Simple Doesn't Mean Easy
Simple Doesn't Mean Easy
Michelle Visser
230. The Truth About Ultra-Processed Foods (And Why Consumers Are Fighting Back)
34 minutes Posted Jul 20, 2026 at 10:00 am.
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For years it felt like Big Food was winning—but the latest market data tells a different story.


If you've ever wondered whether your everyday food choices really matter, this episode offers hope—and proof that they do.


In this episode, learn about encouraging research showing that Americans are choosing more minimally processed food options. Find out what may be leading to this trend and why this consumer shift matters.


Your grocery dollars influence the food industry, and even one small change at a time can make a meaningful difference for your family's health.


Michelle also shares updates from life on the homestead, including Bill's health, this year's challenging garden season, the benefits of cover crops, why she grows her own garlic and is expanding her strawberry patch, and practical encouragement for anyone trying to eat healthier without becoming overwhelmed.


This episode's sponsors:

https://soulyrested.com/heritage/

https://soulyrested.com/trueleaf

https://soulyrested.com/teas


Grab my Pantry Checklist (loaded with discounts on my favorite ingredients) for free right here: https://soulyrested.com/pantry/


Go here to get special offers for podcast listeners in your inbox: https://soulyrested.com/podcast/



Go here to get special offers for podcast listeners in your inbox: https://soulyrested.com/podcast/


Cover Crops Resource Hub: https://soulyrested.com/cover/


Access to the FREE Free Fall Soil Challenge: https://soulyrested.com/cover/


The market study discussed: https://www.supermarketperimeter.com/articles/14321-research-finds-which-food-brands-are-most-exposed-to-upf-fallout


Chart showing obesity rates by country:


Regenerative American Meat: https://99counties.com/

Code SIMPLE50


Tallow & Real Food Wellness Resources: https://soulyrested.com/wellness/


Past Podcast Episodes Mentioned in this episode:


Episode 226 – Bill's health scare and anxiety symptoms

Episode 221 – Glyphosate in our food

Episode 220 – How to render lard

Episode 218 – Breaking junk food addiction (with Glenn Livingston)

Episode 215 – Processed foods and children's behavior (with Amy Sprouse)

Episode 214 – How Big Food engineers our cravings

Episode 223 – Fresh flour bread tips

Episode 222 – Healthy breakfasts

Episode 205 – RuthAnn Zimmerman on making realistic food changes

Episode 203 – Human hair and duck feathers in bread


FREE resources:

Learn how to use fresh milled flour: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/k36hnsvbh7

Learn about kombucha (and grab some of my favorite recipes): https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/b91bdd18-3581-414f-b145-8acd2e508a52

Learn about dehydrating food: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/fl36xcgpvq

Learn about baking with maple syrup: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/62116313e0eda1a0d870b747

Learn about making your own maple syrup: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/q5ecjrundz

Looking for more free resources? Choose from even more FREE e-courses here: https://soulyrested.com/howto/

All my favorite ingredients: https://soulyrested.com/the-best-ingredients-in-my-kitchen/


About Michelle Visser

Hi, so nice to meet you! I’m Michelle, a former processed food junkie turned real-food enthusiast.

My husband and I live on a small New England farm and sugarbush with a lot of gardens. But I’m passionate about helping folks have more real food in their lives, no matter where they live. No farm or garden required.


👋Find me in all the places:

My book: https://amzn.to/45Pt8Pu

My website: https://soulyrested.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/souly.rested/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soulyrested

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/soulyrested/

youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichelleVisser


CONTACT: michelle@soulyrested(dot)com


If you listen to any of the following shows, we're sure you'll love ours too! Ancestral Kitchen, Pioneering Today with Melissa K Norris, Simple Farmhouse Life with Lisa Bass, Pantry Chat with Homesteading Family, Sue's Healthy Minutes with Sue Becker, Old Fashioned on Purpose with Jill Winger, The Wildly Capable Show with Liz and Joey Haselmayer, ZOE Science & Nutrition, Maintenance Phase