Did you know that at this point and time over 72% of adults in the United States are overweight or have obesity?

Mostly this is due to the junk that's quietly taking over our plates: ultra-processed foods. Yeah, I'm calling out those sneaky snacks, frozen dinners, sugary cereals, and that whole aisle of colorful boxes and bags that promise easy meals and quick satisfaction.

But let’s be real – they're wreaking havoc on our health! Let me break it down in Tony Horton style, so you can dodge these nutrient-zapping foods and keep that body and mind in top shape.

First off, ultra-processed foods are not your friends – they’re more like the friends who invite you out for one drink that turns into five, and you regret it the next day.

These foods are chemically loaded, calorie-packed, and nutrient-poor, which means they’re designed to give your brain a quick “hit” of pleasure, but they don’t offer anything your body needs. They’re a shortcut to empty calories and bad habits that derail all that hard work you’re putting into staying healthy.

Let's get into the science for a sec. Ultra-processed foods are loaded with added sugars, artificial flavors, preservatives, and fats that don’t belong anywhere near a balanced meal. Take a look at the ingredient list next time you pick up a bag of chips or a frozen pizza – if you can’t pronounce half the ingredients, that’s a red flag.

These artificial additives and preservatives have been linked to all sorts of chronic conditions: obesity, heart disease, diabetes, you name it. When you put these foods in your body, you’re sending in artificial soldiers that mess up the balance of your gut, your hormones, and your brain.

And here's the kicker – these foods are designed to be addictive. That’s why you can down a whole bag of chips without even realizing it. The food industry has figured out that if they load these snacks with the right mix of salt, sugar, and fat, we’re hooked.

It’s not just about willpower; they’re engineered to keep us coming back for more. This addiction to ultra-processed foods sets you up for energy crashes, weight gain, and cravings that are nearly impossible to shake.

You’re probably wondering, “So, Tony, what should I eat?” Go simple, my friends! Stick to whole, natural foods as much as possible – veggies, lean proteins, fruits, whole grains.

Think of your body like a high-performance machine; you wouldn’t fill a race car with cheap fuel, right? So why fuel your body with ultra-processed junk? Every time you eat, you have a chance to give your body something it can actually use to build muscle, fight off illness, and keep your mind sharp.

Now, I’m not saying you can never have a treat – life is about balance. But make it a real treat, not something pumped out of a factory line. Choose foods that actually taste good because they're made from good stuff. Food should energize you, fuel you, and help you stay vibrant, not leave you feeling sluggish and craving more junk an hour later.

So, do yourself a favor: the next time you’re in the grocery store, skip those ultra-processed aisles and shop on the perimeter.. Focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods that nourish every cell in your body. You know the drill, if it comes in a bag, box or can it’s mostly Ultra-Processed and loaded with ingredients that are not natural.

Your body, mind, and future self will thank you for it. Keep it real, stay strong, and remember – you’re worth the good stuff!