3 min read IT’S A MODERN paradox. Jump on social media and you’ll hear any number of wellness influencers talking about the importance of protein , often waving ultra-processed , high-protein bars, shakes, and snack foods before the camera. But then a few scrolls down and a different subset warns about the dangers of ultra-processed foods. So, which is it? To make all this even more complicated, there’s a horrifying study that was recently published in the journal Radiology . The researchers found that, compared to individuals who consumed more whole foods, those whose diets were high in ultra-processed foods had more fat infiltrating their thigh muscles. “Your Junk Food Is Turning Your Thighs Into Well-Marbled Steaks,” read one headline. To determine whether or not you should incorporate or avoid high-protein ultra-processed foods in your diet, I dug into the research and asked an actual expert.…