Zack Khan warns that, in America, food has become a drug
In episode three of GI Conversation With Zack Khan, filmmaker Vlad Yudin and the outspoken bodybuilder tackle some of the most pressing issues affecting not just bodybuilding but society at large. The discussion spans the controversial state of food processing in the U.S., the impact of addictive technology on daily life, and Zack Khan’s unfiltered thoughts on social media’s grip on younger generations.
The Food Processing Crisis in the U.S.
The conversation opens with Yudin highlighting a growing movement in the United States aimed at exposing the truth behind food processing. He asks Zack Khan why the U.S. seems to have a bigger problem with processed foods compared to other nations, particularly in Europe.
Zack Khan explains that food in every part of the world contains chemicals designed to make consumers crave more, ensuring they keep buying and boosting corporate profits. However, the U.S. food industry has taken this to an extreme. He likens the food industry to the pharmaceutical sector, where he believes the ultimate goal isn’t health but profit.
“Why would they want you to be healthy?” Khan asks rhetorically. “They want you to be sick so they can keep making money.”
When pressed by Yudin about why the U.S. is worse in this regard, Khan speculates that it comes down to government policies and corporate influence. He suggests that Europeans might be more health-conscious than Americans, a perspective he admits has shifted over time. As a child, Khan perceived Americans as paragons of health, influenced by the action stars in U.S. films. However, he now believes Americans “kept their hands in the cookie jar for too long,” resulting in a culture overly dependent on unhealthy, processed foods.
Culture Shock and Food Addiction
Yudin recalls a conversation with fitness icon Simeon Panda, who once described needing time to adjust to the overly salty and processed food in the U.S. Zack Khan agrees, adding that the U.S. operates in a cultural bubble, reinforcing norms around excessive food portions and unhealthy ingredients.
Zack Khan points out that addictive chemicals in food, combined with aggressive marketing, have made eating less about nourishment and more about chasing a dopamine rush. He draws a parallel to how media and technology condition people for instant gratification, lamenting how even simple pleasures like watching a movie are disrupted by the constant need to check phones.
“People can’t sit through a movie without scrolling on Instagram,” Khan observes. “Our brains are trained to need that dopamine hit every 10 seconds. It’s by design—it sells more products.”
Leaving the Phone Behind at the Gym
The conversation shifts to personal habits, with Yudin asking Zack Khan if he takes his phone to the gym. Khan responds with a firm no, emphasizing that the gym is his sanctuary—a place where he can disconnect and focus solely on himself for 30 to 45 minutes.
“The phone kills your motivation,” he says. He advocates starting the day with an activity that reminds you you’re alive, rather than immediately looking at your phone.
For Khan, this practice is part of a larger philosophy about reclaiming control over one’s life from the distractions of modern technology.
Social Media and Age Restrictions
The episode concludes with a discussion on the impact of social media, particularly on younger generations. Yudin brings up proposed legislation in some countries to restrict social media access to individuals older than 14. Zack Khan not only agrees with the idea but suggests raising the minimum age to 16.
He argues that social media introduces young minds to a world of addictive behaviors, unrealistic comparisons, and mental health challenges before they’re mature enough to navigate them responsibly. Khan sees age restrictions as a necessary step toward fostering healthier relationships with technology.
Wrap Up
Episode three of GI Conversation With Zack Khan delivers a thought-provoking critique of modern society’s relationship with food, technology, and social media. From his candid remarks on the processed food epidemic in the U.S. to his advocacy for healthier habits in and out of the gym, Khan offers a no-nonsense perspective on issues that extend far beyond bodybuilding.
As always, Zack Khan’s unapologetic honesty and sharp insights make for an engaging discussion. For fans of the series and anyone interested in the intersections of health, culture, and technology, this episode is a must-watch. Stay tuned for more as Vlad Yudin and Zack Khan continue to break down the biggest topics shaping the fitness world and beyond.
