These documentaries have profoundly reshaped my perspective on food and its impact on my life. Each film has provided me with a shift in my understanding of nutrition, agriculture, and the broader food industry. Alongside each title, I’ve included the platform where I initially viewed it, in hopes you can still find it there. I hope this list will give you a place to start on your journey to a healthier you.
FED UP – Netflix
Fed Up exposes the alarming truth about the American obesity epidemic, blaming the food industry’s deceptive marketing and government policies. Narrated by Katie Couric, the documentary delves into the addictive nature of sugar and the failure of conventional dieting, advocating for systemic change and greater awareness of processed foods’ health risks.
Secret Ingredients – YouTube
Secret Ingredients reveals the hidden dangers of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and pesticides in our food supply. It investigates their potential health impacts, chronicling personal stories of individuals reclaiming health by switching to organic diets. The documentary underscores the importance of transparent food labeling and sustainable agriculture practices.
That Sugar Film – Amazon Prime
The Sugar Film explores the pervasive influence of sugar on modern diets, uncovering its detrimental effects on health. Damon Gameau undergoes a unique experiment, consuming only foods perceived as ‘healthy’ but laden with hidden sugars. Through startling revelations, the documentary highlights the need for informed dietary choices and sugar regulation.
Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead – Netflix
Fat, Sick, & Nearly Dead follows Joe Cross on a journey of self-discovery as he embarks on a juice fast to regain his health. Along the way, he meets Phil Staples, inspiring transformation in both their lives as they confront obesity and embrace healthier lifestyles through juicing.
We Love Paleo – Amazon Prime
We Love Paleo explores the Paleo lifestyle’s growing popularity, featuring personal testimonies and expert interviews. Filmmaker Caroleen Moise travels the globe, investigating its health benefits and cultural impact. The documentary inspires reflection on modern dietary choices and the ancestral wisdom of Paleo eating for improved well-being.
Sugar Coated – Netflix
Sugar Coated delves into the sugar industry’s influence on public health policies and consumer behavior. Through investigative journalism, the documentary exposes sugar’s pervasive presence in processed foods and its links to rising rates of obesity and chronic diseases. It advocates for greater awareness and regulation to combat sugar-related health crises.
Beyond Food – Amazon Prime
Beyond Food explores holistic approaches to health beyond conventional dieting. The documentary follows individuals on personal journeys toward well-being, incorporating physical activity, mindfulness, and community support. Through diverse narratives and expert insights, it challenges viewers to reconsider their relationships with food, exercise, and overall lifestyle for optimal health and fulfillment.
Food, Inc – Amazon Prime
Food, Inc. exposes the hidden truths of the industrial food system, unveiling its impact on health, the environment, and the economy. Through investigative journalism and expert interviews, the documentary reveals corporate control, food safety issues, and ethical concerns. It urges viewers to question and reform the way food is produced, distributed, and consumed.
The Magic Pill – Netflix
The Magic Pill explores the ketogenic diet’s transformative potential in improving health and wellness. Through personal stories and expert insights, the documentary showcases its effectiveness in treating chronic diseases and promoting vitality. It advocates for a return to natural, whole foods to reclaim optimal health and vitality.
What the Health – Netflix
What the Health investigates the link between diet and disease, uncovering the influence of big corporations on public health policies. Through compelling interviews and research, the documentary exposes the harmful effects of animal products and advocates for a plant-based diet to prevent and reverse chronic illnesses for improved well-being.
Rotten (Series) – Netflix
Rotten examines the dark underbelly of the global food industry, exposing corruption, fraud, and exploitation. Through in-depth investigations and personal stories, the documentary series explores various aspects of food production, from honey to garlic, revealing the human and environmental costs behind the products we consume.
Take Your Pills – Netflix
Take Your Pills delves into the pervasive use of prescription stimulants like Adderall in today’s competitive society. Through personal accounts and expert analysis, the documentary explores the complex relationship between medication, productivity, and mental health, raising questions about the societal pressures driving the rise of smart drugs.
Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret – Netflix
Cowspiracy uncovers the environmental impact of animal agriculture, challenging conventional beliefs about sustainability. Through investigative journalism and expert interviews, the documentary exposes the industry’s role in deforestation, water depletion, and greenhouse gas emissions. It advocates for plant-based diets as a solution to mitigate environmental destruction and combat climate change.
