Tom Hopper Built Muscle and Lost Fat Eating Pasta and McDonalds in Europe

[@OneStopAging]

As a nutritionist with a European background, I can explain why. In Europe, we don't allow GMOs or harmful pesticides like glyphosate, and we avoid fortifying foods with synthetic folic acid. This is especially important given that around 44% of the population has the MTHFR gene mutation, which can cause adverse reactions to folic acid. This approach supports both health and genetic compatibility with nutrients.

[@alfredo2601]

Great pod cast chat. Super fan of these 2 guys. Tom.. the Spanish cured ham you are talking about is Jamón Serrano! It’s truly amazing! Activity in Italy was so much higher in daily life rather than life the States and I realized food was much cleaner and had much less sodium vs food in the States. Thomas.. Thank you for the knowledge you share to all of us.

[@JaviRuiz-cz9im]

I'm sure that Tom means one of the sorts of jamón serrano, although that is a quite generic denomination for different types of cured hams. Nevertheless, the fact that he mentioned the process of curing it and, specialy, what he said that it is the most delicious cured ham, I am quite sure that he means iberico ham. Probably a pata negra. Iberic ham is made of from iberic pig, a sort of pig from the Iberic Peninsula (Spain and Portugal). It is smaller than other sorts of pigs and their meat has a protein profile more similar to the human one. Pata negra (Spanis literally "black leg") is made off an iberic pig which is breed in a meadow/semi-forest environment (the "dehesa"). They are feed mostly with acorns from holm oaks and corn oaks that they can find directly under the trees. They have to move to get their food, kind of like cows that are grass-feed, grass-finished cattles. That makes their fat-profile highly interesting. There are studies (I can't recall them) that compare their fat-profile with the extra virgin olive oil.

[@adim00lah]

McDonald's in switzerland uses grass fed beef!

[@chawkisalhi8103]

@@adim00lah like eating a leaf of salad to rid of the effects of fries.

[@newwonderer]

@@savagepro9060 do you really think all depends on america? google it and you discover america buys fertilizers from abroud

[@kenji9232]

what does that mean good or bad? i live in switzerland

[@kenji9232]

@@savagepro9060 ohhhh interesting 🤔 so i dont have to feel like im smoking 2 packs of cigarettes when going bking or mcd?

[@advex4428]

​@@kenji9232In short, everything at McDo is going to be Frankenfood with a lot of garbage added, that is bad for you. Same for the burger patty. Is an unhealthy patty based on grassfed beef slightly better than a usual one? Probably.

[@BennettJonWayne-xw9vi]

McDonalds fries in Europe have 4 ingredients. In North America? 14 ingredients, 10 of which are banned in Europe. True? AI Overview: This statement is mostly true; McDonald's fries in Europe typically have significantly fewer ingredients compared to North American fries, with the European version often only listing potatoes, oil, salt, and sometimes dextrose, while the North American version includes additional ingredients like "natural beef flavor" which may contain components banned in Europe.

[@Ed17151]

In EU, as far as I know, the fries are fried in those cheap oils. GL eating those and staying healthy...

[@Felnier]

When I lived in Japan during college, i ate all the time, whatever I wanted, even McDonald's. I lost a ton of weight (best ive looked in a decade), I had no sleep problems, completely changed from night owl to a morning person, and my only exercise was walking around for class and taking buses. Now I meal plan, count calories, have walk alarms at work, and workout 4x a week for over a year and I still dont look or feel as good as I did just casually living in Japan.

[@ikeelu024]

Thomas I would love to see a video on increasing our metabolism. Often people talk about the opposite, how cutting to too few calories often get out body to adjust, using less calories for basic functions to compensate and how it can hurt our progress in the long run. I don't often see much on the opposite take. How we can increase our metabolism and what it takes to do just that.

[@virginiapfeffer132]

This would be great!

[@chepibe2011]

They say caffeine and fiber can do. Also extra water intake. High protein diet too because it digests slower. And strenght training because more muscle burn more energy.

[@JohanFitFoodie]

Increasing your muscle mass probably is the easier way, then you can eat more and passively burn calories just by existing 💪 I'm maintaining at approximately 3k kcals per day, at 90kg 186cm, aged 37

[@chawkisalhi8103]

The myth of good food in Europe... Not as bad as in the USA but certainly not good. From someone who lives in Europe.

[@jeniferjohnson374]

Yes I've been. I'll just grab my popcorn and watch lol

[@chawkisalhi8103]

@@jeniferjohnson374 European popcorn? :D

[@jeniferjohnson374]

@ hehe yup. No cyanide in my food🤣

[@socloseagain4298]

Yeah this video is kind of misleading

[@josearce4436]

That was in England,not Italy..

