Good Food, Great Mood, Happy Hearts!

Food has an incredible power to uplift our spirits and transform our mood. Take, for example, the comforting embrace of a warm slice of apple pie. This scrumptious dessert, with its origins tracing back to England, has captivated taste buds all over the world, especially in North America, where it has become a staple of family gatherings and celebrations.

Now, imagine indulging in a slice of apple pie that breaks the mold—it's flourless, sugarless, and entirely dairy-free! While such a combination might sound unconventional, trust me when I say that this dessert is packed with the beloved flavors of traditional apple pie. Each bite is a guilt-free delight that leaves you feeling light and satisfied, turning dessert time into a true celebration of health and happiness.

On a more serious note, I want to address a critical issue that was brought to light just last month, on November 18th, 2025. A comprehensive report released by the world's leading scientific organization highlighted alarming risks associated with Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs), their easy accessibility, indulgence, and their pervasive influence on global health.

This extensive research, conducted by a panel of 43 esteemed experts and analyzing 104 long-term scientific studies, found that habitual consumption of these heavily processed foods dramatically heightens the risk of 12 significant health conditions.

Among the most troubling findings are the links to: Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, kidney disorders, and even depression.

Alarmingly, this report also indicated an association between UPFs (Ultra-Processed Foods) consumption and an increased risk of premature death from a range of causes.

Major media outlets like The Guardian and the BBC have reported that more than half of what people typically eat in the United States and the UK consists of these kinds of foods. This raises some important questions about our eating habits and the impact of highly processed items on our health. It's definitely something worth discussing!

The situation we're facing is far-reaching and affects billions worldwide, not just a select few countries. It's a pressing health crisis that demands our attention. Experts are calling for immediate global regulations, particularly given the aggressive marketing strategies of food industry giants. These tactics significantly influence consumer decisions and prompt a broader discussion about health, nutrition, and the responsibilities we each hold regarding our choices. It's a critical moment for us to reflect on how these factors impact our well-being and what steps we can take for healthier life choices.

Take India, for example: I spent the first 21 years of my life there, and during my childhood, it was pretty uncommon to see obese children. The rates of adult obesity were also relatively low.

India has long been celebrated as the spiritual capital of the world, but in just a couple of decades, the food culture has changed significantly. It is disconcerting to witness the rise of obesity among both children and adults. With the increasing availability of pre-packaged meals, fast food, and processed snacks, along with changes in lifestyle, many families are adopting unhealthy habits.

According to data from The Economic Times, India's largest reputable magazine, more than 70% of urban adults in India are now classified as overweight or obese. This rate has tripled in just three decades. Shockingly, while India still retains the title of the spiritual capital of the world, it ranks as the third-highest nation in the world for obesity, trailing only behind the United States and China.

This disturbing trend is primarily attributed to our lifestyle choices, particularly the increasing intake of Ultra-Processed Foods. As spotlighted in *The Wholeness Cookbook*, we find ourselves surrounded by deceptive food products cleverly marketed as "healthy." The attractive packaging, perceived convenience, and appealing labels often lead us to make choices that aren't in our best interest, complicating our path to better nutrition.

Ultimately, most of us aspire to live long and fulfilling lives. Thanks to remarkable advancements in technology and medicine, global life expectancy has risen significantly, a milestone we should celebrate. Nonetheless, it's essential to reflect on the quality of life that accompanies this extended lifespan. While some aspects are beyond our control, such as genetic predispositions, research strongly suggests that our lifestyle choices—especially our diet—play a critical role in determining our overall health, both physical and mental, as well as our longevity.

In my previous blog titled "Did the Healthcare System Fail Me," I shared a personal health scare that sparked a transformative journey for me. Despite the abundance of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) in supermarkets and the media, there is a silver lining: the revival of nutritious home cooking, a practice that has sadly declined over the years.

By embracing simple, delicious meals made with fresh ingredients, we can not only regain our sanity but also reconnect with the basics of healthy eating. This shift can lead to better health and a greater sense of happiness in our lives.

I genuinely believe in the transformative power of conscious eating, and I'd love for you to think about the food choices you make daily.

Do you often find yourself opting for quick and convenient processed meals and snacks, including those labeled as healthy, simply for the sake of saving time and seeking instant gratification? Or are you actively choosing to honor and nurture your remarkable body with vibrant, wholesome meals that celebrate nature's abundance? Remember, nourishing yourself doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming; in fact, simplicity often leads to the most satisfying results!

Let's take a little trip down memory lane to that delicious apple pie we talked about. Remember the warm slice, fresh out of mama's oven? There's really nothing like the comfort of enjoying a homemade pie; it's pure bliss! This holiday season, why not take it a step further and whip up a whole pie that not only warms your soul but tantalizes your taste buds, too?

I invite you to explore and join our new Happy Tummy Cooking Club! It's a fantastic space where we celebrate both traditional and modern recipes with a healthy twist: everything is gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, and sugar-free, yet bursting with flavor. It's more than just sharing recipes. It's a vibrant community filled with food lovers from all over the globe! We gather to share laughter, creativity, and, of course, delicious meals. Most importantly, we believe in savoring every bite without guilt!

Click the link below and let's cook up some magic together:

EXPLORE OUR COOKING CLUB

Here's to embracing your vibrant health and unlocking a world of boundless happiness! May every moment be infused with energy and joy as you journey towards a life filled with amazing possibilities!

Cheers,  

Asha