look at what's already in our trolley.
Supplements. Wearables. Cold exposure. The latest longevity protocol. None of it compensates for a diet built around ultra-processed food. My guest calls it "majoring in the minors."
I think he's right.
My guest is Sunna van Kampen, founder of Tonic Health. He's the bonus. The research is the point.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS
2:46 · Why 63% of the UK is overweight or obese
13:12 · The reality behind everyday foods like fish fingers and Skittles
14:54 · When chocolate stops being chocolate, how brands cost-cut food
31:22 · Are food companies deliberately engineering foods to be addictive?
1:03:52 · Does biohacking work if your diet is poor?
Every timestamp takes you straight there on YouTube.
If you want to make more informed choices about what you're actually buying, this one is worth your time.
Prefer audio? It's on Spotify and Apple Podcasts too.
If this episode gets you thinking about the fundamentals behind better health, that conversation goes much deeper at the Health Optimisation Summit in London, 11-13 September. 3 weeks away. Bear Grylls, Wim Hof, Dr Tara Swart, Francesca (@francescapsychology) and 4,250 health optimisers who take this as seriously as you do. Last year sold out. This year will too.
Look after yourself,
Tim 💚
This episode is brought to you by IM8.
Sunna's point is that the fundamentals have to come first. Food, sleep, the basics. I agree with that completely.
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