Ever wondered why your cravings seem unstoppable despite your best efforts? At BariNation, we’re peeling back the layers on ultra-processed foods to help our bariatric community make informed choices for gut health and lasting wellness.

We’re joined by Dr. Eric Smith of the Kentucky Bariatric Institute, who breaks down the science behind food addiction, the deceptive allure of hyper-palatable products, and why whole foods are key to silencing food noise. Discover actionable steps and resources like Food Fight USA to transform your approach to obesity treatment.

Tune in, and don’t forget to join the BariNation Community to attend community meetups, watch exclusive bonus content and support the podcast for as little as $5 per month!  You can also contribute to BariNation and become a Drive To Thrive Supporter with a one-time donation.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (02:20) Dr. Smith advocates for whole foods and how ultra-processed foods derail patients' efforts
• (06:56) Big Tobacco’s strategies influenced hyper-palatable food production, creating food addiction through ultra-processed foods
• (14:30) Example of a grilled chicken patty with 47 ingredients illustrates the hidden complexity of ultra-processed foods
• (21:00) Discussion of the Blue Zone and discussion of food noise and chemical noise
• (38:15) Dr. Smith gives an example of an addictive drink and how to overcome it
• (44:42) Discussion on balancing protein goals with whole foods to reduce obsession with macronutrients 
• (51:15) Critique of SNAP programs providing non-nutritional items like soda, which lack nutritional value 
• (54:25) Trying a diet of 80% whole foods for a month to assess improvements in gut health

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Ultra-processed foods contribute significantly to food addiction and food noise, making it harder for individuals, especially in the bariatric community, to maintain a healthy diet, as they are designed to be hyperpalatable and trigger cravings.
• Focusing on whole foods with single ingredients is a sustainable approach to achieving nutritional value and supporting long-term gut health. 
• Educating oneself about food sources, as advocated by Food Fight USA, empowers individuals to make informed choices, reducing reliance on artificial sweeteners and addressing systemic issues like the Farm Bill to combat obesity treatment challenges.

RESOURCES:

•  BariNation Website
• Tune in, and don’t forget to join the BariNation Community to attend community meetups, watch exclusive bonus content and support the podcast for as little as $5 per month! You can also contribute to BariNation and become a Drive To Thrive Supporter with a one-time donation.
• BariNation - Email

GUEST RESOURCES:  

Kentucky Bariatric Institute

Dr. Eric Smith - Instagram

Food Fight USA - Website

BIOGRAPHY:

Eric F. Smith, DO, FASMBS, CAQ-MBS

Dr. Eric Smith is a board-certified general and bariatric surgeon who has been in practice since 2006. He is the Medical Director for the Kentucky Bariatric Institute, a SRC Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery, a national proctor, speaker, and teacher for Intuitive Surgical in the specialty of robotic bariatric surgery. He is board certified in bariatric and robotic surgery, member of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons. He is an engaged, caring and dedicated physician who has completed thousands of bariatric surgeries.

ABOUT:

If the BariNation podcast helps power your bariatric journey, become a monthly podcast supporter and help us produce the show! Visit www.barinationpodcast.com and help us support people treating the disease of obesity with humor, humility, and honesty.

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