From Fat to Finish Line – Netflix
From Fat to Finish Line follows the journey of twelve runners, all former couch potatoes, as they train to run a 200-mile Ragnar Relay race. Through personal stories and triumphs, the documentary celebrates the transformative power of running and teamwork in overcoming personal obstacles and reclaiming health and happiness.
What’s with Wheat – Netflix
What’s with Wheat explores the modern epidemic of wheat-related illnesses and sensitivities. Through expert interviews and personal anecdotes, the documentary investigates the rise in gluten intolerance and the potential health implications of modern wheat farming and processing methods. It advocates for greater awareness and education about wheat’s impact on health.
Consumed – Netflix
Consumed unravels a mother’s quest for answers when her son falls mysteriously ill after consuming genetically modified food. Through suspenseful twists and turns, the film navigates the murky waters of corporate greed and governmental complacency in the food industry. It raises awareness about GMOs’ potential health risks and the importance of food transparency.
PlantPure Nation – Netflix
PlantPure Nation follows Dr. T. Colin Campbell and his son’s journey to promote plant-based nutrition’s health benefits. Through scientific research and personal narratives, the documentary explores the obstacles facing the adoption of plant-based diets and advocates for policy changes to improve public health and sustainability through plant-centric eating.
Food Choices – Netflix
Food Choices delves into the impact of dietary choices on health, the environment, and animal welfare. Through expert interviews and personal stories, the documentary explores various diets and their implications for individuals and the planet, encouraging viewers to make informed decisions about what they eat for a healthier, more sustainable future.
Forks over Knives – Netflix
Forks Over Knives examines the benefits of a whole-food, plant-based diet in preventing and even reversing chronic diseases. Through compelling scientific evidence and personal journeys, the documentary advocates for dietary changes to improve health outcomes, challenging conventional wisdom about nutrition and empowering viewers to take control of their well-being through food.
Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead 2 – Netflix
Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead 2 revisits Joe Cross’s journey to inspire others toward healthier living. Through continued exploration and personal testimonials, the documentary delves deeper into sustainable lifestyle changes, emphasizing the power of juicing, plant-based diets, and community support in achieving long-term wellness and vitality.
Food Matters – Netflix
Food Matters explores the role of nutrition in preventing and treating chronic illnesses. Through expert interviews and personal anecdotes, the documentary advocates for a holistic approach to health, emphasizing the importance of whole foods, vitamins, and minerals in healing the body and promoting overall well-being.
GMO OMG – Netflix
GMO OMG investigates the presence of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in our food supply. Through personal reflections and expert interviews, the documentary explores the environmental and health implications of GMOs, urging viewers to question the ethics and consequences of genetic engineering in our agricultural practices and food systems.
King Corn – Netflix
King Corn follows two friends who plant and harvest an acre of corn, exploring the industrial food system’s reliance on corn. Through their journey, the documentary reveals the ubiquity of corn-based products and the environmental and health consequences of monoculture farming, highlighting the need for sustainable agricultural practices.
Super Size Me – Netflix
Super Size Me chronicles Morgan Spurlock’s 30-day McDonald’s-only diet experiment, exposing the fast-food industry’s impact on health. Through his physical and psychological deterioration, the documentary highlights America’s obesity epidemic and the need for dietary awareness. It sparked a global conversation about fast food’s influence on public health.
Planeat – Amazon Prime
Planeat explores the benefits of plant-based diets for health and the environment. Through scientific research and personal stories, the documentary advocates for reducing meat consumption and increasing plant-based food intake. It emphasizes the potential of plant-centric eating to improve individual health and mitigate the environmental impact of food production.
Cancer Can Be Killed – Amazon Prime
Cancer Can Be Killed investigates alternative cancer treatments worldwide. Through personal journeys and expert insights, the documentary explores holistic approaches and challenges conventional cancer treatments. It advocates for a broader understanding of cancer treatment options and empowers viewers to explore alternative therapies in their fight against cancer.
At the Fork – Amazon Prime
At the Fork examines modern farming practices and their ethical, environmental, and health implications. Through personal narratives and expert interviews, the documentary explores the debate between industrialized and sustainable farming methods. It encourages viewers to consider the source of their food and make informed choices for a more sustainable future.
