233. Stop feeding your kids Rice Krispies with Shawn Stevenson
Sep 23, 2023
auto_awesome
Health & fitness expert, Shawn Stevenson, joins Paul to discuss the American Health system, big food and government motives, and creating a healthy household. They explore processed food statistics, the problem with kids cereal boxes, and the benefits of whole foods vs. processed foods. The episode emphasizes the need for better dietary choices and intentional community engagement for a healthier future.
Ultra processed foods contribute to the decline in Americans' health, with 70% of a child's diet in the US consisting of ultra processed foods.
Creating a microculture within households that prioritizes healthy eating and shared mealtimes can lead to improved health outcomes.
Investing in whole, real foods and raising awareness about the dangers of heavily processed and subsidized products is crucial for promoting better health.
Deep dives
The Influence of Ultra Processed Foods on American Health
The podcast episode discusses the alarming prevalence of ultra processed foods in the American diet. It highlights a study that found nearly 70% of the average child's diet in the United States is made up of ultra processed foods. The guest speaker, Sean Stevenson, explains that this shift towards ultra processed foods has contributed to the decline in the health of Americans. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the difference between processed and ultra processed foods, stating that ultra processed foods have lost any essence of their original form. This shift in diet has been linked to the rising rates of chronic diseases in the United States, with 60% of Americans having at least one chronic disease. The episode underscores the need for cultural change and creating microcultures within households to prioritize healthy eating and reduce reliance on ultra processed foods.
The Power of Community and Culture in Shaping Health Choices
The episode explores the role of community and culture in shaping individuals' health choices. It highlights research that shows the benefits of strong social ties, including a 50% reduction in all-cause mortality. The guest speaker, Sean Stevenson, emphasizes the importance of creating a microculture within households that emphasizes healthy eating and shared mealtimes. Eating together as a family has been shown to increase nutrient intake and decrease consumption of ultra processed foods. The episode also discusses the impact of advertising and marketing, particularly targeting children with cartoon characters on cereal boxes. This manipulation influences children's perception of taste and contributes to their preference for ultra processed foods. The importance of changing the larger culture and challenging industry influences on dietary guidelines is also highlighted.
Changing Kitchen Culture and Creating Rewarding Mealtime Experiences
The episode provides strategies for changing kitchen culture and creating rewarding mealtime experiences. The guest speaker, Sean Stevenson, shares science-backed strategies to improve the kitchen environment and make healthy eating easier. This includes organizing the kitchen to prioritize nutritious foods, making healthy options visible and easily accessible. The importance of pleasure and satisfaction in food experiences is emphasized, with the goal of providing equal or greater pleasure through real nutrition rather than relying on ultra processed foods. The episode also underscores the significance of eating together as a family, not only for nutritional benefits but also for reducing stress and building stronger relationships. Practical tips and studies on making family meals enjoyable are discussed, encouraging listeners to create a microculture of health and connection in their own households.
The dangers of government subsidies and cheap, processed foods
The podcast episode discusses the negative impacts of government subsidies on the food industry and the resulting abundance of cheap, processed foods. It highlights how most grain-based products, which form the basis of the American diet, are contaminated with the carcinogen glyphosate. These foods contribute to health problems such as obesity, diabetes, and inflammation. The episode emphasizes the need to invest in whole, real foods and raise awareness about the dangers of relying on heavily processed and subsidized products.
Food as information and the importance of family meals
Another focus of the podcast is how food is not just fuel, but also carries valuable information for our bodies. It emphasizes the importance of consuming whole foods rather than relying on supplements. The episode highlights the significance of family meals and the need to disconnect from devices and distractions during mealtime to foster connections and truly engage with loved ones. It emphasizes that family meals can serve as a buffer against the negative effects of the food industry and encourages people to schedule at least three meals a week together to prioritize health and family relationships.
On today’s episode, Shawn Stevenson, author and health & fitness expert, joins Paul to discuss the current state of affairs of the American Health system and the American diet. They cover big food and government motives, whole foods vs. processed foods, and how to create a loving environment and family life to model healthy living for our youth.
*Unfortunately, due to some technical issues, Shawn’s camera stopped recording halfway through the episode.
00:06:10 Processed food statistics
00:14:30 Why it’s hard to make behavioral change
00:27:20 Big food companies and government motives