There’s no doubt that our diet influences our mental health, body composition, and risk for developing chronic diseases. And in today’s world, as multiple health epidemics are skyrocketing, it’s more important than ever to be informed about how our food is impacting our biology.  

On today’s show, you’re going to learn from four experts in their respective fields about how ultra-processed foods hijack our cravings and hunger and directly influence our health. This episode features some of the top experts like Dr. Amy Shah, Dr. Jud Brewer, and more. These conversations cover topics like how ultra-processed foods alter our neurochemistry, gut health, and mental health.  

You’re going to learn about how certain foods are specifically created to get you hooked, how food addiction occurs, and why ultra-processed foods are so easy to overeat. We’re also going to talk about realistic ways to begin changing your dietary habits. So listen in, and enjoy this compilation episode!  

In this episode you’ll discover: 

• How ultra-processed foods are engineered to target dopamine pathways.  

• The connection between diet and mental health.  

• What role your gut bacteria plays in dictating your hunger and cravings. 

• Why the food you eat influences your mood.  

• What neuropeptide YY is, and its role in satiety.  

• The difference between hunger and cravings.  

• Why a diverse diet is key for gut health.  

• The importance of thinking of nutrition in a more holistic way.  

• Why it can be difficult to move toward a healthier diet.  

• The fascinating science of how humans evolved to overeat.  

• Why ultra-processed foods are so easy to overeat.  

• What the scarcity loop is, and how to use it to change your habits. 

• How scarcity cues influence our behaviors. 

• What addiction actually is.  

• The first step in changing eating habits.  

• How to change the reward system in your brain.  

Items mentioned in this episode include: 

• Onnit.com/model -- Save an exclusive 10% on performance supplements & tools! 

• Foursigmatic.com/model -- Get an exclusive discount on your daily health elixirs! 

• How Ultra-Processed Foods Are Hijacking the Human Brain with Dr. Amy Shah -- Listen to episode 665! 

• The Truth About Gut Bacteria & Parasites with Dr. Tim Spector -- Listen to episode 683! 

• The Truth About Overeating & Addiction with Michael Easter -- Listen to episode 735! 

• The Hunger Habit & The Surprising Truth About Willpower with Dr. Jud Brewer ß Listen to episode 754! 

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This episode of The Model Health Show is brought to you by Onnit and Foursigmatic. 

Visit Onnit.com/model for an exclusive 10% discount on human performance supplements and fitness equipment.  

Visit foursigmatic.com/model to get an exclusive 10% discount on mushroom and adaptogen-packed blends to improve your life.