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Unprocessed Diet: Eat More, Weigh Less – How Whole Foods Boost Health
Recent research suggests our bodies possess a 'nutritional intelligence' that guides us towards balanced eating – when presented with real, unprocessed foods.
Published on Feb. 5, 2026
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The New Year often sparks resolutions around healthier eating. But what if achieving that goal isn't about willpower or strict calorie counting, but tapping into a deeply ingrained instinct? Recent research suggests our bodies possess a 'nutritional intelligence' that guides us towards balanced eating – when presented with real, unprocessed foods. This isn't just a fleeting diet trend; it's a potential paradigm shift in how we understand food choices and combat rising obesity rates.
Why it matters
Beyond Calories: The Rise of Micronutrient Leveraging. A groundbreaking study from the University of Bristol revealed that participants eating exclusively unprocessed foods consumed more food by weight – a staggering 57% more – than those on ultra-processed diets, yet they consumed roughly 330 fewer calories daily. This behavior points to what researchers are calling 'micronutrient deleveraging,' where we prioritize foods packed with vitamins and minerals, even if they're lower in calories.
The details
The Ultra-Processed Food Paradox: Energy and Nutrients in a Dangerous Package. Ultra-processed foods (UPFs), while often providing sufficient micronutrients through fortification, deliver a concentrated dose of energy alongside them. This can lead to calorie overload, even in smaller portions. Personalized Nutrition: The Future is in Our Biology. The implications of this research suggest a future where nutrition is increasingly personalized, based on understanding individual biological needs and responses.
- The study from the University of Bristol was published in 2023.
- A 2023 report by the CDC showed that over 60% of calories consumed by Americans come from ultra-processed foods.
The players
University of Bristol
A research institution that conducted a groundbreaking study on the effects of unprocessed foods.
Dr. Kevin Hall
A researcher at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) whose earlier work laid the foundation for the University of Bristol study.
Dr. Annika Flynn
A researcher at the University of Bristol who explained the 'one-hit' scenario created by ultra-processed foods.
Habit
A company acquired by Viome that utilizes at-home testing to provide tailored dietary recommendations based on gut microbiome analysis and metabolic markers.
Viome
A company that provides personalized nutrition recommendations based on individual biological data.
What they’re saying
“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”
— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)
“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”
— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.
