About this episode

Dr. Brendan McCarthy discusses the impact of ultra-processed foods on children's brains and offers insights for parents on making healthier choices.

Craving junk food when you’re stressed isn’t a lack of discipline — it’s biology. In this episode, Dr. Brendan McCarthy breaks down what ultra-processed and hyper-palatable foods actually do inside your body — from your metabolism to your hormones, your brain, and your stress response. But this isn’t about guilt or shame. It’s about understanding what you’re up against — especially as a parent trying to make better choices in a world designed to make that difficult. You’ll learn: What ultra-processed foods really are How they impact your endocrine system and metabolism Why stress makes you crave sugar and processed foods Why shame around food doesn’t work (and never will) Simple, realistic ways to improve your family’s eating habits This episode is about taking back control — without perfection, and without guilt. Mechanism-Anchored References Monteiro, Carlos A., et al. “Ultra-Processed Foods: What They Are and How to Identify Them.” Public Health Nutrition, vol. 22, no. 5, 2019, pp. 936–941. Hall, Kevin D., et al. “Ultra-Processed Diets Cause Excess Calorie Intake and Weight Gain: An Inpatient Randomized Controlled Trial of Ad Libitum Food Intake.” Cell Metabolism, vol. 30, no…

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• Trauma Is Driving Your Diet (Not Willpower) | Ultra-Processed Foods Explained · May 6, 2026 · 24 min
• Ultra-Processed Foods & Autoimmunity · April 22, 2026 · 19 min
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• This Isn’t a Willpower Problem: The Truth About Stress, Cravings & Weight Gain · April 1, 2026 · 24 min
• The Real Reason You Crave Junk Food Under Stress · March 25, 2026 · 18 min
• The Missing Piece in Weight Loss · March 18, 2026 · 20 min

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