[@MrQuadcity]

**Key Takeaways:** 1. **Food Quality in Europe vs. the U.S.:** Hopper observes that European foods, especially in Italy, often lead to fewer digestive issues, less bloating, and better sleep compared to the same types of foods in the U.S. or UK. This is attributed to simpler ingredients, less processing, and traditional preparation methods, which avoid the extensive use of preservatives, additives, and seed oils common in U.S. foods. Fast foods like McDonald’s fries, which have only four ingredients in Europe, have around fourteen in the U.S., highlighting a significant disparity in ingredient standards. 2. **The Impact of Fresh, Whole Ingredients:** In Europe, food is generally prepared fresh daily and incorporates minimal additives. Bread, pasta, and dairy products are often produced locally with fewer processed ingredients. Traditional Italian pasta and bread, for instance, use less gluten and are prepared without the enriched flours common in the U.S. This emphasis on whole, unprocessed foods allows people to enjoy staples like pasta and bread with fewer adverse effects. 3. **Portion Control and Eating Habits:** Portion sizes in Europe are generally smaller, encouraging moderation without compromising enjoyment or satisfaction. European meals are designed to nourish, with cultural emphasis on dining as a community experience rather than quick consumption. Italians, for example, enjoy smaller pasta portions, which contrast with larger servings in the U.S., reinforcing a sustainable approach to eating that contributes to better weight management and health outcomes. 4. **The Contrast in Food Processing Standards:** Many ingredients commonly used in U.S. foods are banned in Europe, where processed foods make up a small percentage of the average diet. Hopper highlights that the over-reliance on processed foods in the U.S. and the extensive use of additives and preservatives contribute to health issues like inflammation and chronic illness. European foods are less likely to contain highly processed wheat, additives, and chemicals, which may also contribute to fewer inflammatory responses and better digestion. 5. **Cultural Importance of Food Quality in Europe:** European countries emphasize high standards for food quality, seeing food as an experience that fosters health and enjoyment. For instance, Italians prioritize nutrient density and flavor, avoiding practices that sacrifice quality for convenience. In contrast, U.S. food culture often prioritizes accessibility and affordability, which may lead to a sacrifice in nutritional value and an increase in processed food consumption. 6. **Protein and Dairy Differences:** While Europeans may consume slightly less protein overall, the quality is often higher. Dairy products, for example, often feature higher protein content without the need for additives. High-protein options in Italy, such as fresh cheeses and filtered milk, provide essential nutrients without the added sugars and fillers often found in U.S. brands. Moreover, portions of meats, like chicken, are smaller but are of higher quality without fillers or hormones. 7. **Challenges in Maintaining Fitness Goals:** Hopper notes that while the quality of protein in Europe is generally better, those pursuing specific fitness goals, such as building muscle, may find it harder to access large portions or find “lean” protein options in European restaurants. Cultural differences in meal sizes and preferences mean that options for “bulking” or meeting high protein requirements are less common in Europe. 8. **Differences in Deli Meats and Cured Foods:** European cured meats, such as Italian ham or prosciutto, are often preserved using traditional methods with just meat and salt, avoiding the nitrates and sulfates prevalent in U.S. deli meats. Hopper explains that European cured meats offer a better balance of taste and health benefits, as they don’t contain harmful additives and are produced in smaller, more controlled quantities. 9. **Mindset and Food Satisfaction:** European food culture focuses on long-term satisfaction and well-being, contrasting with the U.S. approach, which often emphasizes instant gratification. Italian and French dining traditions encourage people to take time with their meals, fostering a sense of connection, community, and enjoyment around food. This approach aligns with lower rates of obesity and chronic illness, as meals are balanced and consumed with mindful intention. 10. **The Challenge of Overcoming Processed Food Dependency in the U.S.:** Hopper expresses concern over the U.S. food system's reliance on processed foods and added sugars, which are often cheaper and more accessible, leading to dependency. He argues that food in the U.S. has been engineered to be hyper-palatable and addictive, contributing to health issues and setting people up for chronic illness. 11. **Balance Between Longevity and Fitness Goals:** Hopper shares that balancing fitness goals, like muscle building, with longevity is a constant challenge. While European lifestyle habits support longevity with walking, smaller meals, and fresh ingredients, they are less supportive of bodybuilding or high-protein diets. Hopper suggests that individuals focus on building a strong physical foundation when young to maintain muscle and fitness as they age, adapting fitness routines over time to prioritize health and longevity. ### Conclusion: Hopper’s experiences reveal the profound impact of food quality, cultural practices, and societal values on health outcomes in Europe versus the U.S. European food culture emphasizes quality, freshness, and community, while the U.S. system tends to favor cost, convenience, and scale, often at the expense of health. By focusing on minimally processed foods, smaller portions, and nutrient-dense meals, Europeans can enjoy traditional foods like pasta and bread without the same negative health impacts often associated with these foods in the U.S. This analysis underscores the value of prioritizing whole foods, cooking practices, and cultural appreciation for meals to foster health and well-being.

