Well Fed

How the way we eat is destroying our health and planet (and how to fix it)

By: James Collier

Length: 7 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's summary

What you eat doesn’t just impact you – it shapes the world around you.

Wonderfully enlightening and engagingly written. Well Fed navigates the complex world of food systems with clarity and thoughtful insight. James skillfully demystifies nutritional science and sustainability, guiding readers through the imperfections of our food system and the importance of informed food choices. Dr Idz

If you are looking at ways to combat the exploitation of the planet this book is for you. Outlining the environmental, nutritional and ethical considerations it is possible to contribute towards the change we desperately need to see. James breaks down the science into attainable actions, simple changes to our diets that are necessary and achievable. Thank you for bringing the ethics of the food we are so deeply disconnected from to the forefront of our minds. Rhiannon Lambert

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Our endless food choices come at a steep cost. While millions still face undernutrition, food waste has become a major contributor to global warming. The industrialization of our food system harms biodiversity, diminishes nutritional value, fuels animal suffering, and damages the environment. The result? A planet in crisis, animals exploited, and diseases of excess on the rise.

Well Fed explores what's truly at stake. We can no longer focus solely on our own health—we must also consider the health of the planet and the well-being of the people and animals we share it with. James Collier delves into critical issues surrounding poor nutrition, its effects on physical and mental health, the environment, and animal welfare.

Through his Five Pillars of Contemplative Nutrition James presents the essential considerations we need to make in the 21st century, encouraging us to make choices that benefit both ourselves and the planet.

We already have the tools and resources to lead healthier lives and create positive ripple effects throughout the world—we just need to take action to protect them.

©2025 James Collier (P)2025 HarperCollins Publishers

Critic reviews

Well Fed brings a fresh perspective to the complex relationship between nutrition, our health, and the planet. His approach empowers readers to make informed choices, balancing personal well-being with environmental sustainability. As a fellow advocate for reducing (less nutritious) ultra-processed foods, I fully support his vision of a food system where eating well also means caring for our planet. Nichola Ludlam-Raine

Well Fed is a groundbreaking exploration of our food choices and their far-reaching impacts on health, ethics, and the environment. With clarity and compassion, he guides us through the complexities of the modern food system, encouraging thoughtful reflection and empowering readers to make informed decisions. This book is a must-read for anyone looking to enhance their well-being while contributing to a more sustainable planet. Kristen Holmes

Well Fed is a fresh take on how our everyday food choices shape our health and the planet, that's both thought-provoking and practical. Dr Emily Leeming

An insightful and upbeat book on the history, ethics and sustainability of food. James shows us how we ended up with the challenges of our modern food landscape, and gives us the tools to navigate it. Barbara Bray MBE

In his insightful book, James has skilfully shown us the links between human health, human ethics and planetary health like never before. He highlights the importance of combining traditions (home cooked meals and eating with others) with modern nutrition science and food technology to provide a hopeful vision for a healthy future for humans and planet. Dr Gemma Newman

James combines decades of experience as a nutritionist, a wide range of expert sources with a deep understanding of how we assimilate and digest information today to bring all important mindfulness back into what we eat. Mallika Basu