Fasting – Amazon Prime
Fasting explores the benefits of fasting for health and longevity. Through scientific research and personal experiences, the documentary investigates various fasting methods and their potential to promote metabolic health, weight loss, and disease prevention. It advocates for incorporating fasting into one’s lifestyle for improved well-being.
Is Sugar the New Fat? – Amazon Prime
Is Sugar the New Fat? investigates the health implications of excessive sugar consumption. Through expert insights and personal stories, the documentary explores sugar’s role in obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases. It raises awareness about the hidden sugars in processed foods and advocates for reducing sugar intake for better health.
Globesity: Fat’s New Frontier – Amazon Prime
Globesity: Fat’s New Frontier delves into the global obesity epidemic and its societal, economic, and health impacts. Through expert interviews and personal narratives, the documentary examines the complex factors driving rising obesity rates worldwide. It urges collective action to address this multifaceted issue and promote healthier lifestyles.
Unsupersize Me – Amazon Prime
Unsupersize Me follows a woman’s journey to reclaim her health through a plant-based diet and exercise. Through personal struggles and triumphs, the documentary explores the transformative power of lifestyle changes in overcoming obesity and chronic illness. It inspires viewers to take control of their health through nutritious eating and physical activity.
Overfed & Undernourished – Amazon Prime
Overfed & Undernourished delves into the global crisis of malnutrition, despite abundant food. Through personal stories and expert interviews, the documentary explores the paradox of obesity coexisting with undernourishment. It advocates for a shift towards nutrient-dense foods and mindful eating habits to address this modern health dilemma.
Supersized (TV Series) – Amazon Prime
Supersized examines the cultural and economic factors behind America’s obsession with super-sized portions and fast food. Through personal stories and expert analysis, the documentary explores the health consequences and societal implications of our supersized culture, advocating for healthier eating habits and portion control to combat obesity.
Facing the Fat – Amazon Prime
Facing the Fat follows individuals on their weight loss journeys, confronting obesity’s physical and emotional toll. Through personal struggles and triumphs, the documentary explores the complexities of weight loss, from lifestyle changes to surgery. It inspires viewers to address obesity and reclaim their health through determination and perseverance.
The Gut: Our Second Brain – Amazon Prime
The Gut: Our Second Brain explores the intricate connection between gut health and overall well-being. Through scientific research and personal anecdotes, the documentary delves into the gut-brain axis and its impact on physical and mental health. It emphasizes the importance of nurturing gut health for optimal functioning and vitality.
My Big Fat Body – Amazon Prime
My Big Fat Body chronicles individuals’ struggles with obesity and their efforts to achieve healthier lifestyles. Through personal stories and expert insights, the documentary highlights the physical, emotional, and societal challenges of obesity. It advocates for empathy, support, and comprehensive approaches to address the complexities of weight management and well-being.
Heal Your Self – Amazon Prime
Heal Your Self examines the power of the mind-body connection in achieving holistic wellness. Through personal stories and expert insights, the documentary explores the role of belief, mindset, and self-healing practices in overcoming illness. It empowers viewers to harness their inner healing potential for improved health and vitality.
Of The Land – Amazon Prime
Of the Land explores sustainable agriculture’s importance in local communities. Through personal stories and farming practices, the documentary showcases the resilience and interconnectedness of people and the land. It advocates for environmentally conscious farming methods and highlights the vital role of agriculture in fostering community well-being and sustainability.
Hungry for Change – Amazon Prime
Hungry for Change delves into the health and wellness industry’s truths and myths. Through expert interviews and personal narratives, the documentary challenges conventional dieting approaches and promotes mindful eating and lifestyle habits. It inspires viewers to take control of their health and break free from the dieting cycle.
Obesity: The Post Mortem – Netflix
Obesity: The Post Mortem provides an inside look into the anatomy and physiology of obesity. Through detailed autopsies and expert analysis, the documentary reveals the physical toll of obesity on the body’s organs and systems. It underscores the urgency of addressing obesity as a public health crisis.
If you prefer diving into books or enjoying audiobooks over watching documentaries, you might find my list of read books worth exploring. The list encompasses a variety of topics from weight loss to healthier living. The insights and perspectives of the many authors should align with your goals for a better you.