[@planetruths]

Take your AI and cram it. Thanks.

[@MrQuadcity]

@@planetruths Welcome. I will

[@alcott122]

Why is nobody talking about book called The 23 Former Doctor Truths by Lauren Clark, Its been life-changing for me since I read it

[@magala101]

The beef in Ireland is from all grass fed cows. Still fires are still cooked in veg oil

[@Granolagirly]

They look like they could be brothers.

[@Corkfish1]

In my 20s and 30s I was bodybuilding. It seemed like the more carbs I ate the stronger I got and the better I looked. Ate half gallons of ice cream and if I gained any weight it was quality muscle. Probably made a mess of my internal organs though.

[@justinklenk]

Don't forget how crucially anabolic those carbs and fat can be and are, sparing your dietary protein for muscle/connective tissue growth, as well as spiking insulin for all-nutrient delivery, significantly increasing all anabolic hormones, and several other anabolic ways and means. It's a whole different ballgame with regard to anabolic potential, when you do the 'feast' side of the feast-and-famine metabolic state (combined with exercise/stimulus)... But at the aesthetic "cost" of putting on a little extra fat at the same time.👍 But (with appropriate exercise stimulus) we tend to build _more muscle than fat_ during our caloric-excess "bulking" phase; and we tend to _lose more fat than muscle_ during our caloric restriction "cutting" phase - a CRUCIAL trick to know, to be able to leverage that pendulum swing for yourself, metabolically. (So a fundamental "trick" or thing to know.)

[@josearce4436]

@@Corkfish1 you did!!

[@oohwha]

Would have been INCREDIBLY INTERESTING to see your blood test results during that time period... I wonder if the workouts were enough to reverse the insulin resistance you had to have been building up over that time (assuming you were eating more than 3 meals per day and never letting insulin levels drop for more than 3-4 hours during waking time). Also, sleeping 8+ hours per night may have helped curb insulin resistance if you were doing that religiously (which many bodybuilders and powerlifters will do out of necessity for recovery and growth).

[@Corkfish1]

@oohwha Very true. But I wasn't very diligent in that regard. I was one of those people who could eat anything and not gain weight so I just assumed my metabolism was taking care of things. Wish I had blood work done because I'm sure it was a disaster! My diet and calorie intake was ridiculous.

[@yaboytcell8961]

You can build muscle and lose fat, and that doesn't automatically mean you're "healthy". People oftentimes get confused thinking that BMI = Health.

[@BennettJonWayne-xw9vi]

Why doesn't someone start a European brands food chain distributorship online in the United States, where everyone can purchase food produced/processed under stricter European standards AT A DISCOUNT? I, for one, will buy !!!

[@coffeeklatschtimecom]

Because our Standard and regulations are much stricter then here!!!! Same with planes.... all European Planes are under much higher and stricter check ups then here!!!

[@chawkisalhi8103]

@@coffeeklatschtimecom the funny thing is we Europeans say the same about American standards... As usual the grass is greener elsewhere

[@BennettJonWayne-xw9vi]

@@coffeeklatschtimecom Hmmmm...really? I thought there was more junk in our food here. Robert F Kennedy Jr was supposed to fix all that when Trump wins, right?

[@kylechristianson7667]

Trump wants to destroy the possibility of that..

[@jesperpedersen3430]

@@BennettJonWayne-xw9viYou actually think a Trump-administration is going to do anything against lobbying interests 🙈

[@esther.f.g]

I've lived in 5 countries in Europe and what I think is that we eat and drink like Americans. The food industry wants more money, so they impose the same model everywhere. The obesity rate is generally increasing. But is a nice topic to make videos and get views

[@ishraambelhassar]

My personal experience is unlike yours. The quality of food products is just not equivalent. I gain weight and feel horrible when I eat anything in Northern America. The food regulation is at cause.

[@jesperpedersen3430]

Nah.. I live in Denmark. I’ve once tried a US Mars bar. It was so sweet I had to throw it out after one bite. The US uses a lot of high fructose corn syrup because of their corn production. That stuff is creating a lot of health problems for you.

[@a3_a3]

literally not possible when europe actively bans ingredients that usa is consistently still using

[@oohwha]

Speaking to the TASTE issue, I've not been able to eat "restaurant foods" that I used to eat when I was younger and didn't have a healthy nutrition lifestyle. Now days, I need to eat organic foods for the main staple of my diet... the junk foods just don't cut it anymore. Either they taste funny right away, or worse, I pay for it hours or even days later due to the horrid negative outcomes in my gut health and microbiome 😢

[@jasonhurst8599]

What I find interesting is that Thomas keeps BASHING the quality of food in the U.S. YET he is in FANTASTIC SHAPE, and I'm guessing that the MAJORITY of the food he eats is from the USA

[@PetetG]

THRIVE MARKET!!

