Joe Wicks, known as The Body Coach, grew up eating a lot of ultra-processed foods—foods that are heavily manufactured and often contain additives, preservatives, and refined ingredients. These types of foods, such as frozen dinners and packaged snacks, are commonly found in convenience stores and are designed to be easy to prepare and consume. Now a father of four, Wicks is committed to giving his children a healthier lifestyle, inspired in part by Dr. Chris van Tulleken’s book Ultra-Processed People. In a Channel 4 documentary titled Joe Wicks: Licensed To Kill, he explored how these ultra-processed foods (UPFs) can negatively affect health, increasing the risk of conditions like type two diabetes and obesity. The documentary aimed to raise awareness about the hidden dangers in processed foods, but it also sparked criticism from some nutrition experts and health professionals. Fitness influencers, dietitians, and doctors took to social media to challenge Wicks’ views on the impact of UPFs on both physical and mental health. Despite this backlash, Wicks believes the documentary helped bring more attention to the issue of ultra-processed foods and their ingredients. He is not planning a follow-up documentary, but he continues to use his platform to promote healthy eating and active lifestyles through social media, recipes, and fitness content. Wicks is also preparing to release his 14th cookbook, Healthy Start, which features nutritious recipes designed for the whole family. He emphasizes the importance of cooking with children and introducing them to a wide variety of foods from a young age. Rather than labeling foods as "good" or "bad," he encourages his children to pay attention to how different foods make them feel. Wicks believes that learning to cook is a valuable life skill that can improve both mental health and energy levels. In his cookbook, Wicks shares recipes like cheesy smashed beef quesadillas, Thai red curry with prawns, and beetroot falafel burgers—each highlighting whole ingredients and diverse flavors. His approach focuses on making healthy eating accessible and enjoyable, showing that nutritious meals can be both delicious and family-friendly.