Why I’m Eliminating Ultra-Processed Foods in 2025

Episode 1 (Jan 12, 2025)

Short answer: To help set the record straight on what ultra-processed foods are, what they’re doing to our bodies, and how they contribute to obesity and chronic disease. Follow my blog throughout this year to see how this experiment changes my life and body—and learn some great information about processed foods and big food industry along the way.

The Longer Answer

As a nutrition coach, I’ve had the privilege of working with so many amazing people in their pursuit of better health, improved performance, and often weight loss. Without a doubt, one of the biggest hurdles they face is the trap of packaged, processed foods.

From my experience, I know that for most people, simply cutting out the junk and eating 90% real, whole foods would do wonders for their health and help them build the bodies they desire.

Sure, there are still important factors like macronutrient balance (are we getting enough protein, carbs, and fat?) and total calorie intake. But with a bit of education and practice, much of that can be easily achieved.

So why is it so hard to do this?

Great question! And honestly, even as a nutrition coach and business owner, I struggle to completely avoid ultra-processed foods. I know how detrimental they can be, yet these foods are everywhere.

Here’s the kicker: Ultra-processed foods are chemically engineered to be highly addictive. Food companies hire incredibly smart people to create the perfect combination of flavors and ingredients to light up your brain’s dopamine reward centers—much like drugs do.

The difference? Unlike drugs, ultra-processed foods are everywhere. They’re common, normalized, and socially accepted. Imagine trying to quit heroin if it was available on every corner and everyone around you was using it. Extreme comparison? Maybe. Maybe not.

This year, I’m on a mission to show just how harmful the regular consumption of packaged, processed foods can be. I’ll be eliminating them from my diet entirely to highlight the changes in my own body (and I likely already consume less processed food than the average American). Along the way, I’ll also share insights into the food system to help you make better choices.

Day 12 (Approximately Two Weeks In)

At two weeks in, I haven’t noticed any major physical revelations yet, but here’s something exciting: My knees are less achy in the mornings.

I’m a 40-year-old CrossFit athlete who deals with regular aches and pains that come with intense training. The improvement in my joint discomfort feels significant, even in this short amount of time. I’ll take that as a major win!

The More You Know

Did you know that as of 2024, over 70% of the calories consumed by children and more than 60% of the calories consumed by adults come from ultra-processed products?

Our bodies are incredibly resilient and can filter out occasional toxins. However, with most of our diet now coming from packaged foods, we’re ingesting these additives far more than "occasionally."

For instance, did you know that many fast-food chains add dimethylpolysiloxane (a type of silicone) to their frying oils to prevent foaming and extend oil life? This same compound is found in industrial products like car wax, furniture polish, and medical tubing. If you saw it by itself, would you consider eating it? Probably not.

Fast Food Fries: A U.S. vs. Europe Comparison

Let’s talk about McDonald’s fries. Did you know they’re made differently depending on where you are in the world?

U.S. Ingredients:

• Potatoes
• Vegetable Oil (canola, soybean, hydrogenated soybean oil)
• Natural Beef Flavor (with hydrolyzed wheat and milk)
• Dextrose (sugar to maintain color)
• Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate (prevents graying)
• Citric Acid (preservative)
• Dimethylpolysiloxane (anti-foaming agent in frying oil)

U.K. Ingredients:

• Potatoes
• Vegetable Oil (sunflower and rapeseed oil)
• Dextrose (to maintain color)
• Salt

The difference? Europe’s stricter food regulations limit additives, while U.S. food manufacturers can use more cost-effective, flavor-enhancing chemicals.

This Isn’t About Fear—It’s About Awareness

I’m not here to scare you. I want to empower you with information. It’s unlikely big food manufacturers will voluntarily switch to safer ingredients anytime soon (why would they, we keep purchasing them), but you do have a choice in what you buy.

If we stop buying the junk, they’ll have to start making better options. 😎

I hope you’ll join me for future updates on this year-long experiment. I’ll continue highlighting changes in my own body and share valuable insights to help you make better choices for your health.

Take the First Step

If you’re just starting your health and wellness journey, I’ve got a great resource for you: my free Zero Hassle Meal Prep Guide. Eating at home is one of the best ways to ensure you’re fueling your body with high-quality, real food while avoiding unnecessary additives.

Thanks for being here,
Coach Ashleigh🦈🍎