[@jasonhurst8599]

@PetetG 😂😂

[@blahizake]

I think you’re a little confused.

[@jasonhurst8599]

@blahizake I don't think I am. It's fairly obvious. Basically you can eat a very healthy diet wherever you live. You just need to make better choices.

[@blahizake]

@@jasonhurst8599 That’s reasonable. What does it have to do with the sentiment of this video?

[@KravenZoro]

Didn’t expect this guest

[@jasonhurst8599]

I get going on and on about the difference in food quality in Europe vs North America, but what is the difference in COST or PRICE for the same foods? i.e. Pepperoni Pizza in Italy vs Pepperoni Pizza in North America (all things being equal). So yeah maybe the pizza in Italy is better quality, but if the same size of "equal" pizza costs $40 in Italy vs $23 in N.A. where's the advantage?

[@Giovanni-Giorgio]

Don't forget that with cheap food, you pay the price later. ☝️

[@StevenWDix]

There is good food in the USA, pay attention to the labels. One wrong ingredient can spike hormones and make you hungrier in my opinion. When that happens I counter the effects with herbs or fasting. I am happy to see videos like yours because I do not grow my food, and I am dependent on the supply chain to provide minimal ingredients. Pick your fibers carefully too. I bought some cabbage and while it has minimal ingredients, I seem to be less hungry eating strawberries or blueberries. Apples, potatoes, and apparently cabbage maybe a little too cozy for all those probiotics cranking out more than I need.

[@jenelchandler8806]

Is that your Europeon doppelganger?

[@jeniferjohnson374]

Ahh the McDonald's one might be a stretch. Here for the show

[@Vandergrift01]

I'm ready for that in the US. Yesterday

[@advex4428]

The argument for crappy food is money. Soy oil is cheaper than butter. So, it don't matter to the industry that butter tastes better AND is healthier.

[@copiouscat]

Damn the guest looks good AF. Gorgeous. If handsome squidward was a real person I’d imagine he’d look like this!

[@captaincabana9943]

Please make video about MSM

[@budprepper3811]

Breakfast burrito and medium coffee please $4.90

[@JPWestmas]

sounds depressing. What can we do about it.

[@ItsMeDrazen]

Stop buying

[@JPWestmas]

@@ItsMeDrazen According to this guy, all the food in the US is low grade. I'm not moving to Europe any time soon.

[@BennettJonWayne-xw9vi]

@@JPWestmas McDonalds fries in Europe have 4 ingredients. In North America 14 ingredients, 10 of which are banned in Europe. True? AI Overview: This statement is mostly true; McDonald's fries in Europe typically have significantly fewer ingredients compared to North American fries, with the European version often only listing potatoes, oil, salt, and sometimes dextrose, while the North American version includes additional ingredients like "natural beef flavor" which may contain components banned in Europe.

[@JPWestmas]

@@BennettJonWayne-xw9vi I'm not disagreeing.

[@TheAstralftw]

from Europe.. maybe slightly better because lot of good regulations , but still junk food is junk food.

[@francnstein69]

Come on RFK. We need better food regulations in the US.

[@planetruths]

The livestock, I mean citizens, don’t care.

[@fotografiasromero]

What an irresponsible post. Eating processed foods is OK in Europe? Immediately unfollowed.

[@dennisb7930]

Great pod cast Thomas funny how people look at you when you order no roll with the burger😂

[@melaniesmith652]

I am sure its better. They dont GMO there food from what I heard!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@ItsMeDrazen]

From EU: BS

[@rollforever85]

Dumb click bait title

[@stevedimartino683]

You are so right food in this country America is too rich

[@ahefner33]

Kinda a bad message don't you think?

[@FollowerOfTheWayInRoundRock]

Your immature use of saying don't f with food caused me to unsubscribe...you are not in sixth grade junior high. Grow up! Use mature speech.

[@daibhidh]

what a load of bollocks, who's paying you to say this crap, to get people to backtrack back on to junk fast food garbage again probably,, they talked alot back stage etc but he still needed to scribble and take notes while he was speaking lol something to take your mind off your new problem, sell out city

[@kylechristianson7667]

What are you blabbering about? What did he say that wasn't true?

[@daibhidh]

@@kylechristianson7667 get a grip

[@planetruths]

@@kylechristianson7667Just a child who read the title without digesting the actual contents of the discussion. Ignore and move on.

[@Quad038]

Screeching without facts or an argument is worthless

[@daibhidh]

@@Quad038 not really, im not speaking to the comments section am I bro so just because you dunno what im saying doesnt make any difference, and I wasn't screeching ya dramatic big baby